The 28^th season of The Santa Express is underway!  Cape May Seashore Lines runs dozens of Santa Express trains from stations in nearby Tuckahoe and Richland.  Ride aboard vintage rail equipment that used to carry passengers to the shore from Philadelphia—while Santa visits with children!  Info is below in my events list.

MORTGAGE LOAN LIMITS RAISED: Conventional mortgage loan limits were increased to $766,550 for Southern New Jersey and most of the Philadelphia area for 2024.  Loans at or above that level are considered “jumbo” loans.  Meanwhile, mortgage rates have decreased again, with both conventional and jumbo 30-year fixed rates dropping below 7% last week.

AVALON & STONE HARBOR HOLIDAY BEACH TAGS are still available for purchase—and they make great stocking stuffers!  Avalon tags can be purchased at Avalon Borough Hall, Monday through Friday, from 8:15am to 4:15pm.  Stone Harbor tags can be purchased at Stone Harbor Borough Hall, Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 4pm.  Can’t make it in person?  You can order your tags online, from Jersey Cape Tags!  Visit: https://jersey-cape-tags.myshopify.com/collections/currentbeachtagsbadges

TOYS FOR TOTS:  Our office is participating in the annual Toys for Tots campaign.  Help brighten the holiday of a child, who might otherwise go without, by donating a new, unwrapped toy.  There’s a large donation box in our temporary office at 2307 Dune Drive, and another in our Stone Harbor office at 150 96^th Street.  Stop by any time we’re open and help them it up!

IF YOU’RE ABLE to do so, consider making a donation this season to a local organization that you appreciate.  Here are just some of the options that come to mind:  The Wetlands Institute; Cape May County Zoo; Stone Harbor Museum; Avalon History Center; Avalon Fire Department; Stone Harbor Fire Department; Cape May County Animal Shelter.  Even a small gift can make a big difference, and is greatly appreciated!

WHAT’S ON YOUR HOLIDAY WISHLIST?   Is it time to give your family the ultimate gift?  Give the gift of memories…purchase a shore property!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Breakfast with Santa, Avalon Links Restaurant, Sunday, December 10^th, 10am to 1pm. Adults $25, children $15.  Call to reserve: (609) 465-8086.
• Toddler & Pre-School Holiday Crafts, Stone Harbor Rec Center, Monday, December 18^th, 10am.  $10 registration fee.  Please register by emailing recdirector@shnj.org.
• Tea Time at the Avalon History Center, history of teas, herbals, infusions, and tisanes.  215 39^th Street, Thursday, December 21^st, 11am.
• The Santa Express!  Take a ride aboard vintage rail equipment—with a special visit from Santa!  Three dozen scheduled trains depart from Tuckahoe Station and Richland Station, now through December 23^rd.  Visit https://the-santa-express.com/ for train schedules and tickets.
• Congress Hall Winter Wonderland.  Lights, decorations, breakfast with Santa, carousel, train rides.  Congress Hall, Cape May, now through December 31^st.
• Cape May Stage presents: A Tuna Christmas.  Now through December 30^th.  Info and tickets: https://capemaystage.org/
• Sit and Be Fit.  Avalon Community Hall, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11:15am-12:15pm (free & open to the public.)
• Kid’s (Almost) Noon Year’s Eve!  Crafts, dancing, cookies, and apple juice “champagne!”  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, December 30^th, 11am.
• New Years Eve Fireworks at Surfside Park, Avalon.  Sunday, December 31, at dusk.

New Listings:

176 24th Street, Avalon, $4,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233213

7789 Dune Drive, Avalon, $4,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233226

8331 1st Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233191

250 104th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,500,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233231

25 E 12th Street, Avalon, $6,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233214

Properties Sold:

700 First Avenue, 207, Avalon, $1,250,000, SOLD MLS#: 232616

274 64th Street, Avalon, $4,900,000, SOLD MLS#: 223078

9930 Corinthian Drive, Stone Harbor, $6,650,000, SOLD MLS#: 232291

310 70th Street, Avalon, $9,850,000, SOLD MLS#: 230075

Last weekend’s fun culminated with the huge parade Saturday night!  Music, firetrucks, and floats all spread holiday cheer, and Santa was welcomed to town!

AVALON & STONE HARBOR kicked off the holiday season with a weekend-long celebration beginning the day after Thanksgiving.  Many homeowners and visitors—and especially excited children!–participated in tree lighting ceremonies, enjoyed music, food, and drink, plus a huge variety of holiday-oriented activities for kids.  Santa made several appearances, and was the guest of honor in Saturday night’s parade, arriving aboard Stone Harbor’s fireboat!

MARKET STATS:  During the month of October 2023 the number of units sold declined, while inventory remained tight and the median sale price increased.  Buyers are still buying, but fewer sellers are choosing to sell!  For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report:  https://marketminute.longandfoster.com/Market-Minute/NJ/Avalon-Stone-Harbor.htm

WINTER PROJECTS: NOW’S THE TIME to begin them.  Plan ahead and begin early, while you’re not using or renting your shore property.  Whether you’re considering floor refinishing or carpet replacement, a kitchen or bathroom upgrade, painting, or other work, take advantage of the off season.  Need a contractor recommendation?  Call or email me!

STONE HARBOR & AVALON HOLIDAY BEACH TAGS AVAILABLE!  Stone Harbor joined Avalon and unveiled its annual Holiday Beach Tag this past weekend.  Both Avalon & Stone Harbor Holiday Beach Tags are available for online purchase and can be shipped!  The tags are manufactured locally for Avalon & Stone Harbor by Jersey Cape Tags.  Purchase tags here: https://jersey-cape-tags.myshopify.com/collections/currentbeachtagsbadges

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• The Santa Express!  Take a ride aboard vintage rail equipment—with a special visit from Santa!  Three dozen scheduled trains depart from Tuckahoe Station and Richland Station, now through December 23^rd.  Visit https://the-santa-express.com/ for train schedules and tickets.
• Cape May Stage presents: A Tuna Christmas.  Now through December 30^th.  Info and tickets: https://capemaystage.org/
• Sit and Be Fit.  Avalon Community Hall, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11:15am-12:15pm (free & open to the public.)
• New Years Eve Fireworks at Surfside Park, Avalon.  Sunday, December 31, at dusk.

New Listings:

334 41st Street, A, Avalon, $1,499,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233166

330 88th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,925,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233180

8314 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $2,799,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 233188

395 95th Street, Stone Harbor, $3,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233153

55 E 26th Street, Avalon, $4,825,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233154

238 66th Street, Avalon, $5,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233178

Properties Under Contract:

7900 Dune Drive, C315, Avalon, $315,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 233136

1318 Ocean Drive, Unit 7, Avalon, $1,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 232776

2127 4th Avenue, Avalon, $2,195,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 232345

233 93rd Street, Stone Harbor, $2,195,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231815

321 99th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,500,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 232048

Properties Sold:

18 E 19th Street, Avalon, $3,600,000, SOLD MLS#: 232407

141 95th Street, Stone Harbor, $3,600,000, SOLD MLS#: 231016

A common sight at this time of year, as a sailboat, just off the beach, heads south for the winter.  Too bad they’ll miss out on Thanksgiving Weekend in Avalon & Stone Harbor!

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND is here!  After you’ve enjoyed your turkey, head to the Avalon & Stone Harbor business districts on Friday and Saturday for all kinds of holiday fun!  In Avalon, Festive Friday & Snowfest Saturday bring dozens of holiday activities, and Stone Harbor’s A Christmas Story does the same.  From music and tree lightings to photos with Santa and a Christmas Parade, Thanksgiving Weekend is one not to be missed!  See below for the lineup of weekend activities.  Most shops and restaurants will be open, too!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU & YOURS!  Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving, and a wonderful start to the holiday season!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Thanksgiving Weekend!  Avalon’s Festive Friday and Snowfest Saturday, and Stone Harbor’s “A Christmas Story” are on the calendar for Thanksgiving Weekend!
• Turkey Trot 5K Run/1.5 Mile Walk, 30^th & Avalon Avenue, Friday, November 25^th. 5K Run starts at 10am, 1.5 Mile Walk starts at 10:05am. Registration & Bib Pickup, 8am-9:30am, 30^th & Avalon Avenue ($35), or sign up online: https://runsignup.com/dillerhometurkeytrot
• Festive Friday (Avalon):
  • 10am: Story Time with Mrs. Clause. Avalon Free Public Library.
  • 11am-4pm: Dozens of activities along Dune Drive, including glitter tattoos, character photos, face painting, music, refreshments & treats, balloons, & more.
  • 5pm: Santa and Mayor McCorristin arrive at Veteran’s Plaza.
  • 5pm: Tree Lighting at Veteran’s Plaza
  • 6:30pm: Christmas Movie on the 30^th Street Beach: “The Polar Express.”
• Snowfest Saturday (Avalon):
  • 11am-4pm: Dozens of activities along Dune Drive, including Candyland Bounce House; Polar Bear Bungee Trampoline; Jack Frost’s Mini Tea Cups; Milestone Mania; Polar Extreme Obstacle Course; 24’ “Mount Avalon” Rock Wall; Candy Cane Kiddie Swings; Family Photos with Santa in his Sleigh at 21^st & Dune Drive; Holiday Hits by The Corner Boys & Co. at 26^th-27^th & Dune Drive; Live Ice Sculpting at 21^st & Dune Drive; Cozy Stations at 26^th-27^th & Dune Drive
• Avalon Volunteer Fire Department 110^th Anniversary.  Dedication of Fire House, Open House, Building & Truck Tours.  Ribbon Cutting at 10am, Saturday, November 25^th.
• Stone Harbor: A Christmas Story.  Friday & Saturday, downtown Stone Harbor.  Includes Holiday Market & Carousel; Scavenger Hunt; Winter Wonderland Festival of Trees; Stone Harbor Museum Open House; Tree Lighting; Hospitality Night; Downtown Holiday Dash; Christmas Parade.
• Island Holiday Hospitality Night (Stone Harbor). Shop for the holidays & enjoy complimentary sips & bites.  Friday, November 24^th, 6pm to 9pm.
• Stone Harbor Christmas Parade.  Third Avenue to 96^th Street, to Second Avenue.  Saturday, November 25^th, 6:30pm.
• The Santa Express!  Take a ride aboard vintage rail equipment—with a special visit from Santa!  Three dozen scheduled trains depart from Tuckahoe Station and Richland Station beginning Saturday, November 25^th.  Visit https://the-santa-express.com/ for train schedules and tickets.

New Listings:

7900 Dune Drive, C315, Avalon, $315,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233136

413 98th Street, First floor, Stone Harbor, $974,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 233131

325 99th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,095,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233128

10422 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $3,400,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233138

65 E 10th Street, Avalon, $6,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233135

Properties Under Contract:

2 2nd Drive, Stone Harbor Manor, $1,149,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 222806

Properties Sold:

469 22nd Street, B, Avalon, $806,250, SOLD MLS#: 231779

293 68th Street, A, Avalon, $1,500,000, SOLD MLS#: 223202

590 24th Street, Avalon, $2,350,000, SOLD MLS#: 232153

327 88th Street, Stone Harbor, $7,750,000, SOLD MLS#: 230904

A beautiful view of the Avalon Fishing Pier on a sunny but cool November day.

A MORTGAGE RATE DIP is a welcome change after many months of rising interest rates.  Meanwhile NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun recently reported that home values continued to rise in 80% of markets nationwide during the third quarter.  If you’ve been thinking about a purchase, take advantage of the mortgage rate dip—call or email me today!

2024 RENTALS are already booking!  If you’d like to secure your 2024 vacation, let me know your preferred dates and other requirements so we can begin looking for the perfect rental property.  Rental property owners: we need your rates, if you haven’t provided them already!

LAST CHANCE TO WINTERIZE!  If you haven’t had your outdoor water systems winterized, it’s time to do so.  Although we’ve not had a hard frost on the island yet, nighttime temperatures could reach the mid-30s over the weekend.  Call your plumber, landscaper, or contractor now.  Don’t know who to call?  I’m happy to provide recommendations if you need them.

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND brings a host of holiday-themed activities, from tree lightings to music to Santa.   The business districts in both Avalon and Stone Harbor will be decorated and buzzing with the holiday spirit.  Avalon’s Festive Friday & Snowfest Saturday bring an array of things for children and families to enjoy, as does Stone Harbor’s “A Christmas Story” theme.  The fun begins with Avalon’s Turkey Trot Friday morning, and concludes with Stone Harbor’s Christmas Parade Saturday night.  See below for more details!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Thanksgiving Weekend!  Avalon’s Festive Friday and Snowfest Saturday, and Stone Harbor’s “A Christmas Story” are on the calendar for Thanksgiving Weekend!

• Turkey Trot 5K Run/1.5 Mile Walk, 30^th & Avalon Avenue, Friday, November 25^th. 5K Run starts at 10am, 1.5 Mile Walk starts at 10:05am. Registration & Bib Pickup, 8am-9:30am, 30^th & Avalon Avenue ($35), or sign up online: https://runsignup.com/dillerhometurkeytrot
• FESTIVE FRIDAY (Avalon):
  • 10am: Story Time with Mrs. Clause. Avalon Free Public Library.
  • 11am-4pm: Dozens of activities along Dune Drive, including glitter tattoos, character photos, face painting, music, refreshments & treats, balloons, & more.
  • 5pm: Santa and Mayor McCorristin arrive at Veteran’s Plaza.
  • 5pm: Tree Lighting at Veteran’s Plaza
  • 6:30pm: Christmas Movie on the 30^th Street Beach: “The Polar Express.”
• SNOWFEST SATURDAY (Avalon):
  • 11am-4pm: Dozens of activities along Dune Drive, including Candyland Bounce House; Polar Bear Bungee Trampoline; Jack Frost’s Mini Tea Cups; Milestone Mania; Polar Extreme Obstacle Course; 24’ “Mount Avalon” Rock Wall; Candy Cane Kiddie Swings; Family Photos with Santa in his Sleigh at 21^st & Dune Drive; Holiday Hits by The Corner Boys & Co. at 26^th-27^th & Dune Drive; Live Ice Sculpting at 21^st & Dune Drive; Cozy Stations at 26^th-27^th & Dune Drive
• Avalon Volunteer Fire Department 110^th Anniversary.  Dedication of Fire House, Open House, Building & Truck Tours.  Ribbon Cutting at 10am, Saturday, November 25^th.
• A CHRISTMAS STORY (Stone Harbor):  Friday & Saturday, downtown Stone Harbor.  Includes Holiday Market & Carousel; Scavenger Hunt; Winter Wonderland Festival of Trees; Stone Harbor Museum Open House; Tree Lighting; Hospitality Night; Downtown Holiday Dash; Christmas Parade.
• Island Holiday Hospitality Night (Stone Harbor). Shop for the holidays & enjoy complimentary sips & bites.  Friday, November 24^th, 6pm to 9pm.

• Stone Harbor Christmas Parade.  Third Avenue to 96^th Street, to Second Avenue.  Saturday, November 25^th, 6:30pm.
• The Santa Express!  Take a ride aboard vintage rail equipment—with a special visit from Santa!  Three dozen scheduled trains depart from Tuckahoe Station and Richland Station beginning Saturday, November 25^th.  Visit https://the-santa-express.com/ for train schedules and tickets.

New Listings:

7800 Dune Drive, 231, Avalon, $475,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233059

224 96th Street, Stone Harbor, $930,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233074

243 80th Street, Avalon, $1,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233088

216 25th Street, 216, Avalon, $2,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233081

893 21st Street, 893, Avalon, $3,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233016

75 W 28th Street, Avalon, $3,400,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233094

176 16th Street, Avalon, $4,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 233053

Properties Under Contract:

2148 Ocean Drive, 2148, Avalon, $3,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231778

163 83rd Street, Stone Harbor, $4,895,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 232693

93 E 19th Street, Avalon, $8,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 232847

Properties Sold:

144 105th Street, Stone Harbor, $7,123,000, SOLD MLS#: 222785

• Exit Zero Jazz Festival.  Various time & locations in Cape May,  Friday-Sunday, November 10^th-12^th. Visit https://www.exitzerojazzfestival.com/ for details.
• Veteran’s Day Service, followed by Open House and Annual 50/50 Drawing.  American Legion Post 331, 117^th Street and Second Avenue, Saturday, November 11^th, 12pm-1pm.
• Veteran’s Express, Cape May Seashore Lines.  Veteran’s ride free with three guests!  Richland Village Train Station, Saturday, November 11^th, 11:11am and 1:11pm.  Visit https://www.seashorelines.org/
• Stairway to the Stars: Climb Cape May Lighthouse on the evening of the new moon, when stars are more visible.  Monday, November 13^th, 8pm-10pm.  Tickets $12 at the door only.
• Plan Ahead: Thanksgiving Weekend!  Avalon’s Festive Friday and Snowfest Saturday, and Stone Harbor’s Island Holiday are on the calendar for Thanksgiving Weekend.  Details to follow!
• Avalon Volunteer Fire Department 110^th Anniversary.  Dedication of Fire House, Open House, Building & Truck Tours.  Ribbon Cutting at 10am, Saturday, November 25^th.
• The Santa Express!  Take a ride aboard vintage rail equipment—with a special visit from Santa!  Three dozen scheduled trains depart from Tuckahoe Station and Richland Station beginning Saturday, November 25^th.  Visit https://the-santa-express.com/ for train schedules and tickets.

• Cape May Restaurant Weekend, November 2-5.  For a list of participating restaurants visit: https://www.cmrestaurantweek.com/category/restaurant-weekend/
• History Center Lecture: Gettysburg—One Woman’s War.  Avalon History Center, 250 39^th Street, Saturday, November 4^th, 1pm.
• Vintage Music Concert: The Moon, Stars, & You.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, November 4^th, 2pm.
• Plan Ahead: Thanksgiving Weekend!  Avalon’s Festive Friday and Snowfest Saturday, and Stone Harbor’s Island Holiday are on the calendar for Thanksgiving Weekend.  Details to follow!
• Veteran’s Express, Cape May Seashore Lines.  Veteran’s ride free with three guests!  Richland Village Train Station, Saturday, November 11^th, 11:11am and 1:11pm.  Visit https://www.seashorelines.org