Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update April 17, 2025

MARKET STATS: During the month of March 2025, the number of units sold rose slightly versus the month before, but was down slightly compared to March 2024. The number of active listings and the median sale price both increased slightly versus last year, while the average number of “days on market” was down slightly. For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report: https://marketminute.longandfoster.com/Market-Minute/NJ/Avalon-Stone-Harbor.htm

“WHAT’S OPEN?” I’m often asked that question in the off season. The answer, I’m happy to report, is “a lot!” Most restaurants, shops, and other businesses are open and ready in advance of the summer season. If you’ve got a chance to visit now, don’t hesitate—there’s plenty to do and enjoy right now on Seven Mile Island, without the crowds or lines found in the summer time!

Here are just a handful of examples of local restaurants and stores that you’ll find open this weekend: The Diving Horse; The Preppy Palm; Hollywood Bikes; Nemo’s Pizza of Stone Harbor; Avalon Hardware; The Spot; The Rock n’ Chair; The Reeds at Shelter Haven; Il Posto Ristorante; Fred’s Tavern; Avalon Flooring; Spa Avalon; Long & Foster Real Estate; Polpo Ristorante; Seashore ACE; Avalon Brew Pub; Spiaggetta; Ristorante Luciano. And there are plenty more!

MORTGAGE RATES have drifted downward over the past few months. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage is about 6.62%, down from more than 7% in January. The average 15-year fixed rate is now 5.82%, down from 6.27% in January. Two thoughts: first, that why you often hear the advice “marry the house, and date the rate.” Second, if you didn’t heed that advice before, and have been waiting for rates to drop, this may be a great time to go ahead and make your shore home purchase.

RENTAL PROPERTIES: It’s time for spring prep! If you’re visiting your rental property for the first time in a while, step back and take a look, pen and pad in hand. Chances are you’ll spot a few things that could use improvement. Often, inexpensive additions, like new televisions, ceiling fans, a new piece of furniture, or a freshly painted room, can make a big difference in comfort, both for you and for your tenants. If you’d like assistance, and a list of recommendations specific to your rental property, please let me know. I’m happy to visit and evaluate your property, and provide you recommendations based on my years of experience.

BETTER THAN STOCKS? Recent stock market volatility has many worrying about their 401(k) and brokerage accounts. That raises a common discussion point: real estate tends to be far less volatile that stocks and other liquid assets, while still capable of delivering investment returns, plus in the case of a shore property, other, intangible benefits. Some will say there’s no way to measure the value of time spent together at the family beach house, making family memories, and to them, we say, “You’re right! It’s priceless!” If you’d like to discuss acquiring, your own shore property, let’s talk. Call or email me anytime.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Local Thursday Kick Off at the Wine Bar. Kick off Local Thursdays with live music, bar plate specials, and 25% off wines by the bottle. The Washington Inn, begins Thursday, April 17th, 4pm to 8pm, and runs Thursdays through mid-June.
Cape May County Zoo Eggstravaganzoo. Easter Bunny I Spy Hunt, Easter Scavenger Hunt, HOPstacle Course, and more. Cape May County Zoo, Friday, April 18th until Friday, April 25th.
Avalon’s Bunny Hop. Visit with the Easter Bunny, face painting, and more. Five special gold eggs will be hidden, with grand prizes for lucky children who find them. Veteran’s Plaza, Saturday, April 19th, 11am to 2pm.
Easter Bunny Express. Ride aboard the Cape May Seashore Lines train with the Easter Bunny. Saturday, through Saturday, April 19th. For schedules, info, and tickets, visit https://www.seashorelines.org/easter-bunny-express
Easter Brunch at ICONA Avalon. Sunday, April 20th, 10am to 2pm. Make a reservation here: https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/avalonbrewpub/easter-brunch-10230468263
Easter Brunch at The Reeds at Shelter Haven. Buffet brunch by the bay. Sunday, April 20th, 10:30am to 3:30pm. For reservations visit https://reedsatshelterhaven.com/reeds-events/easter-brunch/
Easter Brunch & Dinner at the Washington Inn. Easter Brunch from 11am to 2pm; Easter Dinner from 4pm to 7pm, Sunday, April 20th. $56 for adults; $32 for children. For a menu and reservations, visit https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/easter-sunday-brunch
Shafer Wine Dinner at The Reeds. Fine wine and gourmet dining come together in this four-course event! Thursday, April 24th, 6pm. For reservations visit https://reedsatshelterhaven.com/reeds-events/shafer-wine-dinner/
Jazz Night at Spiaggetta. Live jazz from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, Friday, April 25th. No cover, BYOB, reserve on OpenTable.
Spring Dune Grass Planting. Volunteers are needed to help plant dune grass in Avalon! Volunteers should report to Avalon Community Hall at 8:30am for a brief planting demonstration. After the planting is completed there will be bagged lunches available at Avalon Community Hall. Please sign up for Dune Grass Planting by calling Chuck McDonnell at 609-967-3066 or Sue Keen at 609-967-5924. Saturday, April 26th, 8:30am. Rain date Sunday, April 27th.
Run Wild for the Cape May County Zoo. 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk, presented by Sturdy Savings Bank. Sunday, April 27th, 8am. For info and registration, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/CapeMayCourtHouse/RunWildfortheCapeMayCountyZoo
Vins de France Wine Dinner at Washington Inn & Wine Bar. Explore French wines paired with expertly crafted meals in an educational and engaging setting. Sunday, April 27th, 5pm. Info and reservations here: https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/aprilwinedinner-6mxe9-253ew
Spring Sidewalk Sale Weekend, Stone Harbor, Saturday & Sunday, May 3rd & 4th.
Bulk Trash Pickup, Avalon. Place items curbside from May 2nd through May 11th, for pickup to begin at 7am on May 12th.
Avalon Garden Club Plant and Bake Sale. Avalon Garden Club Greenhouse, 39th Street between Dune and Ocean Drives, Saturday, May 3rd, 8am to 3pm (Plant & Bake Sale), and Sunday, May 4th, 10am to 1pm (Plant Sale).
Green Eggs & Sand. Horseshoe crab workshop, the Wetlands Institute. Saturday & Sunday, May 3rd & 4th. For info or to register visit https://wetlandsinstitute.org/green-eggs-and-sand/
Ladies Night at Seashore ACE! 20% off most first floor items; appetizers from local restaurants, wine, mocktails; mini massages; meet podcaster Sara Kelly; design consultations; gift bags for the first 50 customers, door prizes every 15 minutes. Friday, May 9th, 5pm to 7pm.
Avalon Paper Shredding Day, Avalon Public Works Building, Saturday, May 10th, 9am to 2pm.
Bulk Trash Pickup, Stone Harbor, Monday, May 12th.

New Listings:

7900 Dune Drive, C315, Avalon, $460,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251098

700 First Avenue, 305, Avalon, $959,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251106

859 Dune Drive, Avalon, $2,500,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251108

11200 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,280,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251082

56 E 22nd Street, Avalon, $5,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251087

158 38th Street, Avalon, $6,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251058

Under Contract:

1100 Ocean Drive, Unit 208, Avalon, $1,999,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 250661

9102 3rd Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,200,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 250494

165 71st Street, Avalon, $7,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251008

Properties Sold:

694 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $16,000, SOLD MLS#: 250654

19 Flamingo Drive, Avalon, $11,600,000, SOLD MLS#: 243369

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