Proof that getting up at sunrise to walk on the beach is time well spent!  Thanks to Mark Leiser for capturing this peaceful scene!

HAVE INTEREST RATE WORRIES held up your purchase decision?  Many lenders are offering a useful solution: make your shore purchase now, and then complete a low-cost refinance with the same lender in the future if rates should drop.  You can enjoy your shore property now, while benefitting if rates fall in the future.  Contact me and I’ll put you in touch with a reliable mortgage lender!

OFF SEASON PROJECTS: Now’s the time to plan ahead for next season.  Yes, it’s still September—and still beautiful—but if you’re contemplating off season improvements to your vacation home or rental property, now is the time to begin planning.  Call your architect, builder, or contractor, or visit with a design or home improvement professional.  From HVAC upgrades to bathroom remodels to whole house renovations, projects take time, so begin early!​

OFF SEASON PROPERTY CHECKS can provide you peace of mind when you’re not here to put eyes on your shore house.  If you need me to stop by to check on something just call, text, or email me.  If you want regular, scheduled checks of your shore home during the off season, consider Beach Property Watch.  They’ll make regular interior and exterior checks of your home, including post-storm inspections, and send you a report and photos each time.  Visit there website for more: https://www.beachpropertywatch.com/

RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS: Send me your rates for 2025, if you haven’t already done so!  We are busy booking reservations for the Summer of 2025!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

New Listings:

255 81st Street, 2, Stone Harbor, $1,399,999, ACTIVE MLS#: 242668

309 41st Street, Avalon, $2,899,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242644

34 W 13th Street, Avalon, $2,999,999, ACTIVE MLS#: 242635

383 22nd Street, Avalon, $3,150,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242661

46 13th Street, Avalon, $4,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242636

276 103rd Street, Stone Harbor, $4,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242614

6229 Dune Drive, Avalon, $5,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242637

46 & 34 13th Street, Avalon, $7,294,999, ACTIVE MLS#: 242656

Under Contract:

234 84th Street, Unit B (North), Stone Harbor, $1,499,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241903

302 79th Street, 302, Avalon, $1,999,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242166

121 15th Street, Avalon, $2,050,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242382

8610 3rd Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,150,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242356

10033 Corinthian Drive, Stone Harbor, $2,395,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240026

394 22nd Street, Avalon, $3,975,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242494

165 69th Street, Avalon, $5,490,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241380

Properties Sold:

177 80th Street, 111, Avalon, $675,000, SOLD MLS#: 241175

138 20th Street, Avalon, $3,300,000, SOLD MLS#: 241583

September doesn’t disappoint!  Scott Zimmerman captured this beautiful sunset over the bay.

HELLO, SEPTEMBER!  As if on cue, September arrived and brought with her cooler, dryer breezes, blue skies, and golden sunlight.  As sad as it is to say goodbye to August, it’s great to say “Hello, September!”  If you’re lucky enough to still be on the island, not only are you enjoying cooler weather, but smaller crowds, too!  What’s your favorite thing to do on the island in September?

“SECOND SUMMER”, “LOCAL SUMMER”, and “The best time of the year” are all common ways to describe the months of September and October at the shore.  The ocean water is still warm; clear, sunny days are countered by cool, crisp nights; and most everything is still open.  Combined with a slightly more relaxed pace around the island, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the shore all over again!  Need a little “second summer” of your own?  Let me find you the perfect vacation rental for a fall getaway!

OUR TRADITIONAL FALL EVENTS are back!  From sales to seafood to vintage cars, there’s a little something for everyone.  See my events list below for some ideas!

WHAT ARE YOUR REAL ESTATE GOALS here on Seven Mile Island?  Have you thought about a shore investment property, or a getaway condo?  How about a bayfront home with a slip for your boat, or a beachfront retreat?  Let’s talk, formulate a plan, and make your dreams a reality!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

New Listings:

7929 Dune Drive, 210, Avalon, $550,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242588

10009 Sunset Drive, Unit 3, Stone Harbor, $1,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242526

2003 Dune Drive, 2003, Avalon, $1,899,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242597

1118 Avalon Avenue, Avalon, $3,900,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242550

242 36th Street, Avalon, $4,699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242541

146 22nd Street, Avalon, $4,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242565

4120 Bayberry Road, Avalon, $5,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242589

Under Contract:

300 79th Street, B6, Avalon, $1,395,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242279

4808 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $8,499,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241905

Properties Sold:

65 W 17th Street, Avalon, $3,725,000, SOLD MLS#: 242104

280 86th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,510,000, SOLD MLS#: 240290

A sunset sail aboard the AJ Meerwald, New Jersey’s official tall ship, is a trip you won’t forget.  The Meerwald is sailing several trips a week from the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal through September 12th.

MILLIONS IN PRIZE MONEY was paid out to the winning crews participating in the MidAtlantic Tournament, which concluded last week.  An 81-pound white marlin earned $1,416,891.12 for the crew of the “Lights Out,” while a 795-pound blue marlin earned the crew of the “Dedicated” $1,139,248.27.  The crew of “Reel Tight” earned $720,441.92 for a 180-pound tuna, and numerous other crews took home six-figure payouts.  Boats from up and down the east coast converge on Cape May as well as Ocean City, MD to compete in the annual tournament.

“SAILING VENT d’ETE” is a YouTube channel belonging to John Lebeau.  Vent d’Ete, which is French for “wind of summer,” is his 22-foot Cape Dory sailboat.  The Cape May County Herald ran an article on Lebeau, who used to keep his sailboat in Stone Harbor before selling it many years ago.  Lebeau eventually found the boat again in Florida, and restored it to sailing condition, then began a solo trip northward to return Vent d’Ete to Stone Harbor again.  He’s currently making his way through Virginia according to his most recent YouTube video documenting the trip.  You can find the Herald article here: https://capemaycountyherald.com/article/hes-on-his-way-to-sailing-full-circle/  or visit YouTube and search “Sailing Vent d’Ete” to find Lebeau’s videos.

OH, YES YOU CAN!  Did you ever dream about buying a shore home, and then think “we can’t do that.”  Oh, yes you can!  Many first time vacation home buyers are surprised at what they can afford—and how summer rentals can help cover the costs of shore ownership.  A conversation with an experienced mortgage lender can help you determine what you can allocate to a shore home, and a conversation with me can help you determine how much rental income you may be able to generate.  Curious?  Let’s talk!  Call or email me and we’ll set up a time to chat!

GOTTA DO IT!  SUMMER ESSENTIALS!  With the summer winding down it’s time to make sure you’ve gotten your fill of essential summer activities!

The time is now!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

WEEKLY EVENTS:

New Listings:

606 22nd Street, West, Avalon, $3,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242462

394 22nd Street, Avalon, $3,975,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242494

280 36th Street, Avalon, $4,550,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242480

Under Contract:

8001 2nd Avenue, 209, Stone Harbor, $679,900, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242389

576 21st Street, Unit C-1, Avalon, $1,195,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242482

440 21st Street, Rear, Avalon, $1,449,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242240

1748 Dune Drive, Avalon, $2,395,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242169

260 41st Street, Avalon, $2,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242486

43 E 26th Street, Avalon, $6,299,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241408

95 E 11th Street, Avalon, $7,999,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241393

Properties Sold:

242 29th Street, East, Avalon, $1,565,000, SOLD MLS#: 240190

2507 Dune Drive, 2507, Avalon, $1,905,000, SOLD MLS#: 241063

501 42nd Street, Avalon, $7,100,000, SOLD MLS#: 230366

Buoys in the IntraCoastal Waterway are silhouetted by the sunrise.  The Stone Harbor water tower is visible in the distance.

OUR LOCAL MUSEUMS do a fantastic job of preserving and highlighting the early days of Avalon and Stone Harbor.  From the railroad lines and early automobiles, to stories about old-time establishments and Taylor Swift’s vacation home, you’ll find it, and more!  ​A visit to one or both of our local museums is a real treat.  Visit the Avalon History Center at 215 39^th Street, Monday through Saturday, from 10am.  Visit the Stone Harbor Museum at 9410 Second Avenue, Monday through Saturday, 9am to noon.

GOTTA DO IT: UNIQUE EATS!  We all have our favorite restaurants that we visit regularly.  How about some “unique eats” for a change?  A variety of unique (and delicious!) options are available on and off the island!  Who knows, maybe one of these options will become your “new old favorite!”

Have a “unique eats” favorite of your own?  Tell me about it!

THE SCHOONER AJ MEERWALD is back at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, offering two-hour public sails several times a week through September 12th.  The 115′ AJ Meerwald is a 1928 oyster schooner that spent her working career plying the waters of the Delaware Bay.  Now fully restored, she offers public and educational sails in and around New Jersey waters.  She’s also the official tall ship of New Jersey.  Treat yourself to a sunset sail with friends or loved ones—it’s a ride you won’t forget!  For tickets and info visit: ​https://www.bayshorecenter.org/

B.O.L.O.: SEA TURTLES IN DISTRESS!  The Marine Mammal Stranding Center posted a reminder last week asking everyone to be on the lookout for sea turtles that may be in distress.  The center described how upwelling due to offshore winds can rapidly lower surf temperatures, causing sea turtles to experience “cold stunning”.  Those suffering from cold stunning can be immobilized, even appearing deceased.  If you observe a turtle in distress, entangled in netting, or even one appearing deceased, please notify the Marine Mammal Stranding Center at 609-266-0538 or the Sea Turtle Recovery hotline at 609-667-4076 so these two agencies can coordinate emergency help for the sea turtle.  If you are on a boat and do not have cellular service, contact the United States Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 to relay your report.  Do not attempt to warm, move, or disentangle a sea turtle on your own.  The MMSC thanks you for keeping an eye out for sea turtles in need of help!

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: Mortgage rates have drifted down to their lowest levels of 2024, with thirty-year, fixed rate loans averaging 6.59% as of August 13th, according to Bankrate.  When opportunity knocks…answer the door!  If you’re considering a shore purchase, let’s talk!

PLEASE FORWARD this message to someone who loves Avalon & Stone Harbor!  To subscribe, simply send me an email.  Your email address will not be shared or sold.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

WEEKLY EVENTS:

New Listings:

1708 Ocean Drive, Unit 6, Avalon, $1,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242334

8610 3rd Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,150,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242356

215 60th Street, Avalon, $3,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242323

225 7th Street, Avalon, $4,799,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242332

10521 Golden Gate Drive, Stone Harbor, $9,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242333

Under Contract:

2109 Dune Drive, C, Avalon, $849,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242319

8923 2nd Avenue, 8923, Stone Harbor, $1,425,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241316

3908 W Ocean Drive, West, Avalon, $1,500,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242321

2899 Dune Drive, Avalon, $1,795,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242265

238 68th Street, Avalon, $3,199,999, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242249

65 W 17th Street, Avalon, $3,795,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242104

111 120 Street, Stone Harbor, $5,250,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240102

238 66th Street, Avalon, $5,950,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242233

211 121st Street, Stone Harbor, $6,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242121

501 42nd Street, Avalon, $7,950,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 230366

Properties Sold:

560 24th Street, East, Avalon, $2,995,000, SOLD MLS#: 241492

4318 Fifth Avenue, Avalon, $10,900,000, SOLD MLS#: 232777

Summertime fun continues!

A SATURDAY NIGHT THUNDERSTORM put a damper on the Stone Harbor Festival of Lights boat parade this past weekend.  Combined with trouble opening and closing the 96^th Street Bridge, only a half dozen decorated and lighted boats persevered through heavy rain showers and intermittent lightning.  With significant rainfall in the forecast for the rest of this week, see below for my recommendations on rainy day activities!

GOTTA DO IT: RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES!  There’s lots of rain in the forecast, but that’s not a reason not to enjoy your time here on the island.  Here are some great rainy day activities:

CONSIDER MAKING A BLOOD DONATION while you’re here!  Often, we’re so busy that a blood donation is hard to squeeze into our day, but if you’ve got a little bit of extra time while you’re visiting, a donation would be greatly appreciated, as the Red Cross is experiencing a blood shortage.  There are several donation sites within a short drive.  Check them out or search for others here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?dt=WB:PL:DR:PM&ed=08%2F19%2F2024&order=DATE&range=10&sd=08%2F06%2F2024&zipSponsor=08202

MORTGAGE RATES REACHED THEIR LOWEST LEVELS OF 2024, decreasing to 6.62% last week.  If you’re contemplating a shore purchase take advantage of this dip in rates now, enjoy your shore house, and then refinance if rates drop in the future.  Marry the house, date the rate!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

WEEKLY EVENTS:

New Listings:

551 22nd Street, 2nd Floor, Avalon, $1,250,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242252

440 21st Street, Rear, Avalon, $1,449,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242240

2778 Dune Drive, E, Avalon, $1,475,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242269

2899 Dune Drive, Avalon, $1,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242265

199 12th Street, Avalon, $2,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242251

1100 Ocean Drive, Unit 211, Avalon, $2,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242274

238 68th Street, Avalon, $3,199,999, ACTIVE MLS#: 242249

4033 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $3,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242216

9815 Corinthian Drive, Stone Harbor, $4,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242246

283 85th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242238

1819 Dune Drive, Avalon, $4,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242262

238 66th Street, Avalon, $5,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242233

106 120th Street, Stone Harbor, $8,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242284

13 Pelican Drive, Avalon, $11,850,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242277

Under Contract:

177 80th Street, 111, Avalon, $699,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241175

2487 Ocean Drive, 2487, Avalon, $1,799,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242188

921 Stone Harbor Boulevard, West, Stone Harbor Manor, $2,150,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241090

214 121st Street, Stone Harbor, $4,195,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240870

35 Seagull Drive, Avalon, $9,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242187

Properties Sold:

177 80th Street, 304, Avalon, $685,000, SOLD MLS#: 241161

247 109th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,900,000, SOLD MLS#: 240975

613 Sunrise Drive, 613, Avalon, $3,460,000, SOLD MLS#: 241953

8631 First Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,700,000, SOLD MLS#: 233301

93 E 17th Street, Avalon, $11,950,000, SOLD MLS#: 240590