Fall sunsets occur earlier than summer sunsets.  Catch them along the bayfront, on a boat, or the Cape May-Lewes Ferry (see below.)

THREE GREAT WAYS TO HELP: On October 19th, fall beach sweeps will be conducted in both Avalon and Stone Harbor.  In addition, Avalon will conduct its fall dune grass planting.  All three events depend upon volunteers to help.  Beach sweeps help remove trash and debris from our beaches, keeping them and our waterways clean.  Planting sprigs of dune grass helps strengthen and stabilize our dunes, which help protect the island from storm waves and erosion.  If you can spare a few hours to help your favorite shore town, please help out!  See my events list below for dates and details.

SHORTER FALL DAYS do offer one advantage: sunsets occur earlier than they do in the summer time!  Sunsets are currently happening around 6:40pm, giving us beautiful skies to watch earlier in the evening.  If you’d like to catch a sunset over the water, consider a trip on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.  Earlier sunsets can often be watched during the last ferry runs of the day—something you can’t do in the summer!​

A FIRE OCCURRED in Avalon last week in the 4600 block of Fourth Avenue.  The bayfront house had been under constructions and was not occupied.  The Avalon Volunteer Fire Department responded along with Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Company and Sea Isle City Fire Department.  A fire boat was used to apply water to the fire from the bay.

MORTGAGE RATES hit two-year lows this past week, dropping slightly after the Federal Reserve Bank’s rate cut.  The average thirty-year fixed rate fell to 6.08% according to Freddie Mac, down from 7.31% last year.  If you’re ready to take advantage of lower rates for your shore purchase, call or email me and I’ll put you in touch with reliable mortgage lenders!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

New Listings:

2010 7th Avenue, 2010, Avalon, $1,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242904

173 33rd Street, 3, Avalon, $1,299,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242905

244 32nd Street, East, Avalon, $1,899,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242900

297 24th Street, 297, Avalon, $2,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242914

293 24th Street, 293, Avalon, $2,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242915

Under Contract:

351 96th Street, 215, Stone Harbor, $679,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242732

8522 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $4,200,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 232356

Properties Sold:

2488 Avalon Avenue, Unit 1, Avalon, $799,000, SOLD MLS#: 240045

8923 2nd Avenue, 8923, Stone Harbor, $1,250,000, SOLD MLS#: 241316

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

2188 Harbor Ave, Avalon, $2,750,000, SOLD MLS#: 241454

218 72nd Street, Avalon, $2,823,000, SOLD MLS#: 241730

26 E 17th Street, Avalon, $4,100,000, SOLD MLS#: 240564

121 27th Street, Avalon, $4,250,000, SOLD MLS#: 240559

Several days of northeast winds held water in the back bays, resulting in minor tidal flooding in low lying intersections.  Above is Avalon Bay Park Marina at the time of high tide Tuesday afternoon.

THANK YOU, SUMMER!  With the summer season officially behind us, we recall fondly our beach days, sea breezes, boat rides, and the rest of our summer fun!  Fortunately, there is still plenty of fun to be had.  September has brought us beautiful weather and a lineup of weekend activities, and October will bring more of the same.  Sure, it’ll be a little chillier, but put on that sweatshirt and head to the beach!

TIME TO CALL YOUR PLUMBER, landscaper, or pool company to schedule the shutoff and winterization of your outdoor water systems.  Get on the schedule before the first frost threatens.  As always, if you need a contractor recommendation please call or email me.

THE FEDERAL RESERVE reduced its target interest rate by a half point at their last meeting.  Although mortgage rates are not directly tied to the fed’s rate, they’re related, and mortgage rates have drifted downward.  Last week the average thirty-year fixed rate fell to 6.09% according to Freddie Mac.

GOOD NEWS FOR NEXT YEAR’S VACATION!  Most rental rates are increasing by modest amounts compared to last year.  Tenants, let me know if you’re ready to book your vacation; property owners, get your rates to me if you haven’t already!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

New Listings:

9816 2nd Avenue, 17, Stone Harbor, $349,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 242805

55 W 32nd Street, C-2B, Avalon, $1,350,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242828

10700 3rd Avenue, South, Stone Harbor, $3,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242809

10700 3rd Avenue, North, Stone Harbor, $3,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242810

223 37th Street, Avalon, $3,699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242835

169 36th Street, Avalon, $4,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242776

Under Contract:

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

286 44th Street, Avalon, $3,029,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242740

Properties Sold:

7929 Dune Drive, 209, Avalon, $529,000, SOLD MLS#: 240476

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

10009 Sunset Drive, 5, Stone Harbor, $1,399,000, SOLD MLS#: 240512

234 84th Street, Unit A (Front), Stone Harbor, $1,500,000, SOLD MLS#: 241999

221 91st Street, Stone Harbor, $2,210,000, SOLD MLS#: 241285

311 42nd Street, Avalon, $2,900,000, SOLD MLS#: 240117

43 E 26th Street, Avalon, $5,900,000, SOLD MLS#: 241408

The ICONA Windrift Tiki Bar is open air and overlooks the beach and ocean, making a September lunch a real treat!

AVALON’S BAY PARK MARINA will undergo improvements as part of an $8.6 million construction project, including a new bulkhead and improvements to the marina building and kayak park.  The work will be performed by Fred M. Schiavone Construction, the same firm that built Surfside Park in Avalon several years ago.  In addition to boat slips and a boat launch ramp, there is a beautiful pier out over the bay.  Stop by sometime to take in a bay view or gorgeous sunset!

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BUY A SHORE HOUSE?  When you’re ready!  That’s not meant to be funny—everyone’s situation is different, so when you’re ready to buy, that’s the time!  And if you happen to be ready now, not only will you find more properties to choose from, but you’ll also find mortgage interest rates to be at their lowest level in a year and a half.  If you’re ready, let’s talk!  Call or email me today! ​

FALL CHORES at your shore house are just as important as your spring preparations.  It’s time for things like carpet and grill cleaning; winterizing of pools, outdoor showers and other outside water systems; a post season deep cleaning of the house.  Now is the time to schedule these chores, so call your contractor or service provider now.  Need a recommendation?  Call or email me!

THE BOB BAXTER MEMORIAL GOLF INVITATIONAL benefits Family Promise of Cape May County.  Established in 2012, the annual day on the greens fulfills the dream of Avalon residents Bob and Madeline Baxter, providing much needed funds to the non-profit Family Promise organization.  Family Promise provides meals, encouragement, comfort, stability, shelter and safety to homeless families in the county.  The Bob Baxter Memorial Golf Invitational tournament takes place on Monday, October 7th, at 1pm at the Shore Club in Cape May Court House.  The registration deadline has been extended to October 4th.  For info or to register, visit https://familypromisecmc.org/events

UPCOMING EVENTS:

New Listings:

7800 Dune Drive, 231, Avalon, $430,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242755

351 96th Street, 215, Stone Harbor, $679,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242732

551 22nd Street, 2, Avalon, $1,149,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 242748

279 13th Street, C-6, Avalon, $1,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242750

2977 Dune Drive, 6, Avalon, $1,899,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 242688

2927 Dune Drive, 1, Avalon, $2,299,990, ACTIVE MLS#: 242691

286 44th Street, Avalon, $3,029,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242740

280 36th Street, Avalon, $4,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242715

162 75th Street, Avalon, $7,650,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242711

Under Contract:

312 92nd Street, Stone Harbor, $4,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240593

Properties Sold:

2109 Dune, C, Avalon, $850,000, SOLD MLS#: 242319

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

5863 Dune Drive, Avalon, $3,695,000, SOLD MLS#: 241768

214 121st Street, Stone Harbor, $3,955,000, SOLD MLS#: 240870

245 57th Street, Avalon, $3,900,000, SOLD MLS#: 241415

8331 1st Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,200,000, SOLD MLS#: 233191

65 E 17th Street, Avalon, $5,595,000, SOLD MLS#: 241568

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

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