5 Tips for Managing Out-of-State Rental Properties

By Scott Bay

Owning a rental property can be a lucrative business. There's a lot of potential for landlords to generate passive income by renting out homes. Real estate isn’t all passive, though. Property owners should be checking in on their rental properties on a regular basis to ensure tenants are taking care of the home and that everything is in good working order.

What happens if your property is out of state, though? Often, the best deals on real estate—and therefore, the largest profits—lie in places other than your local community. Investing in these properties makes financial sense, but keeping tabs on them becomes much more complicated.

It’s not a hopeless situation, though. Here are five simple tips the pros use to keep tabs on long-distance properties:

1. Use online landlord software to streamline management

You know the saying: “There’s an app for that.” Online landlord software allows you to handle the process of screening tenants and accepting payments electronically and remotely, all from one central location. We could all use a little streamlining in our life and business, and property management software is a great example of this type of technology. 

2. Install smart locks to boost security

One way you can make sure only authorized individuals are entering your property is by installing smart locks on your doors. Smart locks allow for keyless entry, eliminating the hassle associated with creating or replacing lost keys. Better yet, the keys can’t be reproduced or transferred without your permission. You can even control who has access to the home from your smartphone, so when a tenant moves out, it's easy to deactivate their access and grant it to the new tenant. This saves both time and money when having locks replaced.

3. Stay involved with neighborhood homeowners associations

Plenty of neighborhoods have active homeowners associations (HOAs) that make sure all properties within specific boundaries are kept clean and maintained, so be sure to make use of this type of network. Establish regular communication with the board and check in with them often to make sure your property meets any HOA requirements. They’ll be more than happy to let you know if something looks amiss so that you can address it quickly.

4. Plan occasional trips for inspections and showings

You'll still have to make physical trips to see your property every so often. In these instances, try to coordinate with your tenants so that you can hit all of your area properties in one trip. And if you’re worried about the expenses associated with these trips, remember that these trips can be beneficial come tax time. Being a landlord is a business, and as such, you can claim the visits as business expenses when tax season rolls around. Make sure to save all your receipts, as travel, lodging, food, car rentals and gas can all add up. If you’re not sure whether or not an expense is eligible, talk to your tax professional.

5. Consider a home warranty

A home warranty can be a huge time-saver when it comes to repairs, making them a great solution for out-of-state landlords who don't live within close proximity to their rental property.

Keeping up with your rental properties is critical to success in real estate, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Armed with these tips, you’ll be off to a great start with turning your out-of-state property into a source of consistent income.

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

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update March 29, 2018 #RealEstate

EASTER WEEKEND brings an Easter Egg Hunt to Avalon on Saturday, March 31^st at 10am on the 8^th Street recreation field.  If Easter Brunch is more your style, check out Bobby Dee’s Rock’n Chair, The Reeds at Shelter Haven, The Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, or The Avalon Links, all of which are offering brunch options.

THE AVALON LIBRARY offers a variety of benefits—including the Philadelphia Inquirer.  With a library card members can access current and back issues of the The Philadelphia Inquirer.  To access The Inquirer visit http://www.avalonfreelibrary.org/  To obtain a library card residents and property owners must provide proof of residency or property ownership.  Summer visitors may obtain a library card by providing identification and a local address.  To obtain a library card visit    http://www.avalonfreelibrary.org/library-info/obtaining-a-library-card.aspx

HOUSE PORTRAITS by Lisa Cunningham are a great way to capture the essence of your shore home!  Not only do Lisa’s portraits make a great keepsake, they’re wonderful conversation starters when entertaining guests or clients.  They also make a fantastic gift!  Visit Lisa’s website for more samples of her work: https://www.lisacunninghamfineart.com/house-and-business-portraits.html

BULKHEAD HEIGHTS were discussed at a recent Stone Harbor Council meeting.  Rising sea levels and the potential for flooding are behind the discussion.  According to data presented by Lenore Tedesco of The Wetlands Institute, only about thirty percent of the borough’s bulkheads meet the current required height of 6.2 feet.  Changing the height requirement to 8 feet was discussed, an increase of almost 2 feet.   But bulkheads have a long lifespan and are replaced infrequently, meaning it could take decades before all bulkheads reach that level.

SIGNS OF SPRING:  More shops and restaurants are reopening for the season, including Marie Nicole’s Grill, Stone Harbor Bar & Grill, and Spiaggetta.  Chilly temperatures and recent snow have made the month of March feel more like a lion than a lamb, but each weekend more property owners are returning to the Island, as the weather gradually warms up.

THE AVALON/STONE HARBOR UPDATE will return the week of April 9^th.

HAPPY EASTER!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Magic Show with Joe Fischer, Avalon Elementary School, 10-11AM, Friday, March 30
• Wetlands Institute Covered Dish Supper, guest speaker to share knowledge in the field of environmental science & biology, admission fee & covered dish to share, 6-8PM, Friday, March 30
• Turtle Fest, pancake breakfast, arts & crafts, search for turtle hatchlings, live animal presentations, visit www.wetlandsinstitute.org for info, 9AM-3PM, Wetlands Institute, Saturday, March 31
• Avalon’s Easter Egg Hunt, 8^th through 12^th Street ball fields, 10AM, Saturday, March 31
• Tree-to-Tree Adventure Park Night Climb at the Cape May County Zoo, aerial obstacle course, http://treetotreecapemay.com for info, Saturday, March 31
• Never Break the Chain, songs of Fleetwood Mac, Harbor Square Theater, 8:30 PM, Saturday, March 31
• Genealogy Workshop, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Public Library, 1-3PM, Friday, April 6
• Screening of a slideshow of 150+ photos of early Avalon, Avalon History Center at 215-39^th Street, 1-2PM, Saturday, April 7
• Cape May Traditional Jazz Society Presents the Al Harrison Dixieland Band, VFW Post #386, 419 Congress Street, Cape May, proceeds benefit the ‘Food Bank of Southern Jersey’, 2-4PM, Sunday, April 8
• Drop in Tech Workshop for Windows Computers & Android Smart Phones, help with questions regarding phones, software or apps, Avalon Free Public Library, 10-11:30AM, Saturday, April 14
• Stone Harbor Job Fair, Coffee Talk at 299-97^th Street, 10AM-2PM, Saturday, April 14
• Avalon Dune Grass Planting & Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Sweep, Volunteers Needed, Avalon Community Hall, 8:30AM, Saturday, April 21
• Cape May County Zoo Earth Day Celebration, 5K Earth Day Race & 1 Mile Fun Run, music, story time, inflatable obstacle course & slide, visit www.cmczoo.comfor details, 8:30AM-4PM, Saturday April 21
• Creative Writing, tips & feedback on memoirs, short stories, articles & books, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon Saturday, April 21
• Ocean Drive Marathon, www.odmarathon.org for details, 9AM, Sunday, April 22
• Avalon Garden Club Arbor Day Celebration, 37^th & Dune Drive, 10:30AM, Friday, April 27
• Stone Harbor’s Spring Tide Festival, artisans, sea-faring family friendly activities, food, live music, beer & wine garden, more, Stone Harbor’s downtown shopping area, 11AM-5PM, Saturday, May 5
• Avalon Garden Club Plant & Bake Sale, Avalon’s Community Hall, 10AM-4PM on Saturday, May 5 & 10AM-3PM on Sunday, May 6

Featured Property:

Brand new and 3^rd back from the beach & boardwalk!

74 E. 25th Street, Avalon, $3,875,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180845


New Listings:

8218 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $625,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181014

572 21st Street, Avalon, $649,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180975

1322 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $749,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180963

3935 Fourth Avenue, Avalon, $869,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 181049

262 64th Street, Avalon, $1,849,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181022

361 89th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181000

5748 Dune Drive, Avalon, $2,899,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180999

1 87th Street, Stone Harbor, $5,200,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181015


Properties Under Contract:

7888 Dune Drive, Avalon, $409,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181039

8001 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $489,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180923

250 95th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,125,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 178209

1127 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Stone Harbor Manor, $1,299,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 179773


Properties Sold:

915 Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor Manor, $90,000, SOLD MLS#: 173237

8001 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $450,000, SOLD MLS#: 158988

441 21st Street, Avalon, $675,000, SOLD MLS#: 179411

248 81st St., Unit A, Stone Harbor, $675,000, SOLD MLS#: 177114

2309 Dune Drive, Avalon, $775,000, SOLD MLS#: 179867

284 7th Street, Avalon, $1,225,000, SOLD MLS#: 176539

2689 Avalon Avenue, Avalon, $1,750,000, SOLD MLS#: 179002

8800 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $1,825,000, SOLD MLS#: 179738

145 109th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,835,000, SOLD MLS#: 179972

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

Searching for Paradise: Top 10 Second-Home Locations

While most U.S. homebuyers are looking for Craftsman-style homes or Capes as their primary residence, when it comes to purchasing a second home or vacation property, styles radically change to match the relaxing and exotic feel of highly sought-after vacation spots.

A new report by Point2Homes uses Google search data to determine where U.S. residents are looking to purchase their second homes, with Mexico coming out on top. The report analyzed keywords searched between January 2017 and 2018 for home sales abroad and in the U.S., and ranked them according to average monthly search volume.

Here are the top 10:

1. Mexico
2. Canada
3. Puerto Rico
4. Costa Rica
5. Belize
6. U.S. Virgin Islands
7. Panama
8. Bahamas
9. Dominican Republic
10. Jamaica

Most locations boast more spacious homes than what's available to be purchased at the national median price in the U.S.—$240,500. For example, in Mexico, homebuyers can purchase a two-bedroom detached home with a pool in Playa del Carmen for that price. And in Puerto Rico, those funds would get you a three-bedroom condo in San Juan, according to the report.

But not all U.S. residents are looking to purchase their second home outside the country. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands made the top 10 list. And following the devastation of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico has used the opportunity to renovate or upgrade its properties.

So, what makes these locations desirable to second-homebuyers? Most of these rankings represent the iconic paradise: beach, sun and relaxation. And, of course, relatively low prices rank the highest, as well.

You can find the remaining rankings here.

Which location would you choose for your second home?

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

4 Cost-Effective Ways to Raise Your Home’s Value

By Dixie Somers

If you're looking to raise the value of your home, especially for resale purposes, you've undoubtedly heard all sorts of ideas that will get the job done, many of which may be too expensive or too difficult for you to handle at the moment. Many require a large chunk of change, and while they may very well give you a return on your investment, you may not have this kind of money lying around.

Related: Baths, Beds and Kitchens: Key Projects for a $10,000 Renovation

Here are four budget-friendly ways to raise your home's value and increase its future resale value at the same time:

Change Out Doors and Windows

Not only can your doors and windows be easily seen from the outside of your home, thus impacting curb appeal, but they also significantly impact your home's interior. Consider energy-efficient windows that keep heating and cooling costs down and also fit the design of your home. For outside doors, try steel or fiberglass doors that keep energy costs low and improve home security.

Add Space

If possible, find a way to increase space in your home. This could be as easy as adding a patio or deck for outdoor entertaining or finishing off a basement. If you have the space and the funds, consider adding an additional room, which can be a huge boon for homebuyers who need an extra bedroom or bonus room.

Modernize Plumbing

Little leaks and plumbing issues can cost you a great deal on your home value, especially if you're actively trying to sell your home. Hire a professional plumber to address your pipes and drains and to change out plumbing fixtures for a modernized appearance. If your water heater is getting old, consider purchasing a new one at the same time.

Use Paint Wisely

Paint can do a great deal to modernize a home and improve its value for a very low initial cost. Paint walls a neutral color, and spiff up kitchen and bathroom cabinets with a new color. Many older cabinets can be salvaged with a quick sanding, a coat of primer and a new color.

Not every renovation or remodel has to cost a great deal of money to be a wise investment. Instead, as you can see above, there are many small, easy changes that will still yield great results. If you truly want to raise your home's value, consider changing part of the aesthetic of your home or modernizing your windows, doors or plumbing.

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

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update March 22, 2018 #RealEstate

MARKET STATS:  The number of active listings is down about 10% from last year, leading to a reduction in contracts written and properties sold.  See the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report for details:
http://marketminute.longandfoster.com/Market-Minute/NJ/Avalon-Stone-Harbor.pdf


View the Long & Foster Market Minute for the latest market stats!


 
A 1,624 SQUARE-FOOT BILLBOARD ad featuring Cape May County will appear in Time Square in New York City.  Cape May County tourism ads will run three times an hour from 6am to 2am, and will be visible to hundreds of thousands of people transiting Times Square daily.   Purchased at a deep discount due to the struggles of retailer Toys-R-Us, Cape May County will pay $10,950 of the $16,900 total cost; Atlantic County will pay for the remainder of the purchase.  The normal cost would be $88,500. 

GHOST TRACKS:  Century-old railroad tracks appeared at Higbee Beach on Delaware Bay.  The old rail line was uncovered by recent storm activity, which shifted beach sand exposing the so-called “ghost tracks.”  The rail line was owned by the Atlantic City Railroad and was used to serve a sand mining plant adjacent to the beach.  After the plant closed decades ago the rails were eventually covered by beach sand.   Storms uncovered a portion of the tracks a few years ago, drawing crowds to the area to view them.  This past week curious visitors walked north from Sunset Beach to catch a glimpse of the newly exposed section of track.

NOR’EASTER NUMBER 4:  As of this writing, the fourth nor’easter of the season is making its way up the coast.  While heavy rain and minor to moderate coastal flooding may occur, it’s the chance of accumulating snow that’s the hot topic.  March usually brings with it signs of spring, but chilly temperatures, northeasterly winds, rain, and snow feel like anything but spring!

THINK SUMMER!  Imagine warm sunshine and gentle seabreezes, as ocean waves lap at your feet!  Plan ahead and put a little summer into your life!  Check out my Vacation Guide to get started! 
http://www.nancyalexander.com/2018-rental-book/

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Cape May County Zoo’s Tree-to-Tree Adventure Park, open weekends beginning Saturday, March 24
• Drop In Tech Workshop for Windows Computers & Android Smart Phones, Avalon Free Public Library, 10-11:30AM, Saturday, March 24
• Cape May County Zoo EggstravaganZoo, Easter bunny, educational displays, scavenger hunt, crafts, more, visit www.cmczoo.com for info, 10AM-2PM, Saturday, March 24
• Stone Harbor’s Easter Egg Hunt, 1-2PM, Saturday, March 24 (Rain Date is Sunday, March 25)
• Magic Show with Joe Fischer, Avalon Elementary School, 10-11AM, Friday, March 30
• Wetlands Institute Covered Dish Supper, guest speaker to share knowledge in the field of environmental science & biology, admission fee & covered dish to share, 6-8PM, Friday, March 30
• Turtle Fest, pancake breakfast, arts & crafts, search for turtle hatchlings, live animal presentations, visit www.wetlandsinstitute.org for info, 9AM-3PM, Wetlands Institute, Saturday, March 31
• Avalon’s Easter Egg Hunt, 8^th through 12^th Street ball fields, 10AM, Saturday, March 31
• Tree-to-Tree Adventure Park Night Climb at the Cape May County Zoo, aerial obstacle course, http://treetotreecapemay.com for info, Saturday, March 31
• Never Break the Chain, songs of Fleetwood Mac, Harbor Square Theater, 8:30 PM, Saturday, March 31
• Genealogy Workshop, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Public Library, 1-3PM, Friday, April 6
• Screening of a slideshow of 150+ photos of early Avalon, Avalon History Center at 215-39^th Street, 1-2PM, Saturday, April 7
• Cape May Traditional Jazz Society Presents the Al Harrison Dixieland Band, VFW Post #386, 419 Congress Street, Cape May, proceeds benefit the ‘Food Bank of Southern Jersey’, 2-4PM, Sunday, April 8
• Drop in Tech Workshop for Windows Computers & Android Smart Phones, help with questions regarding phones, software or apps, Avalon Free Public Library, 10-11:30AM, Saturday, April 14
• Stone Harbor Job Fair, Coffee Talk at 299-97^th Street, 10AM-2PM, Saturday, April 14
• Avalon Dune Grass Planting & Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Sweep, Avalon Community Hall, 8:30AM, Saturday, April 21
• Cape May County Zoo Earth Day Celebration, 5K Earth Day Race & 1 Mile Fun Run, music, story time, inflatable obstacle course & slide, visit www.cmczoo.com for details, 8:30AM-4PM, Saturday April 21
• Creative Writing, tips & feedback on memoirs, short stories, articles & books, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon Saturday, April 21
• Ocean Drive Marathon, www.odmarathon.org for details, 9AM, Sunday, April 22

Featured Property:
Oceanfront with gorgeous views that stretch out before you!



89 E. 27th Street, Avalon, $4,300,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 174723


New Listings:

463 Avalon Blvd., Avalon Manor, $199,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180863

571 Avalon, Avalon Manor, $335,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180931

8001 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $489,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180923

696 21st Street, Avalon, $697,500, ACTIVE MLS#: 180920

38 Seabreeze, Avalon Manor, $849,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180952

629 22nd Street, Avalon, $875,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180908

315 79th Street, Avalon, $1,200,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180876

148 18th Street, Avalon, $1,349,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180906

138 18th Street, Avalon, $1,349,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180905

233 34th St., East Unit, Avalon, $1,450,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180925

6919 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,499,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180846

286 76th Street, Avalon, $2,450,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180852

74 E. 25th Street, Avalon, $3,875,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180845


Properties Under Contract:

162 96th Street, Stone Harbor, $414,900, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180444

33 Seabreeze Lane, Avalon Manor, $475,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 179460

200 98th Street, Stone Harbor, $475,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 177361

904 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $799,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 175719

8306 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $875,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 178772

39 Weber Court, Stone Harbor, $899,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 179821

384 40th Street, Avalon, $985,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180870

311 92nd Street, Stone Harbor, $995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180797

9 W. 22nd Street, Avalon, $2,000,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180695

10801 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $2,799,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 178379

84 E. 23rd St., Avalon, $2,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 179933

11910 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $3,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180293


Properties Sold:

700 First Avenue, Unit 208, Avalon, $460,000, SOLD MLS#: 180340

330 87th St., #1, Stone Harbor, $1,625,000, SOLD MLS#: 177209

139 108th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,808,000, SOLD MLS#: 180187

127 94th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,675,000, SOLD MLS#: 179689

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

9 Important Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Embark On A Renovation

If you're getting ready to renovate, or just thinking about a few possibilities, you've got some decisions to make. Some of them may be easy (like finally getting rid of that mustard yellow paint, perhaps). But some will require you to search within - and within your wallet!

Tile or wood

If you're redoing your floors, you're probably in the middle of this debate. The growth of wood-look tile has only made the decision more difficult because you get an easy-care finish with the appearance you like. Keep in mind that wood is classic and relatively easy to take care of. But, it can scratch easily depending on the type of wood and the finish—and especially if you have dogs. Tile may seem like a better choice, but remember that it's cold under foot, hard to stand on, and even harder if you fall on it.

Gray or beige

The search for the perfect neutral is wrought with challenge. If you can't decide between the two because you're worried beige is "out" but you're not sure of gray's staying power, do what an increasing number of people are doing: Go greige.
"What if you could take the best of beige and gray, to create a neutral that can avoid the worst qualities of each? Greige has been wildly popular for several years, because it does bring the best of both worlds to life, as a neutral color," said The Spruce.

Granite or quartz

This one's easy. Quartz is today's go-to when it comes to kitchen countertops. After many years at the top, granite has been replaced. If you are still leaning toward granite, keep in mind that buyers may not respond as positively as you.

Gas or electric

When it comes to cooking, chefs swear by the performance of gas stoves, but electric does have its advantages - mostly from an easy-cleanup standpoint. "Each type has its devotees, and its detractors," said Bob Vila. "Burgeoning chefs may be swayed by the versatility and accuracy provided by the flame heating of gas stoves. Meanwhile, parents with young children may switch to an electric stove, seeing it as the safer of the two. Families also appreciate the easy-clean virtues of electric stoves. Strong as one's personal preference may be, economics play a role too: Depending on where you live, one or the other stove type might be cheaper to operate. If your current stove is scorching your sauces, burning the bacon, and ruining the roast, keep these considerations in mind as you choose between gas and electric."

Chrome, nickel, brass…or black

Choosing your finishes today can be more challenging than ever because there isn't one must-have option. Some would say that's brass, which is enjoying a potent resurgence after years of being the butt of outdated décor jokes. But if you're wary of going toward golden tones, you'll be happy to hear that chrome and nickel are still current. The newest finish showing up in fashion-forward homes is black, so if you want to be an early adopter of the next best thing…

Kitchen or bathroom

If you only have the funds to renovate one of them, how do you choose? Both are important, obviously. We would personally give the edge to kitchen, if budget allows, because it has the ability to make a bigger impact. And, because potential buyers are more likely to react negatively to a worn kitchen in need of what they perceive to be expensive updates.
If you're weighing the two, consider these realities from The Spruce: A bathroom is probably cheaper, a kitchen reno is slightly less disruptive, and a bathroom takes less time. The most important factor: "According to Consumer Reports, 52% of real estate professionals consider the kitchen the most important room to influence a house sale versus 42% who consider the bathroom to be the most important room."

Renovate or add on

You could make an area of your home more fantastic and more functional or you could opt to add on space if you're feeling cramped. Which one is more advantageous? It all depends. If your space is just too small to accommodate your family or if you don't have enough bedrooms or bathrooms, for instance, you might not feel like you have a choice but to add on. Will it pay off? That also depends. The Cost vs Value report will give you an idea of what your return on investment will be before you set aside a bunch of money for something that may or may not pay your back.

Do it yourself or hire a pro

Do you have skills? How do you handle it when things go wrong? Are you the type to finish what you start or are you likely to give up along the way? Is what you're undertaking potentially dangerous? Ask yourself these questions, and answer them honestly. If you're not sure you can pull off the task yourself, you may want to start making some calls.

Now or later


It's quite common for people to wait until they're ready to list their home in order to make updates. But this denies you the pleasure of enjoying those updates while you still live there! If you've been putting off renovations for "someday," perhaps it's time to rev up that timeline!


Written by Jaymi Naciri



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

5 Tips To Refresh Your Home For Spring Time

It may still be snowing in some parts of the country, but spring is almost here. Before the flowers start budding outside, refresh the inside of your home to give your interior spaces that springtime glow.

Bring the outdoors inside

Adding fresh plants or flowers to an otherwise ho-hum space can spice things up in the blink of an eye. Even if you don't have a garden full of fresh flowers to choose from, greens make a lovely addition to your living room, or even an eye-catching centerpiece for your dining room table. Better Homes and Gardens suggests gathering a few fresh fern fronds for dramatic texture and rich color.

Don't be afraid to add color

One of the easiest ways to perk up your space is to invest in a gallon of paint, call in reinforcements to help you out, and go to town with brushes and rollers. If you're not incredibly adventurous when it comes to color choices but still want a pick-me-up, try going with a warmer, creamier version of the neutrals you already have; a creamy barely-yellow adds so much more warmth and interest than stark white.
You could even paint an accent wall a bold, fun color and use that space to showcase some of your favorite art or family portraits for your own personal art gallery. ForRent.com suggests incorporating bright colors in a breakfast nook or one of the smaller spaces of your home or apartment. It's less of a risk than painting your entire kitchen or living room, but still packs a punch.

Reorganize your bookshelves

If you've got a fantastic library, now is a great time to take everything off the shelves, blow the dust off the covers, and reorganize. You might even consider artfully stacking books in different directions, some horizontal and some upright. Apartment Therapy reports some pretty impressive results simply by arranging books by color for a uniquely eye-catching display.

Photo by Craig Conley via Wikimedia Commons

Update window treatments

Spring is a great time to trade in your richly-textured drapes for lighter, breezier, more summery colors. If privacy isn't a huge issue in a space, try adding light, breezy sheer curtains on a thin, minimalist rod. You'll love how much the change automatically brightens your space. You might also consider substituting your ordinary blinds with Roman Shades. They're a classier way to control light and privacy, and to update your style.

Make your entryway welcoming

Upgrade (or thoroughly clean) your front-door mats and add a wreath to your front door. This could be a fun DIY project for the entire family. Make sure you have an efficient landing spot just inside your front door — a place to drop keys and hang up a coat or jacket before coming inside. This is also a great place for a fun mirror and a flower arrangement. Your home's entryway often gives guests their very first impression of your home, so make it shine with your family's personality and a touch of style.

Photo by The McClouds via Wikimedia Commons

Written by Realty Times Staff



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

Top Cities to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick's Day is just a few days away! As you make plans for this weekend with friends, WalletHub has released a helpful list of the top cities in the country to celebrate the Irish holiday.

Related: Irish Luck? These Homebuyers Are Rolling in the Green

Drawing from a pool of the 200 largest cities in the U.S., the site compiled this list by comparing the locations across 17 metrics. These key metrics range from whether or not the city has a St. Patrick's Day parade to the number of Irish pubs located in its limits. You can check out a full breakdown of WalletHub's methodology here. Below are the 20 best cities to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in:

1.	Chicago, Ill.		11.	St. Louis, Mo.
2.	Boston, Mass.		12.	Henderson, Nev.
3.	Philadelphia, Pa.		13.	Naperville, Ill.
4.	Buffalo, N.Y.		14.	Reno, Nev.
5.	New York, N.Y.		15.	Seattle, Wash.
6.	San Francisco, Calif.		16.	Omaha, Neb.
7.	Fort Collins, Colo.		17.	Columbus, Ohio
8.	Tampa, Fla.		18.	Rochester, N.Y.
9.	Madison, Wis.		19.	Syracuse, N.Y.
10.	Pittsburgh, Pa.		20.	Fort Wayne, Ind.

Some of the cities on this list are not obvious choices, such as St. Louis, Mo. and Fort Wayne, Ind. Others, like Boston, Mass. and Chicago, Ill., where they dye the Chicago River green, just make sense.

The following infographic, also complied by WalletHub, provides other facts about the holiday:

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update March 15, 2018 #RealEstate

AVALON 2018 SEASON BEACH TAGS are available at the pre-season price of $23.  You can stop by the Avalon Tax Collector’s office during business hours, or mail your order (along with a check payable to the Borough of Avalon and a self-addressed stamped envelope) to Avalon Borough Hall, 3100 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202.  Mail orders will be accepted until May 11^th.  Prefer to do it via your smartphone?  There’s an app for that!  Visit this link to download the Viply app on your iPhone or Android device and make your purchase that way:    www.viplypass.com/avalon-beach-tags

STONE HARBOR 2018 SEASON BEACH TAGS can be reserved at the pre-season price of $23 at Borough Hall during business hours, or reserved by mailing a check to Stone Harbor Borough Hall, 9508 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247.  Note that Stone Harbor’s actual tags are not in yet, but by paying for your tag now you can reserve it at the pre-season price, then pick it up when the tags become available.


Avalon’s 2018 beach tags are now available for purchase at pre-season rates.  See above for details. 

APRIL 21^ST BEACH SWEEPS and DUNE GRASS PLANTING.  Avalon’s spring dune grass planting will take place April 21^st, along with a beach sweep to help keep our beaches clean.  Stone Harbor will also conduct a beach sweep that same day.  Volunteers are needed for these efforts.  Mark the date on your calendar and plan to help out!  More details to follow as we get closer!

KEEPING TURTLES SAFE is the goal of an Avalon initiative.  In conjunction with The Wetlands Institute, concrete barriers designed by Taylor Design Group will be employed near the marina and kayak storage locations.  The new design will be monitored to determine its effectiveness, along with a sandy turtle nesting area nearby.  The new barrier is designed to keep turtles off the road as they seek locations to lay eggs; the nesting area is designed to provide a safe location to do so.

MORE ON THE TI BRIDGE:  The Townsend’s Inlet Bridge will close for a period of two to three weeks after Easter in order to allow crews time to complete repair work that is currently underway.  The plan is to have all work completed by the beginning of summer.

NO PERMIT REQUIRED:  Some common household repair jobs have been reclassified in the State of New Jersey and will no longer require a construction permit.  Examples include siding and roof replacement, replacement of indoor plumbing fixtures, and alarm system installation.  Reduced costs and time waiting for inspections are the upside, while the downside is less protection for consumers.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Pre-Stone Harbor Shiver Party, Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, 6PM, Friday, March 16
• Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Bear Plunge, register at Fred’s Tavern, 9:30AM, parade to beach followed by the plunge, 11AM-1PM, Saturday, March 17
• Creative Writing, tips & feedback on poetry, memoirs, short stories & articles, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, March 17
• Irish Music by Ceol Binn, Avalon Free Public Library, 1PM, Saturday, March 17
• Sea Isle City’s 28^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration, along Landis Avenue from 83^rd Street to 63^rd Street, 3:30 PM, Saturday, March 17
• Cape May County Zoo’s Tree-to-Tree Adventure Park, open weekends beginning Saturday, March 24
• Drop In Tech Workshop for Windows Computers & Android Smart Phones, Avalon Free Public Library, 10-11:30AM, Saturday, March 24
• Cape May County Zoo EggstravaganZoo, Easter bunny, educational displays, scavenger hunt, crafts, more, visit www.cmczoo.com for info, 10AM-2PM, Saturday, March 24
• Stone Harbor’s Easter Egg Hunt, 1-2PM, Saturday, March 24 (Rain Date is Sunday, March 25)
• Magic Show with Joe Fischer, Avalon Elementary School, 10-11AM, Friday, March 30
• Wetlands Institute Covered Dish Supper, guest speaker to share knowledge in the field of environmental science & biology, admission fee & covered dish to share, 6-8PM, Friday, March 30
• Turtle Fest, pancake breakfast, arts & crafts, search for turtle hatchlings, live animal presentations, www.wetlandsinstitute.org/events/turtle-fest   for info, 9AM-3PM, Wetlands Institute, Saturday, March 31
• Avalon’s Easter Egg Hunt, 8^th through 12^th Street ball fields, 10AM, Saturday, March 31
• Never Break the Chain, songs of Fleetwood Mac, Harbor Square Theater, 8:30 PM, Saturday, March 31
• Cape May Traditional Jazz Society Presents the Al Harrison Dixieland Band, VFW Post #386, 419 Congress Street, Cape May, proceeds benefit the ‘Food Bank of Southern Jersey,’ 2-4PM, Sunday, April 8
• Stone Harbor Job Fair, Coffee Talk at 299-97^th Street, 10AM-2PM, Saturday, April 14
• Avalon Dune Grass Planting & Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Sweep, Avalon Community Hall, 8:30AM, Saturday, April 21
• Cape May County Zoo Earth Day Celebration, 5K Earth Day Race & 1 Mile Fun Run, music, story time, inflatable obstacle course & slide, visit www.cmczoo.com for details, 8:30AM-4PM, Saturday April 21
• Ocean Drive Marathon,  www.odmarathon.org  for details, 9AM, Sunday, April 22
• Cape May Lighthouse Full Moon Climb, 609-884-5404 for info, 8PM-10PM, Sunday, April 29

Featured Property:

Move in ready—and a block-and-a-half to a beautiful Avalon beach!



3470 Dune Dr. Drive, Avalon, $899,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 179457


New Listings:

150 96th Street, Stone Harbor, $575,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180798

311 92nd Street, Stone Harbor, $995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180797

148 21st Street, Avalon, $1,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180793

2786 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,850,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180811

15 Seabass Lane, Avalon Manor, $1,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180782

254 6th Street, Avalon, $1,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180766

254 6th Street, Avalon, $3,250,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180764

197 77th Street, Avalon, $4,250,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180775


Properties Under Contract:

700 First Avenue, Avalon, $549,777, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180662

1114 Stone Harbor BLVD., Stone Harbor Manor, $599,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 178566

532 21st Street, Avalon, $699,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 179687

2019 Dune Drive, Avalon, $849,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180255

409 22nd Street, Avalon, $1,199,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 176996

203 118th Street, Stone Harbor, $3,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 176102


Properties Sold:

2125 Harbor Avenue, Avalon, $637,400, SOLD MLS#: 179482

235 20th Street, Avalon, $700,000, SOLD MLS#: 177651

304 78th Street - CB - West Unit, Avalon, $820,000, SOLD MLS#: 178450

276 90th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,635,000, SOLD MLS#: 179402

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