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
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October 24, 2024


Bright fall sunshine reflects off waves in Townsend's Inlet this past weekend.

In The News:

MARKET STATS:  23 properties were sold during the month of September, a figure that has increased each month since June.  The number was just shy of last September's figure of 24.  Meanwhile, the median sale price was $2,823,000, up $593,000 versus last year.  Also up slightly is the number of active listings.  The synopsis?  For sellers, the market is still strong; for buyers, the selection of properties to choose from has improved.  For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report here:
 

TRICK OR TREAT right here on the island!  If you're here over Halloween you can trick or treat from 5pm to 8pm.  If you'll be handing out candy, please register your house by Thursday evening, October 24th. A wooden pumpkin will be delivered to your house signifying your participation.  Maps of participating locations will be posted by October 28th.  To register please visit
 
AVALON & STONE HARBOR AMONG PRICIEST ZIP CODES:  A recent NY Post article said New Jersey has a record six zip codes on the list of the nation's priciest.  Only California had more pricy zip codes than New Jersey.  Both Avalon and Stone Harbor made the list, which was compiled by Property Shark.  Read the New York Post article here or view the Property Shark list here
 
THANK YOU, OCTOBER, for a string of very "October-like" days!  Warm sunshine and blue skies, accompanied by gentle breezes...whether you're walking on the beach, taking the boat for a ride, or shopping downtown, we can't ask for anything more.!
 
BEAT THE RUSH—plan your 2025 vacation now!  We're adding new rental rates daily...talk with your family about your vacation dates and budget, and then let me know what you're looking for!  

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

Stone Harbor Business District Trick or Treat, Dress up, bring the kids, bring the pups!  Saturday, October 26th, 10am to 4pm. 
 
In Concert: The Hampton Brass Quartet, Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, October 26th, 2pm. 
Trunk or Treat, Costume Parade, Hayrides on the Beach. Cars must be parked by 4:45pm and cannot exit until 7pm.  30th Street Parking Lot, Avalon Community Hall. Saturday, October 26th, 5pm to 7pm. 
 
Avalon Garden Club Poinsettia Sale.  Order through October 29th here:  
 
Birding Lecture - Winter Birding Hotspots, Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, November 2nd, 1pm. 
 
Downsizing Heirlooms and Collectibles.  Learn how to reevaluate and downsize your collection of heirlooms and other possessions with Lindsey Smith.  39th Street Tennis Building, Saturday, November 16th, 11am.

October 17, 2024


Bright fall sunshine reflects off waves in Townsend's Inlet this past weekend.

In The News:

AN OCTOBER CHILL is in the air, as a windy weekend brought chilly temperatures mid-week!  Daytime highs were in the low 60s, but overnight lows were in the 40s.  By this weekend a warm up is expected, with daytime temperatures back in the 70s.
 
THANK YOU, PHILLIES!  Although "Red October" ended earlier than we would have liked, what a fun season it was!  Now, it's time to turn our attention to the "Birds," and start chanting "Fly, Eagles, Fly!" 
 
RENTAL RATES for summer 2025 are being added to our system daily, and we've got a great selection of properties to choose from.  If you haven't yet booked your 2025 vacation, it's time!  Please call or email with your requirements (dates, amenities, price range) and we'll find you the perfect vacation getaway!
 
BOTH AVALON AND STONE HARBOR use the "Code Red" system to provide urgent alerts during severe weather, flooding, or other events.  It's a great way to keep informed about approaching storms during the off season.  The system is free.  To sign up for Avalon's alerts, Sign Up   To sign up for Stone Harbor's alerts, visit Sign up
 
PLEASE FORWARD this newsletter to a friend, coworker, or family member that loves Avalon & Stone Harbor.  To subscribe, simply send me your email address.  Once per week you'll receive an update on island news and the real estate market!  Your address will not be shared or sold, and you may unsubscribe at any time.

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

Wildwoods '50s, '60s, '70s Weekend:

Friday Night Dance Party, Wildwoods Convention Center, Friday, October 18th, 6:30pm.  Tickets $20.
 
Street Fair & Classic Car Show, Wildwoods Convention Center Circle (Car Show) 9am to 3pm and Fox Park (Street Fair) 11am to 5pm, Saturday, October 19th. 
 
Saturday Night Concert featuring Frankie Avalon, The Lettermen, and The Shirelles.  Wildwoods Convention Center, Saturday, October 19th, 7pm.  Tickets from $54 available at Ticketmaster:

Fall Beach Sweeps in Avalon and Stone Harbor, sponsored by Clean Ocean Action.  Saturday, October 19th.  For more info or to register
 
Dune Grass Planting.  Volunteers should report to Avalon Community Hall at 8:30am, Saturday, October 19th.  Rain date Sunday, October 20th.
 
Sea Isle City Harvest Classic.  Music, hayrides, surf competition, and more.  Excursion Park, 41st Street & the beach, Saturday, October 19th, 10am to 3pm.  Rain date Sunday, October 20th.
 
Kids' Event: Aquatic Adaptations - Observe and Touch Sea Creatures!  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, October 19th, 10am.
 
Ocean City Porsche Boardwalk Reunion.  Over 350 Porsches are expected on the Boardwalk from 6th to 14th Streets.  Saturday, October 19th, 11:30am to 4pm.
 
Bulk Trash Collection, Stone Harbor, Monday, October 21st.  Place items curbside up to 72 hours prior. (Construction debris, hazardous waste, carpeting, brush & yard debris, and concrete, bricks, & cinderblocks will not be collected.)
 
Stone Harbor Business District Trick or Treat, Saturday, October 26th, 10am to 4pm. 
 
Trunk or Treat, Costume Parade, Hayrideson the Beach. Cars must be parked by 4:45pm and cannot exit until 7pm.  30th Street Parking Lot, Avalon Community Hall. Saturday, October 26th, 5pm to 7pm. 
 
Avalon Garden Club Poinsettia Sale.  Order through October 29th here

October 10, 2024


A sunrise walk on the beach is a treat, at any time of year! 
Thanks to Mark Leiser for sharing this beautiful scene with us!

In The News:

AHHH, OCTOBER!  Turn right on red!  Park anywhere for free!  Take the dog to the beach!   October brings many other pleasures, too.  The air is cool and crisp, but the water is still warm; traffic is light; restaurants and shops are still open but not quite as crowded.  October is a bonus month for those lucky enough to be at the shore!
 
THIS WEEKEND brings with it two events that are perennial favorites:  
 
Avalon's Arts & Seafood Festival takes place Saturday from 10am to 5pm at Surfside Park.  Local restaurants will offer fresh seafood and a variety of vendors will feature fine art, jewelry, crafts, and other unique items.  Live music will play all day, and football games will be live streamed.  Beer and wine will be available, as will hayrides on the beach!
 
Stone Harbor's Classic & Vintage Car Show takes place on 96th Street Saturday from 10am to 1pm.  Enjoy a variety of vehicles on display, followed by awards at 1pm, and a parade at 1:30pm!
 
BRIDGES TO BE EZPASS ONLY: The Cape May County Bridge Commission has announced a plan to convert to all-electronic toll collection on all its bridges, via EZPass.  Cash and toll tickets will still be accepted until April 1st, which is the expected conversion date.  The commission said 89% of its customers already use EZPass.  Bridge tenders will remain in place in order to facilitate bridge openings for vessels.
 
DEEP CLEANING AND HVAC MAINTENANCE are two great ways to maintain your rental property—and fall is a great time to get both done.  Yes, a traditional "spring cleaning" is prudent, but an additional deep cleaning in the fall helps keep your rental property in top condition—and clean properties are the number one desire among tenants.  Likewise, a fall tuneup of your HVAC system helps your system operate smoothly and efficiently over the winter months when you're less likely to be present, protecting your investment.  Need recommendations for cleaners or HVAC service?  Call or email me!

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

Avalon Arts & Seafood Festival.  Fresh, local seaood, artisan vendors, live music, live streaming football.  Surfside Park, Saturday, October 12th, 10am to 5pm.  Rain date Sunday, October 13th. 
 
Stone Harbor Classic & Vintage Car Show, 96th Street, Saturday, October 12th, 10am to 1pm.  Awards at 1pm; Parade at 1:30pm. 
 
Lecture: “The War Comes Home to America: U-boats off the Mid-Atlantic.”  Cape May Convention Hall, Sunday, October 13th, 5pm.  For tickets visit:

Wildwoods '50s, '60s, '70s Weekend:

Friday Night Dance Party, Wildwoods Convention Center, Friday, October 18th, 6:30pm.  Tickets $20.
 
Street Fair & Classic Car Show, Wildwoods Convention Center Circle (Car Show) 9am to 3pm and Fox Park (Street Fair) 11am to 5pm, Saturday, October 19th. 
 
Saturday Night Concert featuring Frankie Avalon, The Lettermen, and The Shirelles.  Wildwoods Convention Center, Saturday, October 19th, 7pm.  Tickets from $54 available at Ticketmaster:

Fall Beach Sweeps in Avalon and Stone Harbor, sponsored by Clean Ocean Action.  Saturday, October 19th.  For more info or to register
 
Dune Grass Planting.  Volunteers should report to Avalon Community Hall at 8:30am, Saturday, October 19th.  Rain date Sunday, October 20th.
 
Sea Isle City Harvest Classic.  Music, hayrides, surf competition, and more.  Excursion Park, 41st Street & the beach, Saturday, October 19th, 10am to 3pm.  Rain date Sunday, October 20th.
 
Ocean City Porsche Boardwalk Reunion.  Over 350 Porsches are expected on the Boardwalk from 6th to 14th Streets.  Saturday, October 19th, 11:30am to 4pm.
 
Bulk Trash Collection, Stone Harbor, Monday, October 21st.  Place items curbside up to 72 hours prior. (Construction debris, hazardous waste, carpeting, brush & yard debris, and concrete, bricks, & cinderblocks will not be collected.)
 
Stone Harbor Business District Trick or Treat, Saturday, October 26th, 10am to 4pm. 
 
Trunk or Treat, Costume Parade, Hayrideson the Beach. Cars must be parked by 4:45pm and cannot exit until 7pm.  30th Street Parking Lot, Avalon Community Hall. Saturday, October 26th, 5pm to 7pm. 
 
Avalon Garden Club Poinsettia Sale.  Order through October 29th here