AddThis

Keeping Current Matters

National Association of Realtors

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update January 31st, 2019 #RealEstate #NJ



Last January a long stretch of frigid weather caused the bay to freeze over behind Avalon & Stone Harbor. After lows in the teens midweek, temperatures will slowly increase again this weekend, and will hit the forties again early next week.


$42,000 FLOOD INSURANCE SAVINGS:  The Borough of Avalon will save more than $42,000 in flood insurance premiums after conducting a self-initiated internal audit of flood coverage for its facilities.   After evaluating borough facilities, including property values, contents, and the need for flood coverage, the borough was able to reduce its flood premiums by $42,772.  Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi said, “I appreciate the months-long effort by our professionals to verify and update all information regarding our critical infrastructure in order to make necessary adjustments in our flood insurance policies that result in insured facilities at the best price possible.”

SEA ISLE BOULEVARD IS OPEN to traffic after a lengthy construction project raised the causeway several feet, making the roadway more resistant to flooding.  Resurfacing and striping of the road occurred earlier this month, and a final layer of asphalt will be laid before summer.  The $12.7 million project raised the roadway four to five feet, placing it above the 100-year floodplain.

ROMANCE ON THE RAILS:  Cape May Seashore Lines will run Valentine’s Express trains on Friday, February 8th (6pm & 8pm) and Saturday, February 9th (4pm & 6pm).  The 60-plus minute round trip ride will depart from the CMSL station in Richland, and include hot and cold hors d’oeuvres in the CafĂ©, Lounge, and Observation cars.  Seating in those cars is for adults age 21 and over, as it’s a BYOB event.  Regular Coach seating is available too, without the Valentine’s Express amenities.  Visit www.CapeMaySeashoreLines.org for more information and tickets.  

AVOID FROZEN PIPES!  With periodic blasts of cold air now rolling through the area during the heart of winter, make sure your house is prepared!  Outside water lines should be shut off and winterized, and crawl space vents should be closed to prevent icy winds from freezing pipes inside.  If your interior water system is not shut off and drained, maintain an interior temperature of 55 degrees to keep pipes warm.  Opening cabinet doors beneath sinks helps heated air reach pipes.  In extreme conditions, allowing the faucet to drip, or trickle slowly, helps prevent pipes from freezing, especially if they’re located in outside walls.   Contact your plumber for additional advice or unusual situations.  Need a plumber?  Call or email me for a recommendation!

SUPER BASH XVI!  “Friend in Need” was founded in 2003 by a group of Avalon residents to support a member of the community in need of help; this year Friend in Need hosts its sixteenth annual Super Bash at The Princeton in Avalon during the Super Bowl.  Enjoy food, drinks, and the big game while raising money for charity!  For info and tickets click here:  https://www.princetonbar.com/events-at-the-princeton/super-bash-xvi-charity-fundraiser-princeton

WARM UP WITH SOME GOOD READING!  Dreaming of warm sunshine and gentle ocean breezes?  Summer will be here before you know it!  Check out our 2019 Rental Guide and make your vacation plans now!  Click here to view it:  https://www.flipsnack.com/franzeographics/long-and-foster-avalon-stone-harbor-rental-brochure-fd1kyp3nr.html

UPCOMING EVENTS:
  • Fire Pit Friday at the Willow Creek Farm & Winery, music, full wine & tapas menu, 609-770-8782 for info & reserved seating, 5:30-9PM, Friday, February 1
  • Presentation by historian Jerry McNeff, “John & Abigail Adams, The 1st American Power Couple,” Avalon Free Public Library, 1-2PM, Saturday, February 2
  • Friend in Need Super Bowl Bash, silent auction, raffle, big screen TV’s, food, beverages, The Princeton, beginning at 4:30PM, Sunday, February 3
  • Avalon Home and Land Owners Association meeting featuring a guest speaker from Cape Express, Avalon’s Senior Center, 10AM, Saturday, February 9
  • Genealogy & Ancestry with Casey Zahn, learn about your family history & tracing your roots, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Free Public Library, 2-4PM, Saturday, February 9
  • ‘Wine & Chocolate’ Wine Trail Weekend at Hawk Haven Vineyard, Saturday, February 9
  • Sea Isle City Polar Bear Weekend, festivities all weekend with the plunge on Saturday, February 16 at 2PM, Friday-Sunday, February 15-17
  • Avalon Beach Party, bring the kids for an indoor beach party including the limbo, music, crafts and a game, Avalon Free Public Library, 10-11AM, Saturday, February 16
  • Creative Writing Seminar, tips & feedback on poetry, stories, books, etc. register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, February 16
  • Beck’s Philadelphia Brigade Band, music from an authentic Civil War era brass band performed in dress uniform to commemorate Presidents’ Day, Avalon Free Public Library, 2-3PM, Saturday, February 16
  • Uncorked Comedy at Willow Creek Farm & Winery, 3 course wine paired dinner & comedy show, 6-10PM, Saturday, February 16
  • Third Saturday Comedy with Headliner Tim Krompier & featuring Bob Marsdale, Harbor Square Theater in Stone Harbor, 9PM, Saturday, February16
  • Pick a Language to Learn with Cathy Zane using numerous offerings in Rosetta Stone or Mago, Avalon Free Public Library, 10-11:30AM, Saturday, February, 23
  • Windows Computers & Android Smart Phone Drop In-Tech Workshop,  help with your computer, phone, software or an app, Avalon Free Public Library, 11:30AM-1PM, Saturday, February 23
  • The Storm of ’62 Slide Show depicting the storm & its impact, Avalon History Center at 215-39th Street, 1-2PM, Saturday, March 2
  • Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge Pre-Shiver party, The Reeds, 6-9PM, Friday, March 15
  • Kegs & Eggs Pre-Shiver Celebration, Fred’s Tavern, 10AM, Saturday, March 16
  • Parade to the 96th Street beach from behind Fred’s Tavern, Noon, Saturday, March 16
  • Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge, 96th Street Beach, following the parade from Fred’s Tavern which begins at Noon, Saturday, March 16

Featured Property:

This oceanfront retreat offers 110 feet along the ocean, with stunning views to match!



95 E. 11th Street, Avalon, $4,900,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 180142


New Listings:
    
285 102nd Street - A, Stone Harbor, $449,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185774

695 21st Street, Avalon, $539,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185813

8001 Second Avenue #112, Stone Harbor, $550,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185763

286 13th Street #286, Avalon, $629,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185844

1114 Stone Harbor Blvd. #113, Stone Harbor Manor, $649,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185858

553 21st Street, Avalon, $1,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185866

883 21st Street #883, Avalon, $2,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185755

893 21st Street #893, Avalon, $2,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185760

221 56th St., Avalon, $3,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185816

10315 Sunrise Drive, Stone Harbor, $3,850,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185839

51 Pelican Drive, Avalon, $5,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185790

2 111th Street, Stone Harbor, $7,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185828


Properties Under Contract:

305 109th Street, Stone Harbor, $835,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180598

527 22nd Street, Avalon, $1,249,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 185043

141 30th Street, Avalon, $1,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 184930

6919 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,399,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180846

12010 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,199,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181696

4345 Fourth Avenue, Avalon, $3,999,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 185327



Properties Sold:

505 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $567,000, SOLD MLS#: 183810

366 40th Street, Avalon, $725,000, SOLD MLS#: 184038

231 118th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,700,000, SOLD MLS#: 184521

5748 Dune Drive, Avalon, $2,475,000, SOLD MLS#: 182705

26 E. 25th Street, Avalon, $3,012,500, SOLD MLS#: 180532










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

Monday, January 28, 2019

Top Home Decor Trends for Winter 2019


By Nicole Andrews
Winter is not just the season that ends the year; it's also the season that makes the transition into a new one! We all feel the winds of change from the moment the first leaves start falling and the urge to redecorate and bring new life into the house pokes its head out.
Since redecorating can be expensive and time-consuming, here are a few guidelines to help you get it right the first time:

The Best Materials for Winter

When you think about the cold weather, you need a warm atmosphere inside to balance things out. What's warmer than natural wood combined with fluffy blankets and other elements? Natural wood is a favorite and has been making a powerful comeback this winter. This material is gorgeous and brings a sense of warmth no other materials can! You can use it for coffee tables, chairs, cabinetry, floors, and more. The beauty of this material stands in the fact that you can use it for all sorts of things, from furniture to accessories.
To increase the level of warmth in your home, specialists recommend oversized, chunky knitted patterns. They look good in any setting and make the room seem a bit more comfortable. Of course, they're also perfect to snuggle under and enjoy a good book and a cup of hot tea!
Copper, silver tones, glass and steel also work great with the materials mentioned above. They can be used to highlight the beauty of the wood or as accessories. Regardless, it's recommended to use them in limited amounts, at least during the winter.

Shapes, Textures and Colors

Winter is often a time to stay inside more and provides an excuse to make the inside feel more comfortable and inviting. To do so, specialists recommend creating spaces that challenge the eye and keep the spirit entertained:
Let's start with the kitchen! This is a place of creativity and innovation and the room that gathers the family together, so to avoid getting bored and losing any interest in chasing new ideas, use a combination of textures and colors.
For instance, a wood chopping board integrated into a quartz surface would do the trick. If you move your hand over the surface, it’s easy to feel the abrupt passage from slick to rugged as the quartz ends and the wood begins. When it comes to color, it’s best to keep the eye entertained with combinations of dark and light, with small transitions in between.
In the bedroom, utilize shapes and bright colors. Everything from lines to blocks to other geometric shapes goes, and they all pop together when each comes in a different bright color.
The living room is a place of reflection and productive discussions, so why not try a huge floral print on one of the walls? If this seems too bold, use navy blue as the go-to color for this winter—it's easy on the eyes and induces a state of calm and reflection.
Quick Note: Another color that's been working extremely well this winter is gold. You can use it as an accessory, as a highlight in combination with other colors or as the dominant color. It may be a bit too much to make gold the main color in your living room, but it's a bold statement and brings in a lot of warmth.

Comfy Furniture

You know those large couches with huge fluffy pillows that your grandmother used to own? Well, they're back! Of course, the design is adapted to modern times, but the idea of comfort oozes from every stitch.
The materials used for furniture must be nice to touch and should suggest the idea of fluffiness. Also, utilize rounded shapes, cylinder legs and natural fibers (cotton, bamboo, wool, and so on).

Styles to Follow

If you don't have the time or budget to make your own style, it may be easier to follow one of the styles making a comeback this winter:
Shabby Chic 
For the romantics at heart, shabby chic can be a travel back in time, when things were simpler and life had more flavor. This is one of the best styles to work with during the winter because it reminds us of family and joy. It also warms the heart with soft colors (pink, turquoise, white, light green and maybe beige) and nice flowery decorations.
Scandinavian  
Scandinavian design promotes a life of simplicity and openness. The combination of white colors and wood furniture sends the mind thinking about the heavy winters up north, where people get warm wearing woolly cardigans and sit around the fireplace, drinking hot cocoa and telling fun stories.
The style translates to spheres and straight lines while maintaining as much open space as possible. So, if you love to see the beauty in things without any ornate features, this is the style for you!
Quick Note: If you're not comfortable with the openness of this style, you should try New Nordic. This is a derivative of the Scandinavian look and features darker colors with several layers, creating the idea of hibernation.     
Industrial  
With a more rugged approach and a focus on steel and iron, this may be a bit too cold for wintry months; however, if you add wooden furniture or highlights and include some boldly-colored rugs and upholstery, it might just work.
Industrial decor works better in rooms with exposed brick walls because the combination creates a professional and comfortable environment.
Luxe Revival  
If the first thing that pops to mind is a gorgeous living room from a high-end interior design magazine, you got it wrong! This style is focused on texture and fabrics that combine in a perfectly luxurious manner. True, the materials used are luxurious (brass, velvet or marble), but the entire style takes more of an art deco approach.
To make this look, you'll need dusty rose colors, elegant chairs and a properly stocked bar cart. Keep in mind, this is definitely not a style to promote simplicity, but it's perfect for when you want to have your friends over for drinks.
Now that you have a few guidelines on how to make your winter less boring and cold, you should consider which of the styles mentioned above best suits your needs. Overall, each of them creates warmth in a unique and fashionable manner.

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

Saturday, January 26, 2019

CES 2019: Smart Home Trends to Look for This Year


Smart home devices were king at this month’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. From Google Assistant and smart kitchen displays to smart toilets and voice lighted bathroom mirrors, there was plenty for the more than 180,000 CES attendees to ogle at.
Here are some of the top smart home products to look for in 2019:
Lenovo Smart Clock  $80

Photo: PC Magazine
At less than $100, the main draw of this smart display is that it’s one of the least expensive on the market. However, like many of its larger and more expensive counterparts, the Lenova Smart Clock features Google Assistant integration. This clock allows users to set alarms, play music and control other smart home devices without ever having to leave your bed.
KitchenAid Smart Display  $200-300 (projected)

Photo: PC Magazine
There was no shortage of smart home kitchen products this year at CES, but one that really stuck out was KitchenAid’s Smart Display. The product features Google Assistant, as well as Yummly Pro, a new premium service from the Yummly app which offers users step-by-step cooking tutorials from well-known chefs. And the display is durable; it received an IPX-5 water resistance rating, which essentially means that you can safely clean it off under running water.
C by GE Lighting products  varies ($24.99 for a 2-pack of A19 bulbs)

Photo: CNET
It appears that Philips Hue finally has some competition. With an expansive product lineup—three smart bulbs, five smart light switches, a smart power outlet (for lamps) and a smart motion detector—C by GE Lighting offers competitive pricing on many equivalent products offered by Philips. Additionally, the GE kit is compatible with the three major smart home voice assistants, Alexa, Siri and—you guessed it—Google Assistant.
Google Assistant Interpreter mode

Photo: CNET
If smart home products were king at CES this year, Google was king of smart home products. And the company introduced another Google Assistant feature at this month’s event: Interpreter mode. Currently being tested in hotels around the world at concierge desks, the feature allows for any Google Smart Display to act as a translation tool allowing two individuals who don’t speak the same language to have a conversation. Both showing the conversation on the screen and speaking it in real time, Interpreter mode currently features 27 different languages.
Smart tech has made great strides in the past few years and, in 2018, smart speaker sales boomed. One thing’s for sure: 2019 will see many exciting smart products brought to the market.


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

Friday, January 25, 2019

Cost vs. Value: The Home Improvement Projects With the Highest ROI in 2019


Remodelers across the country took a hit last summer as the cost of building materials spiked dramatically, and the picture for 2019 isn't much rosier. The percentage of return on investment (ROI) is projected to trend downward for all the replacement projects listed in Remodeling magazine's newly-released Cost vs. Value Report.
Larger indoor remodel projects took a hit as well, but weren't impacted as greatly as replacement projects as they rely more on labor costs rather than material costs.
"With the increasing costs of building materials and labor, we urge remodelers to think like real estate professionals first,” says Clayton DeKorne, editor-in-chief of Remodeling magazine. "When you adjust your focus to think like a broker first, you can dull clients’ No. 1 pain point—cost—with a discussion of the amount that can be recouped."
Nationally, here are the five projects with the greatest ROI in the report's mid-range cost category:
Manufactured Stone Veneer (94.9% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $8,907
  • Average Resale Value: $8,449
Minor Kitchen Remodel (80.5% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $22,507
  • Average Resale Value: $18,123
Deck Addition (Wood) (75.6% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $13,333
  • Average Resale Value: $10,083
Siding Replacement (75.6% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $16,036
  • Average Resale Value: $12,119
Entry Door Replacement (Steel) (74.9% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $1,826
  • Average Resale Value: $1,368
And the five projects with the greatest ROI in the report's upscale cost category are:
Garage Door Replacement (97.5% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $3,611
  • Average Resale Value: $3,520
Window Replacement (Vinyl) (73.4% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $16,802
  • Average Resale Value: $12,332
Grand Entrance (Fiberglass) (71.9% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $8,994
  • Average Resale Value: $6,469
Window Replacement (Wood) (70.8% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $20,526
  • Average Resale Value: $14,530
Bathroom Remodel (60.2% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $64,743
  • Average Resale Value: $38,952
Nationally—and on the other end of the spectrum—here are the five projects with the lowest ROI in the mid-range cost category:
Backyard Patio (55.2% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $56,906
  • Average Resale Value: $31,430
Master Suite Addition (59.4% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $130,986
  • Average Resale Value: $77,785
Bathroom Addition (60.6% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $47,427
  • Average Resale Value: $28,726
Roofing Replacement (Metal) (60.9% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $38,600
  • Average Resale Value: $23,526
Major Kitchen Remodel (62.1% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $66,196
  • Average Resale Value: $41,133
And the five projects with the lowest ROI in the upscale cost category are:
Master Suite Addition (50.4% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $271,470
  • Average Resale Value: $136,820
Bathroom Addition (58.1% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $87,704
  • Average Resale Value: $51,000
Major Kitchen Remodel (59.7% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $131,510
  • Average Resale Value: $78,524
Bathroom Remodel (60.2% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $64,743
  • Average Resale Value: $38,952
Window Replacement (Wood) (70.8% ROI)
  • Average Cost: $20,526
  • Average Resale Value: $14,530
The 2019 Cost vs. Value Report surveyed more than 3,200 real estate professionals about returns for 22 popular renovation projects in 136 different U.S. housing markets—up from 100 markets last year. View the full report, including project descriptions and city-level data, here.






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

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update January 24th, 2019 #RealEstate #NJ


Cape May County had a beautiful view of the total lunar eclipse that occurred overnight January 20th & 21st!


LUNAR ECLIPSE!  The total lunar eclipse that occurred Sunday night into early Monday morning was easily visible from Cape May County, and provided enjoyable sky watching despite frigid temperatures.  Skies were clear Sunday evening, and for those willing to bundle up against overnight lows in the teens—and gusty winds that dropped wind chills to zero—the moon put on a show that lasted several hours from start to finish. The “Super Blood Wolf Moon” is so-named due to several factors: it’s a “supermoon,” because the moon is at its closest point to earth, and thus appears larger and brighter than usual; it’s a “blood” moon due to the red glow it takes on during the actual eclipse, thanks to refracted sunlight, similar to the red light we see during a sunrise or sunset; and a full moon in January is a “wolf” moon, said to be named by Native Americans, since wolves howl in hunger during the full moon in January.  Other total or partial eclipses will be visible from various parts of the world over the next couple of years, but North America will not see another total eclipse until May 2021, followed by another in May 2022.

MARKET STATS:  25 units were sold during the month of December, while the median sale price increased to $1,595,000, as the number of active listings fell to 214.   For a detailed look at December’s market stats, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute:



View The Latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report  |  Download/Print PDF

FACTORS STILL DRIVING THE MARKET include strong demand for properties and low interest rates.   Buyer demand continues, with 2018 seeing 412 sales in the local market, virtually matching 2017’s figure of 424.  Interest rates, which despite recent fluctuations are still low by historical standards, make mortgages affordable.  Strong rentals in recent years means rental income helps to pay your mortgage, too!

ICE FORMED on portions of the back bays after several days of cold temperatures were followed by a blast of frigid air, along with lows in the teens and highs in the twenties.  The ice that formed was only a thin layer in shallow areas, and not enough to threaten pilings or docks.  A warm up in the latter part of this week is expected to melt any remaining ice.

NO SMOKING ON BEACHES:  A new law went into effect last week banning smoking on New Jersey beaches.  The legislation was signed by Governor Phil Murphy last summer and applies to all public beaches in the state, although there is a provision in the law allowing municipalities to carve out designated smoking areas if they choose.

TAKE A PLUNGE:  Up for a pre-season plunge into the chilly ocean water?  Mark your calendar for three chances to do it!  The first is Sea Isle City’s Polar Bear Plunge on February 16th.  Next up are the Stone Harbor Shiver and the Cape May St. Paddy’s Day Plunge, with both taking place on Saturday, March 16th.   Don’t worry, the ocean water temperature is currently a refreshing 42 degrees!

TAKE A PLUNGE OF A DIFFERENT SORT!  Why not make 2019 your year and finally purchase your very own vacation home at the shore?  With attractive interest rates, and rental income to help pay the mortgage, you may be surprised at how affordable it is!  Let’s take a look at the numbers together and see if it works for you!

SLACK TIDE BREWING COMPANY is collecting donations to benefit members of the Coast Guard community at the Cape May Training Center.  Initially they were collecting food donations, but the response has been so overwhelming that the food bank at the base is over flowing and the surplus is being sent to other Coast Guard installations in New Jersey and Delaware.  However, the need for cash (or check) donations remains.  The cash (or check) is converted to gift cards which are distributed to Coast Guard families for the purchase of gasoline and other essential non-food items.  The need is considerable.  If you can donate, checks can be dropped off at the brewery at 1072 Route 83 in Clermont, Dennis Township, Wednesday through Sunday.  For Slack Tide’s hours of operation please visit www.SlackTideBrewingCo.com

UPCOMING EVENTS:
  • Wetlands Institute Covered Dish Dinner with Guest Speaker, $7 for members, $12 for non-members, bring a dish to share, 6PM, Friday, January 25
  • Windows Computer & Android Smart Phone Drop-In Tech Workshop, help with your computer, phone, software or an app, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-11:30AM, Saturday, January 26
  • Fire Pit Friday at the Willow Creek Farm & Winery, music, full wine & tapas menu, 609-770-8782 for info & reserved seating, 5:30-9PM, Friday, February 1
  • Presentation by historian Jerry McNeff, “John & Abigail Adams, The 1st American Power Couple,” Avalon Free Public Library, 1-2PM, Saturday, February 2
  • Friend in Need Super Bowl Bash, silent auction, raffle, big screen TV’s, food, beverages, The Princeton, beginning at 4:30PM, Sunday, February 3
  • Avalon Home and Land Owners Association meeting featuring a guest speaker from Cape Express, Avalon’s Senior Center, 10AM, Saturday, February 9
  • Genealogy & Ancestry with Casey Zahn, learn about your family history & tracing your roots, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Free Public Library, 2-4PM, Saturday, February 9
  • Wine & Chocolate Wine Trail Weekend at Hawk Haven Vineyard, Saturday, February 9
  • Sea Isle City Polar Bear Weekend, festivities all weekend with the plunge on Saturday, February 16 at 2PM, Friday-Sunday, February 15-17
  • Avalon Beach Party, bring the kids for an indoor beach party including the limbo, music, crafts and a game, Avalon Free Public Library, 10-11AM, Saturday, February 16
  • Creative Writing Seminar, tips & feedback on poetry, stories, books, etc. register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Free Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, February 16
  • Beck’s Philadelphia Brigade Band, music from an authentic Civil War era brass band performed in dress uniform to commemorate Presidents’ Day, Avalon Free Public Library, 2-3PM, Saturday, February 16
  • Uncorked Comedy at Willow Creek Farm & Winery, 3 course wine paired dinner & comedy show, 6-10PM, Saturday, February 16
  • Pick a Language to Learn with Cathy Zane using numerous offerings in Rosetta Stone or Mago, Avalon Free Public Library, 10-11:30AM, Saturday, February, 23
  • Windows Computers & Android Smart Phone Drop In-Tech Workshop,  help with your computer, phone, software or an app, Avalon Free Public Library, 11:30AM-1PM, Saturday, February 23
  • The Storm of ’62 Slide Show depicting the storm & its impact, Avalon History Center at 215-39th Street, 1-2PM, Saturday, March 2


Featured Property:

Just a couple blocks to Avalon’s beach, with a rental history of $75,000!


2118 First Avenue, Avalon, $1,649,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 183996


New Listings:
 
103 30th Street, Avalon, $615,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185744

76 W. 28th Street, Avalon, $899,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185670

161 22nd Street, Avalon, $1,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185697

7888 Dune Drive, Avalon, $1,699,999, ACTIVE MLS#: 185665

258 89th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,625,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185647

141 95th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,649,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185704

158 36th Street, Avalon, $2,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185715

7428 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $3,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185720

2689 Avalon Avenue, Avalon, $3,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185653

27 Flamingo Drive, Avalon, $3,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185698

56 E. 17th Street, Avalon, $3,499,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185662

139 108th Street, Stone Harbor, $3,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185651

8 93rd Street, Stone Harbor, $4,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 185702


Properties Under Contract:

1114 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Stone Harbor Manor, $649,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 184732

378 83rd Street, Stone Harbor, $675,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 183290

247 22nd Street, Avalon, $725,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 185718

129 18th Street, Avalon, $1,425,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 185127

198 10th Street, Avalon, $1,949,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 184189

286 76th Street, Avalon, $2,150,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 184371



Properties Sold:

9501 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $402,400, SOLD MLS#: 183794

545 22nd Street, Avalon, $675,000, SOLD MLS#: 185076

355 40th Street, Avalon, $707,500, SOLD MLS#: 184402

351 40th Street, Avalon, $707,500, SOLD MLS#: 184403

246 45th Street, Avalon, $1,300,000, SOLD MLS#: 184415

211 118th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,800,000, SOLD MLS#: 184562










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

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

3 Tips for Packing More Efficiently for Your Move


By Daniel Defendi
Moving can be a stressful experience. While some things can be prepared in the weeks leading up to the move, packing and moving out in a single day can still be a challenge.
These packing tips can help you avoid common issues and save you time and effort:

Plan Ahead

Before your move, it's important to buy all the boxes, tools and packing material you'll need. Make sure to purchase more than you think you'll use to avoid running out on moving day.
Create a toolbox of things that you'll be using to help you move. This should include sticky tape, plastic bags and anything else you think you might use. This box should be the last one you close and seal once you're ready to leave your old house.
Also, create a clearly labeled box for priority items—small appliances, tableware and medicine—which may be used on move-out day and which will need to be accessed quickly when you reach your new home.
Garbage can be difficult to deal with when leaving. It's best to prepare methods ahead of time to deal with trash, such as organizing enough garbage bags and space allocated to keep it.
Reducing the amount of unnecessary items you have before your move can help to minimize this problem. Perishable items like food should be eaten or disposed of before moving out, and borrowed or rented items returned.

Have a Plan for Move-Out Day

Start by packing the belongings you use least, such as those in storage. Pack room by room while labeling the boxes according to their contents and the room they came from. Keep the boxes in separate groups so they're unpacked together.
You can save space by packing smaller items into containers you already own, such as baskets and suitcases. However, don't fill cupboards and other pieces of furniture as they likely aren't secure and can be damaged.
Delicate items such as art pieces should be wrapped in plastic sheeting, covered with bubble wrap and placed in a closely fitting cardboard box. Wrapping plastic sheets around furniture and other belongings can also protect them from dirt, dust and moisture during the move.
Fragile boxes should be marked and filled with protective packing so that the items can't move within the box. Very delicate or important personal belongings should be taken with you in a personal bag or stored safely in your vehicle.
Pack an individual bag for each family member. Be sure to include essentials such as toiletries, personal items and a change of clothes, which can help keep you organized and comfortable when you spend the first night at your new house.

Stay Safe

Take apart any furniture that can be dismantled to save space and make packing easier. Screws or other equipment from the furniture can be kept in a clear plastic bag and taped to the furniture or kept securely.
Boxes with books in them can get quite heavy. Remember not to over-pack them, and consider filling up remaining space with lighter items like linens.
Packing lighter items in large boxes and heavier items in smaller boxes can help to keep weight consistent. Heavier items should be packed into boxes first. These heavier boxes should also be packed first into your moving truck, closest to the ground.
Gas cylinders should be emptied and have their valves left open. Any flammable liquids such as paint thinners and other chemicals should be used or disposed of before your move, as they can be dangerous to transport.




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