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National Association of Realtors

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Ready to Buy? Top Tips for Newbies in the Spring Housing Market


By Hannah Whittenly
The housing market in some areas may make your home search more difficult. Be aware of what the market looks like before you decide to go house-hunting. Here are some other tips if you're new to the housing market:

Be Prepared to Make an Offer

Get pre-approved for a loan before you start shopping for a home. This will let you know the types of homes you can realistically consider, as the last thing you want to do is find the perfect home and not be able to afford it. Having preapproval will also let you move faster when you do find the right home. In addition, the seller will be more willing to consider your offer if you already have financing secured. In a really hot market, the seller may have multiple offers on the table.

Look Into the Comps

Check out the comparable neighborhood sales or "comps" for the home you want to purchase, as this will tell you whether the price is at fair market value. You can adjust your offer accordingly with the value of the home. A drastically underpriced home may require extensive renovations, or there may be other problems you aren't aware of yet. Comps are the baseline for how houses should be priced; an underpriced or overpriced home can be a red flag.

Have a Backup Plan

There may be instances in which you make an offer on the perfect home and your offer is rejected. If you can't up your offer, it may be time to move on to another home. Keep an open mind when you're shopping and look at more than one house before you make your decision. This may be more of a problem when it's a seller's market versus a buyer's market. The time of year that you're looking to purchase can also play a major factor when you're in the market.

Consider Housing Alternatives

The traditional single-family home may not be the best solution for your first home, so it's important to consider alternatives such as a condo, which will allow you to save money as you're first starting out. A condo typically has a lower asking price, requiring a lower down payment. This can help you grow your equity and purchase a different home in the future. Another thing that you should consider is a home warranty, which can help cover any of the unexpected expenses associated with homeownership.
As a first-time buyer, you should also look into the various programs designed to assist those in your situation. In the end, consider all of your options when it comes to getting your foot in the door in the real estate market.




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

Friday, April 27, 2018

White And Grey Kitchens Dallas Style


White kitchens never seem to go out of style, but there's a fine line between white that's beautiful and white's that clinical. If you love white and grey, but don't want your kitchen to resemble a hospital room, try these tips from Dallas' top interior designers and kitchen planners.
Often called the New Chicago, Dallas is coming into its own as an interior design capital thanks to nationally recognized names such as Charlotte Comer, ASID RID.
"White and grey are eternal," said Comer. "You never get tired of the combination, but there are ways of using them that make the look successful."
Comer believes a monochromatic color palette works best if the client wants their interiors to stand the test of time, but monochromatic doesn't mean all the same hue. For this contemporary kitchen, Comer used Decorator's White and Ozark Shadows by Benjamin Moore (cut by 75%.) palest grey anchored by whispered natural hardwoods to achieve a pristine harmony. The waterfall island countertop in Bianca Quartzite by Aria Stone Gallery is the only pattern.



The picture window was greatly enlarged to bring the outdoors into the kitchen. "With white and grey, suggests Comer, "edited use of color becomes more important. So choose statement paintings, accessories and sculptures wisely. And a beautiful view can be all the vibrant color you need."



Kitchen planner Helene Terry accented the purity factor with hidden appliances and touch cabinetry. "The reason discerning clients love white is that it's clean," said Terry, "but white can be as challenging as any other color. That's why it's important that everyone on the team works well together, so we all know what we mean by BM Ozark Shadows 25%."



Terry worked with General Contractor Ronny Henderson on the contemporary kitchen pictured below which features bookmatched Crema Calacutta marble as the main focal point. The colors in the countertop, cabinetry and floors pick up the tranquil veins of sandy beige in the statement piece stone. "You want the whites and greys to appear curated because they are when you factor in everything else besides wall color," advises Terry.



A final way to do white and grey well is by pairing them with a little color, as this transitional Dallas high-rise kitchen demonstrates. Interior Designer Dona Rosene used this beachy palette of whites, driftwood and blue to remind her clients of their East Coast seaside home. She used Benjamin Moore's Cotton Balls on the ceiling, and used Sherwin Williams' Creamy on the molding to transition to Benjamin Moore's Beachglass. The color choices complement the sunny suburban Dallas skyline.


"White makes everything else pop," says Rosene. "In this home, the ceiling looks crisp against the light warm gray on the cabinets and the Beachglass on the walls. The effect is cheerful and calming, like a vacation by the sea."
Whites and greys have to be chosen in the home and the home has to have good light. "That way, you can see the undertones," advises Rosene. "Do the whites and greys go too pink, too yellow or too blue? The right tone makes a room appear warm while the wrong tone makes it feel cold and drab."


Remember what you want from white. Look for colors that are calming, clean as opposed to muddy, and use paint with a matte finish or soft eggshell finish to avoid hot spots and reduce glare.


Written by Blanche Evans

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

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update April 26th, 2018 #RealEstate


REAL ESTATE INSTEAD OF STOCKS…Worried about the volatility of your stock portfolio?  A recent USA Today article indicates real estate may be a better investment.  While real estate declined during the financial crisis and bear market a decade ago, it typically holds up better than stocks do, according to the article:  
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/2018/04/24/real-estate-best-investment-bear-market/530470002/



What a way to end a day!  Want to enjoy a view like this?  Call me and I’ll find you the perfect place to call your own!  Long & Foster’s Steve Humanick captured the photo.


THE TOWNSENDS INLET BRIDGE has reopened to vehicular traffic after being closed for three weeks of maintenance work.  Traffic is still limited to one alternating lane—but it’s quicker than going “the long way around” if you’re travelling from Avalon to Sea Isle City, or vice versa.  Work will continue for the next several weeks until normal traffic flow resumes in June; the remaining maintenance work will be completed in the fall.  Meanwhile maintenance work continues on the Great Channel Bridge linking Stone Harbor with North Wildwood.  An alternating traffic pattern is in effect there, too.

STILL DEEP!  Follow up surveying conducted after Stone Harbor’s 2016-2017 bay dredging project shows that the lagoons are still as deep as they were immediately after the project concluded.  According to a recent Stone Harbor Property Owners Association report, “localized changes in some lagoons appear to be the result of different methodology [used to measure depths] rather than any accumulation or erosion of sediment.”  That means boaters can expect to enjoy deep waters again this summer while cruising behind Stone Harbor.

“TWELVE ANCIENT HOUSES OF CAPE MAY COUNTY”  That’s the title of local author Joan Berkey’s presentation, scheduled for this Saturday, May 5th, at the Avalon History Center, from 1pm to 2pm.  The presentation will cover 12 houses in the county that were built before 1730 and still stand today! 

LIGHTHOUSE CLIMBERS…How about a full moon climb this Sunday?  It’s the first full moon climb of the season at the Cape May Lighthouse, 8pm to 10pm Sunday evening.  Viewing a full moon glimmering off the ocean from the 157-foot tall lighthouse is a memorable experience!  Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-12.  Visithttps://www.capemaymac.org/lighthouse-full-moon-climb for more.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
  • Avalon Garden Club Arbor Day Celebration, 37th & Dune Drive, 10:30AMFriday, April 27
  • Stone Harbor Elementary School Arbor Day Celebration, 1:30PMFriday, April 27
  • Cape May Lighthouse Full Moon Climb, 8-10PMSunday, April 29
  • 13th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit Brendan’s Fund, visit www.brendansfund.org for details, Stone Harbor Golf Club, 12 Noon tee time, 5PM for dinner, Friday, May 4
  • 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-5PMSaturday, May 5
  • Cinco De Mayo Benefit for Brendan’s Fund, visit www.brendansfund.org for details, The Taco Shop at 1288 Hornet Road, Rio Grande (Cape May County Airport), 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
  • Avalon Wine & Spirits Festival, Avalon Community Hall, 6:30-9PMFriday, May 11
  • Native Plant Sale, The Wetlands Institute, 9:30AM-4:30PMFriday-Sunday, May 11-13
  • Avalon Yard Sale sponsored by the Avalon Garden Club, map pickup at 8AM at Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, May 12
  • Stone Harbor Garden Club Bake Sale, 96th Street Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-2PMSaturday, May 12
  • Stone Harbor Garden Club Plant Sale, Stone Harbor Firehouse, 8AM-2PM on Saturday, May 12 & 8AM-Noon on Sunday, May 13
  • Avalon Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary Plant Sale, Avalon Fire House, 8AM-3PMSaturday, May 12
  • Avalon Fire Department Hoagie Sale, Avalon Fire House, 10AM-2PMSaturday, May 12
  • Big Band Dance featuring the Star Band, Avalon Community Hall, 7PMSaturday, May 12
  • Cape May Traditional Jazz Society Presents the Atlantic City Jazz Band, VFW Post #386, 419 Congress Street, Cape May, proceeds benefit the ‘Food Bank of Southern Jersey’, 2-4PMSunday, May 13
  • Avalon Garden Club Fashion Show, Avalon Yacht Club, Noon-4PMWednesday, May 16
  • Stone Harbor Garden Club Community Yard Sale, 96th Street Women’s Civic Club, 8AM-2PMSaturday, May 19
  • Spring Shorebird & Horseshoe Crab Festival, The Wetlands Institute, 9:30AM-4:30AMSaturday & Sunday, May 19 & 20

  
Featured Property:

This beautiful home is convenient to Avalon’s shopping district and beach!



2118 First Avenue, Avalon, $1,699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180364


New Listings:

700 First Ave., Avalon, $615,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181480

700 Ocean Drive F5, Avalon, $730,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181437

11001 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $1,500,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181469

643 Sunrise Drive, Avalon, $1,865,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181502

65 E. 28th Street, Avalon, $1,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181531

2405 Harbor Avenue, Avalon, $2,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181470

7749 Dune Drive, Avalon, $2,400,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181532

226 108th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181468

4656 Dune Drive, Avalon, $3,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181476



Properties Under Contract:

9923 Corinthian Drive, Stone Harbor, $779,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181084

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

130 26th Street, Avalon, $2,395,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181431

6998 Dune Drive, Avalon, $3,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 176222

166 Pelican Drive, Avalon, $3,950,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181123

174 S. Pelican Drive, Avalon, $8,390,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 179539



Properties Sold:

10912 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $375,000, SOLD MLS#: 179051

198 72nd Street, Avalon, $2,326,500, SOLD MLS#: 179375

102 119th Street, Stone Harbor, $8,600,000, SOLD MLS#: 174461











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

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

New Construction: Should You Go Builder Grade Or Upgrade?

Who hasn't walked through a model home and thought, "I'll take it! Even down to those fancy place settings on the dining room table!" That exclamation is typically followed by a sad-face realization that, A) The place settings are not for sale, and; B) All those fancy upgrades are going to cost you. A lot.

Models are typically fancied up by the builder and interior designer and outfitted with all kinds of bells and whistles including upgraded flooring, countertops and appliances, lighting, window coverings - you name it. The idea is to show buyers what their home could be. If they have an extra $100K or more to sink into it.

If that's not you, either because you want to stay within a certain budget or you're already stretching to buy a new home, you don't have to forgo upgrades altogether. In fact, buying a home with builder grade everything is not considered a great idea from a value standpoint.

"A surprisingly large amount of the money you spend on your new home will be determined by the options and choices you make - and those options are forever changing," said New Home Source. "For example, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, both considered pricey upgrades for years, are now standard in most new homes. However, going with the most common (or lowest) denominator is not always the best way to save—or spend - your dollars."



There's also the fact that, when you do go to upgrade later on, you'll have to deal with a number of issues. Here are five reasons to do some smart upgrades now.

The cost
Ultimately, how much you upgrade (or not) is dependent on cost. Finding out that a model home has $86,000 worth of upgrades, which far exceeds your budget, can be devastating. Breaking them down to individual items and comparing the cost to what you would spend down the road is a good first step.
It's also important to remember that your selected upgrades don't require you to write a check to the builder. They get rolled into your mortgage. Add $20,000 in upgrades to your $400,000 mortgage, and you're looking at about $80 a month.
Yes, you may be able to finance your new floors or countertops at Home Depot, and you may even be able to qualify for zero percent interest. But, those payments will be spread out over only 24 or 36 months, instead of 30. If you're worried about adding to your bottom line, an extra $300 per month could hurt.

The value
In considering your options and upgrades, weigh wants and needs against potential value. "When selecting builder upgrades for your new home, you need to be strategic," said Houzz. "You want to choose the upgrades that will save you hassle and money by doing them upfront."
Some upgrades provide instant value. "The idea that you have to wait years to see a return on your investment is false," said New Home Source. "A quality refrigerator and freezer can keep food fresh longer without drying out - and with the cost of food rising, this is a savings you'll notice immediately," certified kitchen designer Joyce Gardine Combs told them.
Hardwood flooring is a classic that "never seem to go out of style," said New Home Source, and kitchen cabinets are a great way to go. "Moving up from standard cabinets to semi-custom gives you way-better construction and longer-lasting finishes," said Houselogic. "You'll get a wide range of colors and styles to choose from, lots of storage options, and long-lasting details such as dovetailed drawer joinery and cool hardware".
Other upgraded appliances may provide additional value - a great dishwasher can use less water and provide other energy savings. Quartz countertops may not be provide much in the way of cost savings but they do represent the most popular material today, which is predicted for many years to come. If it's something you just can't live without, and you'll regret not doing it from day one, the extra cost may be worth it. But, keep in mind the reality of countertops when it comes to new construction. "Though the glitz of sparkling quartz or luscious marble countertops may be pretty compelling to go for now, if you can wait and get them later, you'll gain choice and may end up saving money," said Houzz. "Builders typically use only one supplier for natural stone or quartz counters and may offer limited options. And with the builder's premium, the cost can be quite a bit higher than if you sourced the material and labor yourself."

You don't have to worry about contractors
We've all heard the horror stories about contractors, but even if you find a good one, you're still going to have to contend with having people in your home and making sure they show up on time (or at all), work within the agreed-upon timeframe and budget, and do what they said they will do. There is freedom in knowing that everything is going to be as you expected on day one, and that you don't need to worry about what happens if the flooring guy is sick or doesn't show up for work.

No mess
Your contractor will say they're going to clean everything up and leave your home spotless. They may even mean it and make a valiant effort. But, let's face it. You're going to be cleaning up dust for a while. And that doesn't account for all the mess that is created day to day. If you're staying in the house while these renovations are being made, expect to be dirty. All the time.

No fuss

Speaking of which…How many times have you heard people say the worst decision that they ever made was living in their home during a renovation? The alternative—relocating for a few days or more to a hotel could get expensive, and staying with a friend or family member will get old, eventually. When you upgrade before you move in, you avoid all the fuss, moving in to a brand-new home that's ready for you right away.

Written by Jaymi Naciri

Monday, April 23, 2018

High-Resale Value Projects You Can Tackle In a Weekend


“There’s no place like home,” as the old saying goes. That’s especially true when it comes to an investment.
You live in and love your home, but there might come a time when you have to leave it. And when that time comes, you’ll want to get as much money as you can for your property so you can move onward — and upward.
In order to increase your abode’s value, you might think you have to put in a ton of time, effort and money, but that’s not entirely true. Instead, you can take on weekend projects over time to spruce the place up so when it’s time to sell, you have a completely updated property that’ll end up selling itself.
Ready to get to work? Roll up your sleeves and start on one of the following five weekend projects.
1. Repaint Your Kitchen Cabinets
When it comes to smart investment in your home, the kitchen is one of the best places to start. Buyers expect kitchens to be updated. Stone countertops, stainless appliances and sleek flooring all make a space feel modern. Obviously, these changes require a lot of money and, sometimes, a lot of time. That’s why you can tackle it in bits and start first with your cabinets.
Old wooden cabinets with equally dated hardware — think oak doors with shiny brass handles — don’t require a complete gut job. Instead, spend a weekend repainting them a more neutral hue. Finish the project off with new metallic knobs and pulls to complete the modernized look.
2. Make the Eye Go up With Crown Molding
Most homes have roughly the same ceiling heights, but there’s a little trick to make yours look bigger — crown molding. Yes, that white line at the top of your painted walls will draw eyes upward, making the room appear airier than it may very well be.
The project is easy enough to complete, too. You might not be able to install molding throughout your entire home over a single weekend, but you can certainly tackle the project on a room-by-room basis. Again, start with the spaces likely to draw in the most moolah:
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Living spaces
  • Master bedrooms
These tend to be the make-or-break rooms when it comes to a big purchase. Crown molding adds a bit of detail, a feeling of luxury that’ll certainly add to the bottom line.
3. Boost Curb Appeal — and Backyard Bonuses
No one will come in your home unless the first impression is stunning. Another DIY project should be a landscape overhaul of your front yard. It can be something as simple as adding a path of pavers to your front yard or sprucing up your flowerbeds with colorful blooms. All of this will catch the eye of potential buyers — and fatten up the bottom line of the offers they make.
Another easy fix — your garage door. If it’s street-facing, it’s another area for prospective buyers to look at, and it has a great return on investment.
You don’t have to stop with the front of your home. Especially if you live in a climate that permits lots of outdoor activity, you’ll want a backyard to match. Some may require you rent or buy tools for landscaping and other applications, but imagine the payoff with, for example, the beauty of a functioning fire pit in your backyard. Not only will you be able to enjoy it while you’re still living in your home, but potential buyers will easily be able to envision themselves sitting around a fire.
4. Beautify the Bathrooms
Bathrooms have a big effect on buyers. They expect clean, modern updates, just like in the kitchen. Overhauling your powder room is an easy weekend task that might require small swaps, such as a new modern light fixture over the vanity or a new vanity altogether.
Your full bathrooms will require a bit more attention if you want them to be up to snuff. Again, look in the familiar places:
  • Lighting fixtures
  • Cabinets
  • Hardware
  • Countertops
  • Tile
You don’t have to shell out a ton of money to have someone else re-tile a wall or backsplash in your bathroom, either, if you have the patience to demo and tile the space yourself.
5. Out With the Really Old
Some accents once considered fresh and fashionable now give your home a dated appearance. You probably already know what in your home screams 70s, 80s or 90s. Whatever it is should go in due course.
The list of outdated design elements is truly endless, but some of the biggest offenders are old-school wallpaper, the floor-to-ceiling wood paneling that may or not be actual wood, and, of course, popcorn ceilings. By removing these three offenders alone — a popcorn ceiling doesn’t take much effort — your home will snap right back into 2017.
Once people start envisioning themselves living in your home, you won’t have to envision offers pouring in — they’ll start coming thanks to your hard work. You go, weekend warrior.



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

Saturday, April 21, 2018

6 Tips for Planning a Bathroom Renovation This Spring


By Megan Wild
Some might say it's just a bathroom, but to you, it's a retreat. The only problem is that yours is not giving off the vibe you envision for this in-home getaway. In other words, it's time for a remodel.
It's certainly a big project to take on, but it's nothing you can't handle on your own. Here are six tips to make your renovation a bit simpler this spring:

Crunch the Numbers

Whether it's large or small, you should always make sure you have enough funds before embarking on any home renovation project. The average bathroom renovation costs about $10,000, although more costly remodels have price tags of more than $23,000. Make sure you can afford everything you envision before diving in.
You might also want to consider how much time you plan on spending in the house—most homeowners won't invest a ton of money into a dream bathroom if they plan on leaving. Still, you could justify the project if you think it'll make it easier to sell your property. Rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen will sway many potential buyers, so a remarkably outdated one might need that type of refresh before you leave.

Break Down the Budget

Once you choose to go ahead with your renovation plans and decide on an overall amount you can spend, you should sit down and figure out where each dollar will go. Most of the time, you can bet that labor will cost about a third of the budget. Unless you're planning a more superficial update—painting, updating hardware, swapping the shower curtain and more—you should pay an expert to handle the brunt of the hard work.
Then, you can figure out what you must include and what you can cut if money's tight. In most cases, you should eliminate luxurious extras if money's running low—you'll need new tile, but you won't need a steam shower. If you're going all out, you could include these extras, as well as foundational updates such as new plumbing, windows or even electrical rewiring.

Drum Up Design Inspiration

Over 50 percent of men and women take between 10 and 30 minutes to get ready in the morning. As such, you don't want to create a new bathroom that isn't perfect—you spend a lot of time in there.
So, log onto Pinterest or pick through a few design magazines until you find a handful of looks that spark your interest. You might not be able to incorporate all the over-the-top features, as mentioned above, but you can use designer spaces to help you choose colors, hardware, countertops, linens or anything you'll use to outfit your new bathroom.

Have a Back-Up Ready

Imagine your home only has one bathroom, and you're planning to knock it down and replace it entirely. Where will you go in the interim? It likely goes without saying, but you need to figure this out before you dive into your renovation project.
If you have another bathroom in the house, you're in luck. Otherwise, you might have to arrange with a neighbor to use their facilities when necessary or stay with a loved one for a few days while the water's off. You could even rent a Porta-Potty for a few days and place it in your backyard if it's inconvenient to leave your house. No matter what, have this plan in place before you're in desperate need of a bathroom and have nowhere to go.

Come Up With the Cash

It might go without saying, but you should also know the details of how you're going to cover the costs of your renovation and any additional expenses that might crop up in the process. You won't be able to work with a lender—and, therefore, you won't be able to sign for a loan—until you can provide a detailed explanation of why the project costs what it costs.
Of course, a loan isn't your only option when it comes to paying for your project. You might be able to take out a mortgage or even use the cash you've saved over the years. Either way, know what you'll need to pay for everything and use that to figure out where you'll get the money.

Stick to the Plan

Throughout the process, you'll want to check back in with your plan and budget. Make sure that your spending is in control and that you're sticking to the design you initially envisioned. Veering from either might cause the project to take longer or cost much more, both of which would make the remodel more of a stressor than it should be; however, if you take all the above precautionary steps, you can go from planning to completion as painlessly as possible. Even better, you'll end up with the bathroom of your dreams.
Your retreat is waiting.




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

Friday, April 20, 2018

Looking to Sell? Zillow Finds Most Profitable Home Amenities


Every homeowner has one question in mind before updating their house: Which upgrades will command top dollar when it's time to sell? The answer can be complicated, since each buyer offers a different perspective; however, there's one universal truth: Everyone likes bonus amenities.
Zillow recently analyzed the listing descriptions of nearly four million homes across the U.S. (sold between January 2016 and December 2017). By using keywords related to home features, Zillow determined which amenities most impacted home sale prices and time on market.
The findings? Specialty features like heated floors, steam showers and outdoor kitchens typically had a 30 percent effect (how much a home sells for above the expected value), and also sold in a shorter amount of time. Some add-ons were more prominent in certain states than others; however, there was one standout: Buyers in Los Angeles, Calif., generally pay premium prices for bonus features.
The top 10 amenities are:
  1. Steam Shower
Effect: 29 percent
Most Common Metro: Chicago, Ill.
  1. Professional Appliance
Effect: 29 percent
Most Common Metro: Los Angeles, Calif.
  1. Pizza Oven
Effect: 26 percent
Most Common Metro: Los Angeles, Calif.
  1. Pet Shower
Effect: 25 percent
Most Common Metro: Denver, Colo.
  1. Outdoor Kitchen
Effect: 25 percent
Most Common Metro: Dallas, Texas
  1. Entertainer or Prep Sink
Effect: 25 percent
Most Common Metro: Los Angeles, Calif.
  1. Shed or Garage Studio
Effect: 24 percent
Most Common Metro: Los Angeles, Calif.
  1. Heated Floors/Radiant Heat
Effect: 24 percent
Most Common Metro: New York, N.Y.
  1. Meditation Room
Effect: 24 percent
Most Common Metro: Los Angeles, Calif.
  1. Wine Fridge
Effect: 22 percent
Most Common Metro: Los Angeles, Calif.
The trick to successfully selling these amenities and getting over your asking price? Strategically marketing them through professional photos and listing descriptions, says Zillow.
"While everyone has different style preferences, when it's time to sell, being specific and strategic with your home's listing description can have a big financial payoff," said Jeremy Wacksman, Zillow's chief marketing officer, in a statement. "Homes with spa-inspired bathrooms, chef-like kitchen amenities and certain craftsman or farmhouse features are very popular among today's buyers. If you have these features in your home, try to highlight them in listing photos and descriptions as it may help catch a future buyer's eye."




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

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update April 19, 2018 #RealEstate


MARKET STATS: The number of units sold (26) and the number of contracts written (33) both increased this month, but remain below last year’s levels due to tighter inventory.  See the newest Long & Foster Market Minute for a detailed look at the latest stats:  http://marketminute.longandfoster.com/Market-Minute/NJ/Avalon-Stone-Harbor.pdf


See the latest Long & Foster Market Minute for a comprehensive look at the latest market stats.


BEACH SWEEPS will take place in Avalon and Stone Harbor on Saturday, April 21st.  Volunteers are needed!  In Stone Harbor, meet at the Beach Patrol building at 95th Street & the beach at 9am.  Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves and dress appropriately for the weather.   In Avalon, the event will be held in conjunction with the annual dune grass planting.  Volunteers are encouraged to sign up in advance by contacting Sue Keen at (609) 967-5924 or skeen@avalonboro.org.  The group will then meet at Community Hall at 30th Street & the beach at 8:30am. 

AVALON’S EXPANDED BIKE PATH:  Work began last week on Avalon’s expanded bike path.  Designed to route bike traffic around congested areas of Dune Drive, new bike lanes will be added to First Avenue and Avalon Avenue.

BOATERS…don’t forget you need a boat license to operate a vessel in New Jersey waters.  The US Coast Guard Auxiliary offers dozens of boat safety courses nearby, including Avalon, Wildwood, Cape May, Ocean City, and other locations.  To find one nearby, click here:  http://cgaux.org/boatinged/class_finder/index.php

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH made a brief visit to Atlantic City last week, according the The Press of Atlantic City.  Bush “43,” arrived on a private plane at 9:30am last Thursday in order to deliver a speech at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, and then left town around 12:30pm. 

RENTAL INCOME is a great way to offset the cost of purchasing a vacation home.  You can rent out your vacation home two weeks tax free, or rent as many weeks as you like to cover more of your carrying costs.  How about a $269,000 condo with $15,000 in rental income?  Or perhaps a $1.8 million home with $90,000 in income?  In either scenario, your tenants cover A LOT of the cost of your ownership.  Whatever your budget, let me show you what kind of rental income we can generate for you!

UPCOMING EVENTS:
  • AAZK Night Walk at the Cape May County Zoo, after hours tour, tickets required & are available prior to the event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/night-walk-at-the-zoo-tickets-44733169113?aff=es2 Friday, April 20
  • Tree to Tree Night Climb, aerial obstacle course, Cape May County Zoo, visit http://treetotreecapemay.com for info, Friday, April 20
  • Avalon Dune Grass Planting & Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Sweep, Volunteers Needed, Avalon Community Hall, 8:30AMSaturday, April 21
  • Stone Harbor Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Sweep, Volunteers Needed, 95th Street Beach, 9AMSaturday, April 21
  • Cape May County Zoo’s 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-4PMSaturday 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, 9AMSunday, April 22
  • Avalon Garden Club Arbor Day Celebration, 37th & Dune Drive, 10:30AMFriday, April 27
  • Stone Harbor Elementary School Arbor Day Celebration, 1:30PMFriday, April 27
  • 13th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit Brendan’s Fund, visit www.brendansfund.org for details, Stone Harbor Golf Club, 12 Noon tee time, 5PM for dinner, Friday, May 4
  • 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-5PMSaturday, May 5
  • Cinco De Mayo Benefit for Brendan’s Fund, visit www.brendansfund.org for details, The Taco Shop at 1288 Hornet Road, Rio Grande (Cape May County Airport), 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
  • Avalon Wine & Spirits Festival, Avalon Community Hall, 6:30-9PMFriday, May 11
  • Avalon Yard Sale sponsored by the Avalon Garden Club, map pickup at 8AM at Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, May 12
  • Stone Harbor Garden Club Bake Sale, 96th Street Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-2PMSaturday, May 12
  • Stone Harbor Garden Club Plant Sale, Stone Harbor Firehouse, 8AM-2PM on Saturday, May 12 & 8AM-Noon on Sunday, May 13
  • Avalon Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary Plant Sale, Avalon Fire House, 8AM-3PMSaturday, May 12
  • Avalon Fire Department Hoagie Sale, Avalon Fire House, 10AM-2PMSaturday, May 12
  • Big Band Dance featuring the Star Band, Avalon Community Hall, 7PMSaturday, May 12
  • Cape May Traditional Jazz Society Presents the Atlantic City Jazz Band, VFW Post #386, 419 Congress Street, Cape May, proceeds benefit the ‘Food Bank of Southern Jersey’, 2-4PMSunday, May 13

Featured Property:

Breathtaking views and a quick walk across the bridge into Stone Harbor!



1123 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Stone Harbor Manor, $1,200,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180049


New Listings:

280 27th Street, Avalon, $599,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181335

543 22nd Street, Avalon, $624,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 181356

48 Seabreeze Lane, Avalon Manor, $825,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181308

301 39th Street, Avalon, $1,445,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181406

6080 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,475,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181342

69 Pelican Drive, Avalon, $2,799,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181320

606 42nd Street, Avalon, $6,750,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181368


Properties Under Contract:

151 95th St., Unit 5, Stone Harbor, $450,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180212

1114 Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor Manor, $499,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 171783

144 Meadowview Lane, Avalon Manor, $599,900, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180433

263 80th Street, Avalon, $675,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181318

138 111th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,795,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181138

9 98th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,775,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 177558

222 70th Street, Avalon, $2,895,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 178267

10546 Corinthian Place, Stone Harbor, $3,195,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180231

288 63rd Street, Avalon, $3,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 179622



Properties Sold:

1114 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Stone Harbor Manor, $572,500, SOLD MLS#: 178566

904 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $780,000, SOLD MLS#: 175719

910 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Stone Harbor Manor, $830,000, SOLD MLS#: 177891

211 102nd Street, Stone Harbor, $1,650,000, SOLD MLS#: 180175

9 W. 22nd Street, Avalon, $1,927,000, SOLD MLS#: 180695

2405 Harbor Avenue, Avalon, $2,000,000, SOLD MLS#: 180498

302 42nd Street, Avalon, $2,100,000, SOLD MLS#: 179039

4506 Fifth Avenue, Avalon, $2,950,000, SOLD MLS#: 181324










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