Ahhh…Sunset over the Intracoastal Waterway!  Nothing compares to a peaceful summertime sunset!

THIS YEAR’S MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND was different from years past.  The traditional summer kick off was successful but subdued; the island was busy, but not quite as packed.  The beach had lots of visitors (between raindrops) but there was plenty of room for social distancing.  Restaurants offered takeout and stores offered curbside pick up.  Traditional Memorial Day parades were cancelled but a “Patriotic Motorcade” of decorated cars formed at 81st Street and paraded to American Legion Post 331 in the south end of Stone Harbor.  Avalon produced a special video recalling Memorial Day’s past, and reminding us all of the real reason for the holiday.  Check out the 6-minute video here: https://youtu.be/lnGbkI4SNhw

Avalon produced a special Memorial Day video this year in lieu of a traditional parade and ceremony.

VACATION RENTALS RESUME JUNE 1ST!  As New Jersey continues the process of reopening, short term vacation rentals will resume on June 1st.  Check-in procedures have been modified slightly to allow maximum safety for our staff and visitors.  Our office will conduct check-ins via a walk up window, and non-staff won’t be permitted inside our building.  Check-in time will be 3pm to allow extra time for cleaning of properties between guests.  A detailed explanation of the 2020 check-in process was sent to all our guests in advance.  As always, we stand ready to assist in any way we can.

FLOUNDER SEASON HAS OPENED!  Good catches of both keepers and throwbacks have been reported by fisherman and tackle shops, including some keepers weighing 3-4 pounds.  The minimum legal size is 18 inches this year, with a possession limit of three fish.

BEER WHILE YOU’RE HERE?  When you’re enjoying a take out meal on your deck, why not enjoy an award winning craft beer to go with it?  Slack Tide Brewery will deliver your order to your Cape May County location for $5, with a minimum $30 order.  Place your order by 3pm for same-day delivery!  Same-day pick up is also available at their Route 83 location, just a few minutes from Avalon Boulevard.  Check out www.slacktidebrewingco.com for more about this local favorite, or to place an order!

DID YOU KNOW?  Did you know that mortgage rates are hovering around 3%?  What a fantastic time to purchase a shore home, AND lock in low-cost financing for the duration of your ownership!  Not sure how much you can afford or qualify for?  Contact me, and I will put you in touch with reliable lenders that can answer your questions during a fifteen minute phone call!

THE MARKET IS MOVING–DONT MISS IT!  Not only are interest rates low, but with ten properties sold recently and many more placed under contract in the past week, plus twenty listings added to the market, the island real estate market is moving!  Don’t sit out the 2020 season–call or email me so we can discuss your real estate goals, then formulate a plan to achieve them!

New Listings:

31 Seabreeze Lane, Avalon Manor, $325,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201668

513 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $349,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 201674

440 21st Street, Rear, Avalon, $725,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201708

2108 Ocean Drive, 1st Floor, Avalon, $750,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201625

5765 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,475,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201655

249 71st Street, Avalon, $2,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201650

295 55th Street, Avalon, $2,279,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201638

9803 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,575,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201621

9803 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,575,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201622

7529 Sunset Drive, Avalon, $2,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201662

45 W. 26th. Street, Avalon, $3,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201670

214 62nd Street, Avalon, $3,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201656

10319 Sunrise Drive, Stone Harbor, $3,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201678

10311 Sunrise Drive, Stone Harbor, $4,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201677

9810 First Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201624

4816 4th Avenue, Avalon, $6,350,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201647

10315 Sunrise Drive, Stone Harbor, $7,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201676

Properties Under Contract:

300 78th Street, Avalon, $925,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 190500

1116 Stone Harbor Blvd., #305, Stone Harbor Manor, $975,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 201473

310 40th Street, East, Avalon, $1,399,999, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 189915

295 48th Street, Avalon, $1,695,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 183592

237 26th Street, Avalon, $1,795,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 201540

375 24th Street, Avalon, $2,100,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 200190

24 E. 19th Street, Avalon, $2,350,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 200921

275 85th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,649,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 201259

9002 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, $2,795,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 201447

74 E. 13th Street, Avalon, $3,095,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 200349

Properties Sold:

151 95th Street, #5, Stone Harbor, $490,000, SOLD MLS#: 200481

1668 Ocean Drive, B-1, Avalon, $799,000, SOLD MLS#: 201418

2445 Avalon Avenue, C-6, Avalon, $871,000, SOLD MLS#: 200286

13 93rd Street, #5, Stone Harbor, $1,130,800, SOLD MLS#: 189166

375 21st Street, Avalon, $1,230,000, SOLD MLS#: 200948

65 W. 11th Street, Avalon, $2,400,000, SOLD MLS#: 190168

158 99th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,525,000, SOLD MLS#: 190632

10315 Sunrise Drive, Stone Harbor, $3,275,000, SOLD MLS#: 200426

31 Heron Drive, Avalon, $3,800,000, SOLD MLS#: 201040

168 67th Street, Avalon, $6,450,000, SOLD MLS#: 190347

STONE HARBOR’S MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND BEACH GUIDELINES & PROTOCOLS:

The Borough of Stone Harbor is pleased to announce that on Friday, May 22nd their beaches will be open for the enjoyment of all residents and visitors. Stone Harbor beaches will be open for passive and active purposes, which now includes the use of beach chairs and blankets. However, due to Governor Murphy’s recent executive order, organized games, contact sports, sports camps, and special events are prohibited on the beach.

Additionally included in the new guidelines from the Governor are the requirements of capacity management and social distancing. Protocols for capacity management are currently under review and are forthcoming. Residents and visitors will be trusted to adhere to the same social distancing practices that are already in place in all aspects of our lives. The Borough asks that you follow any direction provided as it remains necessary to protect everyone’s health and safety.

LEARN MORE: STONE HARBOR TO ALLOW FULL ACCESS TO BEACHES, WITH SOME RESTRICTIONS, FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

AVALON’S ADJUSTED POLICIES & SCHEDULES DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC:

Updated May 15th: The following information is being made available to you as Avalon has adjusted policies and schedules due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Avalon Beaches: Through Thursday, May 21st, Avalon beaches are open for walking / running / fishing / surfing. Starting Friday, May 22nd, passive recreation including beach chairs, blankets, and sunbathing is permissible. Starting Friday, May 22nd lifeguards will be on duty for the summer. The Avalon Beach Tag Booth remains closed until further notice. No beach tags will be required on Avalon’s beaches until Friday, July 3rd. You can reserve a beach tag on the Viply phone app, or take advantage of our mail in program. Preseason beach tag rates are effective until June 30th, 2020; the preseason rate is $25. You may mail a check payable to the Borough of Avalon, and mail it to Avalon Tax Collectors Office, attn: Beach Tags, 3100 Dune Drive, Avalon NJ 08202. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelop. You will be mailed a receipt good for the number of beach tags you paid for. When the Booth opens, simply bring the receipt and claim your beach tags. Social distancing is both required and mandated this summer on the Avalon beaches by gubernatorial and mayoral executive orders. Families who come to the beach should remain at least six feet apart from other blankets and chairs. Face masks are strongly encouraged this summer due to Covid-19. Avalon Police will be patrolling the beaches to encourage social distancing among our guests.

Avalon Boardwalk: The Avalon Boardwalk will be open Friday, May 22nd. All regular rules and regulations apply. Face masks are strongly encouraged; social distancing is required.

Avalon Public Buildings: Avalon public buildings remain closed to the public until further notice, including Borough Hall, Community Hall, the Avalon Free Public Library, and Avalon Department of Public Works. They will be opened by the Mayor when they can safely open. Essential employees are working both inside Borough Hall and remotely. Please understand any phone calls may not be returned immediately. Use the “Ask a Question” link on the Borough website to have your question directed to the appropriate department, or email the department directly.

Avalon Public Spaces: Avalon’s recreational facilities, including Community Hall, basketball courts, playgrounds, pickleball courts, and tennis courts remain closed until further notice. Avalon’s recreational fields between 8th Street and 12th street were conditionally opened on Friday, May 15th by the Mayor for exercise only. There are to be no organized games, no sports camps, and no group activities on the fields at any time, until further notice. The fields are only open for non-group activities including playing catch, kicking a soccer ball, etc. Social distancing on the athletic fields is strictly enforced. Masks are strongly encouraged for anyone who visits the athletic fields. Bathrooms adjacent to the beach at Surfside Park only are to open as of May 22nd, 2020. Bay Park Marina is open to the public, and the boat launch is available. The Avalon Kayak Park is also open to the public. Social distancing is required, and masks are strongly recommended.

Special Events: Most special events in Avalon have been cancelled until further notice. The Governor’s executive order prohibits fireworks on the beach; July 4th fireworks have been cancelled, and the July 4th Bay Atlantic Symphony concert is also cancelled. Outdoor events on the beaches have been cancelled until further notice including sports camps, and beach movies as no organized events are currently allowed on the beaches per the Governor’s executive order. All activities including for Memorial Day weekend including the ceremony and parade are cancelled. All sports camps are suspended until further notice because they occur on public spaces where public gatherings are prohibited.

Rescheduled Events: Avalon’s bulk trash pickup has been scheduled to start on June 15th. Trash may be placed curbside starting June 1st. The Avalon Trash and Recycling Drop Off Center at 15th Street and Dune Drive is open every day. The Avalon Community Paper Shredding Day will be held on Labor Day, September 7th. There will be a second bulk trash collection in Avalon starting September 14th.

Rentals/Second Homes: Seasonal rentals in Avalon were allowable as of May 11th, 2020. Short term rentals are possible on June 1st. Second home owners are allowed to visit their homes in Avalon. Curbside check in is mandated when possible.

Payments to the Borough: The Borough of Avalon has extended the deadline to pay taxes without penalty to June 1, 2020. Water and sewer payments continue with their regular schedule.

Public Meetings: The Avalon Borough Council meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 4:00pm. These meetings have been recently held via conference call and will continue in that format until public buildings are open to the public. Meetings of the Avalon Environmental Commission have been cancelled. Meetings of the Avalon Planning and Zoning Board have been postponed; continue to follow notices on AVALONBORO.NET for updates.

Businesses: Retail, restaurant, bar, arcade, amusement are all regulated by the State of New Jersey and may only open via directives from the State. The Borough will soon receive an executive order from the Mayor that will regulate, for only the summer of 2020, some outdoor dining and retail opportunities in Avalon.

LEARN MORE: BUSINESS INFORMATION, MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS & DIRECTIVES

AVALON & STONE HARBOR BEACHES REOPEN FRIDAY, MAY 22ND for traditional sunbathing in chairs or on blankets, and swimming in the surf.  Walking, jogging, surfing, and fishing have been permitted since May 8th.  Group activities and organized sports are still prohibited.  Social distancing must be observed in all cases.  Please check below for details on beach tags for both Avalon & Stone Harbor.

Surfers and joggers were among the first to return to area beaches when restrictions were eased a couple of weeks ago.

THE MARKET IS MOVING!  After a slowdown during the first few weeks of April, market activity has resumed and there are currently 40 properties under contract in the local market!  For a detailed look at the market see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report below.

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

 

BEACH TAGS IN AVALON will not be required until July 3rd.  Seasonal tags will cost $25 through June 30th, 2020; as of July 1st, tags will cost $30.  The Avalon Beach Tag booth at 30th Street & Avalon Avenue will open for the season on Friday, May 22nd from 10:00am-4:00pm, and will remain open daily.  Customers must wear masks to conduct a transaction and must stand six feet apart while in line.  Mayor Pagliughi has also extended the mail-in program for beach tags through May 31st.  You may send a check made payable to the “Borough of Avalon” for the number of tags that you wish to purchase at the $25 price.  Send your check, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to Avalon Tax Collector’s Office, 3100 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202 Attn: Beach Tags.  You will be mailed a receipt for the tags that you purchased.  At your convenience, visit the Beach Tag Booth with your receipt to pick up your tags.

BEACH TAGS IN STONE HARBOR are required for all persons 12 years of age and older starting this Saturday, May 22nd.  The Beach Tag booth at 95th Street will be open starting Wednesday, May 20th through the weekend from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm for beach tag purchases only.  Pre-Purchased Tags and Veterans Tags can be picked up at the 82nd Street Recreation Building starting Wednesday, May 20th
through the weekend from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

BEACH TAGS ONLINE:  You can also make your beach tag purchase online via the smartphone app Viply.  Details are here:
https://www.viplypass.com/new-jersey-beach-badges/

CHARTER FISHING AND WATERCRAFT RENTALS resumed earlier this week, with new guidelines in place to enhance safety.  Reduced capacity, electronic reservations/payments, and no sharing of equipment are some of the restrictions that charter operations will follow.  Watercraft rentals are allowed to operate following a “curbside pick up” type of business model similar to other retail operations.  Masks are required while aboard the vessels.

OUTSIDE DINING is still under consideration in many shore towns as a way to help restaurants cope with capacity limits during the reopening.  Among the many proposals being considered are using sidewalks and parking areas for dining, and closing streets to expand dining space further.

DRINKS TO GO:  Many establishments are offering “drinks to go” as part of their take out business.  Even if you can’t sit IN your favorite restaurant, at least you can enjoy the food & drinks you love on your own deck or porch!  If ordering takeout or curbside pick up this weekend, please be sure to plan ahead and allow extra time for your order!

MEMORIAL DAY is upon us and we’re looking forward to the first long weekend at the shore.  Most Memorial Day parades and ceremonies have been cancelled this year due to the pandemic, but let’s all take a moment to reflect upon those who have sacrificed so greatly in order to preserve the freedoms we enjoy in our nation.

New Listings:

9401 Sunset Drive, #4, Stone Harbor, $689,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 201601

66 E. 20th Street, #311, Avalon, $999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201591

237 26th Street, Avalon, $1,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201540

311 80th Street, #7, Avalon, $1,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201548

138 26th Street, Avalon, $2,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201598

758 21st Street, West, Avalon, $2,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201571

756 21st Street, East, Avalon, $2,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201573

25 E 15th Street, Avalon, $2,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201535

391 20th Street, Avalon, $2,550,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201615

241 68th Street, Avalon, $3,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201572

156 101st Street, Stone Harbor, $3,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201574

274 58th Street, Avalon, $3,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201586

35 East 17th Street, Avalon, $3,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201570

7792 Sunset Drive, Avalon, $4,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201555

606 42nd Street, Avalon, $4,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201606

141 65th Street, Avalon, $7,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201589

Properties Under Contract:

7888 Dune Drive, #117, Avalon, $149,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 189704

779 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Stone Harbor Manor, $309,500, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 201177

7751 Ocean Drive, Unit C, Avalon, $459,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 201105

105 30th Street, B, Avalon, $615,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 201434

1719 Ocean Drive, #9, Avalon, $695,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 201181

295 48th Street, Avalon, $1,695,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 183592

239 26th Street, Avalon, $1,795,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 201541

204 45th Street, Avalon, $2,150,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 200812

291 44th Street, Avalon, $2,599,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 190329

Properties Sold:

10 E. 25th Street, Avalon, $2,215,000, SOLD MLS#: 200095

162 76th Street, Avalon, $2,800,000, SOLD MLS#: 190581

83 E. 16th Street, Avalon, $3,900,000, SOLD MLS#: 190098

A surf fisherman takes advantage of recently reopened beaches on Seven Mile Island.

REOPENING PLANS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR SEVEN MILE BEACH!  Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi and Stone Harbor Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour have been working toward the safe reopening of Seven Mile Beach.  See below for the latest plans as we approach the summer season.

AVALON & STONE HARBOR BEACHES REOPENED last Friday, May 8th, for walking, jogging, fishing, and surfing, from dawn to dusk.  Some activities are still restricted, such as sitting, sunbathing, and swimming.  Social distancing must still be observed even for permitted activities, but locals and visitors alike are happy to be able to access the beaches!

FULL SEASON RENTALS are now allowed to check in, effective Monday, May 11th.

SHORT TERM RENTALS, including weekly vacation rentals, will be permitted to check in beginning June 1st.

MANY RESTAURANTS are already open for take-out business, and are exploring ways to reopen for dine-in service at reduced capacity in order to comply with social distancing requirements.  Proposals for outdoor dining have been discussed in both Avalon & Stone Harbor, as a possible solution for allowing more dining capacity while increasing the space between tables.  Stay tuned for more information.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF BUSINESSES have differing needs as they navigate the pandemic and make plans to safely reopen.  Hank Flynn of Fox 29 in Philadelphia offers “Hank’s Take” on the South Jersey fishing industry as he interviews Captain Joe Hughes from Sea Isle City and Captain Irv Hurd of the Miss Avalon, and discusses their hope of getting customers out fishing again soon:  https://www.fox29.com/video/682666

THE AVALON BOULEVARD BRIDGE has reopened for traffic flow in both directions after a winter’s worth of work to repair the bridge support structure and resurface the eastbound roadway surface.  It will remain open for the summer season but will be restricted to one alternating lane again in the fall as the next phase of the work gets underway.

THE 177TH FIGHTER WING of the NJ Air National Guard performed a flyover salute, circling New Jersey on Tuesday.  Several F-16 fighter planes and a KC-135 tanker flew over numerous hospital and military installations, in a salute to frontline workers battling the Coronavirus pandemic.  Shortly after noon Tuesday the fighters and tanker could be seen in the sky over Seven Mile Beach, as they flew toward the coast coming from western section of Southern New Jersey.  Crossing over Seven Mile Beach the planes turned southward toward the US Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May.  After turning northward again the plane flew up the coast over the back bays, toward their final destination of Atlantic City.

TED BURKE has written a children’s book titled COVID & The Queen.  In the uplifting story the creatures of the beach and bay are curious and worried about their human friends, and seek the wise counsel of the moon.   The book will soon be available on Amazon and Kindle, but Mr. Burke has created a video version that is available now.  Children, parents, and grandparents will enjoy the six minute video, as familiar creatures struggle to understand what’s happening.  Enjoy the video here:  https://youtu.be/eHELO1vje2s

QUESTIONS?  I’m glad to help!  Email or call me anytime!

New Listings:

269 25th Street, Avalon, $999,990, ACTIVE MLS#: 201524

51 Channel Road, Avalon Manor, $1,075,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201522

261 44th Street, Avalon, $2,544,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201478

Properties Under Contract:

2819 Dune Drive, Avalon, $35,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 189480

1668 Ocean Drive, B-1, Avalon, $799,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 201418

6660 Ocean Drive, South, Avalon, $1,899,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 200841

8533 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $2,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 201034

89 E. 27th Street, Avalon, $3,750,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 174723

Properties Sold:

1574 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,150,000, SOLD MLS#: 200594

312 40th Street, West, Avalon, $1,250,000, SOLD MLS#: 189916

10559 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, $2,628,350, SOLD MLS#: 201123

7 Flamingo Drive, Avalon, $3,250,000, SOLD MLS#: 190242

From the County Board of Chosen Freeholders:

The County Board of Chosen Freeholders submitted this plan to Governor Murphy Tuesday, May 5, 2020. The reopening guidelines and timeline begin on page 14.

I will forward to you the final decision from the Governor, County Freeholders, and Mayors of Avalon and Stone Harbor upon receipt from them.

Beach Access Update – May 4, 2020:

From Mayor Pagliughi and Mayor Davies Dunhour:

We want to personally thank and congratulate all members of our communities for their understanding, consideration, and recognition of various executive orders from the State and municipal level regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. Everyone in our community…residents, property owners, businesses, renters, volunteers, and visitors…have made unbelievable sacrifices in order to reduce the exposure on 7 Mile Beach. These sacrifices continue to be necessary in order to reopen our towns in a safe, responsible manner. We join you with hoping we can get back to normal as quickly as possible.

We are announcing that as of the morning of Friday, May 8th, the Boroughs of Avalon and Stone Harbor on the 7 Mile Beach will be uniform in a beach access policy. There will be access to our beaches for walking, running, fishing and surfing, from dawn to dusk. There will be no stationary activity on the beach for the time being (chairs, blankets, etc). Social distancing regulations must be followed. The beaches will be patrolled to make sure that social distancing practices are followed and there are no large groups of people gathered. All regular beach regulations continue to apply. We ask that you follow these temporary rules; unfortunately, if they are not followed, we will again close our beaches.

All other public spaces in our communities will remain closed, including playgrounds, tennis/pickleball/basketball courts, boardwalk, libraries, and recreational centers/fields. This limited beach access accommodation is intended to provide an open space for individuals to get exercise, see the beach and ocean, and have a relaxing experience. At a time to be determined, complete beach access will be allowable for stationary activities, swimming, picnicking, and other activities.

Please understand the Public Health Emergency and the State of Emergency both continue in New Jersey, and stay at home orders and other restrictions on non-essential travel embodied in gubernatorial executive orders remain in effect and may only be rescinded or amended by the Governor himself.

We all look forward to the time where we can come together and enjoy our communities, and of course, enjoy each other’s company. Until that time arrives, please enjoy this limited access plan to the beach and we remain hopeful that you and your family remain healthy and safe through this pandemic.

Sincerely,

Martin L. Pagliughi, Mayor
Borough of Avalon, NJ

Judith Davies-Dunhour, Mayor
Borough of Stone Harbor, NJ

A LETTER TO THE 7 MILE BEACH COMMUNITIES FROM MAYOR PAGLIUGHI AND MAYOR DAVIES DUNHOUR

Ospreys are back and have taken up residence in nests throughout the area.  This one is visible from Avalon Boulevard, with the Stone Harbor water tower in the distant background.

AVALON & STONE HARBOR BEACHES REOPENING FRIDAY, MAY 8TH!  Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi and Stone Harbor Mayor Judy Davies-Dunhour announced a partial reopening of the beaches on Seven Mile Island.  Beginning Friday beaches will be open from dawn to dusk for walking, jogging, fishing, and surfing.  Stationary beach activities are still prohibited, and social distancing must still be practiced, but it will bring great joy to a lot of people to be able to access the beach again! Read the letter issued by both mayors here: https://avalonboro.net/avalon-stone-harbor-to-permit-limited-access-to-beaches-friday-may-8th/

LOCAL AND COUNTY OFFICIALS have been working hard to form reopening plans so that local businesses may safely reopen as soon as permitted to do so by the governor.  Social distancing, masks, and other new practices are likely to be incorporated into nearly every type of business, so even familiar restaurants and merchants will look different for the foreseeable future.  Cape May County businesses, residents, and visitors are excited about reopening in a responsible manner in order to safely enjoy the summer season that we all look forward to!

SUMMER RENTALS: Like everyone else, we’re monitoring the latest news and directives closely.  Currently, there is a moratorium on short term rental check-ins, and we have contacted affected tenants and owners with rental check-in dates up through May 22nd.  As guidelines change and restrictions are extended or removed, we will again contact any affected owners or tenants.

THE SALE MARKET IS ACTIVE AGAIN!  Following a pause when statewide stay-at-home restrictions were issued, market activity resumed in mid-April, and numerous properties have been placed under contract since.  Currently there are 40 properties under contract in the local market; see below for the latest to be placed under contract, as well as those recently sold!

A LITTLE BIT OF THE SHORE:  Check out this four minute video of dolphins and whales frolicking at the surface!  Recorded 49 miles from Cape May a couple of years ago, a broad expanse of empty ocean suddenly came alive with dolphins playing in the boat’s wake as a group of whales lumbered along nearby!  (Jump ahead to about 3:45 for the best view of the whales!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCMfNLlaGKY

I’M HERE AND READY TO HELP!  Thinking about buying or selling?  I’ve got the tools to keep you safe and the experience to help you achieve your goals. Call or email me today!

New Listings:

105 30th Street, B, Avalon, $615,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201434

733 21st Street, Avalon, $849,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201430

1116 Stone Harbor Blvd., #305, Stone Harbor Manor, $975,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201473

9002 3rd Ave., Stone Harbor, $2,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 201447

Properties Under Contract:

65 W. 11th Street, Avalon, $2,749,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 190168

89 E. 27th Street, Avalon, $3,750,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 174723

83 E. 16th Street, Avalon, $4,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 190098

168 67th Street, Avalon, $6,799,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 190347

Properties Sold:

2110 Ocean Drive, Unit B, Avalon, $709,000, SOLD MLS#: 190407

300 79th Street, Avalon, $830,000, SOLD MLS#: 200180

2011 Dune Drive, Avalon, $999,000, SOLD MLS#: 200167

254 84th Street, East, Stone Harbor, $1,755,000, SOLD MLS#: 200022

74 37th Street, Avalon, $4,400,000, SOLD MLS#: 200969