Randy Leiser, Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2997 Dune Drive, PO Box 10, Avalon, NJ 08202
toll-free: 800-967-7796 x212  |  local: 609-967-3001  |  fax: 609-967-3057  |  e-mail: Randy@RandyLeiser.com
2022: Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

This Weeks News 8/25/2022

Beach Vacation
"Salty and happy!" That's how Donna Stone describes her vacation time spent in Avalon. Thanks for sharing this fun photo, Donna!
 
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT--FLOOD INSURANCE INFORMATION SESSION: The Borough of Avalon hosted a flood insurance information session last week, covering a variety of commonly asked questions. The slides used in the presentation are available for viewing, and are packed with good information on things like flood elevation certificates, flood vents, different types of coastal flood risk zones, and ways to lower your flood insurance premium. It's worth a look for any shore property owner:
 
FLOOD INSURANCE COMMUNITY MEETING (PDF)
 
SMART ELECTRIC METERS are coming to the area, courtesy of Atlantic City Electric. Over the next two years, traditional electric meters will be replaced by smart meters that will communicate directly and securely with ACE operational facilities. Improved reliability and outage detection are among the benefits of the new meters. There is no cost to homeowners for the upgrade. Replacement work will begin in September, and the project is expected to conclude in mid-2024. Read more about the smart meter upgrade here:

SMART READER UPGRADE - ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC
 
SOMETIMES, YOU JUST NEED TO SEE THE BEACH! We all understand that desire to get a look at the beach or ocean. Thanks to the Stone Harbor Property Owners Association, you can do just that, anytime! SHPOA worked with the Borough of Stone Harbor and the Stone Harbor Beach Patrol to have two webcams installed at the new Stone Harbor Beach Patrol Headquarters building. One looks north, one looks south, and both provide an excellent view of the ocean and beach:

STONE HARBOR BEACH CAM & WEATHER STATION
 
This Avalon beach cam is set up near the Avalon Fishing Pier, and has current weather, wind, and tide reports:

AVALON NJ WEBCAM & BEACH CONDITIONS
 
AS AUGUST WINDS DOWN, be sure to set aside time with family for the things you love! Take that sunrise walk on the beach, make an evening of mini golf followed by ice cream, or try that new restaurant you've heard about! By the way, if a week at the beach is just too short to squeeze in all the fun, I'm happy to help you make it permanent! Call or email me today, and I'll help you find your very own place at the shore!
 
GET OUT ON THE WATER: WAVERUNNERS AND PARASAILING! Waverunners offer a thrilling, wind-in-your-hair, spray-in-your-face ride across the water that's hard to beat. Parasailing offers an elevated view of the island and ocean, as you glide hundreds of feet above the water. Each is a unique and fun way to enjoy the water! Here are some suggestions:

 

This Weeks News 8/18/2022

Bridge Fishing
Fishing beneath the Avalon Boulevard Bridge, on a sunny summer day!
 
MARKET STATS: The number of units sold in July decreased compared to last July, while the number of active listings increased. July sale prices were up over a year ago. For a detailed look at the market see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report below.
 
Market Report
 
VIEW THE LATEST LONG & FOSTER MARKET MINUTE REPORT  |  DOWNLOAD/PRINT PDF
   
REDUCE YOUR STRESS--WALK ON THE BEACH! The sound of waves crashing on the sand, the smell of the salt air, and a gentle sea breeze to cool things off...that magic combination makes you breath deep and say "Aahhh!" Whether it's at sunrise or sunset, or mid-day, a walk along the beach--on the hard sand, or ankle deep in the surf on a hot day--has a way of making you feel better. The next time you're here, kick off your shoes, and stroll along the ocean's edge!
 
GET OUT ON THE WATER: BRIDGE WALKS! There are dozens of bridges in Cape May County, spanning various bodies of water, often with amazing views! Many have walkways allowing safe passage for pedestrians, allowing you to take advantage of the water view and the breeze, while getting some exercise at the same time. Note: always use caution when utilizing pedestrian walkways on bridges, as many are adjacent to traffic lanes. Here is a list of some options:
 
In Avalon & Stone Harbor:
Outside Avalon & Stone Harbor:
THE ATLANTIC CITY AIRSHOW returns next week, with a long line up of aerial performances. The impressive line up includes the F-16, F/A-18 Super Hornet, P-51 Mustang, KC-135, C-17A Globemaster, and numerous other aircraft. The show's headline act is the United States Air Force Thunderbirds flying their F-16 Fighting Falcons. The show is free, as are the Atlantic City beach and boardwalk, which offer amazing views of the aircraft. If you drive to the area arrive early, as parking can be difficult to find. The show can also be watched from the water, but boats should be sure to follow temporary rules in place in the area for safety. The show takes place Wednesday, August 24th, starting at 11am. A full show schedule can be found here:
 
2022 MEET AC ATLANTIC CITY AIRSHOW
 
Local secret: "Practice Day" is Tuesday, August 23rd, the day before the air show. Although there is no formal schedule on practice day, many aircraft practice their routines on this day, offering an opportunity to watch with smaller crowds. Even if you don't make it to Atlantic City for the show or practice day, you may catch aircraft passing by Avalon & Stone Harbor on their way to or from the show. Keep an eye on the sky!
 
WHILE YOU'RE HERE... WHY NOT MAKE IT PERMANENT? From a small getaway condo, to a townhouse large enough for the whole family, to your very own mansion by the sea, our market offers something for everyone--and every budget! Look below for the latest listings, recently sold properties, and those that just went under contract. You'll find prices from $341,000 to $6,995,000.  Let's talk about making your seashore dreams a reality. Call or email me today

 

This Weeks News 8/11/2022

Sunset on the water.
A boat ride on a warm summer evening, complete with a gorgeous sunset! What's not to like!?
 
THE WETLANDS INSTITUTE has acquired a property on Route 9 in Middle Township, allowing it to expand portions of its operations in the future. The property will be renovated and will contain a mixture of office space, seasonal housing for summer interns, additional records storage, and boat and vehicle parking. The Wetlands Institute has marked the 50th anniversary of its building along Stone Harbor Boulevard, which will remain key to its operations moving forward.
 
GET YOUR NJ BOATER'S LICENSE! Boaters who operate vessels on New Jersey waterways are required to possess a valid boating license. While traditional in-person classes are still offered, many online classes are scheduled, allowing you to learn & study at your own pace at home. After completing the online class, an in-person test (about an hour long) is required before a license is granted. You can find information on the process, online class, and in-person exams here:

NEW JERSEY BOATER EXAM® ONLINE - BOATEREXAM.COM

NEW JERSEY BOATING SAFETY COURSE ONLINE - BOAT-ED.COM
 
OCEAN WATER TEMPERATURES have fluctuated significantly this summer, as they often do. Long hours of sunlight warms the surface water, but daily winds can have a more immediate and dramatic effect on surf temperatures at the beach. Daily seabreezes blow warm surface water toward the beach, raising surf temperatures, but southwesterly or westerly winds have the opposite effect. As warm surface water is blown away from the beach, upwelling of colder water from deeper in the water column replaces it, and surf temperatures can fall by several degrees in less than a day. After a chilly stretch in which persistent southwest winds had dropped surf temperatures briefly into the high fifties earlier this summer, surf temperatures are now back to a comfortable 75 degree. Offshore waters gradually warm up farther from the beach. The Wilmington and Baltimore Canyons, popular fishing locations each about 65 miles from the beach, are currently 82 degrees. The Gulf Stream, another 60 miles past the canyons, is about 85 degrees.
 
GET OUT ON THE WATER: RESTAURANTS! Combine a delicious meal with a view of the water--it's an unbeatable combination! From drinks and apps to seafood & fine dining, you'll find a little bit of everything available at area waterfront restaurants! Here are some suggestions:

Avalon

Stone Harbor

Strathmere

Sea Isle City

The Wildwoods

Cape May

NEED A SEPTEMBER GETAWAY? Beautiful weather and smaller crowds define the post-Labor Day weeks here on the island. Ready to unwind by the sea? Let's find you the perfect getaway! Call or email me!

 

This Weeks News 8/4/2022

Boat in foggy water.
Captain Joe Trainor guides the 55-foot "Low Profile" out of Avalon Marine Center during the early morning hours, on his way offshore. The early morning fog is common in late summer, caused by warm, humid air over cooler ocean and bay water. See below for offshore fishing charter options. Photo by Paul Leiser, Jr.
 
THE BACK BAYS have been alive with marine life in recent weeks. Otters have been seen many times. Dolphins have made multiple appearances. Turtles are regular visitors, and usually return to the same areas. Recently, numerous sand sharks--harmless to swimmers--have been seen around bulkheads and docks. Soon, schools of snapper blues will appear, chasing minnows and other bait fish. Along with the usual assortment of ospreys, egrets, and other shore birds, it's a wonderful display of nature's creatures. For the best viewing opportunities, pick a high tide in the early morning hours or just before sunset, when things are quieter, and visit any of the numerous bayfront piers on the island, or any of the streets that end at the bay.
 
HOW'S YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST? Don't have one? Make one, then make time to check off the items on your list! While we still have several great weeks of summer left, they roll by quickly. Identify a few favorite summer activities, or perhaps a couple of new ones to try, then make time to enjoy them! By the way, if acquiring your very own shore property is on your Summer Bucket List, let's talk!
 
Lighted boat parade.
Decorated boats paraded through Stone Harbor's back bay last Saturday during the Festival of Lights parade. Many bayfront homes were decorated as well.
 
GET OUT ON THE WATER: OFFSHORE FISHING! There's nothing like it--being out on the open ocean, miles from land, as a big fish strikes, putting a deep bend in your heavy-duty fishing rod, as line peels off the screaming reel! From tuna, to marlin, to swordfish, New Jersey's offshore waters have numerous fishing hot spots. Experienced charter captains and their crews ply these waters daily, and know how to find--and catch--the big ones. Here are some charters to check out:
CONGRATULATIONS TO AVALON BEACH PATROL! The Avalon Beach Patrol has captured the Dutch Hoffman Memorial Lifeguard Championship, snatching victory from two-time defender Longport. Avalon has won all the competitions it has entered this season, including the Cape May County Championships and the David J. Kerr Memorial Races. Congratulations, Avalon BP!
 
STONE HARBOR TRASH COLLECTION REMINDER: Property owners and guests in Stone Harbor should be aware that while the borough's "concierge" collection continues, trash crews will not enter fenced yards with pools or pets in order to collect trash and recycling cans. Cans must be placed outside those areas for collection to occur, and will be returned to the area where they were placed. Stone Harbor's Solid Waste Convenience Center is open for your convenience seven days per week, at the Municipal Marina at 81st Street & the bay.
 
RESERVE YOUR WEEK FOR NEXT YEAR! If you enjoyed your Avalon/Stone Harbor vacation this year, reserve next year's week now! Call or email me so we can book your reservation