Jersey Shore Views...

What happens if your dog doesn't get what he wants for Christmas? Well some dogs turn to crime!

A true story out of Murray, Utah shows a 4 legged thief on surveillance video, heading into Smith's Food and Drug Store, heading straight for aisle 16 (pet supplies), picking up a rawhide bone and exiting the store!

Don't believe it, neither did I til I watched the video.  You've got to see it this!

Can it really be December?  Weather is unpredictable here at the Jersey Shore, but this is crazy!

The temperature out side is hovering around 60 degrees!  Way too warm for December 28th, but no matter how shortlived, I'll take it!

Just to remind myself that 'tis the season, I checked out some recent photos of my neighborhood, Ocean Acres in Manahawkin!

And of course, the Christmas Table!

Even in the 60 degree weather, it's Christmas at the Jersey Shore!

Keller Wiliams Atlantic Shore

Laura Giannotta

Some Additions to the Standard Questions

When planning to sell or rent a property, landlords or sellers should always have a list of questions to ask each REALTOR^® when interviewing their prospective agent.

It’s important to know your agent is full time, has experience or works with experienced REALTORS^®, and can implement a successful marketing plan. There are other core questions, but there are also some that don’t receive the attention they deserve.

Does This Agent Play Well With Others?

As important as market questions and overall strategy, what are your REALTOR’s^® view on working with other agents?

How will your REALTOR^® handle…

• The Phone…is it answered or is the call returned immediately?
• Marketing…will your listing be updated promptly so agents aren’t showing my home that’s already under contract or rented?
• Pictures…will there be pictures, high quality pictures, and lots of them?
• Showings…will your REALTOR^®or his/her office schedule the showings or will a buyer’s REALTOR^® be turned over to a call center company that has no knowledge of the area, real estate or what you wrote in the Multiple Listing Service?
• Outside websites…will your selected agent give all info available, including the address?

So when selecting a REALTOR^® add this question to your list,

“Do you play well with others?”

If you’re planning to sell or looking if you’re for homes in Manahawkin, Barnegat, Little Egg Harbor, Tuckerton, Waretown or homes anywhere on Long Beach Island call me. I’ll answer your questions!

Keller Williams

Atlantic Shore

Laura Giannotta

609-384-6121

www.JerseyShoreViews.com

Once again strong winds and swift currents prohibited re-enactors from following General George Washington’s route across the Delaware River from Pennsylvania to Trenton, NJ. 

For 56 years the General’s daring Christmas crossing to attack the Hessians at Trenton has been a well attended Holiday tradition. 

This year, as last, River conditions made it unsafe for the re-enactors from rowing across the Delaware, so they walked the bridge in Washington’s Crossing State Park.

There were 130 re enactors, putting on the show for some 12,000 spectators.

Today, Friday December 26^th begins what’s become known as 'Patriots’ Week' in Trenton.  Bus tours of the routes used by the Revolutionary Army to attack Trenton are available, as well as readings and historic tours are on tap.

It’s a great way to learn about the crucial roll New Jersey and Pennsylvania played in the War for Independence.  See you there!

Keller Williams
Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta
609-384-6121

www.JerseyShoreViews.com

Tis the season, so let's make it safe for both pets and pet owners.  Here are some things to remember as we finish decorating for the holiday.

    +Secure the Christmas tree so it doesn't tip or fall.  Make sure your 4 legged friends can't get to the water, which may contain fertilizers.

   +Kittens, cats and even my little dog, love tinsel!  They think it's a toy, but when swallowed it can lead to obstructions in the digestive tract.

   +Make sure the gifts you give your pet are safe and appropriate!  If your pet enjoys opening gifts, make sure they're supervised to they don't ingest bows or wrapping paper. Even better, get your pet an Emergency First Aid Kit for Christmas.  It should include:
        -a fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent USP (to induce vomiting)
        -a turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe (to administer peroxide)
        -saline eye solution
        -artificial tear gel (to lubricate eyes after flushing)
        -mild grease-cutting dish washing liquid (for bathing an animal after skin contamination)
        -forceps (to remove stingers)
        -a muzzle (to protect against fear- or excitement-induced biting)
        -a can of your pet’s favorite wet food
        -a  pet carrier
        -your vet's phone number and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number--888-426-4435.

    +Some plants can be dangerous to pets of all varieties.  Check out the list on the ASPCA's website.  If your pet has eaten something you think might be toxic, don't hesitate to call for emergency assistance.  It sometimes takes hours or even days before adverse reactions are evident.

And remember, this Holiday Season and always...
When it comes to pets...Make Adoption Your First Option!

It’s Christmas at my house!  My first piece of Panetonne with coffee this morning made it  official!  

Panettone has become a national symbol of the Italian Christmas.  Panettone originated in Milan in the 15^th Century.  There are many stories of how it came about.  One  example is that a certain Toni, a Milanese baker in the service of the Duke of Milan, invented the panettone which was called ‘pan de Toni’, or Toni’s Bread, in his honor.

The truth is it began as a simple bread made by Milan’s country farmers who used the few resources available to them to improve the flavor and appeal of their daily fare (in this case they added raisins).

Actually, the addition of raisins to bread began in ancient Rome.  Historians note a bread made of rye and stuffed with raisins was popular as a dessert in Rome.

Panetonne became popular outside of Milan in the late 18^th Century.  Made with wheat flour, butter, eggs, sugar, raisins and sometimes candied fruit, Panetonne has become an Italian Christmas staple.  It’s sweet, light and wonderful!

I have it for dessert, for breakfast or cut up in bread pudding!  Boun Natale (Merry Christmas), I’m going for another piece!

Keller Williams Atlantic Shore

Laura Giannotta

609-384-6121

www.JerseyShoreViews.com

Homes for Sale in Manahawkin & Stafford Township!

Homes in Beach Haven West!

The Beach Haven West section of Stafford Township or Manahawkin, NJ began in the mid 50’s.  It is located on was known as Remson Meadows (which were salt marshes) along the Manahawkin bay front.

In 1950, the salt marshes were bought by the Shapiro brothers.  They developed vacation homes up and down the Jersey Shore. Using a dredge towed up from North Carolina, construction began on Beach Haven West's 130-plus saltwater lagoons and 5,000 single-family homes. Beach Haven West was built in phases, the first opening in 1957. The first phase contained the lagoons and cul-de-sacs between Morris Boulevard and Jennifer Lane.

The second phase was completed in the 60’s and covered the area between Jonathan Drive and Walter Boulevard.  The third phase followed, and that included development along Mill Creek Road between Route 72 and Jonathan Drive, as well as the Charles Boulevard spur.  By the 70s, the lagoon front community was expanded down Mill Creek Road toward East Point.

The Shapiro’s eventually sold their remaining properties to Lincoln Properties, LLC, a Jersey Shore development firm.  Lincoln completed the Mill Creek Road section along Mill Creek down to the Barnegat Bay at East Point, added the southern lagoons along Newell Avenue known as Village Harbour, and developed the Colony Lakes section by 1986.  More development was planned but environmental regulations, primarily New Jersey’s Coast Area Facilities Review Act made that impossible.

Many of the homes in Beach Haven West are summer residences for those who live in other parts of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida and other states.  But year-round residents are increasing. The area is served by the Stafford Township School District from grades K-6, and the Southern Regional School District from grades 7-12. 

Generally the homes in Beach Haven West are on lots of at least 50 feet wide along the lagoon and 80 feet deep running toward the street. Some lots are a bit smaller, some larger. Double lots and irregular lots were available along the bends and corners of the lagoon. In the 50's, waterfront lots with a house sold for $6,990, and financing of $66 a month was available!

It’ll cost a bit more to make a home in Beach Haven West your own today. There are currently 75 homes for sale in the Beach Haven West section of Manahawkin.  They range in price from $229,000 to over $1.2 million for a modern bay front home with designer kitchen, sky decks and a 1,000 lb Jet Ski lift.

The Jersey Shore Multiple Listing Service shows two Beach Haven West building lots available starting at $229,000.

If you’d like more information on homes in Beach Haven West or homes in Manahawkin, call me for great Jersey Shore living.

Keller Williams

Atlantic Shore

Laura Giannotta

609-384-6121

www.JerseyShoreViews.com

Homes for sale in Manahawkin, NJ

A friend, Nancy posted this, and allowed me to re post.  Please listen and laugh out loud like I did!

If you like it, visit Nancy Larson's blog!

I’m a little late getting ready for Christmas this year…oh, who am I kidding, I’m always scurrying around this time of year trying to put everything together in time for the big day.

Well yesterday I was at the Christmas Store, waiting in line to pick up some last minute decorations.

I was standing behind a gentleman who was also a little late in getting his Christmas decorating together.

“I’ll take four of those elves, two of the big reindeer, three of the small reindeer and just one of those bent over Mrs. Santa Claus with the ridiculous bloomers,” the gentleman said, pointing behind the counter. 

The shop owner said, "That'll be $80. for the elves, $50. for the large reindeer, $30. for the small reindeer, and a big apology for my wife!

Southern Ocean County, New Jersey can be a bit confusing. Take, for example, Stafford Township. While Stafford Township is the name of the actual municipality, our post office is Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

The population stands at nearly 25,000 and is nearly fully developed according to the Stafford Township Master Plan. The final build out is expected to be completed by 2014, bringing the total population to approximately 28,000.

Within the boundaries of Stafford Township there are several communities. Communities within Stafford include Manahawkin, Cedar Run, Mayetta and most of Warren Grove. Moving counterclockwise from the western boundary, housing areas include Warren Grove, Ocean Breeze, Fawn Lakes and Atlantic Hills (adult communities), Ocean Acres (by far the largest development), Deer Lake Park, Manahawkin center (Downtown), Mallard Island (a.k.a. “Mud City”), Beach Haven West (bordering Barnegat Bay), Village Harbour, Colony Lakes, Mayetta, Cedar Run (including Cedar Run Apartments for seniors) and Perry’s Lake (adult community bordering shopping centers).

Ocean Acres is an area of nearly 6 miles and includes two municipalities, parts of Stafford and Barnegat Townships west of the Garden State Parkway, between Route 72 and Barnegat’s West Bay Avenue. Manahawkin’s Ocean Acres development is nearly complete, while Barnegat’s section is just getting started due to water supply issues and concerns of the New Jersey Pinelands Commission about the rare and endangered northern pine snake.

Development of Ocean Acres in Manahawkin began in the 1960’s. It includes numerous parks, schools, Holiday Lake and a golf course at the Ocean Acres Country Club.

Homes for sale in Manahawkin range in price from the $170’s for a “short sale” ranch to nearly a million for a custom lakefront on an oversize lot. Usual lot sizes are about 75 x 125. There are also building lots available priced from about $100,000!

If you'd like more information on homes for sale in Manahawkin or homes for sale in Stafford Township’s other communities, contact me.

It’s Jersey Shore Living!

Keller Williams Atlantic Shore

Laura Giannotta

609-384-6121

www.JerseyShoreViews.com

Homes for Sale in Manahawkin & Stafford Township!