HIGHER RATES?  Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen speculated recently that one or more interest rate hikes could come soon, based on recent economic activity and job gains.  One thing is certain—current interest rates are very attractive by an historical measure.  Consider refinancing properties you already own to lock in low rates.  If you’re considering purchasing a vacation home, do it now to secure low financing costs for the duration of your ownership!  Ready to start looking?  Please call me today!

What a fun way to beat the heat on a hot August afternoon!

FISH TALES!  A 754-pound blue marlin was weighed in at Cape May during last week’s 25th Annual MidAtlantic Fishing Tournament.  The fish earned a $531,513 prize for the captain & crew, who hail from Lighthouse Point, Florida.  The vast majority of billfish caught were released, with only the heaviest being weighed in.  Other notable catches included a 236-pound tuna and a 53-pound mahi mahi.  The total prize money payout for the MidAtlantic event was $3.16 million.    Elsewhere in Cape May County,  a fisherman caught an 11.68-pound flounder on the beach in Corson’s Inlet (behind Strathmere) last week.

45 MILLION AND COUNTING:  The Cape May-Lewes Ferry transported its 45 millionth passenger last week.  A family from northern New Jersey purchased tickets for passage to Delaware, and were then presented with free passage, plus a certificate for future free passage, as well as some Cape May-Lewes Ferry branded gift items.  Ferries began making the 17-mile Delaware Bay crossing on July 1, 1964.  Whether travelling long distance, making a day trip, or crossing the Bay as a foot passenger, the ferry ride is always a delight.  Beautiful panoramas, sunsets, and dolphins are among the many sights to be seen.

HARBOR SQUARE THEATRE recently opened in Stone Harbor after the aging theatre was fully renovated.  There’s a new twist though—in addition to traditional movie favorites such as popcorn and candy, patrons can enjoy appetizers, beer, and wine from  the Harbor Burger Bar, which can be taken into the theatre.  Visit http://www.harborsquaretheatre.com/ for info & showtimes.

AIRFEST returns to Naval Air Station Wildwood Friday through Sunday, September 2-5.  Highlights include World War II era aircraft such as the B-24 Liberator, B-17 Flying Fortress, and the P-51 Mustang.  A $14 ticket gets you a walk-through tour of the bombers.  Flights can be arranged at additional cost.  Visit www.usnasw.org  for information.

EXTEND YOUR SUMMER SEASON—enjoy beautiful fall weekends at the shore!  From cooler weather to smaller crowds to great activities, the fall is a delightful season!  See below for a list of fun activities!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• IPad Workshop at the Avalon Public Library, register at 609-967-7155, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, September 3
• Sea Isle City’s Fall Food Truck Festival, noon, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 9, 10 & 11
• Stone Harbor Property Owners’ Association Fall Members’ Meeting, Harbor Square Theater, 9AM, Saturday, September 10
• Avalon Home & Land Owners’ Association Meeting, Christa Fitzsimmons will speak on Services for Seniors, Avalon Community Hall, 10AM, Saturday, September 10
• Avalon’s Chamber of Commerce End-of-Summer Shop Hop, Avalon Shopping District, Saturday & Sunday, September 10 & 11
• Stone Harbor’s Go Green Fair featuring information on solar energy, re-purposed materials, electric cars, clean energy, natural products, more, 94th Street Parking Lot, 11AM-2PM, Saturday, September 10
• Night Walk at the Cape May County Zoo, after hours tour of the zoo, 6:30-8:30PM, Saturday, September 10
• Avalon History Center Author Lecture featuring Robert Rawlins, author of ‘Tunes of the Twenties,’ 7PM, Saturday, September 10
• Big Band Dance featuring Tony DeLuca & the Paisans, Avalon Community Hall, 7PM, Saturday, September 10
• Stone Harbor’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, Freedom Park at 96th Street & Seng Place, 11AM-1PM, Sunday, September 11
• Cape May Lighthouse Full Moon Climb, call 609-884-5404 for info, Friday, September 16
• 21st Annual Nun’s Beach Surf Contest, 111th Street Beach, 7AM, Saturday, September 17
• Wetlands Institute Fall Migration Festival, guided viewing of migratory birds, demonstrations, live animal presentations, more, 9:30AM-4:30PM, Saturday & Sunday, September 17 & 18
• Creative Writing Seminar at the Avalon Public Library, register by calling 609-967-7155, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, September 17
• International Red Panda Day at the Cape May County Zoo, red panda related programs, activities & zookeeper talks, 10AM-3PM, Saturday, September 17
• Stone Harbor’s Savor September 5th Annual Food, Wine & Beer Festival, crafts, kids’ activities, music, more, 96th Street Shopping District, Noon-8PM, Saturday, September 24
• Avalon Performing Arts Council Cabaret Night featuring Billy Joel Tribute & Marino Dance Band, Avalon Community Hall, doors open at 6:30PM, show begins at 7:30PM, Saturday, September 24
• Avalon’s Chamber of Commerce Seafood Festival, music, crafts, kids’ activities, food tent, more, 30th Street Parking Lot & Community Hall in Avalon, 10AM-5PM, Saturday & Sunday, October 8 & 9
• Big Band Dance featuring John Clark’s Little Big Band, Avalon’s Community Hall, 7PM, Saturday, October 8

 

Value Alerts:

Take this opportunity to own on a nice quiet street in Avalon, at the right price! This home on a full-size lot, has a wonderful backyard pool area with an oversize cabana and a huge 2nd floor master bedroom. This is a value that does not come along often.

238 43rd St., Avalon,  $1,225,000,  ACTIVE MLS# 171799

Enjoy the quiet privacy of this beautiful 5 bedroom home across from Obrien Park, in Avalon’s North End. Located on a corner 60′ x 110′ lot, this home is move-in ready for your summer enjoyment.

199 11th St., Avalon,  $1,799,000, ACTIVE MLS# 171478

Get started on the island in this updated 3 bedroom single-family rancher on an 85’x110′ lot. The lot is shared by the duplex in the rear, but gives you a very large lawn to enjoy. This is a nice street, walking distance to downtown Stone Harbor, and the price is attractive.

349 92nd St., Stone Harbor,  $629,900,  MLS# 171031

This beautiful one owner, Brandywine custom built beach block home was just reduced and is move-in ready. Attached garage and room for a pool. Take a look at the photos!

45 E 11th St., Avalon,  $2,195,000,  MLS# 166564 – REDUCED!

Walk to town and the beach from your totally renovated Breakwater condo on 30th Street. When you are not on the beach, enjoy your new pool.

107 30th St., Avalon,  $449,000, ACTIVE MLS# 170279 – REDUCED!

Build your dream house on this oversize 70 x 100 corner lot, just 2 blocks to the beach, in Stone Harbor’s quiet south-end.

235 118th St., Stone Harbor,  $1,495,000, ACTIVE MLS# 170203 – Under Contract

Enjoy your summers with ocean views in this beautiful 3-story south-end Avalon home. You will love the open second floor great room with its cathedral ceiling, light and views; this house looks like new!

6918 Dune Dr., Avalon,  $2,095,000, ACTIVE MLS# 170034 – Under Contract

Build your 4,500 sq. ft. dream Bayfront home on this empty 60′ x 155′ lot in Stone Harbor’s desirable South-end.  This is a great location… Enjoy unlimited bay/wetlands/sunset views and walk just two blocks to the beach.

11825 Paradise Dr., Stone Harbor,  $2,299,000,  ACTIVE MLS #169905

Enjoy one of Avalon’s most unique homes and the recently added pool on this oversize 80 x 110 corner lot. If you prefer to build your dream house, this lot will accommodate a 6,000 sq. ft. home.

4656 Dune Drive, Avalon, $1,395,000, MLS# 168490 – Under Contract

Just reduced by $200K, this spectacular 6 bedroom home with a pool and wraparound porch sits on an oversize 70 x 110 lot. Beautiful decor, this property must be seen.

385 93rd St., Stone Harbor,  $2,295,000,  ACTIVE MLS# 165563
 

New Listings:

8001 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $359,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 171909

448 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $939,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 171943

6890 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $1,049,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 172005

541 21st Street, Avalon, $1,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 171967

642 7th Street, Avalon, $1,475,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 171932

10540 Corinthian Place, Stone Harbor, $1,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 171984

74 W 11 Street, Avalon, $1,990,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 171995

125 78th Street, Avalon, $3,050,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 171999

308 92nd Street, Stone Harbor, $3,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 171930
 

Properties Sold:

2657 Dune Drive, Avalon, $380,000, SOLD MLS#: 164745

440 20th Street, Avalon, $495,000, SOLD MLS#: 169833

417 22nd Street, Avalon, $525,000, SOLD MLS#: 170304

292 33rd Street, Avalon, $600,000, SOLD MLS#: 166634

276 23rd Street, Avalon, $902,500, SOLD MLS#: 171134

5088 Dune Drive, Avalon, $1,200,000, SOLD MLS#: 169924

7729 Sunset Drive, Avalon, $1,500,000, SOLD MLS#: 168089

222 121st Street, Stone Harbor, $1,517,500, SOLD MLS#: 168334

56 E 19th Street, Avalon, $2,300,000, SOLD MLS#: 171481

262 66th Street, Avalon, $2,360,000, SOLD MLS#: 171530