Enter to Win! Housecall’s Halloween Costume Contest

It's that time of year again! To celebrate Halloween we want to reward our loyal readers with the chance to win a $100 Visa gift card! Every day, over the next 11 days, you can enter to win.

Simply like us on Facebook and share a photo of yourself in your Halloween costume on the RISMedia or Housecall Facebook pages and you'll be entered to win! We’ll be posting about the contest every day through November 1, so you can post your photo right in the comments section of one of our posts! That's it! A winner will be chosen at random the day after the contest ends (on November 2).

Entries will be accepted from Monday, October 22, 2018 through Thursday, November 1, 2018. RIS Reader Rewards equal to one (1) $100 Visa gift card will be awarded to one (1) randomly selected participant entering on RISMedia’s or Housecall's Facebook page. To view Official Rules and our Privacy Policy/Terms & Conditions, click here.

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

4 Things NOT to Do When Putting Your Home on the Market

Editor's Note: This post was originally published on December 29, 2016. Housecall continues to share this piece due to ongoing requests and reader interest.

So you've decided to put your home on the market. Congratulations! Hopefully, you've brought a rockin' REALTOR® on board to help you list your spot, and together you've done your due diligence on what to ask for. As you start checking things off your to-do list, it's also important to pay mind of what not to do. Below are a handful of things to get you started.

Don't over-improve.
As you ready your home for sale, you may realize you will get a great return on your investment if you make a couple of changes. Updating the appliances or replacing that cracked cabinet in the bathroom are all great ideas. However, it's important not to over-improve, or make improvements that are hyper-specific to your tastes. For example, not everyone wants a pimped out finished basement equipped with a wet bar and lifted stage for their rock and roll buds to jam out on. (Okay, everyone should want that.) What if your buyers are family oriented and want a basement space for their kids to play in? That rock-and-roll room may look to them like a huge project to un-do. Make any needed fixes to your space, but don't go above and beyond—you may lose money doing so.

Don't over-decorate.
Over-decorating is just as bad as over-improving. You may love the look of lace and lavender, but your potential buyer may enter your home and cringe. When prepping for sale, neutralize your decorating scheme so it's more universally palatable.

Don't hang around.
Your agent calls to let you know they will be bringing buyers by this afternoon. Great! You rally your whole family, Fluffy the dog included, to be waiting at the door with fresh baked cookies and big smiles. Right? Wrong. Buyers want to imagine themselves in your space, not be confronted by you in your space. Trust, it's awkward for them to go about judging your home while you stand in the corner smiling like a maniac. Get out of the house, take the kids with you, and if you can't leave for whatever reason, at least go sit in the backyard. (On the other hand, if you're buying a home and not selling, then making it personal is the way to go, especially when writing your offer letter. Pull those heart strings!)

Don't take things personally.
Real estate is a business, but buying and selling homes is very, very emotional. However, when selling your homes, try your very best not to take things personally. When a buyer lowballs you or says they will need to replace your prized 1970s vintage shag carpet with something “more modern,” try not to raise your hackles.

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

Home Haunted? It’s Not Completely Off the Table for Buyers

It's that spooky time of year again, and while ghouls and ghosts are typically reserved for Halloween night, there's a segment of the population that has haunting experiences year-round. Is this a concern for homebuyers? According to realtor.com®'s new Haunted Real Estate Report, which surveyed 1,067 people across the U.S., haunted homes are not completely off the table, but there are added stipulations.

What's enough to make them forget about the property's sinister reputation? For a third of respondents, all of whom would take a chance on a haunted house, a price reduction (15 percent), or a larger kitchen or better neighborhood (9 percent), could be incentive enough. Meanwhile, 18 percent of surveyed individuals are brave souls, claiming the haunted nature of the home wouldn't impact their purchasing decision.

"In a competitive market, it's harder for prospective buyers to be extremely selective," says Danielle Hale, chief economist for realtor.com. "If a house is commensurately priced, or has desirable features, the fact that it may be haunted seems to matter less. This report shows that, for those looking for a good deal, a lower price, better neighborhood or larger kitchen can balance out a few spooky happenings."

Of course, there are homebuyers who want nothing to do with a haunted home. In fact, 49 percent of respondents said there's no price low enough or kitchen large enough to make the eerie purchase worth it. Of these respondents, baby boomers (61 percent) said they'd never buy a haunted home, compared to their millennial and Gen X counterparts (41 percent).

How many claim to have lived in a haunted house? As many as two in five people, according to the report. Of this group, 32 percent are male while 20 percent are female, and 39 percent are millennials. When is the haunting occurring? Forty-four percent of respondents suspected or were completely aware of the haunting before they moved in, hearing strange noises (54 percent), experiencing strange feelings in certain rooms (45 percent) or noticing erratic pet behavior (34 percent).

Of those selling a property with unexplainable phenomena, 34 percent would willingly reveal the information to the public, while 27 percent would only divulge it if asked. Meanwhile, 22 percent wouldn't say a thing, and 17 percent would give out some but not all details.

For more information, visit www.realtor.com.

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

5 Surprising Things You Can Negotiate Into Your Home Price When Selling

By Abigail Sawyer

When you're ready to list your home on the real estate market, you conduct a thorough inspection and fix any problem areas. You make your house look shiny and new by replacing broken items, upgrading light fixtures, floors, cabinets and window treatments, cleaning every inch and staging your home perfectly for your open houses.

But aside from listing the typical selling points like square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, landscaping features and proximity to excellent schools, you can also list extra features to potentially boost the price.

Here are five things around your home that you can leverage to increase its value:

Window Treatments

When you move into your new abode, you're not going to be taking your window treatments with you. But while you're in your current home, it's worth setting aside a few hundred dollars to replace the blinds, shutters and curtains. If you have older aluminum blinds or unattractive curtains, swap them with modern-looking roman or roller shades, or even faux wood shutters and blinds.

For a truly modern, convenient touch, install motorized shades that can be opened and closed with the touch of a button. When you're selling your home, you can include these updated window treatments in your price.

Appliances

Appliances can be tough to move, especially if they're built into your kitchen or laundry room. Instead of planning to take them with you, include them in the price of your home. A word of caution: Be sure the appliances match, are (relatively) new and look immaculate. If you're in a pricey neighborhood, buyers want move-in ready homes stocked with higher-end appliances. Spring for expensive brands, and you may be able to get more money for your home when you sell.

Furniture

Some buyers are looking for a truly turnkey home that's completely furnished, especially in fast-moving cities like Los Angeles and New York City. The furniture they see staged at your open house will help them achieve that, and they'll likely be willing to pay extra for it. By selling your furniture and decor with your house, you may be able to mark up your home listing by 30 percent.

Light Fixtures

Light fixtures are usually customized for a space, so it's better to leave them in your house. To successfully sell them with your home, go for modern fixtures that keep the space well lit. Avoid harsh fluorescent lights and choose LED bulbs instead, which can make a room look brighter while saving energy and heat at the same time. You can put in accent lighting to show off your home's focal points. Add vanity lighting to the bathrooms and install path lighting along your outdoor areas for more light.

Playsets

Many potential buyers have kids or plan on having kids, especially if they're first-time homebuyers. Even if your own kids have outgrown the swing sets and play areas, consider keeping them in the yard. They have the potential to increase the price of your home and make it a more attractive option for your buyers.

Before you put your house on the market, be sure to consider these five aspects of your home. You may be able to boost the sale price by looking at these different features and leveraging them to your benefit.

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

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update October 25th,2018 #RealEstate #NJ

SURFSIDE PARK CONSTRUCTION got underway in Avalon this past week.  The new park will be located at 30th Street & the boardwalk and will feature a stage and event area, a play area, restrooms, and a picnic pavilion.  Construction is expected to be finished prior to Memorial Day 2019.  SNJ Today news interviewed Business Administrator Scott Wahl about the park; watch the interview here:http://www.snjtoday.com/story/39337214/avalon-begins-construction-on-new-surfside-park?fbclid=IwAR1fHZexGiwouip0XqttMu1pyD79rGm34Cn5RcKPi1heUWfsvHgZ8OLNqZI HALLOWEEN FUN this weekend!  A variety of Halloween related activities are available on and around the Island this Saturday.  Stone Harbor’s Harvest Festival (11am-4pm) will feature trick-or-treating in local stores, as well as hayrides.  “Boo at the Zoo” runs from 10am to 2pm at the Cape May County Zoo and features a costume contest, kids’ activities, and of course, animals on display.  Saturday evening Avalon’s Trunk-or-Treat runs from 5pm to 7pm in the 28th Street parking lot.  In addition to treats, there will be pumpkin decorating, funnel cake, and caramel apples! Capturing the subtle colors of an October sunset…as the sun sank over the bay, the soft pink hue over the ocean reflected on the wet beach sand. DOZENS OF VOLUNTEERS helped last weekend with Beach Sweeps in Avalon & Stone Harbor, and dune grass planting in Avalon.  Thanks to all who helped clean and improve our beaches & dunes!  Avalon’s dunes are scheduled to receive an aerial fertilization this week. FALL FISHING remains hot!  Summertime catches of flounder, tuna, and mahi-mahi have given way to sea bass, tautog, and stripers.  Day boats are reporting strong catches of sea bass, with anglers hitting their daily limits.  Stripers are beginning to show up in local waters as they move southward.  Water temperatures are still in the sixties, and striper catches will likely improve further as cooler weather and water move in. SAVE THE DATE: THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!  The always-popular Thanksgiving Weekend is just four weeks away, and will once again feature a variety of family-oriented holiday activities.  Avalon will offer it’s Festive Friday & Snowfest Saturday, while Stone Harbor will host its Island Holiday celebration.  The weekend concludes with a huge Christmas parade in Stone Harbor Saturday night.  Put the weekend on your calendar—more details to follow! YOUR REFERRALS ARE APPRECIATED!  If you know a friend, coworker, or neighbor looking to buy, sell, or rent in Avalon or Stone Harbor, I’d appreciate you putting me in touch with them!  My business is built on referrals, and I strive to take excellent care of my clients.  Of course, if you are in need of real estate assistance, please call me! UPCOMING EVENTS: Drop-In Tech Workshop, help with questions regarding your computer, phone, iPad, software or an app, Avalon Free Public Library, 10-11:30AM, Saturday, October 27 Turn In of Expired or Unused Medication for Safe Disposal, Avalon Police Department, 10AM-2PM, Saturday, October 27 Boo at the Cape May County Zoo, games, inflatable obstacle course entertainment, animals, pirate ship, costume contest, 10AM-2PM, Saturday, October 27 Stone Harbor’s Kids’ Harvest Festival, trick or treating in the shops, hayrides, pumpkin decorating & more throughout the 96th Street Shopping District, 11AM-4PM, Saturday, October 27 Avalon’s Trunk or Treat, Avalon’s 30th Street Parking Lot & Community Hall, 5-7PM, Saturday, October 27 Trick or Treat Night, 5-8PM, Avalon & Stone Harbor, Wednesday, October 31 Ghoul Spring Village Event, Historic Cold Spring Village, 7-10PM, Friday & Saturday, November 2 & 3 Lecture & Slide Show on Lost Cape May County chronicling hotels, churches, train stations, etc. that no longer stand led by architectural historian Joan Berkey, Avalon History Center, 1-2PM, Saturday, November 3 Carry on The Songs of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Concert, Harbor Square Theater, doors open at 8:30PM, Saturday, November 3 Yoga at the Zoo, $20 suggested donation goes directly to the care and feeding of the animals, Cape May County Zoo, meet at the zoo entrance at 8:45AM, Saturday, November 10 Avalon Home & Land Owners Association Monthly Meeting featuring guest speaker Scott Wahl, Boro Business Administrator, Avalon Senior Center, 10-11:30AM, Saturday, November 10 Art Workshop: Decoupage Holiday Shells, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Free Public Library, 1-3PM, Saturday, November 10 Big Band Dance featuring Tony DeLuca, Avalon Community Hall, 7PM, Saturday, November 10 American Legion Post #331 Veterans’ Day Ceremony, Veterans Plaza in Avalon, 11AM, Sunday, November 11 Stone Harbor’s American Legion Veterans’ Day Ceremony, 11617-2nd Avenue, Noon, Sunday, November 11 Creative Writing, feedback on poetry, memories, short stories, articles & books, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, November 17 Featured Property: This 8-bedroom Victorian style oceanfront home offers magnificent ocean views in Cape May! 821 Beach Drive, Cape May, $2,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182420 New Listings: 9501 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $719,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184539 311 42nd Street, Avalon, $1,699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184632 5252 Dune Drive, Avalon, $1,750,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184561 2109 Harbor Avenue, Avalon, $1,850,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184599 211 118 Street, Stone Harbor, $1,899,500, ACTIVE MLS#: 184562 128 98th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,125,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184595 214 50th Street, Avalon, $2,600,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184605 83 E. 14th Street, Avalon, $4,199,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184544 606 42nd Street, Avalon, $6,750,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184623 Properties Under Contract: 8001 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $485,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 184148 700 First Avenue, Unit 406, Avalon, $599,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 184107 241 28th Street, Avalon, $899,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 184311 1113 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Stone Harbor Manor, $1,049,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 179601 455 21st Street, Avalon, $1,195,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 183383 231 119th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 184610 154 106th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,699,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 182528 260 105th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,888,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181868 53 E. 14th, Avalon, $2,599,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 184323 11713 Paradise Drive, Stone Harbor, $2,950,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 179742 Properties Sold: 177 80th Street, Avalon, $365,000, SOLD MLS#: 182260 234 21st Street, Unit 204, Avalon, $475,000, SOLD MLS#: 182902 351 96th Street, #408, Stone Harbor, $577,500, SOLD MLS#: 182506 6369 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $965,898, SOLD MLS#: 182365 211 65th Street, Avalon, $1,810,000, SOLD MLS#: 182643 215 122nd Street, Stone Harbor, $2,522,500, SOLD MLS#: 182191

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

2019 Best Places to Retire

Are you beginning your search for the retirement spot where you can truly lay back and relax? You'll want a place that feels like vacation, but can also sustain your lifestyle. It's a big step and there's a lot to consider. The biggest factors? A location's desirability, affordability, impact on happiness, job market, healthcare quality and taxes—all of which were taken into account in the new U.S. News & World Report 2019 Best Places to Retire.

"Deciding where to retire is a big decision," says Emily Brandon, senior editor for Retirement at U.S. News. "The Best Places to Retire offers a way for future retirees to make a more informed decision based on what matters the most to them. Whether that be housing affordability, access to quality hospitals or the desirability of a place in general, the rankings offer a comprehensive list that can point people in the best direction for their needs."

Which locations stand out? Here are the top 10 best places to retire:

1. Lancaster, Pa.

Overall score: 7.5

Housing Affordability: 6.7

Healthcare: 9.3

2. Fort Myers, Fla.

Overall score: 7.4

Housing Affordability: 6.8

Healthcare: 5.7

3. Sarasota, Fla.

Overall score: 7.4

Housing Affordability: 6.6

Healthcare: 6.2

4. Austin, Texas

Overall score: 7.2

Housing Affordability: 6.0

Healthcare: 5.6

5. Pittsburgh, Pa.

Overall score: 7.1

Housing Affordability: 7.5

Healthcare: 8.0

6. Grand Rapids, Mich.

Overall score: 7.1

Housing Affordability: 7.5

Healthcare: 7.1

7. Nashville, Tenn.

Overall score: 7.1

Housing Affordability: 7.1

Healthcare: 6.2

8. San Antonio, Texas

Overall score: 7.0

Housing Affordability: 7.0

Healthcare: 5.4

9. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Overall score: 7.0

Housing Affordability: 6.4

Healthcare: 6.4

10. Lakeland, Fla.

Overall score: 7.0

Housing Affordability: 7.5

Healthcare: 6.3

Since last year's rankings, Lancaster got bumped up from the No. 2 spot, now positioned as the most desirable location. Why? It's now more affordable and residents are pretty happy to live there. Fort Myers, previously lower on the list at No. 15, made strides, jumping to the runner-up spot for dramatic increases in desirability and happiness scores. Additionally, Austin, Texas—previously at No. 9—is now in the fourth slot.

Of course, each location has something unique to offer. You'll have to weigh whether you prefer a nice, relaxing beach spot or a populous town that has a lot going on! Which retirement getaway will you choose?

View the entire list and methodology on U.S. News & World Report.

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

Home Safety Reminders for Halloween

By Brentnie Daggett

Fall nights are in full swing and the harvest moon hangs low in the sky; there’s no doubt about it, Halloween is just around the corner!

Related: Don't Scare Buyers Away This Halloween

If you plan on passing out treats in your neck of the woods this year, be sure that you prep your home to ensure safety for tiny ghosts and goblins who will soon be knocking on your door. Even if you don’t plan to participate, these safety precautions can be useful to ensure the safety of any wayward child using your front yard to pass on to the next candy haul:

Clear Trafficable Areas of Debris

Addressing landscaping issues like wet leaves, small dislodged branches and tangled roots can easily get put on the backburner for a busy property owner, but on Halloween these issues pose larger problems than simply lacking curb appeal. Any debris can threaten to cause injury to a young child or accompanying adult who may be coming up to your door. Lessen the risk of a slip or fall by maintaining your entryway and its surrounding areas.

Remember, small children propelled by excessive amounts of sugar may find their way to your door by venturing across the lawn in search of candy. Address any potential hazards in your yard that could be problematic. For instance, fill any holes in your lawn to prevent injury, or mark them with a small flag to ward off twisted ankles or other injuries that could be sustained through haphazardly crossing that location.

Keep Outdoors Well-Lit

Dimly lit areas may seem spooky, but they can create real-life hazards and liabilities. If your entryway or the pathway to your door is dark, you may find trick-or-treaters unexpectedly injured due to poor visibility. Not only do you mitigate the risk of injuries when your property is well-lit at night, but criminal activity or simple teenage hijinks will likely be subdued when the culprits cannot count on being shrouded by darkness.

Keep Pets Indoors

It doesn’t matter how well-behaved Fiddo may be on a good day, Halloween can create anxiety for any pet. Strange masks and costumes, a plethora of visiting "trespassers", additional noise and overstimulating decorations can spell trouble for a stressed-out dog who feels threatened.

Prevent avoidable injuries and a traumatizing experience for your pet and prospective trick-or-treaters by simply keeping your animals away from the action. Remember, however, dog owners are not the only pet owners who should remain cautious this Halloween. Superstitious people can cause harm to animals they stumble across on Halloween night–this is a particular concern for cat owners. Overall, it's best to simply keep your animals inside on Halloween to ensure that everyone—including the furry members of your family—stays safe.

Be Attentive to Fire Safety

Nothing says Halloween like spooky decorations. As enticing as it may be to go overboard, keep fire safety at the forefront of your mind. Candelabras, jack-o’lanterns and other sources of open flames may set the mood, but can also set fire to your home if they're knocked over by a stray dinosaur tail or pirate sword. Opt instead for battery-operated lights—flameless lighting options (particularly the flickering ones) look just like a real candle, but keeps your front door safe from open flames.

Finally, remember to keep the exits and entrances to your home unobstructed. In October, what would have been a typical house fire can take a turn for the worse, if your fire escape route has been impeded by a haunted horseman replica and a dozen fake spiderwebs.

The perfect Halloween celebration involves dozens of smiles for neighborhood children. By implementing a few precautions before the spooky night arrives, you can ensure a safe and fun evening for everyone involved!

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

Hurricane Season: Avoiding Contractor Scams After Storms

Amid this year's historic hurricane season, and in the aftermath of two devastating storms, countless homeowners are on the path to rebuild.

For the communities in a hurricane's wake, there's a danger to be mindful of: contractor scams.

If a Contractor Knocks…

When disaster strikes, homeowners are often targets, having just bore the brunt of catastrophe and in need of quick repairs. One of the most common contractor cons is unsolicited—someone approaches your door under the guise of help, but asks for cash before completing any work, or to enter your home to "inspect" the premises. They could be looking to make off with your money, or burglarize the home later.

What can you do to ensure you're not victimized? Ask your REALTOR® for a recommendation, or family or friends. Generally, referrals can be trusted.

Avoid contractors who aren't licensed, advises the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). A license is required in many states, as well as insurance—ask for copies of each, and confirm them with authorities in your municipality.

Go local if possible, NARI recommends. Contractors in the area are likely to have legitimate local references, and can be assessed more easily than out-of-towners—and, they'll be aware of building codes and permitting requirements specific to your town.

When comparing estimates, carefully look over the proposals, and avoid immediately signing them. Do costs differ dramatically between professionals? Are any estimates "too good to be true"? Did the contractor pressure you on price? Be on the lookout for these "tells"—they could be an indicator of a scam.

When you decide on a hire, don't give them a check from your insurer—you could be forfeiting your rights, and/or losing the payout, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A credit card is safest.

If all else fails, do an online search. Are there complaints lodged against the person? Has the company been in legal trouble? Are they accredited with the BBB, or another credible organization? Be cautious, and do your homework!

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

Real Estate Rules in the Big City: Insights From the Seller’s Corner

By Frederick Peters, Warburg Realty

Today's New York City real estate market requires caution and care on the part of sellers. This is no time for ambitious, "it only takes one buyer" pricing. Many buyers who retreated to the sidelines in the past couple of years have returned to the market, knowing that their dollar will go further. And they're right—with inventory and days on market higher than they've been in many years, sellers and their agents need a strategy to get each property sold. Here are a few tips:

Forget aspirational pricing. If the last similar apartment sold six months ago for $1,400 per square foot, today's value is likely to be $1,300 or $1,325. Sellers have become accustomed to asking more than the last sale price, but those days are over. Now a serious seller must ask less.

Spruce the property up! The best prices these days go to those units which look great. They need at least a fresh coat of paint and, ideally, a lot of editing and some updated furnishings. Not every property can be in mint condition (though that's what most buyers want), but they can all look good. A tired paint job, stained carpeting and Grandma's furniture will almost guarantee a few price reductions after months on the market.

Don't aspire to multiple bids. If a seller chooses what she believes to be a low price in the hope of receiving multiple bids, she will almost certainly be disappointed. Almost every sale Warburg Realty completes these days comes as the result of a single offer. The expectation that multiple people will bid against each other for any property these days defies the realities of the marketplace. No matter how great Apartment A may be, there's usually an Apartment B (and often an Apartment C) with different benefits waiting in the wings. These days, buyers walk away from a property with an offer on it at least as frequently as they retain enough interest to bid. And the asking price (or close to it) scores a home run for sellers. Almost no one pays more than the asking price today.

Monthly costs matter. Since buyers have become cost-sensitive, they care a lot about the maintenance or common charges and taxes. New condominium buildings all have high monthlies because they're not tax-abated and usually provide a full suite of hotel-like services. Some iconic co-ops have always had a high maintenance and buyers usually know that going in.

The same is true for buildings with few apartments: Since the costs of running the building get divided between a small number of owners, they inevitably run high. But for less high-profile buildings, any outsized maintenance can add difficulty to the sale. These days maintenance between $1.75 and $2 per square foot seems to be the norm. Once an apartment exceeds those numbers, it will have a commensurate impact on the price of the unit.

Don't dawdle. These days, we urge every seller to respond to all offers; each one is precious. We agents have seen too many listings now asking less than the amount of an offer we brought them six months ago. The seller's agent can negotiate the best possible deal, but I would urge any seller who has an offer between 5 percent and 7 percent of the asking price (even if that price was just reduced) to take it.

While this is now a buyer's market, sellers can still manage a successful sale. It requires discipline about pricing, clean-up, staging and responsiveness. A property that fails to sell these days rarely suffers from poor marketing or inadequate agent attention. But many suffer from poor preparation, lack of adequate staging and overly optimistic pricing. All ducks must be in a row to bring about a sale at an appropriate price in a reasonable time period.

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

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update October 18th, 2018 #RealEstate #NJ

MARKET STATS:  September’s median sale price was $1,450,000, up 11% versus a year ago.  55 properties are currently under contract in Avalon & Stone Harbor, up from 36 a year ago.  See the latest Long & Foster Market Minute for a detailed update on the market:
View The Latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report   |   Download/Print PDF





BONFIRE ON THE BEACH:  Crisp weather made it feel like fall as dozens gathered on the 95^th Street beach last Saturday for a bonfire.  A crowd started forming around 5pm as beach chairs were set up, kids tossed balls in the sand, and friends socialized; as daylight gave way to darkness the orange glow of flames took over. 






Stone Harbor’s bonfire on the beach was a great way to celebrate the arrival of the fall season!

 
ONE PERCENT=TEN PERCENT: Did you know that a one-point increase in mortgage rates can reduce your purchasing power by roughly ten percent?  Consider this example provided by Mike Mento of Prosperity Mortgage, in which the thirty-year fixed interest rate is increased from today’s 4.75% level to a hypothetical 5.75% level:



At the higher interest rate means the same monthly payment supports a mortgage amount that’s $55,000 less, reducing buying power.  With mortgage rates widely expected to increase, if you’re thinking about making a purchase it may be wise to do so now in order to lock in your borrowing costs—and purchasing power—before rates rise.  Do you have mortgage financing questions?  Call Mike Mento at (609) 839-1203.

A LARGE STINGRAY was spotted at the edge of Avalon’s beach last week, stuck in very shallow water, and unable to make it back to deeper water on its own.  Thanks to the quick thinking of bystanders, and help from the Avalon Police Department, the stingray was helped back into deeper water so it could swim away on its own. 

ARIEL IN AVALON!  Krysten Green & Chris Rowe recently got married at ICONA Avalon—but it was a surprise for all in the room when Jodi Benson, the voice of “Ariel” in The Little Mermaid, made a special in-person appearance to sing at Chris & Krysten’s wedding.  Carlisle Videography captured it all right here:   https://www.facebook.com/carlislevideography/videos/252632335447948/


UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Tea & Memories of Avalon, Avalon History Center, 11AM-Noon, Thursday, October 18
• Apple Computers, iPads & iPhones, Drop In Tech Workshop, help with questions regarding your computer, iPad, software or an app, 5-7:30PM, Avalon Free Public Library, Thursday, October 18
• Avalon Dune Grass Planting & Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep, Avalon Community Hall, 8:30AM, Saturday, October 20 (Rain Date is Sunday, October 21)
• Stone Harbor Fall Beach Sweep, volunteers meet at the Stone Harbor Beach Patrol Parking Lot on 95^th Street, 9AM-12:30PM, Saturday, October 20
• Creative Writing Seminar, tips & feedback on poetry, memoirs, short stories, articles & books, call 609-967-7155 to register, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, October 20
• Pumpkin Fest & Share the Harvest Food Drive, Historic Cold Spring Village, 10AM-4PM, Saturday, October 20
• Ghostly Tales & Music, Avalon Free Public Library, 3:30-4:30PM, Saturday, October 20
• Turn In of Expired or Unused Medication for Safe Disposal, Avalon Police Department, 10AM-2PM, Saturday, October 27
• Boo at the Cape May County Zoo, games, inflatable obstacle course entertainment, animals, pirate ship, costume contest, 10AM-2PM, Saturday, October 27
• Stone Harbor’s Kids’ Harvest Festival, trick or treating in the shops, hayrides, pumpkin decorating & more throughout the 96^th Street Shopping District, 11AM-4PM, Saturday, October 27
• Avalon’s Trunk or Treat, Avalon’s 30^th Street Parking Lot & Community Hall, 5-7PM, Saturday, October 27
• Trick or Treat Night, 5-8PM, Avalon & Stone Harbor, Wednesday, October 31
• Ghoul Spring Village Event, Historic Cold Spring Village, 7-10PM, Friday & Saturday, November 2 & 3
• Lecture & Slide Show on Lost Cape May County chronicling hotels, churches, train stations, etc. that no longer stand led by architectural historian Joan Berkey, Avalon History Center, 1-2PM, Saturday, November 3
• Carry on The Songs of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Concert, Harbor Square Theater, doors open at 8:30PM, Saturday, November 3
• Avalon Home & Land Owners Association Monthly Meeting featuring guest speaker Scott Wahl, Boro Business Administrator, Avalon Senior Center, 10-11:30AM, Saturday, November 10
• Big Band Dance featuring Tony DeLuca, Avalon Community Hall, 7PM, Saturday, November 10
• American Legion Post #331 Veterans’ Day Ceremony, Veterans Plaza in Avalon, 11AM, Sunday, November 11
• Stone Harbor’s American Legion Veterans’ Day Ceremony, 11617-2^nd Avenue, Noon, Sunday, November 11

Featured Property:

Beautiful wrap around decks highlight this lovely north-Avalon home!



198 10th Street, Avalon, $2,145,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184189


New Listings:

153 83rd Street, Stone Harbor, $749,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184467

246 45th Street, Avalon, $1,550,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184415

178 32nd Street, Avalon, $1,675,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184505

23 West 12th Street, Avalon, $1,899,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184484

231 118th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,899,999, ACTIVE MLS#: 184521

167 34th Street, Avalon, $1,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184477

138 20th Street, Avalon, $2,300,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184506

244 13th Street, Avalon, $2,399,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184427

149 105th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184509

191 77th Street, Avalon, $3,645,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184496

7688 Dune Drive, Avalon, $3,849,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184416

43 Flamingo Drive, Avalon, $4,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184437

168 67th Street, Avalon, $7,250,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 184489


Properties Under Contract:

10009 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $729,900, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 184343

220 85th Street, Stone Harbor, $829,995, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 184116

256 34th Street, Avalon, $1,050,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 184257

425 99th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,395,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 184051

384 E. 40th Street, Avalon, $1,450,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 182794

222 104th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,795,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 183865

11501 Paradise Drive, Stone Harbor, $2,395,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 183301

282 70th Street, Avalon, $2,699,999, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 184281


Properties Sold:

7800 Dune Drive, Avalon, $287,000, SOLD MLS#: 178888

700 First Ave., Avalon, $595,000, SOLD MLS#: 181480

328 81st Street, Stone Harbor, $600,000, SOLD MLS#: 180222

54 E. 27th Street - Unit 1, Avalon, $672,000, SOLD MLS#: 183030

66 E. 20th, Unit 110, Avalon, $699,000, SOLD MLS#: 183654

700 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $735,000, SOLD MLS#: 183393

2109 Dune Drive - Unit 2 & 3, Avalon, $1,200,000, SOLD MLS#: 184440

121 27th Street, Avalon, $1,299,000, SOLD MLS#: 182477

4020 Dune Dr., Avalon, $2,195,000, SOLD MLS#: 183355

121 17th Street, Avalon, $2,370,000, SOLD MLS#: 182314

7429 Sunset Drive, Avalon, $2,475,000, SOLD MLS#: 180484

54 W. 34th Street, Avalon, $3,125,000, SOLD MLS#: 184012

4369 Dune Drive, Avalon, $3,800,000, SOLD MLS#: 183444

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