Lower Township – Third Quarter Market Report 2019

During the third quarter of 2019 there were 159 residential closings in the Lower Township area ranging in price from $61,850 after a major price reduction for a two bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home in the Bayshore Woods adult community to a 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath upside down new construction Bayfront home at 907 Shore Drive that sold for $1,135,000 (cash). 301 E. Pacific Ave. in Villas sold for $106,500 after 604 days on the market, proving again there is a lid for every pot. The average sale price was $261,626 and total sales for the quarter amounted to $41,598,550. Average time on the market was 116 days. There were two sales of over $1,000,000+.

During the same period in 2018 there were 151 residential sales with a combined sales total of $31,338,539 and an average sale price of $207,539 and an average time on the market of 109 days. 103 Beach Drive in North Cape May sold for $800,000.

Prices overall were 26.1% higher in this quarter than they were in 2018 and sales volume was up 13.1%. It is worthy to note that the stock market has also moved into and remained in record high territories. Generally, a rising stock market may result in more discretionary income for future home buyers but it is hard to prove a direct relationship between the two markets. Either way it’s been a win-win for anyone currently in the game, but home equity has remained the most valuable asset for most families. Currently there are 172 active residential listings in Lower Township ranging in price from $45,000 to $1,890,000. More information is a phone call away.

(Information was compiled from the Cape May Multiple Listing Service and deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

This is Wayne Piersanti, Broker-Salesperson for Coastline Realty, keeping it real. I can be reached at (609) 540-3374 and theshire3099@comcast.net. Coastline Realty is a full service, family owned and operated, award winning real estate agency.

October 19, 2019August 10, 2022

3rd Quarter Cape Island Market Update 10.19.29

There were 41 residential transactions in the Cape May Area during the 3^rd quarter of 2019 ranging in price from $287,000 (a Village Greene quad at 1350 Virginia Ave. Unit C) to $3,150,000 (a 5 bedroom, 4.2 bath, single family home featuring an in-ground pool, smart home technology and an outside great room complete with TV/AV hook ups, overlooking Cape May Harbor -1460 Missouri Ave).

25 of the sales were in Cape May. New construction at 925 Columbia Ave sold for $1,150,000 and a fully renovated home dating back to circa 1880 sold for $685,000 – 1143 Lafayette St. The average time on the market was 184 days and the average sales price was $1,020,456, which was 96.8% of list price. The median sale price was $915,000. For comparative purposes, during the same period in 2018 there were 25 closings in Cape May but the average price for 2018 was $841,676 and the median price was $679,000.

The average sale price for 2019 was 121% higher than in 2018 and the number of sales was 164% higher which may reflect an increased demand for housing in Cape May.

There were 6 residential real estate transactions in West Cape May during the 3^rd quarter of 2019 with an average sales price of $620,666 and an average time on the market of 161 days. A fixer-upper on a 50 x 148 foot lot sold for $405,000 after 229 days on the market. It had been originally listed at $500,000 (121 Leaming Avenue). 617 Sunset Boulevard sold for $825,000. In the 3^rd quarter of 2018 there were 8 transactions with an average sales price of $679,234 largely boosted by one sale of $1,175,000.

10 properties sold in Cape May point during this time with an average sales price of $958,936. A 4 bedroom 3 ½ bath new construction listing located at 312 Brainard Ave. and built by well-known builders Hawthorne Davis sold for $1,252,384. In the 3^rd quarter last year only two properties sold in Cape May Point and the average sales prices of $662,500.

Overall Cape May County officials have reported that 2019 has likely been a record breaking revenue season with numbers up in all tourist sectors which may have contributed to the uptick in residential sales. Currently there are 96 active residential listings in the Cape May area.

This is Wayne Piersanti, Broker-Salesperson for Coastline Realty, keeping it real. For information on any of these listings, I can be reached at (609) 540-3374 and theshire3099@comcast.net. Coastline Realty is a full service, family owned and operated, award winning real estate agency.

(Information was compiled from the Cape May Multiple Listing Service and deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

May 20, 2019August 10, 2022

No Closet? No Problem!

Do you have a bedroom that lacks closet space? What are you going to do with all of your stuff? We are here to tell you that there is a solution, and an easy one at that! Here are 5 simple, yet effective tips, to get you headed in the right direction!

1. If you do not love it, lose it!

We get it, its hard to part with your stuff. The thing is.. if you haven’t worn the item in six months, you should toss/donate. It’s just taking up space and creating clutter. If you are unsure about getting rid of clothing try the turning the hanger trick. Hang all of your items the same way (which we are seriously hoping you do anyway) and when you remove an item turn the hanger. If three months passes and the hanger isn’t turned, toss it.

2. Velvet Hangers

This little trick makes a world of difference. You will truly be blown away by how much space those bulky plastic hangers are taking up. Velvet hangers are going to easily triple your space. Trust us, this is HUGE!

3. Clothing Racks Galore

Clothing racks can be better than a built in closet. I mean, really, you get to pick out your closet organization style. How neat is that? There are so many options to chose from as well. From wooden shelves (check out what our Ami did in the photos above) to metal clothes rack the options are endless.

4 Utilize Wall Space

Weather you only have a corner space or an entire wall, any space can be utilized. Combining a little dresser with sturdy shelving gets the job done and can add style to a room. This is where creativity, organization, and style meet.

5 Dress it Up!

It’s all in the details! Check out how Ami added curtains to her closet and went from open concept to completely concealed. The plants and baskets add extra storage and tie into the farmhouse vibe. FYI baskets are always your BFF in any room and plants add life and good vibes so you can’t go wrong. If you’re leaning more towards embracing open concept think about adding some metallics and a tiny photo or two. The baskets above are holding all of Ami’s overnight bags and smaller purses.

If you’re loving Ami’s closet like we do here’s links to the items she purchased off Amazon to create it. Shelving Unit – Curtain Rod – Hangers – Curtains

Article written by Stephanie Coffey, Realtor Sales Associate of Coastline Realty in Cape May.

Photos and closet supplied by ami menz, broker associate of coastline realty in cape may.

December 17, 2018August 10, 2022

Christmas in Cape May with Coastline Realty

Christmas is the perfect time to sit back and appreciate time spent with family and friends. While you might be already counting down til Memorial Day, did you know that Cape May was voted one of the best towns in America to visit for the Holidays according to Travel and Leisure? Source

Whether it’s the classic Victorian decor or the endless holiday events around town, we would agree that Cape May is the perfect place to be this Christmas. Check out our event calendar to stay updated on the goings-on around town!

Coastline Realty Cape May Christmas Party 2018 — A Very Coastline Christmas

We asked our agents to tell us their favorite holiday traditions, here are some of our favorites:

“Making homemade egg nog every year with my parents.” -Andrew

“Stuffing celery with cream cheese and garlic and sprinkling with paprika. YUM!” -Sean Linnington

“Putting up the lights and gazing at them through the windows.”-Margaret

“Watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and making lasagna.”-Rich Parker

“Putting up the tree with my granddaughter, Piper.”-Duck Menz

What are your favorite Christmas and holiday traditions? Leave a comment below to let us know!

To see more Christmas cheer, check out our latest newsletter, where we share a tasty slow-cooker apple cider, holiday tipping guide and more. Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the Coastline loop!

December 7, 2018August 10, 2022

Victorian Christmas

How We Got Here

Christmas as we know it has its roots in Victorian times. At the beginning of the 19th century Christmas was barely acknowledged. It was not recognized as a holiday by businesses and individuals alike. By the end of the century it rose to being the largest annual celebration and began to resemble the Christmas of the present.

The evolution of the holiday is largely attributed to Queen Elizabeth. She married the German-born Prince Albert and subsequently introduced several prominent aspects of Christmas. In 1848 the Illustrated London News published a drawing of the royal family celebrating around a decorated Christmas tree as Prince Albert would have done in his youth. It wasn’t long before most homes would boast a tree decorated with candies, fruit, homemade ornanments and small gifts.

In 1843, Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant and inventor, commissioned an artist to design a card for the holiday. The illustration featured a group of people around a dinner table with a brief Christmas message. The initial cards were expensive for the average person and did not immediately catch on. However the idea was solid and children were encouraged to make their own Christmas cards. Being in the industrial age, printing technology became more advanced, reducing the production cost and reducing the price to the consumer. By the 1880s Christmas had become so popular that 11.5 million cards were produced in 1880 alone.

Home decorations became more elaborate. Uniformity, order and elegance were encouraged. There were instructions on how to make your own ornaments and decorations for those living outside of the city. In 1881, Casell’s Family Magazine offered the following advice to the lady of the house: “To bring about a general feeling of enjoyment, much depends on the surroundings; it is worth while to bestow some little trouble on the decoration of the rooms”.

Gift giving had traditionally been done in the New Year but was eventually moved to Christmas. In the beginning gifts were small; fruit, nuts, sweets and handmade items. They were usually hung on the tree. As gift giving became more prevalent gifts became larger and were moved under the tree.

Yule Tide Delights

During the Victorian period the traditional Christmas dinner began to take shape. Early on, mince pies were made with meat. Gradually the composition of this particularly festive dish changed. Recipes without meat gained popularity and became the mince pies we know today.

The turkey also had its origins in this time frame. Prior to this the Christmas dinner featured goose or beef. The turkey became the favorite of the wealthy. It was soon adopted by the middle classes because it was the perfect size for a family gathering. By the beginning of the 20th century the turkey had become the dominant dish for the Christmas feast.

Christmas carols had been around to some degree for quite awhile. Victorians took this to another level by reviving and popularizing the singing of carols in many different venues. They felt that carols were a delightful form of entertainment and well worth cultivating. Traditional lyrics were put to new melodies and the first significant collection of carols was published in 1833.

Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol during this period. The book is credited with helping to bring Christmas traditions to the fore and spreading these traditions throughout the masses. The book’s themes of family, charity, goodwill, peace and happiness are truly universal and timeless.

Written by Edward Connolly, Broker Associate of Coastline Realty

January 17, 2018August 10, 2022

Buying a Historic Home in Cape May

Buying a Historic Home in Cape May by Edward Connolly

There are many homes of historical significance in Cape May reflecting architectural styles spanning over two hundred years. It is home to one of the largest collections of nineteenth century buildings in America. Over the past several decades preservation efforts have intensified and have led directly to a positive effect on the city’s economic growth. The historic district is defined by its architectural character in its entirety. It is comprised of individual, commercial and residential structures. The relativity of scale, proportion, materials and streetscape provides commonality among a diversity of style and features.

Cape May’s architectural heritage led to its designation as a National Historic Landmark District in 1976. City Council underscored this honor by establishing the Cape May Historic Preservation Commission. The Commission is involved with conducting surveys and setting design standards for exterior alterations, new construction and demolition. With the increase of traffic generated by tourism and the demand for new construction it is the charge of the Commission to oversee these developments, ensuring that the design standards are adhered to.

In Cape May City properties are designated as either Key, Contributing or Non-Contributing. A Key property demonstrates outstanding quality and state of preservation; Contributing properties are integral parts of the historic ambiance in a historic district; Non-Contributing properties do not add to the historic theme of a historic district. When considering a property in Cape May work with your agent to determine the designation of that property. You can also contact the HPC for this information.

When you are ready to make an offer there are several things to consider in order to maximize your investment; have a full understanding of what you can and cannot do to the property; hire a home inspector preferably with experience in this area; obtain estimates from contractors with experience in historical restoration to gauge costs. It is also a good idea to engage an architect to formalize your project into plans that you will need for your presentation.

Ed Connolly Broker Associate Coastline Realty 609-884-5oo5 x111; cell 609-602-3089

Source: City of Cape May HPC Design Standards

October 28, 2017August 10, 2022

Cape May Restaurant Weeked is Upon Us / Victorian Foodies

Victorian Foodies by Edward Connolly….
Cape May is known for many things not the least of which is the eclectic variety of its restaurants. Fine dining was an integral part of the Victorian lifestyle as well. Private homes or hotels were the usual dining venues with restaurants becoming popular in the latter 1870s. Food was one thing but the Victorian dining experience was as much about showing your station in life as it was about anything else. Leisure time and disposable income were the main ingredients for the elite when they dined. When entertaining at home meals were served by numerous servants giving the hosts ample opportunity to show their guests how many servants they had. China, silverware and glassware were also on display. Careful consideration was given to the menu and to the accompanying beverages. A typical Victorian dinner would include 10 or more courses each with its own place setting. Over 100 pieces of silverware, a few dozen plates and a dozen glasses made up the service for a single guest. An elaborate floral centerpiece graced the table and would be narrowed at eye level to facilitate conversation. The conversing was more important than the consuming. This was an example of Victorian networking and diners took small bites and quick sips in order to be ready for a verbal response.
The same rules of etiquette and decorum applied when dining at a hotel or restaurant. And the particular spot, such as Congress Hall, the Stockton or the Columbia, added to the prestige of the experience. As restaurants appeared they were judged not only by their cuisine but as the “place to be” as well.
Attire at the dinner table was an important consideration for the Victorians. Options for a gentlemen were few; black or white tie with a tux or proper evening suit. Women needed to select a formal gown that had not been seen in that particular season. Summer whites were not considered proper dining apparel.

Cape May Restaurant Weekend is November 2nd – 5th. You can see participating restaurants by clicking here.

Post written by Edward Connolly, Broker Sales Associate and Cape May Local.

October 11, 2017August 10, 2022

Of Ghosts and Mansions

In 1863 the structure now known as the Southern Mansion was built by wealthy industrialist George Allen. The beautiful beige mansion sat on a huge parcel of land and had extensive Italian gardens. Allen’s niece, Ester Mercur and her husband were the last of the Allen family to be in residence. After Ester passed her husband sold the entire estate with furnishing for $8000. The new owners turned the property into a boarding house. They painted it white and converted the interior into several small rooms. Fifty years later the mansion was in disrepair due to lack of upkeep and the conversion to small rooms had weakened the structure. The boarding house license ceased in the 1980’s. The current owners bought it in 1994 and over the course of the next 18 months fully restored the building. 130 years of Allen family furnishings yielded several fine pieces that were put back into the house. Gas fixtures, walls, ceilings, floors an windows were restored to their original state.

The grounds and Italian gardens were replanted and cultivated.

Restoration of old buildings often bring strange happenings. Apparently, Ester was happy with the work and decided to again take up residence in ghostly form. She has been observed as a well-dressed female and her perfume wafts through the rooms. Her laughter is heard as her apparition dances through the house. She loves being in the kitchen keeping her eye on the meal preparations. One particular room causes considerable tension because of a possible death therein. The South Jersey Ghost Research team investigated the mansion on 2 separate occasions. Positive images were obtained with orbs and several EVPs (electronic voice phenomenons). Investigators sensed many presences and were touched gently by them. Cold spots were detected in many rooms. On one occasion a door locked by itself after investigators verified that it was unlocked.

Post written by Edward Connolly, Broker Sales Associate and Cape May Local.

September 30, 2017August 10, 2022

This Week in Cape May October 2nd -9th

September 19, 2017August 10, 2022

Is Lower Township the Next Beach Resort?

Is Lower Township the next beach front resort? As a lifelong resident of Cape May County, one is starting to believe so. It has all started with the economic growth and desire to own a piece of history in Cape May. Cape May boasts some of the states and countries best restaurants and beaches, nominated and placed on many lists for vacation and retirement. Now it is a growing trend among Lower Township businesses to market the well known Cape May name. If you take a look at Lower Township it is a sprawling area with waterfront properties and views that stretch from Shawcrest on the west side of Wildwood down along to a portion at the end of Wildwood Crest. Then one cannot forget about the marina district which is home to the Lobster House and Lucky Bones with some amazing homes that offer boat slips along the back waterways. Not to forget about all the beach front property from North Cape May, Cape May Beach, and Villas. Something that was once slightly overlooked is now being bought up in high demand, from million dollar homes that sit in the dunes to amazing steals around $150,000 beach bungalows for quick trips to the shore.

A quick run down of this year already in Lower Township there are currently 163 active listings with a high of 2.4 million and a low of $35,000. The average list price is $250,984 which puts a lot of these homes only blocks from the beach and in many homeowners budget. Since the beginning of the year there have been 116 transactions with the highest being $690,000 all the way down to $25,379. The average property sold is $175,654.

With all of this being said, one can easily see the transition that areas along the Delaware bay have seen. Homes have been purchased for a variety of reasons with one of the largest draws being proximity to the water. The little bay communities from the ferry all the way to the north end of Villas are being transformed into affordable summer getaways, retirement homes, and primary residences. I lived a block of the bay for a few years and still miss the enjoyment of the sunsets, and ability to walk a block to the beach with your family and enjoy what it has to offer. With Lower Townships plans to enhance the Bayfront along the North Cape May Portion to the Cape May – Lewes ferry with a promenade and parking it will only make the ability to enjoy easier.

So if your looking for a beach home don’t forget to give the many areas in Lower Township a look you might be surprised. Each one has a different feel, but they all offer access to what the area has to offer. Tai Menz is a New Jersey Licensed Real Estate Agent and member of the National Association of Realtors.