On this breezy, late fall day the beach was empty–but full of beauty!

MORE ON THE 2021 MARKET OUTLOOK:  While 2020 was an incredibly challenging year, real estate turned out to be a bright spot. Despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, homeownership rates rose to 67.4% in the third quarter, up from 64.8% the same period in 2019.  In our local area, demand for vacation homes within easy driving distance helped fuel the Avalon-Stone Harbor market.  The same held true with regard to vacation rentals–after initial restrictions eased, the rental market boomed, with weekly vacation rentals lasting well beyond the traditional Labor Day end of the summer season.

The fundamentals are in place for a continued strong housing market in 2021, particularly with expectations that mortgage rates will remain around 3%. Here are a few more of our predictions for the year ahead:

• Home prices will rise. The law of supply and demand will drive prices higher, with 5% to 6% increases predicted on average.
• Affordability will remain mostly positive. Low mortgage rates will offset rising prices, increasing the number of households who can afford to buy a home.
• Inventory challenges will continue. While builders are expected to construct homes at a faster pace in 2021, there’s still a gap between demand and supply for new and existing homes.
• Increased teleworking will influence housing. People will continue to work from home, affecting where they’re shopping for homes and what they’re looking for in those properties.
• Vacation home markets will stay hot. In 2020, homeowners with rising equity and investors with high stock market profits drove a spike in demand for homes in coastal markets, which will continue next year.
• Technology remains critical. Virtual tours, remote closings and video conferencing kept real estate moving in 2020, and virtual buying and selling will continue to lead the way in 2021.

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, rent, or invest in real estate in 2021, I can help!  Let me put my expertise to work for you!

REMEMBER JACK’S PLACE?  The old Avalon favorite stood at 36th Street and Ocean Drive for years, before meeting its demise a couple of years ago.  Prior to Jack’s, The Black Eagle and Gallagher’s Pub stood in the same spot.  Now you can reminisce about all three as you take a virtual tour of the Avalon History Museum’s new display, dedicated to the three establishments.  The virtual tour takes place Thursday, January 21st at 6pm.  Sign up here:  https://www.avalonfreelibrary.org/events/virtual-exhibit-opening-last-call-36th-and-ocean

ATLANTIC BRANT, the maritime geese often seen in New Jersey, will be tagged at Stone Harbor’s 80th Street recreation field.  Cannon nets will be used to temporarily capture the birds, and although they sound like gunshots, there is no danger to the birds or to the public.  In addition to leg bands, some brant will be fitted with solar powered GPS units to record their migratory track between coastal locations in New Jersey and New York, and their breeding area in the Canadian Arctic.  This fascinating video describes the tagging process as well as the migration of the brant:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jZwXsbAL5w&feature=youtu.be

RIPARIAN CLAIMS are the little-known claims that can affect land that is, or was, flowed by tidal water.  In coastal areas, it’s not unusual for riparian claims to affect properties on or near the bay, but they can even affect land-locked properties blocks away from current waterways if they were built where a tidal stream once used to flow, or if tidal areas were filled in decades ago.  Riparian claims are generally settled with the State of New Jersey, but often after lengthy delays.  Now, a petition is circulating seeking to limit the claim process to 90 days–much shorter than the one- to two-year process currently in place.  The Cape May County Herald recently ran a great article on the subject, here: https://www.capemaycountyherald.com/news/article_223ef7c8-4f93-11eb-a416-3f83a58d7e7d.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share

If you have a riparian claim on your property (or if you’re not certain that you don’t have one) please contact me.  I can put you in touch with experts in the title, survey, and legal fields who can help you with the situation.

AVALON COMMUNITY HALL is currently being used as a vaccination center for health care workers and first responders.  Vaccinations are administered by the Cape May County Department of Health, following state guidelines.  Eventually Community Hall is likely to be used as a vaccination clinic for the general public.

PLEASE FORWARD my newsletter to someone who loves Avalon & Stone Harbor as much as you do!  To subscribe, please send me an email!  (Your email address will not be shared or sold, and you may unsubscribe at any time.)
New Listings:

8931 Second Avenue, #3, Stone Harbor, $750,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 210076

223 117th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,350,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 210099

2 & 4 90th Street, Stone Harbor, $13,900,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 210106

Properties Under Contract:

253 107th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,850,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203722

10017 Corinthian Drive, Stone Harbor, $2,250,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204217

273 77th Street, Avalon, $2,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202796

10705 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203310

Properties Sold:

224 96th Street, Stone Harbor, $654,000, SOLD MLS#: 190370

150 96th Street, Unit #3, Stone Harbor, $721,250, SOLD MLS#: 202822

6498 Ocean Drive, A, Avalon, $949,000, SOLD MLS#: 204266

156 17th Street, Avalon, $2,525,000, SOLD MLS#: 204256

141 65th Street, Avalon, $7,750,000, SOLD MLS#: 202663

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Wishing you & yours the very best for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2021!

MARKET STATS:  Strong purchase demand continued through the fall months, with November 2020 seeing a 30% increase in the number of units sold compared to a year ago.  For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report above.

MARKET OUTLOOK:  As we head into 2021, a fast start seems likely for the local real estate market.  November statistics put new purchase contracts at a record high nationwide, according to the Wall Street Journal (December 31, 2020.)  Purchase demand paused briefly for the holidays, while interest rates remain near historic lows, with 30-year mortgage rates available well under 3%.  Along with a pent-up desire to travel and vacation near home, both the sale market and vacation rental market appear to be poised for another strong year.

REPURPOSE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE:  A limited number of Christmas trees are accepted by the Cape May County Zoo for use in animal habitats.  The trees provide windbreaks and shelter from the cold, and even serve as food for camels and goats.  They’re especially popular among lions, who pick them up and carry them around, according to the zoo!  Trees must be free of ornaments and other items, and can be dropped off outside the zoo in a specially marked area, until the zoo reaches capacity.

THE MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING CENTER responded to 160 strandings in 2020, including 71 seals, 30 dolphins, 12 whales, and 41 sea turtles.  Since 1978 the MMSC has responded to more than 5,500 strandings up and down the coast, and does extensive work to rehabilitate sick and injured animals whenever possible.  To learn more about the Marine Mammal Stranding Center visit www.mmsc.org.  While there, consider making a donation by clicking the “Donate” button.

VACATION RENTAL GUIDE:  2021 rental bookings are well underway–now is the time to determine your vacation dates and select a property.  We’ve got something for every budget!  Need some inspiration?  Browse my 2021 Vacation Rental Guide here: https://www.flipsnack.com/franzeographics/long-and-foster-avalon-stone-harbor-rental-brochure-fd1kyp3nr.html  When you’re ready to book a property call or email me!

 

New Listings:

227 96th Street, Unit F, Stone Harbor, $55,000 (Lease), ACTIVE MLS#: 210022

29 E. 28th Street, Avalon, $599,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 210002

311 80th Street, Avalon, $1,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204809

227 120th, Stone Harbor, $2,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 210023

230 82nd Street, Stone Harbor, $3,150,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204820

 

Properties Under Contract:

8001 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $483,900, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204005

227 96th Street, Stone Harbor, $595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204752

356 95th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,195,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204598

8410 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $1,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203922

325 99th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204736

10206 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $1,629,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204614

321 99th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,175,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204735

157 84th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,375,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202456

10 E. 9th Street, Avalon, $2,850,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203168

65 S. Pelican Drive, Avalon, $8,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204347

 

Properties Sold:

497 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $99,000, SOLD MLS#: 190427

788 Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor Manor, $120,000, SOLD MLS#: 148973

7888 Dune Drive, 201, Avalon, $340,000, SOLD MLS#: 204449

9511 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $369,000, SOLD MLS#: 200013

247 B 88th Street, Stone Harbor, $760,000, SOLD MLS#: 204255

733 21st Street, Avalon, $820,000, SOLD MLS#: 201430

298 43rd Street, Avalon, $1,250,000, SOLD MLS#: 204117

2090 6th Street, Avalon, $1,500,000, SOLD MLS#: 203641

311 100th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,610,000, SOLD MLS#: 202541

386 22nd Street, Avalon, $2,100,000, SOLD MLS#: 202424

6043 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $2,560,000, SOLD MLS#: 186925

63 W. 31st Street, Avalon, $2,595,000, SOLD MLS#: 200950

294 57th Street, Avalon, $3,000,000, SOLD MLS#: 204247

45 W. 26th Street, Avalon, $3,450,000, SOLD MLS#: 201670

9 N. Pelican Drive, Avalon, $3,775,000, SOLD MLS#: 190056

10015 First Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,000,000, SOLD MLS#: 201928

2205 Harbor Avenue, Avalon, $5,500,000, SOLD MLS#: 202425

PEACE & JOY to you & yours this holiday season!  From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!

THANK YOU for your business and referrals in 2020!  I sincerely appreciate it and look forward to working with you in 2021!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  If you’re ringing in the New Year here on the Island, be sure to take a walk on the beach January 1st.  It’s a great way to kick off the New Year!

THE AVALON/STONE HARBOR UPDATE will return the week of January 4th.
New Listings:

C-47 Weber Court, Stone Harbor, $729,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 204755

180 104th Street, Stone Harbor, $3,100,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204762

Properties Under Contract:

9807 Second Avenue, #3, Stone Harbor, $549,900, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204690

9807 Second Avenue, Unit 4 Stone Harbor, $559,900, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204375

675 21st Street, Unit A, Avalon, $730,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203640

212 E. 25th Street, East Unit, Avalon, $1,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202740

Properties Sold:

5765 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,350,000, SOLD MLS#: 201655

285 53rd Street, Avalon, $1,600,000, SOLD MLS#: 203941

221 65th Street, Avalon, $3,550,000, SOLD MLS#: 204148

9400 1st Avenue, Stone Harbor, $3,145,000, SOLD MLS#: 204014

161 39th Street, Avalon, $3,750,000, SOLD MLS#: 203111

120 115th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,750,000, SOLD MLS#: 203038

151 65th Street, Avalon, $4,952,500, SOLD MLS#: 203498

5024 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $6,400,000, SOLD MLS#: 200547

Off season sunsets often produce deep pink and blue skies; here marsh grasses are set against a colorful backdrop.

BEACH TREES have appeared on local beaches as a way to brighten the holiday season.  Some even have lights and decorations.  Ocean City and Sea Isle City have beach trees; Avalon’s is on the 30th Street beach.  Stop by and have a look!

A NEW VILLA MARIA BY THE SEA gained approval at a recent Stone Harbor Planning Board meeting.  The current 250-bed retreat house at 111th Street was built in 1937 and lacked heat, making it unusable in the off season.  A new, smaller 52-bed retreat house will take its place.  A portion of the existing land will be subdivided as part of the project, and a paper street (part of First Avenue) will have to be vacated by the Borough; there will be no loss of street parking in the area.

LATE SUMMER AND EARLY FALL TOURISM helped to offset business lost during the spring shutdown.  According to a recent Cape May County Herald article, data from the New Jersey Treasury shows August occupancy tax revenue to be just 7.5% below the 2019 figure, while September’s revenue was up 17.3% over 2019.  Cape May County’s figures beat other shore counties, according to Diane Wieland, Director of County Tourism.  Rentals of private homes and condominiums, which are not subject to the occupancy tax and thus not part of the state’s figures, were strong during the summer and throughout September as well.

LANE CLOSURES are a part of visiting the shore in the offseason–especially this year!  If you’re travelling Route 9 between Sea Isle Boulevard and Avalon Boulevard, expect alternating lane closures from 8am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, as new utility poles are installed and adjacent trees are trimmed.  Atlantic City Electric has upgraded electric service in the area in order to minimize outages; the new poles are part of that ongoing effort.  The alternating lane closures are expected to continue until the project is completed in April 2021.

ADD A LITTLE SEASHORE TO YOUR HOLIDAY!  Our local stores and shops are ready to help you complete your holiday shopping!  From stocking stuffers to sweets and treats to restaurant gift cards, why not put a little “shore” under the tree?  Here’s a sampling of stores that are open and ready for you:  Armadillo; Blufish; Complete Interiors; Global Pursuit; Hoy’s 5&10; The Preppy Palm; Seashore ACE; Shorely Chic.

FOR THE ULTIMATE GIFT, BOOK OR BUY NOW!  Nothing beats shore memories, whether it’s a one-week vacation, or a shore home to call your own!  Either way, call me so we can get started!
New Listings:

7888 Dune Drive, #103, Avalon, $259,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204714

9807 Second Avenue, #3, Stone Harbor, $549,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 204690

325 99th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204736

321 99th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,175,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204735

Properties Under Contract:

7888 Dune Drive, #104, Avalon, $259,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202119

9511 Sunset Drive, #201, Stone Harbor, $375,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 200013

451 21st Street, Avalon, $725,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204105

1226 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,799,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203910

9508 Sunset Drive, North & South, Stone Harbor, $2,150,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202997

386 22nd Street, Avalon, $2,500,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202424

8400 2nd Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204572

26 W. 31st Street, Avalon, $3,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204542

2205 Harbor Avenue, Avalon, $8,000,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202425

Properties Sold:

10007 First Avenue, Unit F, Stone Harbor, $380,000, SOLD MLS#: 204123

76 W. 28th Street, Unit 202, Avalon, $765,000, SOLD MLS#: 203542

259 24th Street, Avalon, $1,300,000, SOLD MLS#: 203372

255 13th Street, Avalon, $1,375,000, SOLD MLS#: 203949

Cape May Seashore Lines is running Santa Express trains again this season.  See below for details!

SHOP LOCAL!  Seven Mile Island merchants could use your support more than ever this year, so why not put a little “beach” in your stocking?  Consider picking up a box of fudge, a bottle of cheer, a gift card to your favorite eatery, a sweatshirt from your favorite surf shop, or a holiday beach tag from your favorite shore town.  If you can’t get here to pick up an item, many merchants will ship to you!

A COLD-STUNNED SEA TURTLE was rescued earlier this week by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.  The turtle was lethargic after being exposed to cold water for a prolonged period of time, which the MMSC says happens if water temperatures drop before the sea turtle moves to warmer southern waters.  The MMSC transferred the turtle to the Sea Turtle Recovery unit for rehabilitation.

TOYS FOR TOTS: Consider brightening the holiday of a child by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy at our Toys for Tots drop off location in our lobby, Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm.

SANTA IS RIDING THE RAILS again, aboard the Cape May Seashore Lines!  Using vintage passenger equipment that once carried passengers to and from shore towns on a regular basis, CMSL offers a chance for Santa to visit with children between now and Christmas.  Based in nearby Tuckahoe, but departing from historic Richland Village, more than a dozen Santa Express trains remain this season.  For tickets and schedules, visit https://the-santa-express.com/

PLANNING AHEAD FOR YOUR 2021 VACATION?  Now is the time!  Email or call me and I’ll help find you the perfect vacation retreat!  We’ve got rental properties to match nearly any budget.  Of course, if you’d like to have your own permanent vacation home on Seven Mile Island, I can help with that, too!  Either way, plan ahead and enjoy Summer 2021 at the shore!
New Listings:

387 83rd Street, Stone Harbor, $2,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204663

Properties Under Contract:

19 W. 19th Street, Avalon, $3,599,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204546

Properties Sold:

7900 Dune Drive, Unit 305, Avalon, $276,500, SOLD MLS#: 202800

1100 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,285,000, SOLD MLS#: 204147

243 33rd Street, West Unit, Avalon, $1,399,000, SOLD MLS#: 203052

400 20th Street, Avalon, $1,450,000, SOLD MLS#: 203157

2459 First Avenue, Avalon, $1,475,000, SOLD MLS#: 201084

238 62nd Street, Avalon, $2,100,000, SOLD MLS#: 203917

141 30th Street, Avalon, $2,610,000, SOLD MLS#: 200774

2763 Avalon Avenue, Avalon, $2,700,000, SOLD MLS#: 202719

191 77th Street, Avalon, $3,200,000, SOLD MLS#: 200579

190 75th Street, Avalon, $3,300,000, SOLD MLS#: 185983

10403 Third Ave Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,200,000, SOLD MLS#: 190653

92 E. 23rd Street, Avalon, $4,910,000, SOLD MLS#: 202155

A Whale-y Great Thanksgiving!  Nik Pattantyus has done it again, capturing this fascinating video of two whales as he was paddle boarding just off Stone Harbor!  It’s worth the watch!

WORK ON THE 96TH STREET BRIDGE CONTINUES, but will shift to daytime hours from Monday through Thursday.  From 7am to 5pm the bridge will be reduced to one alternating lane of traffic using signage and flaggers, so expect delays.  No lane closures are expected Friday through Sunday, and the project is expected to be completed December 23rd.  With Avalon Boulevard undergoing a redecking project, and also reduced to one alternating lane seven days per week, expect delays when entering or exiting the island via the mainland.  The Great Channel Bridge (linking Stone Harbor to Nummy Island and North Wildwood) and the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge (linking Avalon to Sea Isle City) remain open if you’re traveling north or south.

THE CONVENTIONAL MORTGAGE LOAN LIMIT was increased to $548,250 last week by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, up from 2020’s limit of $510,400.  The increased loan limit will allow more borrowers to qualify for conventional Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans, according to Mike Mento of Prosperity Mortgage.  Current conventional thirty-year fixed-rate mortgage rates remain under 3%, as do rates for jumbo mortgages.

AVALON & STONE HARBOR WILL SHARE COURT SERVICES as part of a newly announced agreement.  Beginning January 1st, a shared court will be located in Avalon Borough Hall and provide court services for both towns.  Annual savings of $150,000 are expected as a result of the shared services agreement.

OUTDOOR WATER LINES should already be winterized, but if they’re not, call your plumber now.  While we haven’t had a deep freeze yet, they’re getting closer.  In addition to shutting off your outdoor shower and hose, foundation vents should be closed to prevent cold air from blowing through and reaching pipes in your crawl space.  Interior heat should be set 55 degrees to keep moisture levels low and protect interior pipes from freezing.  Need a plumber?  Let me know and I’ll send you some recommendations.

OFF SEASON PROPERTY CHECKS are offered by both Avalon and Stone Harbor Police Departments.  During the off-season officers check the perimeter of unoccupied homes as part of their patrols.  If you’d like to add your property to the department’s list, fill out a request form and return it to the appropriate police department.  Request forms can be found here:

Avalon:  https://avalonpolice.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Property-Check-Form.pdf
Stone Harbor:  https://stoneharbornj.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Off-Season-Form-1.pdf

Of course, I’m available to help, too.  If you realize you left the window open or the air conditioning running, need a package put inside the door, or need a special property check after a storm, please call or email me!

New Listings:

227 96th St., Commercial Retail Condo Unit F, Stone Harbor, $595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204583

356 95th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204598

10206 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $1,629,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204614

294 65th Street, Avalon, $2,199,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204562

169 99th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,299,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204590

8400 2nd Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204572

150 77th Street, Avalon, $3,790,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204594

24 E. 19th Street, Avalon, $4,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204588

89 E. 27th Street, Avalon, $6,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204597

Properties Under Contract:

497 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $99,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 190427

1116 Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor Manor, $1,199,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202944

220 85th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,325,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204069

1369 First Avenue, Avalon, $3,199,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204514

191 77th Street, Avalon, $3,395,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 200579

Properties Sold:

7800 Dune Drive, Unit 127, Avalon, $270,000, SOLD MLS#: 202448

23 Stone Court, Stone Harbor, $650,000, SOLD MLS#: 203982

10514 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $1,250,000, SOLD MLS#: 203914

246 43rd Street, Avalon, $1,910,000, SOLD MLS#: 204239

262 54th Street, Avalon, $2,582,500, SOLD MLS#: 203319