Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update June 29th, 2017

JULY 4^TH WEEKEND is always a big one at the beach, and this year many are making a four-day weekend of it.  Two big fireworks shows are planned this year.  Stone Harbor will put on its fireworks display Sunday, July 2^nd at the 96^th Street beach at dusk.  Avalon’s fireworks display will take place on Tuesday, July 4^th on the 30^th Street beach at dusk.  Numerous other activities are planned all weekend, with some beginning as early as Thursday evening.  See below for a list of events!

TURTLE TIME!  Yes, it’s still the season for diamondback terrapin turtles to cross local roads as they seek higher ground on which to lay eggs.  Turtle barriers along some roadways help reduce the number of turtles killed by vehicles, but numerous deaths still occur.  Volunteers are often able to harvest unhatched eggs, incubate them, and then release the baby turtles once they are large enough to survive in the wild.  You can help out by slowing down and avoiding turtles crossing the road.  If you stop to help a turtle across the road, carefully move it in the direction it was going, and be sure to watch out for other vehicle traffic.

Turtles are everywhere at this time of year—including kids’ crab traps!  This one stopped to snack on a bunker, commonly used as bait for crabs.  The turtle was immediately released unharmed.

GOOD FISHING REPORTS continue to come in.  Flounder continue to be caught in large numbers in the bays and inlets, with many sizable keepers being reported.  Offshore tuna action has started with yellowfin tuna being caught in the canyons and some inshore lumps.  Surf fishermen have also reported good action on beaches and jetties.

LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS had a busy Sunday afternoon.  A car fire broke out in Avalon on 19^th Street, destroying the car and damaging an adjacent home.  In Wildwood Crest a Bayfront home caught fire, and flames spread to the home next door.  Both fires sent plumes of black smoke into the air, and were visible up and down the beach.

ROCKY THE SIBERIAN TIGER was euthanized last weekend at the Cape May County Zoo, at age 16.  Rocky was born in 2001 and sent to the Cape May County Zoo and became a media favorite, appearing on morning television shows and in the New York Times.  In 2014 he battled cancer and multiple surgeries, but it was the failure of his hips and hind legs recently that led to his demise.  Rocky was among the most recognizable animals at the Cape May County Zoo, having been a resident his entire life.  There are dozens of other magnificent animals at the Zoo—one of Cape May County’s treasures!  The Zoo is free; a donation is requested.

IMAGINE HOW MUCH FUN IT WOULD BE to have your own place at the shore!  Make memories—every weekend!  If you’re ready to begin your search for the perfect shore home, call or email me today.  Whether you’re looking for a getaway condo, a rental property, or your own palace on the beach, I’ll listen to your needs and help you find the right place!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Thursdays on Dune, activities start at 5:30PM throughout Avalon’s business district, concert featuring the 63^rd Army Band starts at 7PM at Veteran’s Plaza, Thursday, June 29
• Avalon Field Races & Family Fun, 10^th Street Field, 10AM, Saturday, July 1
• Harbor Hustle 5K & 2 Mile Fun Walk, Stone Harbor Recreation Field, 6:45AM registration, 8AM race, 8:05 fun walk, Sunday, July 2
• Stone Harbor Farmers Market, 95^th Street & Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-12:30PM, Sunday, July 2
• Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Tour, meet at Egret Espy Trail Entrance at 114^th Street & Second Avenue, 10AM, Sunday, July 2
• Lutheran Church of Our Saviour Chicken BBQ, 9212 Third Avenue, 5-7PM, Sunday, July 2
• Stone Harbor Independence Day Celebration, live music at 95^th Street Beach Pavilion, 7-9PM, fireworks at 9:30PM, Sunday, July 2
• Mummers Band Parade, Avalon Community Hall to Veterans Plaza, 6PM, Monday, July 3
• Avalon Beach Movie featuring ‘Star Wars Rogue One,’ 30^th Street & the beach, dusk, Monday, July 3
• Stone Harbor Recreation July 4 Field Day, races at 9AM, Home Run Derby at 10AM, Stone Harbor Recreation Field, Tuesday, July 4
• Beach Concert featuring Andrew Jude, 30^th Street Beach, 1-3PM, Tuesday, July 4
• Avalon Independence Day Celebration, 30^th Street Parking Lot, 6-8PM, Tuesday, July 4
• Bay Atlantic Symphony Concert,  Avalon Community Hall, 7PM, Tuesday, July 4
• Avalon Fireworks, off the 30^th Street Beach, 8:45PM, Tuesday, July 4
• Thursdays on Dune concert featuring 40 North, activities throughout Avalon’s business district from 5:30PM, concert at Veteran’s Plaza at 7PM, Thursday, July 6
• Thursdays on the Lawn concert featuring Jim Bannach, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Stone Harbor, 7:30PM, Thursday, July 6
• CONTACT Cape-Atlantic 5 Mile Run, Avalon Community Hall, 8am, Saturday, July 8
• Big Band Dance featuring Walt Wagner & The Serenaders, Avalon Community Hall, 7PM, Saturday, July 8
• Stone Harbor Fitness Challenge & 5K, 82^nd Street complex, www.7milesports.com for info, 6:45AM registration, 8AM race followed by field challenge, Sunday, July 9
• Stone Harbor Farmers Market, 95^th Street & Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-12:30PM, Sunday, July 9
• Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Tour, meet at Egret Espy Trail Entrance at 114^th Street & Second Avenue, 10AM, Sunday, July 9
• Cape May Traditional Jazz Society presents the ‘Al Harrison Dixieland Band,’ proceeds benefit the Food Bank of Southern Jersey, VFW Post #386, 419 Congress Street, Cape May, 2-4PM, Sunday, July 9

Featured Property:

Second from the beach with great ocean views and a strong rental history!

54 E. 27th Street, Unit 4, Avalon, $949,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176723
Take a virtual tour here: http://tours.shorevirtualtours.com/idx/331012


New Listings:

9510 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176903

201 100th Street, Stone Harbor, $859,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176928

361 92nd Street, Stone Harbor, $1,749,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176947

200 89th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176914

288 63rd Street, Avalon, $3,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176936

10516 Golden Gate Road, Stone Harbor, $3,900,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176900



Properties Sold:

460 Avalon Blvd., Avalon Manor, $155,000, SOLD MLS#: 175222

10007 First Avenue, Stone Harbor, $338,500, SOLD MLS#: 173614

2198 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $675,000, SOLD MLS#: 174902

1116 Stone Harbor Blvd., #204, Stone Harbor Manor, $779,000, SOLD MLS#: 170594

623 21st Street, West Unit, Avalon, $850,000, SOLD MLS#: 174186

2400 Avalon Avenue, Avalon, $2,150,000, SOLD MLS#: 173170

241 107th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,805,000, SOLD MLS#: 170892 

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

How to Prepare Your Home Before Going on Vacation

By Emily Long

Your summer vacation is finally here! You’ve booked flights, reserved hotel rooms, and scoped out the best places to eat along the way, but have you prepared your home for your absence?

Nothing spoils a vacation like returning to smelly trash, sad houseplants, or an unexpected break-in. Whether you plan to be gone for a week or a month, there are a few simple steps you can take to get your home ready so you can relax and enjoy your time away.

Clean Up

Leave your home exactly as you’d like to find it when you return—like new!

• Empty your refrigerator of any perishable foods that will pass their enjoy-by dates while you are away, and toss open pantry items that will mold or go stale.
• Take out the trash and recycling. Don’t forget about smaller trash cans in bathrooms and utility rooms.
• Finish, fold, and put away laundry. You’ll likely have clothes to wash when you return, so get a jumpstart before you go.  
• Wash your sheets and towels, and remake your beds. You’ll thank your past self when you come home to fresh linens in clean bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Wipe down counters, run your garbage disposal, sanitize toilets, and organize clutter.

Close Out

Reduce the possibility of surprise maintenance issues, which can be costly to fix, by keeping up with regular home repairs throughout the year.

• Perform routine inspections and weatherize. Make sure your heating and cooling systems, gas and water lines, and roof and windows are in good shape. Clean up your yard, mow the grass, and take care of any dead trees or overhanging limbs that could cause damage in severe weather.
• Unplug all small appliances. This will save power and eliminate the potential for things to short-circuit and cause significant electrical damage.
• Check your smoke detectors. Batteries die, parts wear out, and dust and other pollutants can impede alarm performance. Make sure your home is prepared in case of fire, and consider integrating your detectors into your home security system so the fire department is notified in an emergency.
• Turn off your water at the main shut-off valve to prevent damage in the case of a burst pipe or water heater malfunction. Consider installing a water and flood sensor, which detects moisture where it shouldn’t be and pushes notifications to your smartphone.
• Leave your closet doors ajar to prevent mold and musty smells from building up.

Secure

Protect your home and belongings from thieves. The highest percentage of burglaries occur during the summer months, and homes without security or alarm systems are up to 300 percent more likely to be broken into.

• Set up remote monitoring. You can have a security system professionally installed or start with a wireless security camera that you can view from your smartphone. If you have a security monitoring service, let them know that you are traveling.
• Collect spare keys. If you have house keys hiding under doormats or flower pots, bring them inside so prowlers don’t find them. Leave an extra set with a trusted neighbor or friend in case there’s an issue that needs to be addressed while you’re away.
• Hold your mail and newspapers. Nothing signals that you are out of town like an overflowing mailbox or stack of unread papers on your front porch. Placing a hold with USPS is as easy as completing an online form and will prevent identity thieves from targeting sensitive information found in bills and credit card statements.
• Take advantage of home automation. You can link everything from smart locks that you can triple-check via smartphone app to smart doorbell cameras that sense motion on your front porch and have two-way audio.
• Close blinds into rooms that contain expensive items, and set up smart light timers that mirror your regular habits when you’re home.
• Ask for help. Have a neighbor park in your driveway while you’re gone, and enlist a friend to water your plants and check up periodically on your property.

A little bit of preparation will go a long way when it comes to leaving your home clean and secure, and enjoying your vacation stress-free!

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

5 Cities Millennials Are Flocking To

By Mikkie Mills

Editor's Note: This was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall. See what else is cookin' now at blog.rismedia.com:

• The Most Expensive Home in Hawaii Is Now for Sale
• How to Showcase Your Property With a Virtual Open House
• How to Prepare Your Home Before Going on Vacation 

There are several places in the U.S. where millennials can be found due to the high employment rates and beautiful settings. For adults who are in their 20s and 30s, there are several places where it's smart to invest. When you're looking to move, these are a few cities that millennials are flocking to throughout the country.

Salt Lake City, Utah 

The high job growth in Salt Lake City makes it a desirable place for young adults to live as they look to obtain steady employment. The city is affordable to live in and has a median home price of $233,000 with job growth of 2.4 percent. Salt Lake City also has a lower unemployment rate compared to other markets throughout the U.S. with 2.9 percent, which is below the national average by a few points.

Seattle, Wash.

Seattle is considered to be a hot spot for millennials, which make up 24.1 percent of the population. Its busy nightlife scene and generous median incomes of $67,000 make it an ideal place to live for younger generations. It also boasts a job growth rate of 10.8 percent. The beautiful views of the water and the long list of activities and attractions in the area are additional reasons that many millennials relocate to the city.

Austin, Texas

Millennials are drawn to Austin for its real estate market, which includes homes that have a median price of $226,000. The job growth is also 4.2 percent, and it's the second top city in the country for the number of jobs that are becoming available. Some of the top companies that are run out of Austin include Dell, Apple, and Google, making it known as "Silicon Hills." The average median income is also $58,932, which allows many young adults to afford to purchase their first home.

There's also a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, making the city desirable for millennials who make green practices a priority. Austin is also known for selling more renewable energy than other nations.

Charlotte, N.C.

Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina with 14 percent of the population between the ages of 25 and 34. Many of the youth are post-college graduates who have relocated to the city to seek employment and purchase a home in a neighborhood that has a suburban family profile. The draw of millennials is also causing many companies to relocate their headquarters to Charlotte in hopes of hiring talented employees.

Dallas, Texas

Dallas continues to grow each year and attract young out-of-towners due to its job growth rate of 3.9 percent and median home price of $175,000. The big city boasts plenty of shopping opportunities and attractions for those who want to stay busy without spending a lot to live close to the downtown area. The city hasn't attempted to control ride sharing, and many places are also easy to access by walking. There are also neighboring cities that are affordable to live in for those who don't mind commuting to work.

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

How to Make Your Home Design Pet-Friendly

By the experts at Unpakt

Decorating your home is a fun, creative, and expressive process of putting yourself into your living space — but what about the furry members of your family? When laying out and decorating your home, there are some key elements that you can slightly alter or improve to make your home more pet-friendly, durable, and easy to keep looking and feeling fresh. Not only will you benefit, but your pets will feel more at home too. Here are some ways to make your home design pet-friendly.

Choose durable floors

Skip the wall-to-wall, expensive carpeting. Skip the softwood floors, no matter how beautiful. Both of these floors will quickly show the impacts of life with pets, either when they are covered in hair or are scratched up by little claws. Opt for ceramic tile in your most high traffic areas, like entryways and main rooms, and consider hardwood floors or even sealed terrazzo (kind of like concrete) elsewhere. Just remember that large dogs can still scratch hardwood, so maybe reserve it for bedrooms if your pup will leave a mark or add area rugs to cover a lot of the surface area. Word to the wise on those rugs? Don’t spend too much on them. No matter how diligent you are about cleaning them, once your pet has lived on them, they will never be the same.

Choose durable furniture

Whether you allow your pets on the furniture or not, their fur will find a way. Choose furniture with upholstery that is stain resistant and easy to clean — bonus points for couch cushions with covers that can be removed and washed. Leather or pleather couches won’t get covered in fur, but they will sustain a few scratches from puppy and kitty claws so don’t get too attached. Many furniture lines now make models with fabrics explicitly designed to be pet-proof…which might be worth the extra money in the long run!

Build a pet area near an entry

If you are a dog parent or have an outdoor cat, you need to deal with the comings and goings — and the stuff, dirt and debris that comes along with it. Make an area to hang leashes and other accessories for Barky, put a high-impact floor mat down to catch the muddy paws before they hit the clean floors, and consider even half-tiling the walls to prevent stains from the inevitable shake-off. Add some shelving and storage for treats, towels, and other knick-knacks, and your pet area will be well-stocked.

Avoid attractive plants or small decorations

Set your pet up for success: don’t leave your vintage collection of Beanie Babies at snout level, or decorate with knitted animals or felted things. Your pets will naturally assume you’ve left toys around the house, and you will be sad when they are chewed. Likewise, animals don’t always know which plants are and aren’t safe for nibbling. Have a look at the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants, and keep them out of the house for your pet’s wellbeing. Since you also want to avoid having to wrestle your decorations out of a puppy’s mouth, keep small items in a china closet or other enclosed area.

Choose toys that don’t make a mess

If you’ve ever had the brilliant idea to give your dog a rope indoors, you know: one messy toy can leave residue for a long time. If you are a fan of marrow bones or other food-like treats, do yourself a favor and leave them for outside time only. Rawhide really isn’t great for your dog anyway, but it will be guaranteed to make a mess of your floors. When giving your cat a catnip ball, choose a contained area so you don’t end up with flakes of catnip everywhere.

Groom and bathe your pets regularly

Fluffy may not love being groomed, but it will help keep the fur levels down. For dogs, depending on their hair you may bathe them at home or choose to bring them to the groomers. Either way, prevent your home from getting a film of animal dander and grease by keeping their fur clean. Tip: use a gentle, natural shampoo to prevent creating more dandruff!

Unpakt is a full-service, online moving platform that can help easily plan, compare, book and manage a move.

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

Profile: Vacation Homebuyers

Profile: Vacation Homebuyers
By Meredith Dunn, Research Communications Manager, National Association of REALTORS®


The 2017 Investment and Vacation Home Buyer’s Survey from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) illustrates that while 2016 was a strong year for primary home purchases, the share of vacation homebuyers slid for a third year to 12 percent. Tight inventories and growing home prices made finding a vacation home less affordable last year. However, those that did purchase a vacation home were optimistic: 81 percent thought that 2016 was a good time to buy.


Who did buy a vacation home? Data shows that the typical vacation homebuyer had a median income of $89,900 and bought a home of 1,460 square feet. Many vacation homebuyers wanted beach getaways: the median distance between the primary residence and the vacation home was 200 miles, and 36 percent bought in a beach location, which was the most popular location last year (followed by lake front properties at 21 percent). Many homebuyers also wanted their holiday spot to be some place warm, with 43 percent heading to the Southern states to make their vacation purchase.

The median price for a vacation home last year was $200,000. Over half (56 percent) of vacation buyers bought a detached single-family home, but condos at 22 percent and townhomes/row homes at 21 percent were also popular choices. Thirty-eight percent purchased a distressed sale, and most (72 percent) used a mortgage to finance their home purchase.

While the largest share of vacation buyers, 42 percent, bought their vacation home to use for vacations or as a personal retreat for friends and family, 18 percent bought for future retirement plans.


Investment buyers were more likely to rent out the purchased property, but some vacation homebuyers had the same idea: 29 percent did or tried to rent their property in 2016 and plan to rent their property in 2017. Finally, the optimism about now being a good time to buy carries over into future buying plans: 54 percent of vacation homebuyers consider themselves at least somewhat likely to buy an investment property in the next two years, while 50 percent consider themselves at least somewhat likely to buy another vacation home in the next two years.



For more information, please read the 2017 NAR Investment and Vacation Home Buyer’s Survey. It is also available for download.



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

How to Save on That Summer Energy Bill

Often, summer’s spike in heat can bring a spike in your utility costs. Duke Energy offers 10 low-cost to no-cost energy-efficiency tips to save on your energy bill all summer long:

Set your AC to the highest comfortable setting. Every degree increase saves about 5 percent in cooling costs. Energy Star recommends a minimum set point of 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Change or clean your air filters monthly. A dirty air filter can make a cooling system work harder, which uses more energy.

Inspect and service your HVAC. Have your HVAC system checked by a qualified heating and air conditioning contractor to make sure it is operating efficiently. This will also help extend the life of the system.

Don't cool an empty house. If you'll be out and about, adjust or program your thermostat to work around your schedule.

Close the blinds. Shutting blinds, drapes and shades during the hottest part of the day can keep the sun's rays from heating your house.

Grill outdoors. Cooking in the oven and on the stovetop creates a lot of indoor heat. Help save energy by firing up the grill outdoors or prepare meals that don't require cooking.

Use fans in occupied rooms. They circulate air to supplement air conditioning. Make sure the fans are set to operate in a counterclockwise direction.

Turn off unnecessary lights. Be sure to turn off lights when you leave a room. Lights emit heat and cause your air conditioning system to work harder.

Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient lighting options. LEDs use up to 90 percent less energy than traditional bulbs and last at least 15 times longer.

Seal air leaks with caulking and weather stripping. And keep the door closed as much as you can to keep the cool air inside.


Source: Duke Energy



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

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update June 22nd, 2017

MARKET STATS:  Sales remain strong in the local market, with steady demand and reduced inventory of homes for sale.  188 properties sold through the first five months of the year, up from 139 during the first five months of last year.  This year’s average sale price is $1,568,464, up 20.0% over last year.  This year’s median sale price is $1,157,500, up 5.2%.

Summer’s here!  Are you ready?

EXPENSIVE—BUT WORTH IT!  Avalon and Stone Harbor both made NJ.com’s list of the 20 New Jersey towns with the highest percentage of million dollar homes.  Per the article, Avalon has 2,771 homes (51.9% of its properties) assessed at $1 million or more.  Stone Harbor has 1,667 homes (57.4% of its properties) assessed at $1 million or more.  Check out the rest of the list here:    http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2017/06/the_20_towns_with_the_highest_percentage_of_million_dollar_homes.html#incart_2box_nj-homepage-featured

THE 96^TH STREET BRIDGE REPAIRS have been completed, meaning no more overnight closures.  The completion of the $700,000 project allows the bridge to carry a full 40 tons; the bridge had been restricted to 15 tons during repair work.

OCEAN DRIVE STRIPING:  Portions of Ocean Drive in Avalon will be restriped this month, including 7^th Street to 28^th Street, and 62^nd Street to 80^thStreet.  The striping work is weather dependent and will only take a few hours; no long term lane closures will be necessary. 

BEACH VOLLEYBALL, ANYONE?  Avalon’s 30^th Street beach now features two volleyball nets.  Stop by and play whenever they’re open!

BEACH MOVIES are back again this year, beginning Tuesday, June 27^th in Avalon, on the 30^th Street beach, with a showing of the animated movie “Sing”.  Other upcoming showings include Star Wars Rogue One, Secret Life of Pets, Jaws, and Jurassic World. 

THE STONE HARBOR FARMER’S MARKET is back every Sunday through Labor Day, under the water tower at 95^th & Second Avenue.  More than 30 vendors are at the market from 8am to 12:30pm each Sunday; stop by and check out their offerings!

IMPRESSIVE FISHING REPORTS continue, with limits regularly being reached.  Some of the more exceptional flounder catches include a 25-inch, 5.5 pounder weighed in at Strathmere’s Whale Creek Marina, and a 22-inch, 3.76-pounder weighed in at Avalon Hodge Podge.  Offshore action is beginning to pick up with reports of tuna in the canyons and other offshore locations.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Opening Day at Stone Harbor’s 82^nd Street REC field, children will experience 4 sports in 2 hours (soccer, tennis, basketball & baseball), free for kids from 4-14 years of age, visit www.stoneharborrecreation.com for times & details, Friday, June 23
• Avalon Performing Arts Council 30^th Anniversary Art Show, ‘Three Decades of Art,’ Avalon Elementary School, visit www.avalonperformingarts.org for details, 6-9PM, Friday, June 23 & 10AM-4PM, Saturday, June 24
• Avalon Public Library Open House & Story Book Bash, face painting, stories, giveaways & fun for the whole family, 10AM-1PM, Saturday, June 24
• Stone Harbor Farmers Market, 95^th Street & Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-12:30PM, Sunday, June 25
• Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Tour, meet at Egret Espy Trail Entrance at 114^th Street & Second Avenue, 10AM, Sunday, June 25
• Stone Harbor’s Family Night, free fun, Stone Harbor Fire House, 7PM, Monday, June 26
• All Aboard…How the Railroad Made Avalon, History Center Interpreter Bill Mengel presents the history of the Avalon railroad & shares great old photos, Avalon Public Library, 7-8PM, Monday, June 26
• Avalon’s Beach Movie featuring ‘Sing,’ 30^th Street & the beach, dusk, Tuesday, June 27
• Beach Book Picks Lecture by Carol Fitzgerald, Avalon Public Library, 7PM, Wednesday, June 28
• Thursdays on Dune, activities start at 5:30PM throughout Avalon’s business district, concert starts at 7PM at Veteran’s Plaza, Thursday, June 29
• Avalon Field Races & Family Fun, 10^th Street Field, 10AM, Saturday, July 1
• Harbor Hustle 5K & 2 Mile Fun Walk, Stone Harbor Recreation Field, 6:45AM registration, 8AM race, 8:05 fun walk, Sunday, July 2
• Lutheran Church of Our Saviour Chicken BBQ, 9212 Third Avenue, 5-7PM, Sunday, July 2
• Stone Harbor Independence Day Celebration, live music at 95^th Street Beach Pavilion, 7-9PM, fireworks at 9:30PM, Sunday, July 2
• Mummers Band Parade, Avalon Community Hall to Veterans Plaza, 6PM, Monday, July 3
• Avalon Beach Movie featuring ‘Star Wars Rogue One,’ 30^th Street & the beach, dusk, Monday, July 3
• Stone Harbor Recreation July 4 Field Day, races at 9AM, Home Run Derby at 10AM, Stone Harbor Recreation Field, Tuesday, July 4
• Beach Concert featuring Andrew Jude, 30^th Street Beach, 1-3PM, Tuesday, July 4
• Avalon Independence Day Celebration, 30^th Street Parking Lot, 6-8PM, Tuesday, July 4
• Bay Atlantic Symphony Concert,  Avalon Community Hall, 7PM, Tuesday, July 4
• Avalon Fireworks, off 30^th Street Beach, 8:45PM, Tuesday, July 4

Featured Property:

Second from the beach with extraordinary views of the dunes and ocean!

135 77th Street, Avalon, $4,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 173832

New Listings:

500 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $244,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 176799

665 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $409,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176785

8001 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $469,500, ACTIVE MLS#: 176773

695 21st Street, 1st Floor, Avalon, $509,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176830

388 83rd Street, Stone Harbor, $749,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176800

4451 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,239,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176833

244 82nd Street, Stone Harbor, $1,699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176751

4248 Dune Drive, Avalon, $1,789,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176841

246 103rd Street, Stone Harbor, $1,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176874

263 7th Street, Avalon, $2,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176813

237 66th Street, Avalon, $2,290,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176862

151 65th Street, Avalon, $4,300,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176858

5024 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $7,900,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176880


Properties Sold:

285 80th Street, Avalon, $645,000, SOLD MLS#: 175955

12 Seabreeze Lane, Avalon Manor, $1,115,000, SOLD MLS#: 172583

326 88th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,382,000, SOLD MLS#: 175047

128 10th Street, Avalon, $1,640,000, SOLD MLS#: 174747

1918 First Avenue, Avalon, $2,625,000, SOLD MLS#: 174252

4603 Fifth Avenue, Avalon, $3,400,000, SOLD MLS#: 175456

7 106th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,375,000, SOLD MLS#: 175057

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

How to Stretch Those Travel Dollars

Planning a vacation? With a few smart tweaks to your travel planning, you can save big money, according to travel resource Hotwire. Below are several Hotwire suggestions for getting more value out of your vacation.

When planning your trip, keep an open mind and focus on the type of vacation you want (beach, city, etc.), then search a variety of related locales to find the best deals.

- Check alternative airports if you're flying into a busy metropolitan area (e.g. LaGuardia and Newark if you're flying into New York City; Burbank and Long Beach if you're flying to Los Angeles).

- Consider finding a cheaper airfare and then driving to your destination to save money.

- If you can handle waiting, you'll often get the lowest rates if you delay and book a rental car or hotel room once you've landed in your destination. Use your Hotwire app for great Hot Rate deals.

- Once you have that car, fill it up yourself. Do not prepay for gas - it is almost never worth it.

- Most flights get delayed (or cancelled!) due to weather, and incoming planes being unable to land. Book your travel for early in the morning, and you'll be less likely to have to deal with the headache of cancellations.

- Try to eat before boarding your flight to be less tempted by dehydrating salty snacks and sodas during the flight. Staying hydrated is a must for combatting fatigue and headaches - especially on long flights across multiple time zones.

- If you exercise regularly, try and stick with your routine. If not, just some easy walks can help you acclimate to new surroundings and time zones.

- Be polite. Flight crews work especially hard during busy travel times; being nice to your crew (and your fellow passengers) will always enhance your travel experience.

- Do your homework – Try to spend a little time before you travel familiarizing yourself with your travel plans and airports you'll be traveling to. If you know you need to make a connection in Dallas, take some time to review the terminal maps to try and ease anxiety and frustration that can sometimes come with travel.

- And while we're on the topic of easing travel woes…just remember that with travel (and in life!), it's important to be flexible and embrace the unexpected – you can get a great experience in so many different ways.

Source: Hotwire



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

The 10 Worst Money Mistakes You Can Make

Successful money managers share a simple strategy: spend less than you make over a long period of time and invest the difference.

But the author of ESI Money, an online blog written by a reclusive “50-something retiree who has amassed a sizable net worth,” suggests a list of the 10 worst things you can do to sabotage your financial independence:

Not having an emergency fund – Emergencies arise in every life, and not being prepared to cover them can throw you into debt. A rule of thumb is to sock away six months of living expenses.

Not having a will – Money Magazine reports 57 percent of Americans don’t have a will, including 69 percent of parents with kids under 18. But without a will, the state decides what happens with your finances. Make a will and update it regularly as your life situation changes.

Not having enough insurance – Like an emergency fund, insurance can protect or replace your assets in the event of almost any misfortune. In addition to life insurance, you should have health, auto, homeowner or renter’s, long-term disability, and, arguably, long-term care insurance.

Marrying the wrong person – Spouses should have similar financial goals and habits. If one is a spendthrift, you’re in trouble. It’s a good idea to discuss your financial objectives before you tie the knot.

Not saving – Putting money aside is essential if you are going to be able to invest. Experts suggest saving 10 percent of your salary.

Buying too much house – It’s well-known that Warren Buffet lives in the same modest home he purchased many years ago. Don’t buy a home that requires a mortgage that is more than twice your household’s annual realized income.

Waiting to invest – the factors that determine how well your investments turn out are the amount you invest, the return rate, and how long you are invested. The longer you wait to invest, the more you are costing yourself.

Being in debt – paying interest on debt can cost you big-time over the years. Avoid it like the plague.

Not maximizing your career – Develop and execute a plan to make the most of your working life. Your earning potential is dependent on your good health and initiative.

Overspending – It’s tempting to splurge, but develop a budget and stick with it.




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

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update June 15th, 2017

IT FEELS LIKE SUMMER!  After cool weather much of the spring, a recent spike in temperatures has it feeling like summer again.  Temperatures were in the 90s several days this week, but are expected to fall back to the 70s for the weekend.  In case you’re wondering, the ocean water temperature is already a delightful 70 degrees!

IS THE BRIDGE OPEN YET?  Maybe by July 4^th!  The Townsend’s Inlet Bridge has been closed to vehicular traffic while undergoing emergency repairs since a crack in its structure was discovered during an April inspection.  Residents and visitors on both sides of the bridge are anxious for it to reopen.  After weeks of repair work from aboard a barge stationed next to the bridge, officials say they are hoping to have the bridge reopened by the July 4^thweekend if things go as planned.  Having the bridge open helps businesses and visitors in Avalon and Sea Isle City by saving a twenty-minute ride “the long way around!”

HABITAT  ReSTORE OPEN IN CMCH:  Habitat for Humanity opened its ReStore in Cape May Court House last week at 20 Court House-South Dennis Road, offering building materials and household items for resale.  The store is open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm.  If you have gently used household items in good condition, consider donating them to the store for resale.  Items may be donated to the store during business hours, or a free pick up service is offered for larger items.  Call 609-463-0244 or visit www.habitatcapemaycounty.org for details. 

Looking for lunch…an egret makes his way toward a small pond in the marsh behind Avalon.

AVALON HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S Photography Competition winners and other entries will be on display at the Avalon History Center through Tuesday, June 27^th.  Stop by the History Center to view not only the photography, but the Avalon artifacts in the museum’s collection.  For info on the Avalon Historical Society’s upcoming Olde House Tour, plus a talk on railroads in Avalon, see the event list below!

MAKE A SUMMER BUCKET LIST!  What’s on your “I wanna do it!” list this summer?  Perhaps you want to catch a sunrise on the beach?  Catch a fish with your grandchild? Climb to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse?  Whatever is on your Summer Bucket List, set aside some time and make a point of doing it!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Maritime Festival, on the grounds of the lighthouse in Anglesea (North Wildwood), Saturday and Sunday, June 17 & 18
• Avalon Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, Avalon Community Hall, 8-11AM, Saturday, June 17
• Creative Writing Seminar, tips & feedback on poetry, memoirs, short stories, articles & books, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, June 17
• IPad Computer Class focusing on photos & files, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, June 17
• NFIP Flood Insurance Seminar, bring your flood elevation certificate for a free review, Stone Harbor Library, http://stoneharbornj.org/nfip-flood-insurance-seminar-scheduled-saturday-61717/ for info, 1-3PM, Saturday, June 17
• Avalon Historical Society Olde House Tour, www.avalonhistorycenter.org for details, 1-4PM, Saturday, June 17
• Big Band Dance featuring Tony DeLuca & the Paisans, Avalon Community Hall, 7PM, Saturday, June 17
• Stone Harbor Farmers Market, 95th Street & Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-12:30PM, Sunday, June 18
• Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Tour, meet at Egret Espy Trail Entrance at 114th Street & Second Avenue, 10AM, Sunday, June 18
• St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Strawberry Festival, 95th Street & Third Avenue, 6PM-8PM, Sunday, June 18
• Opening Day at Stone Harbor’s 82nd Street REC field, children will experience 4 sports in 2 hours (soccer, tennis, basketball & baseball), free for kids from 4-14 years of age, visit www.stoneharborrecreation.com for times & details, Friday, June 23
• Avalon Performing Arts Council 30th Anniversary Art Show, ‘Three Decades of Art,’ Avalon Elementary School, visit www.avalonperformingarts.org for details, 6-9PM, Friday, June 23 & 10AM-4PM, Saturday, June 24
• Avalon Public Library Open House & Story Book Bash, face painting, stories, giveaways & fun for the whole family, 10AM-1PM, Saturday, June 24
• Stone Harbor Farmers Market, 95th Street & Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-12:30PM, Sunday, June 25
• Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Tour, meet at Egret Espy Trail Entrance at 114th Street & Second Avenue, 10AM, Sunday, June 25
• Stone Harbor’s Family Night, free fun, Stone Harbor Fire House, 7PM, Monday, June 26
• All Aboard…How the Railroad Made Avalon, History Center Interpreter Bill Mengel presents the history of the Avalon railroad & shares great old photos, Avalon Public Library, 7-8PM, Monday, June 26
• Avalon’s Beach Movie featuring ‘Sing,’ 30th Street & the beach, dusk, Tuesday, June 27
• Thursdays on Dune, activities start at 5:30PM throughout Avalon’s business district, concert starts at 7PM at Veteran’s Plaza, Thursday, June 29

Featured Property:

Four bedrooms, convenient to town and all of Avalon’s amenities!



280 27th Street, East Unit, Avalon, $789,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176560



New Listings:

206 110th Street, 2nd Floor, Stone Harbor, $525,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176682

10726 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $539,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176716

636 21st Street, Avalon, $599,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176724

54 E. 27th Street Unit 4, Avalon, $949,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176723

244 82nd Street, Stone Harbor, $1,699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 176751
  

Properties Sold:

3956 Ocean Drive, 2nd Floor, Avalon, $580,000, SOLD MLS#: 169100

1116 Stone Harbor Blvd., #205, Stone Harbor Manor, $729,000, SOLD MLS#: 170595

1116 Stone Harbor Blvd., #309, Stone Harbor Manor, $886,500, SOLD MLS#: 174785

266 43rd Street, Avalon, $935,000, SOLD MLS#: 176291

7458 Dune Drive, Avalon, $1,450,000, SOLD MLS#: 170625

8307 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $1,550,000, SOLD MLS#: 172084

8513 Pennsylvania Avenue, Stone Harbor, $1,595,000, SOLD MLS#: 173959

25 E. 23rd Street, Avalon, $1,750,000, SOLD MLS#: 173894

10540 Corinthian Drive, Stone Harbor, $1,790,000, SOLD MLS#: 171984

511 20th Street, Avalon, $1,800,000, SOLD MLS#: 161228

4515 Fourth Avenue, Avalon, $1,875,000, SOLD MLS#: 172872

2400 Avalon Avenue, Avalon, $2,150,000, SOLD MLS#: 173170

2388 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $2,313,333, SOLD MLS#: 174279

45 W. 26th Street, Avalon, $2,450,000, SOLD MLS#: 173638

660 First Avenue, Avalon, $2,910,000, SOLD MLS#: 174545

4510 Fifth Avenue, Avalon, $4,750,000, SOLD MLS#: 174604

4838 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $5,025,000, SOLD MLS#: 172016

9911 Sunrise Dr., Stone Harbor, $5,300,000, SOLD MLS#: 172665

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