4 Biggest Obstacles Homeowners Face When Selling a House on Their Own

By Meghan Belnap

When it comes to selling a home, most folks believe they can do it on their own. Whether they're trying to save money or simply want greater control over the process, these homeowners try to sell their homes without the help of a real estate agent; however, they often experience more stress than those that hire an agent. Here are four common challenges people face when they try to sell their home on their own:

Getting the Right Price

Many homeowners who choose to sell their home without a REALTOR® struggle with setting the price for their home and getting the most for their house. Because of their feelings and emotional attachment to the house, they're unable to price their home objectively, often valuing it for more than it's worth. When the price is too high, fewer buyers will be interested and the sale will take much longer.

Understanding and Performing Paperwork

Selling a home requires more paperwork than most homeowners think. If they have never sold a home before, some of it can be difficult to understand and complete. A real estate agent has the training to comprehend all the legalese and explain it to you. Plus, they can remove this unnecessary stressor from the selling process.

Selling Within the Planned Length of Time

Many homeowners underestimate how long the selling process actually takes. From getting your home ready for sale, to showing potential buyers, to the closing process, selling a house takes much longer than most people think. Homeowners may, in turn, set unreasonable deadlines for themselves and inevitably fall short.

Preparing and Fixing a Home for Sale

Before homeowners can even post their ad, they will need to make repairs and stage their home. This is an essential step that most homeowners overlook when selling on their own. Potential buyers judge the house by the photos posted with the ad, and if the photos don't show a clean and beautiful home, they will keep on scrolling.

There are so many more obstacles that come with selling your home if you choose to do it on your own. Make selling real estate easier and stress-free by working with a real estate agent!

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

Detach To Sell Your Home

Selling their home can feel like they're cutting off their right arm for some sellers. They feel a sense of loss and go on an emotional ride that takes them plummeting into the uncertainty of a move and another new home. Even if there's excitement building about the new place, leaving behind their home and its memories can cause some turmoil.

While having deep emotions about the home you lived in for a short or long time is normal, it can cause a lot of trouble if you unleash your emotions during the process of the marketing and sale of your home.

Telling sellers to detach to sell their home is like telling the kid whose cat has a litter to stay emotionally reserved from the kittens. Sellers are ready to take the leap into the new home, but you lived there, cared for it, and now you're being told to detach from it. Families who have raised their children and watched many firsts happen in their home stay a little more connected. These are the sellers that often put a greater value on their home simply because they have a strong emotional attachment.

Selling a home is a business transaction. For buyers, it's likely the largest financial commitment they will ever make. Understanding how to not get caught up in the emotional turmoil will help you keep your home as a real estate transaction, not an emotional roller coaster ride.

First, make sure you price your home based on comps of other homes sold in the area. Sounds sensible, but a lot of times emotions come into play causing sellers to overprice their home. Instead, turn to a reliable and expert real estate agent for advice and guidance. Pricing your home to sell is critical. Homes for sale usually get the most traffic in the first two weeks of being listed. If you price it too high, you'll turn off potential buyers.

Aside from the emotional attachment they may have, the fact that they paid top dollar for it might make them want to price it too high. However, in today's market, a home that was purchased at the peak might not fully recoup that price.

Give buyers space. There's a term for parents who tend to over-parent. It's called helicopter parenting -- appropriately named because these parents hover over their children and essentially smother them. This could apply to sellers who tend to linger while buyers are viewing their home. This can make buyers uneasy and they might feel like they must cut short their visit to the home. They don't feel comfortable talking openly about the things they like or don't like about the home in the presence of the owners. The lesson here is don't hover.

Consider all offers. There can be a tendency to turn away the initial offers because sellers think they might not be asking enough since the offers came in so quickly. Yes, it's a catch-22. Sellers want to sell but when the early offers come they're a bit uncertain. Be diligent and review all offers with your agent. You never know which one will be satisfactory until you see all of them.


Emotionally detach; remember, when you're selling your home it's just a product to a potential buyer. They will see the things you loved about your home, but they also will see the things they don't love about it and they'll share those things with their agent. They might criticize the very things you love. Here's where you detach and let the criticism wash over you. If you need to repair something, do it. If it's just a matter of opinion, don't become emotionally caught up in it. This isn't personal, it's business. Sometimes that's hard to remember because with real estate, the home we buy is going to be our personal sanctuary but at the time of the sale –it's business. Keep the emotions out of it and detach to sell your home.


Written by Realty Times Staff

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

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update June 7th, 2018 #RealEstate

MAKE YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST NOW!  Do you remember all those “summer things” you didn’t manage to squeeze in by Labor Day last year?  Make a list and get them on your summer calendar!  Watch a sunrise over the ocean, rent a waverunner, catch a flag ceremony at Sunset Beach in Cape May, or take a kid fishing!  Whatever makes you happy—do it this summer!

SUNSCREEN DISPENSERS will be installed at Avalon’s Beach Tag Booth at 30^th Street & the beach as well as the 39^th Street Playground.  Free SPF30 sunscreen will be provided as the result of a partnership between the Borough and the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation.  Avalon resident Elyse Focht suggested the idea after hearing Phillies Hall of Fame third baseman, Mike Schmidt, discuss his battle with skin cancer. 



Sunscreen dispensers like this one will be installed at Avalon’s Beach Tag Booth at 30^th Street and the 39^th Street Playground.

 
THE ZOO TURNS FORTY!  The Cape May County Zoo celebrates its 40^th Anniversary Saturday, June 9^th from 10am to 2pm.  A full lineup of activities is planned, including a primate training demo, an inflatable bounce house for kids, face painting, and a magic show.  The zoo is one of Cape May County’s treasures.  Admission to the zoo is free, but donations are always appreciated.

FISHING IS GOOD!  Reports of good catches of flounder are heard regularly, and numerous stripers over 50 pounds have been weighed in.  The first tuna have been caught in the canyons and other offshore hotspots.  It’s shaping up to be a great fishing season!

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF 7 MILE RESTAURANT WEEK through Sunday, June 10^th!  Check out the list of participants here:  https://www.visitavalonnj.com/where-to-dine/restaurant-week-menus

SEA ISLE CITY’S RESTAURANT WEEK also runs through Sunday, June 10^th!  Check out participating Sea Isle City restaurants here:  http://www.seaislechamber.com/RestaurantWeekParticipants.aspx

TREAT YOUR FAMILY…to the gift that lasts a lifetime!  Do you love visiting the Island for a week?  Why not make it permanent?  Your family will thank you!  Call me so we can discuss your needs, and begin the process of finding the perfect shore property for you & your family!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• 7 Mile Restaurant Week, island-wide, https://www.visitavalonnj.com/where-to-dine/restaurant-week-menus  for info, NOW through Sunday, June 10
• Sea Isle City Restaurant Week, island-wide, http://www.seaislechamber.com/RestaurantWeekParticipants.aspx for info, NOW through Sunday, June 10
• Avalon Free Public Library’s ‘Libraries Rock!’ Kid’s Reading Program, prizes every week, NOW through Friday, August 17
• Stone Harbor Property Owners Association Members Meeting, Harbor Square Theater, 8AM for coffee, 9AM for meeting, Saturday June 9
• Cape May County Zoo’s 40^th Anniversary Celebration, music, bounce house, crafts, rides, talks, more, 10AM-2PM, Saturday, June 9
• Avalon Garden Club Flower Show, Avalon Community Hall, visit https://avalonboro.net/avalon-garden-club-36th-annual-flower-show-saturday-june-9th/  for info, Noon-4PM, Saturday, June 9
• Stone Harbor’s Farmer’s Market, 95^th Street Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-12:30PM, Sunday, June 10
• Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary tour, meet at Egret Espy Trail at 114^th Street & Second Avenue entrance, 10AM, Sunday, June 10
• Cape May Traditional Jazz Society Presents Midiri Brothers Traditional Jazz, VFW Post #386 at 419 Congress Street in Cape May, proceeds benefit ‘Food Bank of Southern Jersey’, 2-4PM, Sunday, June 10
• Movie Night at the Stone Harbor Library, PG rated Paddington 2, 5:30-7:30PM, Thursday, June 14
• Avalon Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, Avalon Community Hall, 8-11AM, Saturday, June 16
• Avalon Historical Society Olde House Tour, visit www.AvalonHistoryCenter.org for info, 1-4PM, Saturday, June 16
• Big Band Dance featuring Swingadelic, Avalon Community Hall, 7PM, Saturday, June 16
• Stone Harbor’s Farmer’s Market, 95^th Street Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-12:30PM, Sunday, June 17
• Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary tour, meet at Egret Espy Trail at 114^th Street & Second Avenue entrance, 10AM, Sunday, June 17
• St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Strawberry Festival, 6-8PM, Sunday, June 17
• Avalon History Trivia Night, Avalon History Center, visit www.avalonhistorycenter.org for info, 6PM, Tuesday, June 19
• Avalon Performing Arts Council Art Show: Celebrating Three Decades of Art, Avalon Elementary School, 10AM-4PM, Saturday, June 23
• Stone Harbor Family Night, fun for all, Stone Harbor Fire House, 7PM, Monday, June 25
• Children’s Mini Event, Rizzo’s Wildlife, Avalon Elementary School, 11AM, Tuesday, June 26
• Avalon’s Beach Movie, ‘Spider Man Homecoming,’ 30^th Street & the beach, dusk, Tuesday, June 26
• Thursdays on Dune Concert featuring ‘Blue Bone,’ Veteran’s Plaza in Avalon, 7PM, Thursday, June 28
• Full Moon Climb at the Cape May Lighthouse, 8-10PM, Thursday, June 28
• 8^th Annual Low Tide Beach Ride benefiting Brendan Borek Fund, 9^th Street Beach, check-in & registration at 5PM, Saturday, June 30

Featured Property:

An elegant home in an extraordinary Bayfront location!



24 Heron Drive, Avalon, $5,685,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181805


New Listings:

177 80th Street, Avalon, $389,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182260

225 34th Street, Avalon, $989,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182221

1125 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Stone Harbor Manor, $1,049,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182297

201 100th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,249,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182186

763 Sunrise Drive, Avalon, $2,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182256

215 122nd Street, Stone Harbor, $2,699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182191

92 E. 23rd Street, Avalon, $5,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182183


Properties Under Contract:

8815 Second, Unit B, Stone Harbor, $819,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 179974

2708 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $899,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 179180

218 118th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,899,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 178785

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

99 W. 23rd Street, Avalon, $2,235,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 182162

162 34th Street, Avalon, $2,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 178672

271 85th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181869

349 89th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,750,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 182002

165 76th Street, Avalon, $3,275,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 178026
  

Properties Sold:

3518 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $2,021,499, SOLD MLS#: 176379

288 63rd Street, Avalon, $3,250,000, SOLD MLS#: 179622

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

Home-Buying: The Rise of Home Energy Scores

By Tim Miller

We're all familiar with measures that assess the desirability of a home, from rankings that show the neighborhoods with the best schools to a Walk Score® that reveals how easy it is to get around without a car. Now there's a new rating gaining traction: the Home Energy Score.

While voluntary energy audits have been happening for years, cities across the nation are now adopting policies that require sellers to share a certified Home Energy Score with prospective buyers. In fact, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is close to establishing a Home Energy Score policy across the entire state—a signal of growing support throughout the country for more transparency in home energy use.

Similar to miles-per-gallon ratings for cars, a Home Energy Score predicts how much energy it takes to run a home and rates it against the average score for homes across the nation. The score—given by a certified home assessor who evaluates a home's performance by looking at features like ductwork, heating and cooling systems, and insulation—provides prospective buyers clear, useful information on a home's energy profile and energy costs. This is one more data point for homebuyers to use in making informed purchases.

As the Home Energy Score continues to take hold, expect to see these shifts in behavior in the real estate market:

Buyers will be more attuned to home energy use. As more jurisdictions adopt mandatory Home Energy Scores, demand for more efficient homes will increase, and even in areas without scores, buyers will want to know more about energy performance and the monthly costs to run a home. People will compare the efficiency of similar homes before purchase, much like how we compare the efficiency of cars and appliances today.

Sellers will incorporate upgrades to boost a home's price. REALTORS® may more often recommend energy upgrades to better position a home for sale. From smart thermostats to insulation and highly efficient water heaters, look to see sellers increasingly prioritize energy upgrades to make a home more attractive to potential buyers.

Appraisers will factor in home energy upgrades when determining home value. With greater understanding of high performance features like duct sealing, solar panels and insulation, appraisers will value energy upgrades the same way they value a kitchen remodel. This means sellers will get more return on their investments with home energy improvements—even if those upgrades were made several years before.

Cities like Portland, Ore., have already adopted a Home Energy Score policy, and local nonprofits like Enhabit have performed hundreds of Home Energy Score assessments to date.

We're seeing the Home Energy Score drive change in markets across the country as healthy and sustainable living becomes an even greater part of the conversation in real estate transactions. As more states and local communities sign on, expect to see accelerated market transformation throughout the country.

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

How to Successfully Sell Your Home Before a Big Move

By Meghan Belnap

Packing up, getting your existing home ready for sale, finding a new house and dealing with life in general are bound to bring added stress as you prepare for a big move. One way that you can minimize tasks and keep from going bonkers is to stay ahead of the process. Preparing to sell before your listing date can make the first part of your move go faster. Here are some things you can do right now to make your life easier when you get to your new home:

Prep, Clean, Declutter and Refresh

Pack for your move as you declutter your home to get both jobs done quickly. Put seasonal items that your family will not need for the next three to six months in boxes and label accordingly. Now is also when you want to get rid of books, clothes and furniture you'll never use again.

When you list your home, an open house is right around the corner. Your home needs to be fresh and extremely clean and neat to get immediate offers. Most individuals want the place to look like they could move in right away. Scrub, paint, steam clean and focus on making small repairs like fixing sidewalk cracks, patching holes in the walls and cleaning greasy oven vents.

Hire a Financial Specialist

Once you sell your home, you'll need a mortgage to buy your new place. Did you know that if you hire a loan company before the sale, they can help you with both houses? A mortgage broker can assist you with navigating the closing process on your current residence so that you can get the ball rolling on your new home sooner. They can save you time and money because you're using one company for both selling and buying.

Get the Opinion of a Professional Staging Expert

One of the most important rules of home staging is to keep the clutter out of your house. By minimizing the stuff you have inside your home before you stage, you reduce the time you have to pay the staging expert. Should you choose to do the work alone, it might be a good idea to fork over the hourly price for the staging professional to get a few ideas and tips specific to your home. You'll be able to use this information to guide you in the right direction.

As a general rule, you'll want to make the most room in your closets and on your counters. Additionally, cupboards should be cleared out, as well. You can rent or borrow furniture to use for staging if your items are in storage.

Don't Skimp on the Photography

Having the right batch of photographs is vital to a quick sell. When you list your home, the pictures should contain clear shots of the top features of your property. For instance, crown molding in the bedrooms, extra storage in the pantry and closet organizers in the master bedroom are excellent examples of things you could focus on. Also, it's always a great idea to post these photos on social media—friends and family will likely share and comment on them.

When you move, the items you packed in storage are going to be easy to unpack if you use clear tags and label each box appropriately. Planning ahead will help you find the things you need the most when you get to your new home. Take your time unpacking and enjoy the experience instead of feeling flustered at the end of a long transition.

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

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update May 31st, 2018 #RealEstate #NJ

SEVEN MILE RESTAURANT WEEK begins Monday, June 4^th and runs through Sunday, June 10^th.  Over 50 restaurants are participating this year, and you’ll find everything from breakfast & lunch specials to $30.18 three-course dinners on their menus.  It’s a great way to try out a new place, or revisit an old favorite!  For a list of participating restaurants click here: https://www.visitavalonnj.com/where-to-dine/restaurant-week-menus
 

The US Coast Guard cruises through Townsend’s Inlet on a routine patrol prior to Memorial Day Weekend.  Just a few days later boats, waverunners, and all sorts of pleasure craft filled local waters.

TURTLE TIME!  It’s time for diamondback terrapins to begin seeking higher ground upon which to lay their eggs.  That often means turtles crossing local roadways which, unfortunately, leads to road kills.  Many local roadways are lined with turtle barriers to prevent turtles from crossing, but turtles can still appear on road surfaces.  Keep an eye open for turtles, and “give ‘em a brake!”  If you are inclined to stop and help a turtle across the road, please ensure your own safety by checking for traffic, and then help the turtle cross in the same direction it was headed.

WHAT A SOUVENIR!  Looking for the ultimate beach keepsake from Stone Harbor?  How about your very own lifeguard stand?  The Stone Harbor Beach Patrol has recently purchased aluminum lifeguard stands to replace older, heavier wooden models.  If you’d like one of those wooden lifeguard stands as the ultimate souvenir, check www.GovDeals.com.  The wooden stands are being auctioned off on the government surplus auction site (the auctions currently run through June 1^st).  Whether that lifeguard stand costs you $50 or $500, it’s sure to spark some memories—and some interesting conversations with your neighbors!

A WHALE OF A FLOUNDER!  A 7.3 pound, 23-inch flounder was weighed in at Grassy Sound Marina in North Wildwood this past weekend, according to the Atlantic City Press.  That’s a great early-season catch—flounder season opened last Friday, and by most accounts is off to a very strong start.  Most fishermen are reporting catching keepers that easily exceed this year’s 18-inch minimum size.

BEACH ACCESS, RAMP LOCATIONS, SURF CHAIRS, AND MORE:  If you’re visiting Cape May County and need a ramp or surf chair to access the beach, this guide to Cape May County beach accessibility will be helpful:  http://capemaycountynj.gov/DocumentCenter/View/76/Cape-May-County-Beach-Accessibility-Guide-PDF  Parking options, restroom facilities, and contact phone numbers are also listed for each town. 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Avalon Free Public Library’s ‘Libraries Rock!’ Kid’s Reading Program, prizes every week, NOW through Friday, August 17
• Stone Harbor Garden Club House Tour, visit www.shnj.org/gardenclub for info, 12:30-4PM, Saturday, June 2
• Avalon Performing Arts Concert featuring The Duprees & DJ Lou Costello, Avalon Community Hall, doors open at 6:30PM, music & dancing at 7:30PM, Saturday, June 2
• Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market, 95^th Street Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-12:30PM, Sunday, June 3
• Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary tour, meet at Egret Espy Trail at 114^th Street & Second Avenue entrance, 10AM, Sunday, June 3
• 7 Mile Restaurant Week, island-wide, https://www.visitavalonnj.com/where-to-dine/restaurant-week-menus for info, Monday, June 4-Sunday, June 10
• Stone Harbor Property Owners Association Members Meeting, Harbor Square Theater, Saturday June 9
• Cape May County Zoo’s 40^th Anniversary Celebration, music, bounce house, crafts, rides, talks, more, 10AM-2PM, Saturday, June 9
• Avalon Garden Club Flower Show, Avalon Community Hall, visit https://avalongardenclub.org/ for info, Noon-4PM, Saturday, June 9
• Stone Harbor’s Farmer’s Market, 95^th Street Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-12:30PM, Sunday, June 10
• Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary tour, meet at Egret Espy Trail at 114^th Street & Second Avenue entrance, 10AM, Sunday, June 10
• Cape May Traditional Jazz Society Presents Midiri Brothers Traditional Jazz, VFW Post #386 at 419 Congress Street in Cape May, proceeds benefit ‘Food Bank of Southern Jersey’, 2-4PM, Sunday, June 10
• Movie Night at the Stone Harbor Library, PG rated Paddington 2, 5:30-7:30PM, Thursday, June 14
• Avalon Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, Avalon Community Hall, 8-11AM, Saturday, June 16
• Avalon Historical Society Olde House Tour, visit www.AvalonHistoryCenter.org for info, 1-4PM, Saturday, June 16
• Big Band Dance featuring Swingadelic, Avalon Community Hall, 7PM, Saturday, June 16
• Stone Harbor’s Farmer’s Market, 95^th Street Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-12:30PM, Sunday, June 17
• Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary tour, meet at Egret Espy Trail at 114^th Street & Second Avenue entrance, 10AM, Sunday, June 17
• St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Strawberry Festival, 6-8PM, Sunday, June 17
• Avalon History Trivia Night, Avalon History Center, visit www.avalonhistorycenter.org for info, 6PM, Tuesday, June 19
• Avalon Performing Arts Council Art Show: Celebrating Three Decades of Art, Avalon Elementary School, 10AM-4PM, Saturday, June 23
• Stone Harbor Family Night, fun for all, Stone Harbor Fire House, 7PM, Monday, June 25

  
Featured Property:

Exceptional in every regard!  This three story oceanfront home sits on a 120’ wide lot in Avalon’s south end!



176 61st Street, Avalon, $9,975,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 177248


New Listings:

2355 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,650,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182116

99 W. 23rd Street, Avalon, $2,235,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182162

24 21st, Avalon, $2,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182161

7548 Sunset Drive, Avalon, $3,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182148


Properties Under Contract:

7800 Dune Drive, Avalon, $269,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180634

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

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

2335 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $799,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180506

249 29th Street, Avalon, $1,049,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 182039

148 15th Street, Avalon, $1,095,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 179220

2219 Avalon Avenue, Avalon, $2,095,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181880

236 19th Street, Avalon, $2,299,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181709

235 122nd Street, Stone Harbor, $2,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 182049

9201 First Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,248,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 180042

10601 Golden Gate Drive, Stone Harbor, $4,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181757

312 114th Street, Stone Harbor, $5,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181762


Properties Sold:

212 33rd Street, Avalon, $470,000, SOLD MLS#: 179902

10726 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $555,000, SOLD MLS#: 179566

1322 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $722,500, SOLD MLS#: 180963

700 Ocean Drive, F5, Avalon, $735,000, SOLD MLS#: 181437

9923 Corinthian Drive, Stone Harbor, $770,000, SOLD MLS#: 181084

144 15th Street, Avalon, $825,000, SOLD MLS#: 179800

409 22nd Street, Avalon, $825,000, SOLD MLS#: 176996

7830 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $850,000, SOLD MLS#: 181581

261 44th Street, Avalon, $1,200,000, SOLD MLS#: 181945

6998 Dune Drive, Avalon, $3,300,000, SOLD MLS#: 176222

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

Top 10 Most Expensive Mistakes You’re Making on Your Home

By Cary Teller

Homes cost a lot of money to maintain. But are you spending extra money unnecessarily on upkeep? Here are 10 of the most expensive mistakes you could be making in your home.

1. Using Traditional Light bulbs

If you still have incandescent light bulbs in your home, you could be throwing a lot of money away every month on inflated electric bills. Over its life span, an incandescent bulb can use $180 worth of electricity. A CFL will only use $41 worth of electricity over the same time period. Even better is the LED bulb, which only uses $30 per bulb. Think what replacing every light bulb in your home could do to your home's bottom line.

2. Ignoring a Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet that drips one drop per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year, which is enough water to take more than 180 showers. Some of us live in areas where water is plentiful, but for those of us in areas plagued with drought, this could be costing you a fortune. Fix or replace your leaky faucet and save a ton on your water bill.

3. Using the Wrong Air Filter Size

We all sometimes forget to change out the air filters for our HVAC systems or accidentally buy the wrong size. But using the wrong filter or a dirty filter can increase your power bill and cause expensive problems for your furnace down the road. Use the correct filters for your system, and set a reminder to change them after the recommended amount of time. You won't regret it.

4. Not Customizing Temperature

Invest in a customizable thermostat. If you're away at the office all day, you can program your heater to shift down a few degrees while you're gone and then shift back up shortly before you return home. Heating or cooling an empty home wastes a lot of money in energy costs.

5. Not Adjusting Air Vents Properly

Is one room in your home hot, while the others are cold? Oftentimes homeowners will crank up the air conditioning in the whole house to combat hot temperatures in one area. Instead, adjust air vents to direct the flow of air more evenly throughout your entire home. Professionals will come regulate this to ensure that your entire home is receiving the same amount of air conditioning or heating.

6.Over Watering Lawn

Many homeowners have their sprinkler systems programmed to come on in the early morning hours for optimum lawn health. This can become a problem, however, if you're never around to see what you're actually watering. A broken sprinkler head could be causing a fountain, or the trajectory of your sprinkler may be directed at a fence instead of your lawn. Periodically run your sprinklers during the day so you can see how they are performing when you're not around.

7. Water Heater Temperature Set Too High

Unless you have a tankless water heater, your water heater is keeping the water in its tank hot 24/7. If you don't keep an eye on the temperature as each season changes, you may be paying too much to heat your water. Decrease the temperature in the summer, and bump it back up when winter comes.

8. Leaky Windows and Doors

Leaky windows and doors are great places for cold, winter winds to enter your home. Many homeowners simply ignore them and crank up their heaters. Caulk leaky windows and put rubber seal around doors to keep winter winds out and warmth in.

9. Paying a Handyman

Don't pay a handyman for a job that is simple enough to do yourself. If you're unsure of how to do something, look up video tutorials online. Doing simple tasks yourself can save you a lot of money.

10. Ignoring Curled Shingles

It may be easy to ignore problems on your roof, but it will only lead to bigger problems later. If you see any possible issues with your roof, repair them as soon as possible, as this will save you significant costs later.

Use these 10 tips to cut maintenance costs on your home today.

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

Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update May 24th, 2018 #RealEstate

THE UNOFFICIAL BEGINNING OF SUMMER is finally upon us!  After a long winter who isn’t ready to kick off the summer season?  The Island is ready for an influx of visitors: shops and restaurants are open, the beaches are open, and a weekend of fun awaits!  On Monday, May 28^th both Avalon and Stone Harbor will hold parades and Memorial Day observances.    Whether you’re walking the beach or barbequing with friends, take a moment to remember the veterans that have made it all possible.

MARKET STATS:  Sales ticked up in the month of April, although they’re down from a year ago, due to a shrinking inventory of listings.  The number of active listings is down 17% from a year ago.  For a detailed update on the market see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute here:  http://marketminute.longandfoster.com/Market-Minute/NJ/Avalon-Stone-Harbor.pdf



Click above for the latest Long & Foster Market Minute!

 
ABOUT 30,000 CUBIC YARDS of sand will have been placed on Avalon’s north-end beaches by the time a sand backpassing project concludes this week.  Sand from a sandbar just south of 32^nd Street will be transported to north-end beaches to replenish them after erosion occurred during late winter nor’easters.  (No dry beach sand had to be used for this project.)  This is the Borough’s sixth sand backpassing project, which have proven to be an effective way to rebuild beaches in between more expensive hydraulic dredging projects.

THEY’RE FIFTY POUNDS LIGHTER!  Stone Harbor Beach Patrol is trying out a new aluminum version of its traditional lifeguard stands.  The lighter weight will make it easier on lifeguards, who adjust the position of their stands several times on a typical shift due to tide changes.  In addition to the weight savings, the new stands are believed to be more durable than wooden versions.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, check out Avalon’s expanded bike path.  Newly striped lanes on borough streets mark the path—check it out when you’re in town, or have a look at this map:
https://avalonboro.net/avalons-expanded-bicycle-path-to-be-constructed-starting-wednesday-april-11th/

FLOUNDER SEASON also kicks off this Friday, May 25^th.  For bait, tackle, and fishing advice visit Smuggler’s Cove in Stone Harbor, or check with Avalon Hodge Podge or Moran’s Dockside in Avalon.  If you’d like to rent your own boat and take the kids fishing, Smuggler’s Cove has boats available for daily rental.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Avalon Free Public Library’s ‘Libraries Rock!’ Kid’s Reading Program, prizes every week, begins Friday, May 25 through Friday, August 17
• War at the Shore Touch Football Tournament, Stone Harbor Recreation Fields, 9AM-5PM, Saturday, May 26
• Stone Harbor Beach Opening Ceremony, SH’s Beach Patrol, Police, Fire, Rescue & Office of Emergency Management personnel will compete in a series of challenges for a chance to officially ‘unlock’ the beaches for the season, 95^th Street Beach, Noon, Saturday, May 26
• 19^th Annual Turtle Trot 5K & 2 Mile Fun Walk, 95^th Street & First Avenue, 6:45AM registration, 8AM race, 8:05AM Fun Walk, Sunday, May 27
• Stone Harbor’s Farmer's Market, 95^th Street Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-12:30PM, Sunday, May 27
• Matthew Mullin Memorial 5K Beach Run/Walk, 30^th Street Beach, 8:30AM, Sunday, May 27
• Avalon’s Memorial Day Parade, starts at 32^nd Street & Dune Drive to Veteran’s Plaza at 21^st & Dune, 9AM, Monday, May 28
• Memorial Service for Fallen Heroes, Stone Harbor Firehouse, 11AM, Monday, May 28
• 7 Mile Island American Legion Parade & Ceremony, Parade will begin at Noon & proceed down 96^th Street to the Women’s Civic Club for the Ceremony, Monday, May 28
• 7 Mile Island American Legion Open House, 11617 Second Avenue, 1PM, Monday, May 28
• Full Moon Climb, Cape May Lighthouse, 8-10PM, Tuesday, May 29
• Stone Harbor Garden Club House Tour, visit www.shnj.org/gardenclub for info, 12:30-4PM, Saturday, June 2
• Avalon Performing Arts Concert featuring The Duprees & DJ Lou Costello, Avalon Community Hall, doors open at 6:30PM, music & dancing at 7:30PM, Saturday, June 2
• Stone Harbor’s Farmer’s Market, 95^th Street Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-12:30PM, Sunday, June 3
• Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary tour, meet at Egret Espy Trail at 114^th Street & Second Avenue entrance, 10AM, Sunday, June 3
• Cape May County Zoo 40^th Anniversary Celebration, music, bounce house, crafts, rides, talks, more, 10AM-2PM, Saturday, June 9
• 7 Mile Restaurant Week, island-wide, www.visitavalonnj.com  for info, Monday, June 4-Sunday, June 10
• Avalon Garden Club Flower Show, Avalon Community Hall, visit Noon-4PM, Saturday, June 9
• Stone Harbor’s Farmer’s Market, 95^th Street Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-12:30PM, Sunday, June 10
• Cape May Traditional Jazz Society Presents Midiri Brothers Traditional Jazz, VFW Post #386 at 419 Congress Street in Cape May, proceeds benefit ‘Food Bank of Southern Jersey’, 2-4PM, Sunday, June 10
• Movie Night at the Stone Harbor Library, PG rated Paddington 2, 5:30-7:30PM, Thursday, June 14
• Big Band Dance featuring Swingadelic, Avalon Community Hall, 7PM, Saturday, June16

  
Featured Property:



235 99th Street, Stone Harbor, $474,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 180163


New Listings:

7888 Dune Drive, Avalon, $199,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182072

7888 Dune Drive, Avalon, $359,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182073

8201 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, $650,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182041

259 20th Street, Avalon, $747,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 181982

279 27th Street, Avalon, $869,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 181992

247 87th Street, Stone Harbor, $895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182071

249 29th Street, Avalon, $1,049,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182039

6337 Heron Cove, Avalon, $1,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182055

10307 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,299,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182038

348 86th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,650,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182016

349 89th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,750,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182002

235 122nd Street, Stone Harbor, $2,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 182049


Properties Under Contract:

30 Meadowview Lane, Avalon Manor, $370,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 171271

700 First Avenue, #418, Avalon, $599,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 179416

221 110th Street, Stone Harbor, $899,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 179983

2601 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $929,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181141

144 15th Street, Avalon, $949,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 179800

261 44th Street, Avalon, $1,150,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181945

4101 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,875,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 181136

92 E. 12th Street, Avalon, $3,950,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 182001
  

Properties Sold:

3319 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $346,000, SOLD MLS#: 179694

151 95th St., Unit 5, Stone Harbor, $437,500, SOLD MLS#: 180212

1114 Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor Manor, $450,000, SOLD MLS#: 171783

2778 Dune Drive, Avalon, $600,000, SOLD MLS#: 179918

2019 Dune Drive, Avalon, $821,500, SOLD MLS#: 180255

181 90th Street, Stone Harbor, $995,000, SOLD MLS#: 179889

4868 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $2,250,000, SOLD MLS#: 182060

9 98th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,400,000, SOLD MLS#: 177558

222 70th Street, Avalon, $2,837,500, SOLD MLS#: 178267

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