Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update March 30th, 2017

WELL, THAT PROVES IT!  A Coastal Living Magazine article offers up a “scientific reason” for taking a beach vacation—proving what we already know to be true!  The article cites a Michigan State University study that reveals being able to see blue spaces—such as the ocean—leads to lower levels of “psychological distress.”   Anyone who has stepped onto the beach, taken a look at the ocean, and let out a great big “aaahhhhhh!” will surely concur!  For a look at the Coastal Living article, click here: http://www.coastalliving.com/syndication/scientific-reason-beach-vacation

Sand from Townsend’s Inlet is being pumped onto Avalon’s beaches by the dredge Texas.  As of last week, 230,000 cubic yards of sand had been placed on Avalon’s beaches.

AVALON COUNCIL approved a zero increase municipal budget last week.  The $27.8 million budget will result in no increase in the local purpose tax rate for 2017.  Stone Harbor introduced a budget with a modest rate increase last week. Under the plan, the local tax rate would rise from $0.239 to $0.244 per $100 of assessed value.   Another presentation of Stone Harbor’s budget will occur on Saturday, April 1^st at 10am, with final approval scheduled for the April 4^th borough council meeting.

AVALON, STONE HARBOR, AND SEA ISLE CITY have worked with Ocean City in a coordinated effort to develop a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the elevation of residential properties in the NFIP Special Flood Hazard Area.  75% funding is available for eligible elevation projects.  Interested property owners should attend a meeting Saturday, April 1^st at 10am at the Ocean City Public Library, 1735 Simpson Avenue, in Ocean City.  For more details on the program, click here:
http://www.capemaycountyhmp.com/Pages/2017-Jonas-Grant-Program.aspx

WHO OWNS THE SHORE?  Philly.com has an interactive map showing just that!  Select your favorite beach town and the Philly.com map will list the top five towns that shore property owners reside in, as well as the percentage of properties owned by residents.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Cape May-Lewes Ferry Wine Dinner featuring wines of Hawk Haven Vineyard, Cape May Ferry Terminal, www.CapeMayLewesFerry.com for info, 5:30-8:30PM, Friday, March 31
• Wetlands Institute Covered Dish Supper, topic will be Pond Creek Restoration presented by David M. Golden, Assistant Director at NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, bring a dish to serve 8 to share, 6PM, Friday, March 31, http://wetlandsinstitute.org/events/event-calendar/
• Kyle Brown Forever Our Superhero 5K Run & Family Fun Walk, Cape May County Zoo, 8AM, Saturday, April 1
• Avalon’s Spring Dune Grass Planting, Volunteers Needed, 609-967-3066 or 609-967-5924 for info & registration, Avalon Community Hall, 8:30 AM, Saturday, April 1
• IPad Workshop, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, April 1
• Landscape Lecture presented by Landscape Artist Scott Taylor, Avalon History Center, 1-2PM, Saturday, April 1
• Cape May-Lewis Ferry Beer Dinner featuring beers of Ludlam Island Brewery, Cape May Terminal, reservations at 1-800-643-3779, 5:30PM, Friday, April 7
• Avalon Home & Land Owners Association Community Connections Event, Avalon Community Hall, 9:30AM start, Saturday, April 8
• Easter EggstravaganZoo, Easter egg hunt at 10AM, photos with the Easter bunny, displays, crafts, live animals, Cape May County Zoo, 10AM-2PM, Saturday, April 8
• Easter Egg Hunt, Stone Harbor Fire Company on 96^th Street, 1-2PM, Saturday, April 8
• Big Band Dance featuring the Fred Hall Band, Avalon Community Hall, 7PM, Saturday, April 8
• Cape May Traditional Jazz Society Presents the Al Harrison Dixieland Band, proceeds donated to the Food Bank of Southern Jersey, VFW Post #386, 419 Congress Street, Cape May, 2-4PM, Sunday, April 9
• Wetlands Institute Turtle Festival, pancake breakfast, activities & fun for all the family, 609-368-1211 for reservations & tickets, 9AM start, Saturday, April 15
• Avalon’s Easter Egg Hunt, 8^th-12^th Street recreation fields, 10AM, Saturday, April 15
• Creative Writing Seminar, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, April 15
• Atlantic City Jazz Band Performance, Avalon Free Public Library, 1-2PM, Saturday, April 15
• Night Walk at the Zoo, call 609-463-4135 for info, Cape May County Zoo, 6-30-8:30PM, Friday, April 21
• Stone Harbor Beach Sweep, Volunteers Needed, meet at the 95^th Street beach entrance at 9AM, Saturday, April 22
• Stone Harbor Job Fair, Coffee Talk at 299-97^th Street, 11AM-3PM, Saturday, April 22

Featured Property:
On the bay with your own dock & boatslips, plus plenty of room for the family!



10522 Golden Gate Rd., Stone Harbor, $2,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 170930


New Listings:

535 Old Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $145,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175288

2019 Harbor Avenue, 2nd Floor, Unit B, Avalon, $695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175341

263 27th Street, Avalon, $969,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175359

14 E 27th Street, Avalon, $999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175357

502 7th Street, Avalon, $1,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175335

309 76th Street, Avalon, $2,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175305

155 98th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,925,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175339

127 94th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,975,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175366

112 115th Street, Stone Harbor, $3,250,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175280
  

Properties Sold:

1 1st Drive, Stone Harbor Manor, $630,000, SOLD MLS#: 171127

592 21st Street, Avalon, $877,000, SOLD MLS#: 171305

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Nancy M. Alexander - Stone Harbor and Avalon NJ Real Estate NancyAlexander.com

Eco-Friendly and Budget Conscious Tips For Your Home

We're a few weeks into the new year, and you might be wondering how you can make some improvements around the home and maybe get some savings in at the same time. Most American homeowners consider a remodeling project at some point in their lives, and many of these folks are on the lookout for ways to be more environmentally friendly as well as cost efficient. Let's take a look at some of the ways in which you can revamp your home and be eco-friendly at the same time.

Consider a Metal Roof
Metal roofs have been around for long time, but lately they have been getting some well-deserved attention. Traditionally thought of as unattractive, today's metal roofs are not the industrial-looking vertical slats of tin that you might see on a barn. Instead, as one Dallas roofing company points out, they are now available in an array of styles, materials, and colors to compliment all styles of architecture.
While the cost of metal roofing is greater than that of the traditional asphalt shingle roof, metal roofs are lightweight with greater durability. They have better resilience to weather conditions than asphalt roofs which helps to increase their longevity. And what about the environmental factor? Asphalt shingles are a petroleum product with a negative impact on our environment. Also, asphalt roofs need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years. Compare this with metal roofing that can last four or five decades and is often constructed from recycled materials. That's a big difference. And the best part? Metal roofs are energy efficient reducing both your cooling costs in the summer months and your heating costs in the winter months.
The combined savings from the durability of the metal roof to the savings it will help accrue on utility bills will offset the increase in expense over an asphalt roof. Our vote is definitely with the metal roof.

Low Maintenance Lawns
One third of Americans' water usage goes toward maintaining lush, green lawns. Having a beautiful lawn is of course pleasing to the eye, but are there less expensive alternatives that don't make you pause each month as you prepare to open the water bill? Yes, there are definitely cost efficient ways to have beautiful landscaping without wreaking havoc on your finances. Let's take a look at some of those ways:

• Try a different breed of grass. Most varieties of Zoysia, Bermuda, and Buffalo grasses are drought tolerant and require less water than some other types of grasses, though Bermuda requires more water than the other two.
• Grow a prairie meadow. Prairie meadows are a blend of wildflowers and native grasses that grow easily in the grasslands of North America, typically in the Midwest. They do not require watering and make for a very pretty landscape.
• Clover is a hearty alternative to lawn. It grows easily, overpowers weeds, and needs little to no watering. It also thrives in the sun and doesn't need fertilizing. Visually, it is very attractive with its charming four leaf clovers. The downside: it doesn't handle foot traffic well, so you might want to plant it as a "bed" or maybe create a pathway of some sort through it so that the leaves can avoid being crushed.
• Any number of ground covers can add greenery to your yard. There are plants that spread outwards but do not grow very tall—these make optimal ground coverings. You can choose plants with flowers or plants that are edible, such as strawberries or various herbs. Just make sure to do your research so that you are choosing plants that require a minimum amount of water for the area that you live in. One thing your ground cover will need is some type of wood or brick border to contain the plants in the area that you want them to stay in.

Save on Hot Water
According to Consumer Reports, heating water can take up one third of a home's energy consumption. So what's the best way to tackle this problem? There are a couple of options.
Some people opt to replace their conventional water heaters with tankless ones. The unique aspect of tankless water heaters is that they only heat as much water as is needed. This efficiency means you can see up to a 40 percent savings on your utility bill. They are definitely eco-friendly as they help to reduce carbon emissions. There is, however, a drawback to these units, and that drawback is the cost. Most tankless units are two to five times more expensive than conventional ones. This cost may be worth it to you since tankless heaters last nearly twice as long as regular water heaters, and of course provide savings every month on your utility bill.
Another step you can take toward reducing your hot water consumption is to install low-flow, aerating faucets and shower heads. For the best efficiency, select a showerhead with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gpm (gallons per minute). You can run a simple test at home to see how your showerhead rates. Turn on the shower, have a bucket which is marked off in increments of gallons, and catch the water flow. If the water reaches the "one gallon" mark in less than 20 seconds, than you could stand to use a more efficient showerhead.

A Few More Tips
Here are a few more ways to be energy efficient and eco-friendly at home:

• Check to see that the seal around your refrigerator door is in good shape by feeling for cold air around the closed door.
• Dry two or more loads in the dryer at a time. This way your dryer doesn't have to cool down and heat up repeatedly.
• Clean the dryer lint filter!
• Make sure the size of the stove burner matches the size of the pot you are using to avoid wasting heat.
• Use CFL light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are more energy efficient than regular bulbs and give off the same amount of light.
• Use a laptop instead of a desktop - they use less energy.
• Unplug your battery chargers when you're not using them. Many chargers continue to draw power even when there is no device connected to them.
• Change your air conditioner's air filters once a month to keep the system running well.

Saving energy and being environmentally friendly can be done in big and small ways. We hope that some of the tips suggested here can help you maximize your home efficiency while being eco-friendly at the same time.


Written by Realty Times Staff



Nancy M. Alexander - Stone Harbor and Avalon NJ Real Estate NancyAlexander.com

Home Looking Drab? Boosting Curb Appeal Is Easy And Worth It

Improving the curb appeal of your home will not only bring a smile to your face when you pull up after a long day, but it will leave you smiling all the way to the closing table. Boosting the exterior aesthetic of your home adds to your enjoyment, but also can dramatically improve the value at resale. By focusing on the three main areas of your home's exterior, you'll be proud no matter who is driving by.

Improving the driveway, garage, and walkway
In most homes, the driveway and the garage comprise a significant portion of the home's curb appeal, yet they are often overlooked by homeowners. Ensuring your driveway is in good condition and free of weeds will automatically freshen the exterior -- edging your driveway with coordinating stones or pavers can also enhance the appeal.
Also, take some time to inspect your exterior walkway. Is it in good condition? Does it enhance the other exterior features? Upgrading a walkway with pavers or flagstones is relatively inexpensive and can dramatically change the way you feel walking up to your front door.
Garage doors can also set the tone for a home's appearance. Consider touching up garage door paint or replacing your door altogether. With a wide variety of materials to choose from, a new garage door can transform your home's exterior. Doors are available in wood, steel, and fiberglass with countless choices in design and color.

Attending to your home's exterior
A home with siding and paint in good condition that blends well with the neighborhood and surrounding landscape will offer a more serene experience. Even if your paint is in good condition, consider power washing the exterior to remove dirt and grime that can diminish its appeal. Renting a power washer for the weekend is inexpensive but can reap massive rewards in how your home looks and feels.
Small changes to the entryway can have a dramatic impact on visitors. Replace broken or rusted lighting fixtures, update door hardware, and embrace symmetry at the entry point. Even the simple act of repainting your front door with a fresh shade can add tremendous appeal. Installing additional lighting along a walkway or dark areas can also enhance these exterior spaces.

Luscious landscapes
Landscaping is one of the primary ways to make a dramatic impact on how your home looks. Improvements in landscaping are thought to return about 4 to 5 times your investment when it comes to selling your home. To maximize your time and investment, first, assess what of your existing landscape can be used or improved. Trim overgrown bushes, prune trees and refresh mulch or other ground covering. Peeling back the overgrown exterior can attract some unwanted attention to your home -- consider purchasing home insurance riders to protect any belongings not covered in your policy.
Adding plant beds to feature climate appropriate plants will help you maintain your landscape with less hassle and will enhance the natural beauty of your lot. Choose annuals to add bright pops of color, either in beds or matching planters at the front of your home.
Lastly, attend to your lawn. Patch dead areas with sod or seed and ensure you are caring for your lawn using recommended methods -- mow regularly, use fertilizers and weedicides as needed, and make sure your clean up after any pets. Stubborn bare patches can be transformed into unique flower beds or improved with alternative ground cover, such as ivy, in areas where it is too shady for many types of grass.

With some simple and inexpensive fixes, you can create an exterior that you are not only proud of but that you enjoy spending time in. Not only will this improve your happiness in your home, but it will also reap benefits when you're ready to move someplace new.


Written by Mikkie Mills

Nancy M. Alexander - Stone Harbor and Avalon NJ Real Estate NancyAlexander.com

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update March 23rd, 2017

MARKET STATS:  February 2017 sales increased over February 2016, as did median sale prices.   47 properties were under contract—double the figure from last February.  For a detailed look at the latest Long & Foster Market Minute, click here:  http://marketminute.longandfoster.com/Market-Minute/NJ/Avalon-Stone-Harbor.pdf

Sales and prices have increased versus one year ago.  Click above for the latest Market Minute report.

TUGBOATS, A BARGE, AND THE DREDGE TEXAS can be seen in and around Townsend’s Inlet as beach replenishment work has moved to Avalon’s north end beaches.  According to the latest project report over 135,000 cubic yards of sand have been pumped onto Avalon’s beaches beginning at 9^th Street.  In Stone Harbor, where pumping has concluded, beach access paths are now being reconstructed.  A third component of the pumping project will add sand to Avalon’s southernmost beaches beginning at 77^th Street, running toward Stone Harbor’s 83^rd Street beach.

THE OCEAN DRIVE MARATHON will take place Sunday, March 27^th, with runners passing through Avalon & Stone Harbor twice.  The event will begin in Sea Isle City, with runners travelling southward through Avalon and Stone Harbor.  The new out-and-back style course has runners turning around near North Wildwood Boulevard, and travelling northward through Stone Harbor and Avalon, back to Sea Isle City.

CSNPHILLY.COM—WE’RE ON IT!  The Philadelphia Eagle’s page on CSNPhilly.com is enormously popular in the Philadelphia region—and Long & Foster has banner and wrap around ads running on the page, linking visitors to www.LongandFoster.com.  It’s yet another way we provide extensive marketing exposure to our property sellers.  Check it out at http://www.csnphilly.com/philadelphia-eagles

A DOLPHIN found itself stuck on the beach in North Wildwood earlier this week, after swimming too close to shore.  When it became apparent the dolphin was unable to free itself, personnel from the US Coast Guard and the Marine Mammal Stranding Center assisted the dolphin by providing medical attention and then moving it to deeper water.

Last Friday an early morning fire destroyed two homes where Seagull Drive meets Pelican Drive.  Avalon fire fighters battled the blaze with help from Stone Harbor, Rio Grande, Marmora, Green Creek, Goshen, Cape May Court House, Ocean View, and Seaville fire companies.  The fire was brought under control at around 9am but crews remained on scene for several hours wetting down hot spots.  An occupant and her infant son escaped from the Seagull Drive home; the Pelican Drive home was unoccupied.  No one was injured.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Ocean Drive Marathon 10 mile course through Stone Harbor, Avalon, Sea Isle City, more, visit http://www.odmarathon.org for details, 9AM, Sunday, March 26
• Cape May-Lewes Ferry Wine Dinner featuring wines of Hawk Haven Vineyard, Cape May Ferry Terminal, www.CapeMayLewesFerry.com for info, 5:30-8:30PM, Friday, March 31
• Wetlands Institute Covered Dish Supper, topic will be Pond Creek Restoration presented by David M. Golden, Assistant Director at NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, bring a dish to serve 8 to share, 6PM, Friday, March 31
• Kyle Brown Forever Our Superhero 5K Run & Family Fun Walk, Cape May County Zoo, 8AM, Saturday, April 1
• Avalon’s Spring Dune Grass Planting, Volunteers Needed, 609-967-3066 or 609-967-5924 for info & registration, Avalon Community Hall, 8:30 AM, Saturday, April 1
• IPad Workshop, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, April 1
• Landscape Lecture presented by Landscape Artist Scott Taylor, Avalon History Center, 1-2PM, Saturday, April 1
• Cape May-Lewis Ferry Beer Dinner featuring beers of Ludlam Island Brewery, Cape May Terminal, reservations at 1-800-643-3779, 5:30PM, Friday, April 7
• Avalon Home & Land Owners Association Community Connections Event, Avalon Community Hall, 9:30AM start, Saturday, April 8
• Easter EggstravaganZoo, Easter egg hunt at 10AM, photos with the Easter bunny, displays, crafts, live animals, Cape May County Zoo, 10AM-2PM, Saturday, April 8
• Easter Egg Hunt, Stone Harbor Fire Company on 96^th Street, 1-2PM, Saturday, April 8
• Big Band Dance featuring the Fred Hall Band, Avalon Community Hall, 7PM, Saturday, April 8
• Cape May Traditional Jazz Society Presents the Al Harrison Dixieland Band, proceeds donated to the Food Bank of Southern Jersey, VFW Post #386, 419 Congress Street, Cape May, 2-4PM, Sunday, April 9
• Wetlands Institute Turtle Festival, pancake breakfast, activities & fun for all the family, 609-368-1211 for reservations & tickets, 9AM start, Saturday, April 15
• Avalon’s Easter Egg Hunt, 8^th-12^th Street recreation fields, 10AM, Saturday, April 15
• Creative Writing Seminar, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, April 15
• Atlantic City Jazz Band Performance, Avalon Free Public Library, 1-2PM, Saturday, April 15
• Night Walk at the Zoo, call 609-463-4135 for info, Cape May County Zoo, 6-30-8:30PM, Friday, April 21
• Stone Harbor Job Fair, Coffee Talk at 299-97^th Street in Stone Harbor, 10AM-2PM, Saturday, April 22

Featured Property:

Beachblock with a pool and great rental history—for a fantastic price!

7929 Dune Drive Unit 102, Avalon, $279,990, ACTIVE MLS#: 170802


New Listings:

460 Avalon Blvd., Avalon Manor, $219,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175222

3319 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $372,500, ACTIVE MLS#: 175172

235 99th Street, Stone Harbor, $597,777, ACTIVE MLS#: 175164

2422 Fourth Ave., Avalon, $999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175200

301 39th Street, Avalon, $1,549,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175239

303 39th Street, Avalon, $1,599,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175240

395 93rd Street, Stone Harbor, $1,650,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175231

11910 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175255

594 22nd Street, Avalon, $2,250,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175248

238 75th Street, Avalon, $2,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175201

234 118th Street, Stone Harbor, $3,100,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175217

7 Heron Drive, Avalon, $3,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175195

231 121st Street, Stone Harbor, $3,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175173
  

Properties Sold:

779 Stone harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor Manor, $195,000, SOLD MLS#: 170876

66 E. 20th Street Street, Avalon, $625,000, SOLD MLS#: 172910

309 76th Street, Avalon, $1,325,000, SOLD MLS#: 173394

10 E. 16th Street, Avalon, $1,925,000, SOLD MLS#: 174416

4498 Fourth Avenue, Avalon, $2,000,000, SOLD MLS#: 172821

431 24th Street, Avalon, $2,450,000, SOLD MLS#: 170094

7354 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $3,275,000, SOLD MLS#: 171646

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Nancy M. Alexander - Stone Harbor and Avalon NJ Real Estate NancyAlexander.com

The Ideal Time to List a Home for Sale

Numerous factors impact the sale of a home—including timing.

The ideal time to list a home for sale this year is between May 1-15, according to a recent analysis by Zillow. Homes listed within the two-week window sell for 1 percent more than the average home for sale, and also nine days sooner.

The window varies, however. In Baltimore, Md., homes listed at the market's ideal time—April 1-15—sell 21.5 days sooner, the fastest of the top 25 metro areas; homes in San Francisco, Calif., listed at its ideal time, May 16-31, sell only 5.5 days sooner.

Home sellers in Portland, Ore., Sacramento, Calif., and Seattle, Wash., gain the highest average premiums by percentage when listing at their market's ideal time, at 2 percent in Portland and Sacramento and 2.5 percent in Seattle. Sellers in the New York-Northern New Jersey metro area, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Phoenix, Ariz., gain the lowest, at 0.7 percent in New York and Northern New Jersey and Miami-Fort Lauderdale and 0.8 percent in Phoenix. The premium, naturally, is relative to the market. A 1.3 percent premium in San Francisco equates to $10,200, while the same premium equates to $2,500 in Chicago, Ill., and $1,800 in St. Louis, Mo.

The analysis also identified ideal days of the week for listing a home based on Zillow data. Homes new to Zillow on Saturdays are viewed 20 percent more in their first week on-market than those new to Zillow earlier in the week.

"With 3 percent fewer homes on the market than last year, 2017 is shaping up to be another competitive buying season," says Dr. Svenja Gudell, chief economist at Zillow. "Many homebuyers who started looking for homes in the early spring will still be searching for their dream home months later. By May, some buyers may be anxious to get settled into a new home—and will be more willing to pay a premium to close the deal."

Ideal times and premiums for the top 20 metros:



For more information, please visit www.zillow.com.


Nancy M. Alexander - Stone Harbor and Avalon NJ Real Estate NancyAlexander.com

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update March 16th, 2017

THE DREDGE TEXAS was towed to Cape May last week for routine repairs, according to the latest beach replenishment project update.  The Stone Harbor portion of the project is complete with 394,000 cubic yards of sand having been placed on the beach.  When the Texas returns, work will begin in Avalon, where 940,000 cubic yards of sand are expected to be pumped onto the beaches from 9th Street to 30th Street.  The Army Corps of Engineers is considering an additional proposal that would have another 340,000 cubic yards of sand pumped onto beaches from 77th Street in Avalon to 105th Street in Stone Harbor.

FOR AN AMAZING AERIAL VIEW of Avalon’s beaches prior to the replenishment project, click here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEwnIInpUg4&feature=youtu.be  Be sure to look for your favorite beach!

Click the above link for an aerial video of Avalon’s beaches prior to the replenishment project.

WHILE THE I-95 CORRIDOR and points north & west saw lots of snow this week, we had only rain and wind here on the Island.  The strongest northeast winds lasted only a short time, resulting in tides that were slightly higher than normal.  By mid-day Tuesday winds had shifted to the northwest and subsided.

SUMMER JOB FAIR:  Stone Harbor will hold a summer job fair at Coffee Talk on 97th Street.  Stop by on Saturday, April 22nd, from 10am to 2pm. 

THE MISS AVALON opens her fishing season in just a few weeks, on April 8th!  One more sign that spring is near!

COAST GUARD CUTTER TOURS will be offered at the Coast Guard Community Festival May 6-7, in Cape May.  One of the two new 154-foot Fast Response Cutters stationed in Cape May will be open for public tours on Saturday, May 6.   For more details visit: http://coastguardcommunity.org/festival-2/#festival

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Creative Writing Workshop, call 609-967-7155 to register, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, March 18
• Irish Dance Performance by the Emerald Isle Academy of Irish Dance in celebration of St. Patty’s Day, Avalon Free Public Library, 1-1:45PM, Saturday, March 18
• Ocean Drive Marathon & Ocean Drive 10Miler Course, through Stone Harbor, Avalon, Sea Isle City, more, visit http://www.odmarathon.org for details, 9AM, Sunday, March 26
• Cape May-Lewes Ferry Wine Dinner featuring wines of Hawk Haven Vineyard, Cape May Ferry Terminal, www.CapeMayLewesFerry.com for info, 5:30-8:30PM, Friday, March 31
• Wetlands Institute Covered Dish Supper, topic will be Pond Creek Restoration presented by David M. Golden, Assistant Director at NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, bring a dish to serve 8 to share, 6PM, Friday, March 31
• Kyle Brown Forever Our Superhero 5K Run & Family Fun Walk, Cape May County Zoo, 8AM, Saturday, April 1
• Avalon’s Spring Dune Grass Planting, Volunteers Needed, 609-967-3066 or 609-967-5924 for info & registration, Avalon Community Hall, 8:30 AM, Saturday, April 1
• IPad Workshop, call 609-967-7155 for info, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, April 1
• Landscape Lecture presented by Landscape Artist Scott Taylor, Avalon History Center, 1-2PM, Saturday, April 1
• Cape May-Lewis Ferry Beer Dinner featuring beers of Ludlam Island Brewery, Cape May Terminal, reservations at 1-800-643-3779, 5:30PM, Friday, April 7
• Avalon Home & Land Owners Association Community Connections Event, Avalon Community Hall, 9:30AM start, Saturday, April 8
• Big Band Dance featuring the Fred Hall Band, Avalon Community Hall, 7PM, Saturday, April 8
• Cape May Traditional Jazz Society Presents the Al Harrison Dixieland Band, proceeds donated to the Food Bank of Southern Jersey, VFW Post #386, 419 Congress Street, Cape May, 2-4PM, Sunday, April 9
• Wetlands Institute Turtle Festival, pancake breakfast, activities & fun for all the family, 609-368-1211 for reservations & tickets, 9AM start, Saturday, April 15
• Creative Writing Seminar, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, April 15
• Atlantic City Jazz Band Performance, Avalon Free Public Library, 1-2PM, Saturday, April 15

New Listings:

290 79th Street, Avalon, $550,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175074

695 21st Street, Avalon, $579,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175026

236 23rd Street, Avalon, $729,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175071

326 88th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,449,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175047

137 98th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,579,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175052

330 87th Street #2, Stone Harbor, $1,629,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175031

423 104th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175087

1269 First Avenue, Avalon, $2,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175038

314 42nd Street, Avalon, $2,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175137

7 106th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175057

75 W 37th Street, Avalon, $4,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 175075
  

Properties Sold:

301 80th Street, Avalon, $565,000, SOLD MLS#: 172746

225 81st Street, Stone Harbor, $625,000, SOLD MLS#: 166318

2168 Fifth Avenue, Avalon, $740,000, SOLD MLS#: 171162

1116 Stone Harbor Blvd #201, Stone Harbor Manor, $749,000, SOLD MLS#: 170591

386 39th Street, Avalon, $865,000, SOLD MLS#: 173823

151 36th Street, Avalon, $1,510,000, SOLD MLS#: 174264

201 89th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,625,000, SOLD MLS#: 170027

7558 Dune Drive, Avalon, $2,650,000, SOLD MLS#: 174394

100 107th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,660,000, SOLD MLS#: 171197


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Nancy M. Alexander - Stone Harbor and Avalon NJ Real Estate NancyAlexander.com

7 Tips for a Better Spring Garden

It’s never a bad idea to plan for that spring garden. Whether you like to plant edibles, like veggies, or gorgeous florals, planning ahead of time for that garden can equate to a better growing period, and a heartier bounty.

OPEI encourages homeowners, gardeners and commercial facility managers to keep these smart landscaping tips in mind when planting this spring:

- Plant a living landscape that breathes. It creates the oxygen we need and sequesters carbon.

- Follow the "right plant, right place" rule. Put in living trees, shrubs, grasses and flowering plants that are right for your climate zone. Once established, Mother Nature will weather climate changes.

- Remember wildlife in your planting choices. Add flowering plants to support pollinators like birds, bees and butterflies. Our yards, parks, schoolyards and other green spaces connect and form wildlife corridors.

- Plant for your lifestyle. If you have kids and pets, remember our yards are safe spaces for families, kids and pets.

- Put in a mix of adaptive and native plants that can handle people traffic as well as provide food and habitat for wildlife.

- Don't overwater. Plants and trees will grow stronger and work harder, creating deeper, vertical roots, if they need to seek water.

- Let plants go dormant in drought conditions. They will "green back up" when the rains come.

Source: www.OPEI.org.


Nancy M. Alexander - Stone Harbor and Avalon NJ Real Estate NancyAlexander.com

7 Crucial Facts about FHA Loans

By Marcie Geffner

(TNS)—Less-rigorous lending standards and lower down payment requirements make FHA loans popular with mortgage borrowers.

An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Borrowers with FHA loans pay for mortgage insurance, which protects the lender from a loss if the borrower defaults on the loan.

Because of that insurance, lenders can—and do—offer FHA loans at attractive interest rates and with less stringent and more flexible qualification requirements. The FHA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Here are seven facts that borrowers should know about FHA loans.

Less-Than-Perfect Credit Is OK
Minimum credit scores for FHA loans depend on the type of loan the borrower needs. To get a mortgage with a down payment as low as 3.5 percent, the borrower needs a credit score of 580 or higher.

Those with credit scores between 500 and 579 must make down payments of at least 10 percent.

People with credit scores under 500 generally are ineligible for FHA loans. The FHA will make allowances under certain circumstances for applicants who have what it calls "nontraditional credit history or insufficient credit" if they meet requirements. Ask your FHA lender or an FHA loan specialist if you qualify.

Minimum Down Payment Is 3.5 Percent
For most borrowers, the FHA requires a down payment of just 3.5 percent of the purchase price of the home. In late 2014, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reduced minimum down payments to 3 percent from 10 percent, but such loans have limited availability.

FHA borrowers can use their own savings to make the down payment. But other allowed sources of cash include a gift from a family member or a grant from a state or local government down payment assistance program.

Closing Costs May Be Covered
The FHA allows home sellers, builders and lenders to pay some of the borrower's closing costs, such as an appraisal, credit report or title expenses. For example, a builder might offer to pay closing costs as an incentive for the borrower to buy a new home.

Lenders typically charge a higher interest rate on the loan if they agree to pay closing costs. Borrowers can compare loan estimates from competing lenders to figure out which option makes the most sense.

Lender Must Be FHA-Approved
Because the FHA is not a lender, but rather an insurer, borrowers need to get their loan through an FHA-approved lender (as opposed to directly from the FHA). Not all FHA-approved lenders offer the same interest rate and costs—even on the same FHA loan. Costs, services and underwriting standards will vary among lenders or mortgage brokers, so it's important for borrowers to shop around.

Two-Part Mortgage Insurance
Two mortgage insurance premiums are required on all FHA loans. The upfront premium is 1.75 percent of the loan amount—$1,750 for a $100,000 loan. This upfront premium is paid when the borrower gets the loan. It can be financed as part of the loan amount. The second is called the annual premium, although it is paid monthly. It varies based on the length of the loan, the loan amount and the initial loan-to-value ratio, or LTV. The following premiums are for loans of $625,500 or less.

Annual premiums for FHA loans:

• 30-year loan, down payment (or equity) of less than 5 percent: 0.85 percent
• 30-year loan, down payment (or equity) of 5 percent or more: 0.80 percent
• 15-year loan, down payment (or equity) of less than 10 percent: 0.70 percent
• 15-year loan, down payment (or equity) of 10 percent or more: 0.45 percent 

You Can Borrow Cash for Repairs
The FHA has a special loan product for borrowers who need extra cash to make repairs to their homes. The chief advantage of this type of loan, called a 203(k), is that the loan amount is not based on the current appraised value of the home, but on the projected value after the repairs are completed.

A so-called "streamlined" 203(k) allows the borrower to finance up to $35,000 for nonstructural repairs, such as painting and replacing cabinets or fixtures.

Financial Hardship Relief Allowed
Of course, FHA insurance isn't supposed to be an easy out for borrowers who are unhappy about their mortgage payments.

But loan servicers can offer some relief to borrowers who have an FHA-insured loan, have suffered a serious financial hardship or are struggling to make their payments. That relief might be in the form of a temporary period of forbearance, a loan modification that would lower the interest rate or extend the payback period or a deferral of part of the loan balance at no interest.

©2017 Bankrate.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC


Nancy M. Alexander - Stone Harbor and Avalon NJ Real Estate NancyAlexander.com

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update March 9th, 2017

ABOUT 20,000 CUBIC YARDS OF SAND are being added to Stone Harbor’s beaches each day.  At the most recent beach fill progress meeting last week, officials said about 160,000 cubic yards of sand still needed to be pumped.  On or about March 15^th (barring weather or mechanical delays) the dredge Texas will move from Hereford Inlet to Townsend’s Inlet and begin pumping sand in Avalon.  Some pipes and equipment are already mobilized in Avalon, including a large pipe crossing the jetty onto the beach at 8^th Street.

A large dredge pipe crosses Avalon’s 8^th Street jetty, awaiting the start of Avalon’s portion of the beach replenishment project.

 
YES, THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT!  Purchase your 2017 Avalon, Stone Harbor, or Sea Isle City beach tags via the Viply app.  Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, then purchase your tags.  Tags may be picked up in town by opening the app and scanning a code.  In Avalon, pick up tags at the beach tag office at 30^th Street & Dune Drive after April 1^st.  In Stone Harbor, pick up tags at Borough Hall.  In Sea Isle City, pick up tags at the Sea Isle Welcome Center or Borough Hall.

SPRING FORWARD on your clocks this weekend, as we enter Daylight Savings Time again.  Gaining an extra minute of sunshine each day is great, but gaining an extra hour at the end of the day is a real treat!  (The semi-annual changing of the clocks is also a great time to check your smoke detector batteries, too!)

THE STONE HARBOR SHIVER takes place Saturday, March 11^th, on 96^th Street in Stone Harbor.  Festivities begin Friday evening with a pre-party open to the public at the Stone Harbor Yacht Club, followed by Keg-n-Eggs Saturday morning at Fred’s Tavern at 9:30am.  At noon Shiver participants will parade down 96^th Street toward the Women’s Civic Club at the beach.  The event will be emceed by Press of Atlantic City Meteorologist Dan Skeldon.  In case you’re wondering, the current forecast calls for a daytime high of 34 degrees, combined with a chilly northwest breeze.  Don’t worry, the ocean water temperature is a comfy 42 degrees!  To register for the event visit http://www.active.com/stone-harbor-nj/water-sports/swimming/stone-harbor-shiver-polar-plunge-2017

OUR FRIEND & COLLEAGUE, DAVE READ, is recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumor.  Dave is doing well but we’re holding a Beef & Beer to help give Dave and his wife, Wanda, a boost.  If you are able to join us March 31^st at The Avalon Links from 7pm to 11pm, please do!  Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance or at the door.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Stone Harbor Shiver Event, registration at 9:30AM at Fred’s Tavern, parade at 11:45AM leading to the plunge at the 96^th Street beach, Saturday, March 11
• Avalon Home & Land Owners Association 2017 Budget Presentation by Council members Chuck Covington & Dr. Nancy Hudanich, Avalon Senior Center, 10AM, Saturday, March 11
• Sea Isle City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration, 3:30PM, Saturday, March 11
• Big Band Dance featuring Craig Satchell’s Jazz & Swing Ensemble, Avalon Community Hall, 7PM, Saturday, March 11
• Cape May Traditional Jazz Society presents the Midiri Brothers Jazz Band, VFW Post #386, 419 Congress Street in Cape May, 2-4PM, Sunday, March 12
• Stone Harbor Bulk Pick-up, items curbside up to 72 hours prior to pick up, Monday, March 13
• Creative Writing Workshop, call 609-967-7155 for info, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, March 18
• Irish Dance Performance by the Emerald Isle Academy of Irish Dance in celebration of St. Patty’s Day, Avalon Free Public Library, 1-1:45PM, Saturday, March 18
• Ocean Drive Marathon & Ocean Drive 10Miler Course, through Stone Harbor, Avalon, Sea Isle City, more, visit http://www.odmarathon.org for details, 9AM, Sunday, March 26
• Cape May-Lewes Ferry Wine Dinner featuring wines of Hawk Haven Vineyard, Cape May Ferry Terminal, www.CapeMayLewesFerry.com for info, 5:30-8:30PM, Friday, March 31
• Wetlands Institute Covered Dish Supper, topic will be Pond Creek Restoration presented by David M. Golden, Assistant Director at NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, bring a dish to serve 8 to share, 6PM, Friday, March 31
• Kyle Brown Forever Our Superhero 5K Run & Family Fun Walk, Cape May County Zoo, 8AM, Saturday, April 1
• Avalon’s Spring Dune Grass Planting, Volunteers Needed, 609-967-3066 or 609-967-5924 for info & registration, Avalon Community Hall, 8:30 AM, Saturday, April 1
• IPad Workshop, call 609-967-7155 for info, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, April 1
• Landscape Lecture presented by Landscape Artist Scott Taylor, Avalon History Center, 1-2PM, Saturday, April 1
• Cape May-Lewis Ferry Beer Dinner featuring beers of Ludlam Island Brewery, Cape May Terminal, reservations at 1-800-643-3779, 5:30PM, Friday, April 7
• Avalon Home & Land Owners Association Community Connections Event, Avalon Community Hall, 9:30AM start, Saturday, April 8
• Cape May Traditional Jazz Society Presents the Al Harrison Dixieland Band, proceeds donated to the Food Bank of Southern Jersey, VFW Post #386, 419 Congress Street, Cape May, 2-4PM, Sunday, April 9

Featured Property:
Beachblock with a rental history and views!



25 E 23rd Street, Avalon, $1,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 173894


New Listings:

351 96th Street #406, Stone Harbor, $719,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 174900

11007 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 174959

11007 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 174960

1594 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,275,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 174918

10626 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $1,299,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 174993

663 W Sunrise Drive, Avalon, $1,899,500, ACTIVE MLS#: 175004

8800 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $1,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 174945

282 87th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 174896

10607 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 174951

214 50th Street, Avalon, $2,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 174997
  

Properties Sold:

161 10th Street, Avalon, $1,000,000, SOLD MLS#: 171532

33 Marine Way, Avalon, $1,150,000, SOLD MLS#: 172489

139 12th Street, Avalon, $1,200,000, SOLD MLS#: 173115

3088 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,462,500, SOLD MLS#: 174323

298 90th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,275,000, SOLD MLS#: 168066

189 63rd Street, Avalon, $3,550,000, SOLD MLS#: 172469


Would you like my Stone Harbor Avalon newsletter delivered weekly? Stay up to date with Avalon and Stone Harbor market trends! Local events, luxury sale listings, and keep up to date on what has recently Sold! 

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Nancy M. Alexander - Stone Harbor and Avalon NJ Real Estate NancyAlexander.com