Avalon & Stone Harbor Holiday Beach Tags will be available for purchase this weekend; see below for details.  

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND is traditionally filled by holiday activities on Seven Mile Island.  While some events have been scaled down (or in the case of Saturday night’s big parade, cancelled) there is still plenty of fun to be had on the island.  Here’s a summary to help you plan your visit!

AVALON:

Festival of Trees:  Shop in your favorite stores while browsing a variety of trees and wreaths on display.  Bidding runs through Saturday, November 28th, www.AvalonFestivalofTrees.com

Virtual Turkey Trot: Complete your 5K or 1.5-mile walk at your leisure between November 25th and November 30th.  Register at www.dillerblindhome.org; the first 200 participants are guaranteed a t-shirt!

Santa Lights Dune Drive: Be sure to be on Dune Drive Friday at 4:30pm as Santa lights up Dune Drive before heading back to the North Pole!

Drive-In Movies:  The 28th Street parking lot turns into a drive-in theater Friday and Saturday at 6pm for showings of “Elf” (Friday) and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (Saturday).  Families are to remain in their vehicles and tune into 92.3FM for the movie audio.

STONE HARBOR:

Hospitality Night in the business district Friday, 6pm to 9pm.

Winter Wonderland Festival of Trees: Visit the Women’s Civic Club of Stone Harbor Friday, November 27th from 10am-8pm and Saturday, November 28th from 10am to Noon, for viewing and silent bidding on trees & wreaths designed and decorated by area merchants and organizations.

Holiday Market: Fine art and handmade artisan crafts, plus food & drink at the Water Tower lot on Friday & Saturday, 11am to 5pm.

Island Holiday Scavenger Hunt: Friday & Saturday, 11am to 5pm; sign up at 212 96th Street.

Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus:  Socially distant photo sessions at Paw Prints of Stone Harbor (281 96th Street) Friday & Saturday, 1pm to 4pm.  Bring a camera or phone!

HOLIDAY BEACH TAGS can be purchased this weekend, while supplies last!  In Avalon, tags can be purchased Friday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm at the Avalon Beach Tag Booth, adjacent to Surfside Park, at 30th Street and the beach. Tags will cost $25 and come in a decorative box. The tags will be good for the entire 2021 beach season and do not have to be exchanged for a “regular” 2021 beach tag. Cash and checks are accepted.  In Stone Harbor, tags can be purchased at Borough Hall Friday and Saturday from 11am to 3pm.  (See above for this year’s holiday beach tag designs.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU & YOURS!  Wishing you the very best this holiday season!

New Listings:

413 98th Street, Stone Harbor, $769,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204520

280 85th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,549,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204499

41 Seabreeze Lane, Avalon Manor, $1,700,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204494

337 93rd Street, Stone Harbor, $3,100,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204506

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

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

50 E. 10th Street, Avalon, $4,500,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204509

38 Pelican Drive S, Avalon, $4,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204532

Properties Under Contract:

2459 First Avenue, Avalon, $1,479,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 201084

4550 Dune Drive, Avalon, $1,725,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204308

284 25th Street, Avalon, $2,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202914

865 Avalon Avenue, Avalon, $3,850,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 189676

2448 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $3,895,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203187

Properties Sold:

7900 Dune Drive, Unit 311, Avalon, $290,000, SOLD MLS#: 202801

177 80th Street, C-202, Avalon, $415,000, SOLD MLS#: 204277

312 83rd Street, Unit 6, Stone Harbor, $999,000, SOLD MLS#: 203443

245 109th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,350,000, SOLD MLS#: 203853

110 22nd Street, Avalon, $1,795,000, SOLD MLS#: 203570

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

63 W. 30th Street, Avalon, $1,825,000, SOLD MLS#: 203826

295 60th Street, Avalon, $3,250,000, SOLD MLS#: 202168

10 W. 27th Street, Avalon, $3,300,000, SOLD MLS#: 201865

65 E 17th Street, Avalon, $3,686,800, SOLD MLS#: 201756

38 S. Pelican Drive, Avalon, $4,000,000, SOLD MLS#: 203704

114 118th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,025,000, SOLD MLS#: 203846

65 W. 34th Street, Avalon, $4,200,000, SOLD MLS#: 200773

239 26th Street, Avalon, $179,500,000, SOLD MLS#: 201541

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

PRICES INCREASED during October 2020 along with the number of units sold, while the number of active listings continued to decline.  Strong demand for shore properties has continued.  For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report.

WIND FARM DELAYED: Delays in obtaining federal permits could delay the start of the Ocean Wind offshore energy project by a year.  Located several miles off South Jersey beaches, the $1.6 billion Ocean Wind project is expected to power 500,000 homes in 2024.

DID YOU KNOW that ocean water temperatures are still in the low 60s near the surf, and almost 70 degrees just offshore?  As air temperatures fluctuate with daily fall weather patterns, ocean water serves to moderate the temperatures felt along the coast.  On calm days with little wind and abundant sunshine, it can be a pleasant “short sleeve” day on the beach, well into November.  The spring brings the opposite effect, when even a warm, sunny day on the mainland can feel downright cold along the beach.

PILINGS HAVE BEEN DRIVEN for the construction of Sea Isle City’s new bayfront pier, and completion is expected by the end of the year.  The 132-foot pier will feature a fishing area, a kayak launch area, and a passive recreation area.  The pier, located at 60th Street, was initially expected to be opened by late summer or early fall, but was delayed by supply chain issues caused by Covid.  Add this to your list of things to enjoy in 2021–the sunset views should be magnificent!

SHOP LOCAL THIS SEASON!  With many small, local businesses having suffered shutdowns, reduced hours, and other difficulties in 2020, it’s a great time to support local merchants.  Many shops & restaurants are still open on Seven Mile Island, so look to them for things you might need: clothing; decorative items; furniture & household items; deck & patio furniture; or a gift certificate to your favorite store or restaurant!
New Listings:

667 22nd Street, Avalon, $625,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204443

243 80th Street, Avalon, $979,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204455

142 Meadowview, Avalon Manor, $1,800,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204399

205 69th Street, Avalon, $2,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204447

9200 First Avenue, Stone Harbor, $3,775,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204465

Properties Under Contract:

7888 Dune Drive, 201, Avalon, $349,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204449

2166 Dune Drive, Avalon, $499,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204028

6498 Ocean Drive, A, Avalon, $949,900, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204266

163 83rd Street, Stone Harbor, $2,195,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204298

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

156 17th Street, Avalon, $2,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204256

45 W. 26th. Street, Avalon, $3,475,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 201670

5024 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $6,599,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 200547

Properties Sold:

10105 Second Avenue, Unit B, Stone Harbor, $650,000, SOLD MLS#: 200637

411 98th Street, Unit 2, Stone Harbor, $725,000, SOLD MLS#: 202502

283 29th Street, Avalon, $916,500, SOLD MLS#: 201739

223 29th Street, Avalon, $1,275,000, SOLD MLS#: 203627

247 29th Street, Avalon, $1,550,000, SOLD MLS#: 203127

221 98th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,800,000, SOLD MLS#: 203203

283 19th Street, Avalon, $2,150,000, SOLD MLS#: 203597

246 103rd Street, Stone Harbor, $2,500,000, SOLD MLS#: 203204

This gorgeous sunset scene was captured by Stone Harbor photographer Craig Miller.  What a great way to end a day!  Thanks for sharing, Craig!

“WE DECIDED THERE ISN’T ANY MORE RISK THAN STAYING IN IOWA.”  So said Jon Heinz, when interviewed for a Wall Street Journal article published November 4th.  The article focused on an increase in vacation travel, as families look for ways to safely enjoy time together, and book vacations in resort areas.  In a prior article, the WSJ noted that Americans are seeking to purchase vacation homes in which to “work or relax within driving distance of home.”  Both observations are consistent with what we’ve seen in our local market–strong vacation rentals and increased vacation home purchase demand.  If you’re looking to book your vacation, or want to make it permanent, let’s talk!

AVALON FROM ABOVE:  The Avalon Free Library published a video showing Avalon’s development since 1887.  In less than two minutes, you’ll see how Avalon changed from the early days (when it consisted of the railroad and a few streets) into the town as we know it today.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Skqd9lVn7U&app=desktop

A WHALE that washed ashore in Townsend’s Inlet several days ago, behind Avalon and Sea Isle City, is no longer drifting, but resting on the bottom.  Officials do not know how the whale died, but say there is evidence predators had been feeding on it.  No decision has been made as to whether there will be an attempt to move the carcass.

“MIRACLE ON 96TH STREET” is the theme of this year’s Island Holiday celebration in Stone Harbor.  Numerous activities will be featured, including Hospitality Night, a Holiday Market, and the Winter Wonderland Festival of Trees presented by the Women’s Civic Club.  Avalon will also celebrate with its own Festival of Trees, a Turkey Trot run, carriage rides, and a special lighting of Dune Drive.  Watch my newsletter for more details!

TOYS FOR TOTS: Once again, our office is a drop off location for the annual Toys For Tots holiday toy drive.  If you’d like to brighten the holiday of a child in need, drop off a new, unwrapped toy any time our office is open!

New Listings:

9807 Second Avenue, Unit 4, Stone Harbor, $589,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204375

4550 Dune Drive, Avalon, $1,725,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204308

274 106th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,249,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204380

261 66th Street, Avalon, $2,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204340

4388 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $3,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204387

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

Properties Under Contract:

224 96th Street, Stone Harbor, $695,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 190370

608 Avalon, Avalon Manor, $850,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203976

366 93rd Street, Stone Harbor, $1,350,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204265

238 62nd Street, Avalon, $2,175,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203917

6043 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $2,590,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 186925

225 61st Street, Avalon, $2,690,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202661

294 57th Street, Avalon, $3,150,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204247

7698 Dune Drive, Avalon, $3,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 158501

140 77th Street, Avalon, $3,500,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 140279

65 E. 17th Street, Avalon, $3,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 201756

135 77th Street, Avalon, $4,100,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 173832

151 65th Street, Avalon, $5,300,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203498

Properties Sold:

7888 Dune Drive, 326, Avalon, $389,000, SOLD MLS#: 204090

265 98th Street, Unit B, Stone Harbor, $747,500, SOLD MLS#: 200732

440 20th Street, 2nd Floor, Unit B, Avalon, $779,000, SOLD MLS#: 203509

1988 Dune Drive, Avalon, $825,000, SOLD MLS#: 201643

669 Dune Drive, Avalon, $2,558,000, SOLD MLS#: 203435

455 104th Street, Stone Harbor, $3,832,500, SOLD MLS#: 202271

8808 First Avenue, Stone Harbor, $5,100,000, SOLD MLS#: 189913

11801 Paradise Drive, Stone Harbor, $6,600,000, SOLD MLS#: 190896

Enjoy this 4-minute video about our local wetlands and efforts to raise low lying areas to protect against rising sea levels. 

SMIIL: Seven Mile Island Innovation Lab, a joint project between the Army Corps of Engineers and The Wetlands Institute, is sure to make you smile!  Low lying marsh areas are being elevated with mud and sediment dredged from nearby navigation channels in the IntraCoastal Waterway, in order to prevent rising sea levels from flooding the marsh in the future.  According to Lenore Tedesco of The Wetlands Institute, the projects help restore balance to the ecosystem and provide habitat areas for coastal birds.  The four-minute video clip above provides an overview of the project along with superb video and photography of our local wetlands.

THE AVALON MANOR FISHING PIER received a second-place award from the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers for towns under 20,000 in population.  The recently rebuilt fishing pier opened in May, featuring ample space for fishing, and great views of the bay and IntraCoastal Waterway.  The prior pier at the same location was closed in 2016 due to its deteriorating condition; that pier was made from the remainder of the original bridge into Avalon.  The new pier will see even more improvements in the coming months as benches and a bicycle rack will be installed.

OPERATION FIRESIDE, which for three decades has matched military recruits with host families on Thanksgiving and Christmas day, won’t take place this year as a result of Covid.   According to the Cape May County Herald, 550 recruits will remain at the US Coast Guard Training Center facility in Cape May on Thanksgiving Day, and 400 on Christmas Day.  The Herald also reports that “cards of thanks and holiday cheer can be sent without envelopes to military members, veterans, and their families at American Red Cross House, Holidays for Heroes, 6051 Doughboy Loop, JB MDL, NJ 08640.”

AVALON HOLIDAY HOUSE DECORATING: If you’ve got big plans for your Avalon home’s holiday decorations, be sure to enter the Avalon Holiday House Decorating Contest!  There’s no cost to enter, and the winner will receive two holiday seasonal beach tags, a trophy, and a framed photo of your decorated house.  Entry forms are available at Avalon Borough Hall.

WHAT ARE YOUR 2021 VACATION PLANS?  We’re already booking vacation rentals for 2021, and more rates are coming in each day.  Whether you need a small place for a getaway, or a house large enough to accommodate extended family, we’ve got something for you.  Call or email me today!  Rental property owners, it’s time to get your 2021 rates in to me if you haven’t already done so!

New Listings:

7800 Dune Drive, Unit 205, Avalon, $282,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204281

6498 Ocean Drive, A, Avalon, $949,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 204266

366 93rd Street, Stone Harbor, $1,350,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204265

163 83rd St, Stone Harbor, $2,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204298

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

156 17th Street, Avalon, $2,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204256

294 57th Street, Avalon, $3,150,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204247

 

Properties Under Contract:

10007 First Avenue, Unit F, Stone Harbor, $387,500, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204123

177 80th Street, C-202, Avalon, $429,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204277

10105 Second Avenue, Unit B, Stone Harbor, $650,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 200637

150 96th Street, Unit 3, Stone Harbor, $739,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202822

247 B 88th Street, Stone Harbor, $749,900, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204255

51 Channel Road, Avalon Manor, $999,500, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203297

100 96th Street, Unit 301, Stone Harbor, $1,195,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204262

255 13th Street, Avalon, $1,395,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203949

285 53rd Street, Avalon, $1,695,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203941

3618 Dune Drive, Avalon, $1,949,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203978

246 43rd Street, Avalon, $1,957,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204239

415 98th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202805

221 65th Street, Avalon, $3,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204148

120 115th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,999,900, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203038

319 62nd St., Avalon, $7,500,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204223

 

Properties Sold:

7888 Dune Drive, 118, Avalon, $139,000, SOLD MLS#: 202120

2778 Dune Drive, Avalon, $357,000, SOLD MLS#: 202804

9201 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $820,000, SOLD MLS#: 202920

230 111th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,200,000, SOLD MLS#: 203836

2601 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,395,000, SOLD MLS#: 203824

169 16th Street, Avalon, $1,425,000, SOLD MLS#: 203813

2188 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,550,000, SOLD MLS#: 202570

163 83rd Street Street, Stone Harbor, $1,700,000, SOLD MLS#: 203030

262 48th Street, Avalon, $1,701,000, SOLD MLS#: 202942

26 W. 29th Street, Avalon, $1,750,000, SOLD MLS#: 202393

45 W. 10th Street, Avalon, $1,793,000, SOLD MLS#: 203380

3908 Fourth Avenue, Avalon, $2,350,000, SOLD MLS#: 203431

149 10th Street, Avalon, $2,750,000, SOLD MLS#: 200648

298 90th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,995,000, SOLD MLS#: 202422

2158 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $3,100,000, SOLD MLS#: 202569

7748 and 7764 Sunset Drive, Avalon, $8,150,000, SOLD MLS#: 202744

The southern end of Stone Harbor Point projects well into Hereford Inlet.  Here, fisherman try their luck in the inlet as birds fly overhead.

REAL ESTATE SALES TOPPED $735 MILLION in the local market through October 15th of this year, up from $550 million during the same period last year.  Low interest rates continue to be a factor, along with increased demand as buyers seek “close to home” locations where they can vacation or work remotely.  This year’s average closing price is $2,036,000 with a median price of $1,600,000, both up from last year’s figures of $1,793,000 and $1,550,000 respectively.  Seven Mile Island real estate continues to offer something for everyone, with small condominiums beginning around $300,000 through eight-figure beachfront mansions.

THE 96th STREET BRIDGE will be inspected this week, along with the Ocean Drive Bridge linking Stone Harbor to Nummy Island on the way to North Wildwood.  Bridges will be reduced to one alternating lane of traffic while inspections are being conducted.  Inspections will take place during the daytime hours and will conclude by 3:30pm on Friday, October 30th.  Meanwhile, repair work on the Avalon Boulevard Bridge continues, as does the alternating traffic pattern there.

WITH A CHILL IN THE AIR it feels like fall!  Daytime highs are expected in the 50s over the weekend, but will climb back into the 60s again soon.  The crisp air often brings with it the smell of woodsmoke as many fireplaces are being enjoyed for the first time since last spring!

TWO SHIPS NAMED ‘CAPE MAY’ have served the US Military:  The SS Cape May (T-AKR-5063) is a steam powered heavy-lift carrier, according to www.watchthetramcarplease.com, and was built in 1971 for commercial use, then later turned over to the Maritime Administration.  She remains in ready reserve status in the event heavy transport service is required.  The USS Cape May County (LST-521) was a landing ship built for the US Navy during World War II; she was the only US Naval vessel to bear the name according to www.watchthetramcarplease.com, and participated in the Normandy invasion in June 1944.  Locally, a non-military ‘Cape May’ was a fixture in local waters for decades.  The M/V Cape May was built for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry in 1985, refurbished in 1998, and sold in 2013, after crossing the Delaware Bay in daily ferry service for 28 years.

SCHEDULE YOUR WINTERIZATION, if you haven’t already.  Call your plumber to have outdoor water lines shut off and drained.  Most homes remain operational during the winter, but the heat should be set at 55 to 60 degrees to protect against freezing pipes.  For more detailed info on preparing your home for winter consult with your plumber or contractor.  Need a recommendation?  Call or email me!

New Listings:

10007 First Avenue, Unit F, Stone Harbor, $387,500, ACTIVE MLS#: 204123

105 30th Street, Avalon, $720,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204176

107 30th Street, Avalon, $749,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204175

3418 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,925,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204140

10422 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $2,400,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204146

221 65th Street, Avalon, $3,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204148

306 62nd Street, Avalon, $7,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204156

Properties Under Contract:

23 Stone Court, Stone Harbor, $684,500, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203982

300 79th Street, Unit A 5, Avalon, $769,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203453

76 W. 28th Street, Unit 202, Avalon, $799,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203542

298 43rd Street, Avalon, $1,300,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204117

1100 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,300,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204147

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

259 29th Street, Avalon, $1,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203999

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

9400 1st Avenue, Stone Harbor, $3,600,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204014

10015 First Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 201928

Properties Sold:

33 Seabreeze Lane, Avalon Manor, $495,000, SOLD MLS#: 203021

778 Dune Drive, Unit B, Avalon, $595,000, SOLD MLS#: 203306

43 Bower Court, Stone Harbor, $610,000, SOLD MLS#: 203242

8931 Second Avenue, Unit 5, Stone Harbor, $630,000, SOLD MLS#: 202471

422 99th Street, Unit 2 Second Floor, Stone Harbor, $756,000, SOLD MLS#: 203539

601 Dune Drive, Unit 3, Avalon, $775,000, SOLD MLS#: 203465

151 95th Street, Unit 8, Stone Harbor, $850,000, SOLD MLS#: 203058

223 17th Street, Avalon, $1,351,000, SOLD MLS#: 203173

277 94th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,700,000, SOLD MLS#: 203591

148 95th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,300,000, SOLD MLS#: 201953

45 E. 13th Street, Avalon, $2,500,000, SOLD MLS#: 202875

128 31st Street, Avalon, $2,530,000, SOLD MLS#: 185231

276 103rd Street, Stone Harbor, $2,650,000, SOLD MLS#: 203000

304 76th Street, Avalon, $3,037,500, SOLD MLS#: 202701

316 92nd Street, Stone Harbor, $3,700,000, SOLD MLS#: 202461

85 E. 22nd Street, Avalon, $4,150,000, SOLD MLS#: 190690

75 W. 37th Street, Avalon, $4,400,000, SOLD MLS#: 200469

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

SALES UP, PRICES UP!  Strong demand in the local real estate market has continued to drive sales while pushing prices up.  63 properties sold during the month of September, with a median price of $2,152,500.  The number of active listings, and the number of “days on market” both fell versus last year.  For a detailed look at the market see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report above.

A WALL STREET JOURNAL ARTICLE noted the strength of the vacation home market “as the pandemic leads more Americans to seek places to work or relax within driving distance of home.”  According to the article, second homes account for a larger share of mortgages at 5.3% of all loan locks during the week ended October 9th, up from 3.9% at the beginning of the year.  Check out the rest of the article here: https://www.wsj.com/articles/vacation-home-demand-soars-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-11602590400?st=8l1ildtpynlm1mi

EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH TIDES that occurred this week are referred to as “king tides,” and are formed because the earth and moon are closer than normal.  When aligned with the sun, the combination causes extremely high tidal fluctuations.  Normal tides lead to about five feet of change in the water level, twice daily, but during the recent king tides tidal movement of as much as seven feet were observed.  As the alignment of the earth, moon, and sun changed, our daily tides have returned to normal levels.

DUNE GRASS PLANTING–THIS WEEKEND!  Volunteers are needed for dune grass planting in Avalon on Saturday, October 24th.  Volunteers should report outside Community Hall at 8:30am for a brief planting demonstration (please wear a mask); special planting tools will be provided.  Lunch will be available for pick up at Community Hall after planting.  Please RSVP to Chuck McDonnell at 609-967-3066 or Sue Keen at 609-967-5924.  In the event of rain, planting will occur on Sunday, October 25th.

BEACH SWEEPS also occur in Stone Harbor and Avalon on Saturday, October 24th, from 9am to 12:30pm.  Volunteers in each town will walk the beaches collecting trash, and are asked to meet at the 95th Street beach in Stone Harbor, or the 32nd Street beach in Avalon.  All volunteers are asked to register in advance at this link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhBcxpzaxqgi5n9MYpZY7yHWcIPw0vuuokDV2GD4lrnWIt6w/viewform

SAVE THE DATE:  THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!  An annual favorite, the Thanksgiving Weekend celebration will take place in both Avalon & Stone Harbor.  Some changes will be made due to Covid, but there will be plenty of fun to go around.  Save the date–Thanksgiving occurs on November 26th.  Watch my newsletter for activities and events planned for Friday & Saturday, November 27th & 28th!

New Listings:

2166 Dune Drive, Avalon, $499,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204028

451 21st Street, B, Avalon, $750,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204105

220 85th Street, Front, Stone Harbor, $1,325,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204069

4010 Dune Drive, Avalon, $2,379,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204047

188 39th Street, Avalon, $3,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 204070

Properties Under Contract:

584 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $150,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 188416

7888 Dune Drive, 326, Avalon, $389,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 204090

17 Seabreeze Lane, Avalon Manor, $599,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 200692

351 96th Street, #104, Stone Harbor, $649,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203870

10514 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $1,249,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203914

220 110th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,895,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203574

246 103rd Street, Stone Harbor, $2,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203204

245 67th Street, Avalon, $2,675,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202334

8514 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,895,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203560

5 110th Street, Stone Harbor, $3,695,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 202890

10403 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,650,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 190653

196 70th Street, Avalon, $5,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 203758

Properties Sold:

246 99th Street, Unit 3, Stone Harbor, $449,000, SOLD MLS#: 203352

246 99th Street, Unit 4, Stone Harbor, $486,000, SOLD MLS#: 203353

8001 Second Avenue, Unit 211, Stone Harbor, $555,000, SOLD MLS#: 203160

351 96th Street, Unit 407, Stone Harbor, $632,500, SOLD MLS#: 200849

351 96th Street, Unit 201, Stone Harbor, $745,000, SOLD MLS#: 187377

18 Linden Lane, Stone Harbor, $829,000, SOLD MLS#: 202296

1116 Stone Harbor Blvd., Unit 307, Stone Harbor Manor, $999,000, SOLD MLS#: 202676

1100 Ocean Drive, Unit 203, Avalon, $1,150,000, SOLD MLS#: 187820

280 82nd Street, Stone Harbor, $1,650,000, SOLD MLS#: 200450

4739 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,825,000, SOLD MLS#: 202381

260 19th Street, Avalon, $1,850,000, SOLD MLS#: 203277

25 E. 12th, Avalon, $2,302,000, SOLD MLS#: 202904

278 63rd Street, Avalon, $2,650,000, SOLD MLS#: 202488

121 12th Street, Avalon, $2,660,000, SOLD MLS#: 203129

7529 Sunset Drive, Avalon, $2,800,000, SOLD MLS#: 201662

151 94th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,925,000, SOLD MLS#: 202973

160 103rd Street, Stone Harbor, $3,872,500, SOLD MLS#: 202745

11219 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $3,875,000, SOLD MLS#: 202279