Randy Leiser, Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2997 Dune Drive, PO Box 10, Avalon, NJ 08202
toll-free: 800-967-7796 x212  |  local: 609-967-3001  |  fax: 609-967-3057  |  e-mail: Randy@RandyLeiser.com
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This Weeks News 8/26/2021

Full Moon
15-year-old Braeden Kelly took this beautiful photo of an almost-full moon over the 84th Street beach on the evening of August 20th. Great shot, Braeden!
 
MARKET STATS: The median sale price inched up to $1,453,000 in July, up from $1,312,500 from last year. While the number of July sales exceeded those in June, both months were down slightly compared to last year, held back by low inventory levels. In the past month or two, the number of active listings has ticked up slightly, after a long decline. For a detailed look at the market see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute below.

Market Report

VIEW THE LATEST LONG & FOSTER MARKET MINUTE REPORT  |  DOWNLOAD/PRINT PDF
 
AVALON RESCUE SQUAD will host the JeffSTAT 4 helicopter on Monday, August 30th at 5pm, which will be available for public viewing at the Avalon Elementary School. JeffSTAT 4 is one of four helicopters available to transport critically ill or injured patients in South Jersey or Pennsylvania and is stationed at Woodbine Airport. With a typical airspeed of 120 knots (138mph), it can be in Avalon four minutes after takeoff, or in Cape May in eight minutes. JeffSTAT 4 is making the visit to Avalon at the request of the Avalon Rescue Squad.
 
A MILLION DOLLAR FISH! Actually, the heaviest blue marlin caught in this year's MidAtlantic Tournament was worth more--$1,167,762 to be precise. The 1,135-pound blue marlin was caught aboard the 63' "Billfisher" on the fifth and final day of this year's tournament, beating a 958-pound blue marlin that had been caught earlier in the week. The heaviest white marlin weighed 82-pounds, winning the crew of "Sea Wolf" $1,001,335 in prize money. More than 200 boats from all over the east coast competed in this year's MidAtlantic, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the event, which is hosted in both Cape May, NJ and Ocean City, MD.
 
AIRFEST 2021 takes place over Labor Day Weekend, September 3rd-6th, at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum at Cape May Airport. The event runs 10am to 4pm each day and includes aircraft fly-ins, static aircraft displays, a US Army UH-60 Lifesaving demo, classic car displays, food, and a beer garden. Regular admission for adults is $14, and children are $10.

MORE INFO: NAVAL AIR STATION WILDWOOD MUSEUM 25TH ANNIVERSARY AIRFEST
 
PLAN AHEAD--DUNE GRASS PLANTING: Pencil in a few hours the morning of Saturday, October 23rd to plant dune grass in Avalon along with other volunteers. After a brief instructional meeting at 8:30am at Community Hall, volunteers will plant sprigs of dune grass using provided tools. A light lunch will follow. Dune grass is essential to a healthy dune system, as its roots help stabilize the sand, providing storm protection to the island. Save the date and watch for an update as we get closer to the event!
 
PERHAPS THE BEST PART OF OWNING A SHORE HOME is not having to go home at the end of the summer! If you love Avalon & Stone Harbor, why not make it permanent? Whether you want a small condo for getaways or a huge beachfront mansion, we've got something for you! Call or email me today!

 

This Weeks News 8/19/2021

Bay Sunset
This glorious evening on the back bay was captured by Peter Soens. Thanks for sharing it with us, Peter!
 
AVALON'S FLOOD INSURANCE MITIGATION meeting will take place Saturday, August 21st, at 9am at Borough Hall. Property owners should bring their elevation certificate, flood insurance declaration page, and two photos of the exterior of their home to have them reviewed by professionals. Avalon property owners currently enjoy a 35% discount on their flood insurance premiums borough-wide thanks to flood mitigation efforts by the borough. Having your specific property reviewed might reveal ways to further lower your own flood insurance premiums.
 
THE NEW JERSEY COASTAL COALITION has a new app for weather emergency information. Text message or email notifications are provided during weather emergencies, along with real time flooding maps and evacuation routes. Check out more about the system (or sign up) on the Borough of Stone Harbor's website; Stone Harbor has been assisting with the development of the NJCC App:

NEW JERSEY COASTAL COALITION (NJCC) EMERGENCY ALERT APP
 
MORE THAN 200 BOATS are competing in the annual MidAtlantic Tournament this week. Based in both Cape May and Ocean City, Maryland, boats will each select three days on which to fish this week and will weigh in their largest catches each evening. Categories include blue marlin, white marlin, tuna, dolphin (mahi mahi), and wahoo. Last year over $4,000,000 was paid out in prize money.
 
AVALON BEACH PATROL announced that all designated swimming beaches will be staffed with at least one lifeguard through Labor Day, Monday, September 6th. After that, due to traditional late season staffing shortages, a response team will be manned through September 12th, from 9:30am to 9pm. The Beach Patrol reminds everyone to swim only when lifeguards are on duty.
 
STONE HARBOR'S SIDEWALK SALE returns Saturday, August 28th from 9am to 7pm. The annual favorite is a great way to support local businesses while taking advantage of great deals and promotions. While you're in town grab a bite at one of your favorite restaurants!
 
INTEREST RATES HOLDING; PURCHASE DEMAND CONTINUES: While interest rates have fluctuated a bit recently, they remain at or below 3% for various types of mortgage loans. That continues to spur purchase demand, which has remained strong. The pace of new listings has increased slightly in recent weeks, though overall inventory remains tight. Whatever your real estate goals are, let's talk and formulate a plan to achieve them!
 
GOTTA DO IT: History at the Shore! Perhaps it was the beach that first drew you to Seven Mile Island...but have you explored the history of our island and the surrounding area? A real variety of museums can be found throughout the county, with an equally varied range of subject matter. Start right at home and explore the museums on Seven Mile Island, then explore some of the other nearby options!

 

This Weeks News 8/12/2021

Jetty Sunset
Ken Rothweiler captured this beautiful sunset from Avalon's 8th Street jetty.  Thanks for sharing, Ken!  For more on the 8th Street jetty, and other unique locations, see below.
 
A SALUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVE: The Atlantic City Airshow returns on Wednesday, August 18th after a hiatus last year. This year's lineup includes the United State Air Force Thunderbirds flying F-16 Fighting Falcons, as well as the USAF F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team. Other favorites include the P-51 Mustang, the US Army Golden Knights parachute team, and a US Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demonstration. The air show is free; check out show info here:
 
ATLANTIC CITY AIRSHOW - A SALUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVE
 
GOOD TIME TO SELL? 75% of respondents said it's a good time to sell, according to Fannie Mae's recent Home Purchase Sentiment Index survey. 46% of respondents believe home prices will continue to increase in the next year, while only 21% believe they'll go down. 57% think interest rates will rise in the next year, while 31% believe they'll remain flat; only 5% believe they'll fall. If you're thinking of selling, it may be a great time to do so. Take advantage of limited inventory, low rates, and strong purchase demand. Call me and let's talk!
 
OTTERS SEEN 'ROUND THE ISLAND! Otters have recently been seen in the back bay waters, having made several appearances near docks and bulkheads. Otters appear from time to time as they seek shellfish for food, which they capture with their claws. More than one clever otter has been known to open floating bait buckets that fishermen use to store live bait--much to the surprise of the fishermen, who find them empty after the otters leave!
 
GOTTA DO IT: UNIQUE LOCATIONS! We all love the beach, but sometimes it's fun to see things from a different perspective. Here are some interesting and beautiful island locations to check out!
WHAT'S LEFT ON YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST? The prime weeks of summer are here--time to make sure you check off items on your Summer Bucket List!

 

This Weeks News 8/5/2021

Egret
Marilyn O'Donoghue captured this image of an egret feeding in the back bay last week. Egrets stalk pray in shallow tidal areas, where they find small fish and crabs. Nice shot, Marilyn!
 
AVALON FLOOD INSURANCE MEETING FOR PROPERTY OWNERS: Avalon and the New Jersey Coastal Coalition invite you to a meeting to discuss flood insurance, and ways to lower your premiums. Avalon property owners currently enjoy a 35% discount on flood insurance premiums thanks to Avalon's efforts to achieve a Class 3 certification in the Community Rating System. But reviewing your own property's elevation certificate and flood insurance policy may reveal ways to lower your own premium further. The meeting will take place Saturday, August 21st at 9am at Avalon Borough Hall, and is sponsored by Heist Insurance Agency and Risk Reduction Plus. Council Vice President Sam Wierman, Borough Construction Official and Floodplain Manager Ed Dean, and municipal engineer Thomas Thornton will be in attendance to help provide local insight. Property owners should bring to the meeting their elevation certificate, flood insurance declaration page, and two photos of the exterior of your property. 
 
STONE HARBOR has expanded its residential trash & recycling drop off to include Friday as well as Saturday. Trash & recycling trucks are set up at the Municipal Marina parking lot Fridays from 8am to 3pm and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm. Traditionally the borough collected trash & recycling from residences twice per week, but a labor shortage has cut that to once per week this summer. Residents may optionally place cans at the curb on their designated pick-up day in order to speed up collection.
 
CAPE MAY COUNTY WILL RECEIVE $3.3 MILLION in funding for infrastructure improvements for fiscal 2022, funded by the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund. New Jersey's 21 counties will share $161.25 million in fiscal 2022, with funds apportioned based on population and road mileage. The county will select eligible road, bridge, or transportation related projects and seek NJDOT approval for them by December 1st.   
 
TAKE A KID FISHING--WITH THE MAYOR! Avalon Mayor Marty Pagliughi will host a morning of fishing on Monday, August 9th at 9am, at the Avalon Fishing Pier. The annual "Fishing with the Mayor" event is for children ages 5 through 12. No equipment is necessary--the Avalon Recreation Department will provide fishing poles and bait to all participants. Registration is required, as only 25 spots are available. Call 609-967-3066 or email RECINFO@AVALONBORO.ORG to register. 
 
AMERICAN LEGION POST 331 celebrates its 75th Anniversary with an open house on Saturday, August 7th from 1pm to 3pm. Located at 117th Street & Second Avenue, Legion Post #331 opened in 1946, and it's housed in a former US Life Saving Service station that first opened in 1895.
 
AVALON LIFEGUARDS took first place in team scoring at the Dave Kerr Jr. Memorial Lifeguard Races, held on the 35th Street beach last week in Avalon. Finishing in second place was Sea Isle City, followed by Wildwood Crest and Stone Harbor. Avalon also finished first in the Swim, and second in the Doubles Row and Iron Man Medley. Congratulations!
 
GOTTA DO IT: LOCAL MUSIC! Not many things put you in as good a mood as listening to live music on a beautiful summer evening at the shore! Here are a several options to consider!