Memorial Day Traffic Tips at the Jersey Shore Traffic picks up this weekend all over the Jersey Shore.  Just a reminder...last year the state passed a law that all vehicles must yield to pedestrians in marked crossings.  If you're driving down the road and see a sign like the one to the right SLOW DOWN! That signals a marked crosswalk ahead, and if there is a pedestrian around, come to a complete STOP!  There's a costly ticket coming your way if you don't At this crosswalk today, I slowed and stopped for a pedestrian, while another driver came up from behind and tried passing on the right.  We almost had pedestrian stew! Welcome to the Jersey Shore, drive with care and remember, leave only footprints!  Laura GiannottaClick on any of the links below to:Search the Jersey Shore MLSView Da... 05/24/2011

I wasn't happy when the rains came last week...the same time my rhododendrons were blooming.  They're my favorite spring blossom.  While the rains brought an early rhododendron snow shower in my plant bed, there were some that waited for me! Manahawkin, NJ Rhododendrons May 22, 2011! While I was concerned with the flowering bushes, I've already got blooms on the Jersey Tomatoes...Now all I need the insects to get them doing their thing! Manahawkin Spring, 2011 Jersey Tomatoes in the making! (Send all bees and things to spread the pollen!)   05/22/2011

The old saying is that April showers bring May flowers... At the Jersey Shore, April showers... April 9, 2011 Manahawkin Bring May... May 1, 2011 Manahawkin There are 95 new homes for sale in Manahawkin.  From manufactured homes in a new adult community starting at $99,000, luxury homes over $750,000.   The home above, when completed, will have 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bath and it's listed at $384,900 and located in the Ocean Acres section of Manahawkin. If you're looking for new homes in Manahawkin, or anywhere at the Jersey Shore, contact REALTOR® Laura Giannotta, 609-384-6121.   05/01/2011

Manahawkin Homes for Sale - 2011 First Quarter Housing Market Report - Manahawkin, NJ The first quarter report of home sales in Manahawkin is a mixed bag.  There's good news.  In March 2011 there were 45 homes under contract and almost half of those are Manahawkin waterfront homes.  So far this year, 24  waterfront homes in Manahawkin have sold.   There are 163 waterfront homes for sale, priced between $165,000 for a 'contractor's dream' on Mallard Island to $949,000 for a Barnegat Bay front home in Beach Haven West.    Manahawkin, NJ New Listings Under Contract Expired Sold Days on Market Median Sold Price January 2011 90 24 58 22 145 $270,450 February 2011 77 31 26 23 109 $278,000 March 2011 96 45 23 23 104 $212,000 Homes sales remained stable during 2011's first quarter, and days on ... 04/13/2011

Spring is a time of renewal. Bulbs planted last fall, hidden for months under snow covered frozen ground, are emerging.  A sure sign winter's done...   Finally! But another sure sign of spring at the Jersey Shore, new home construction! New homes in Manahawkin at the Jersey Shore! Let's hope spring and summer 2011 offers renewed home buyer interest at the Jersey Shore!   04/13/2011

By Curtis Lee"The Murphy-Lee Team"Prudential Zack Shore Properties  When people enter your home they usually look down before up, so that first step is vital for attracting a homebuyer and making a great first impression. This is one reason why more people are installing hardwood floors in their homes.               Hardwood flooring enhances the look of any room and can create a classic ambiance that will beautify the interior design of your home. Residential real estate agents agree that homes with wood floors hold their value better, sell faster and fetch higher prices.             Last year, 99 percent of real estate agents responding to a national survey conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association agreed that homes with hardwood floors are easier to sell. The survey also fo... 04/11/2011

Paramount Escapes Ocean Breeze enjoys an ideal location close to popular area attractions yet tucked away for privacy. Major expressways are close-by making for easy access to Long Beach Island, Atlantic City, Philadelphia and New York City. Escapes Ocean Breeze is located in the small town of Manahawkin, New Jersey. Close to home residents enjoy everyday conveniences, shops, restaurants and coastal living just minutes from home. The pristine Barnegat Bay and Atlantic Ocean are just minutes away offering the unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty and relaxation of coastal living including fabulous recreational opportunities such as sailing, surfing, swimming, boating and enjoying fabulous seafood. As a gated community of just 460 homes, Paramount Escapes is a luxurious retreat for the d... 04/05/2011

Police in Manahawkin shot and killed a wild turkey that authorities say was "wreaking havoc" in traffic. Stafford Township animal control officers told The Press of Atlantic City the bird has been in the township for months. However, it recently moved from residential areas to busy Route 72. Efforts to trap it were unsuccessful. Police told the newspaper the turkey caused a motor vehicle accident when a car jammed on its brakes and was rear ended by another on Wednesday. So why was the turkey shot? The police suspected it of fowl play...I apologize in advance for the bad joke, I couldn't help myself! Karl Hess, Stafford Twp Real Estate 04/01/2011

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County are hosting the 11th Annual Bowl for Kids' Sake & Net-Working Event This is an opportunity to network with area business leaders and the board of directors and staff of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ocean County. It's not really about bowling. It's about kids. Bowl for Kids' Sake is an easy and enjoyable way to make a positive difference. Everyone can get involved as a bowler on a team of family members, friends or co-workers; or as a sponsor. If you care about kids and can spare a little time for fun, then Bowl for Kids' Sake is right up your alley! All bowlers will receive a T-Shirt, two games, refreshments, and goodie bags. There will also be GREAT door prizes!! All donations benefit BBBSOC's youth mentoring programs. It's an easy and fun w... 03/23/2011

Residency is often a political football in NJ.  This time I think the Stafford Township Council, questioning the residency of the Mayor, is missing the point.  I think the Mayor is gaming the short sale system! Council members question where the Mayor lives after the short sale of his home for $450,000 in Stafford on March 10.  But I question his purchase of another home for $757,000 in Surf City on Long Beach Island two weeks before! So while the Stafford Township Council continues to debate whether the Mayor is in fact still residing in Manahawkin (living with relatives), I'm left wondering if anyone plays by the rules anymore. 03/14/2011

Manahawkin Housing Market Conditions, is a compilation of statistical data in graph and written form. Data indicates market conditions on a local level and in three month 'snapshots.' A housing market analysis is available from me, Karl Hess, for any neighborhood in Ocean County, Monmouth County and on The Jersey Shore.  Each report includes a summary of the overall trends and an interactive map of the local housing market conditions and can be produced within minutes of your request. Go to www.HomeValuesinOceanCountyNJ.com for your free, no obligation, personalized report for your neighborhood. Market Pricing Details for Manahawkin   Total     Most Recent     Highest      Lowest     Average     Median Sold Homes    27     02/25/2011     $430,000     $115,000    $290,293    $280,000 For... 03/11/2011

The public is invited to a wine and cheese reception 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at Pine Shores Art Association, 94 Stafford Ave., Manahawkin, to celebrate the exhibit "Purely Pastels," on display through March 29. The pastel pictured here is by Chris Koustogiannis, titled "Sunrise." PSAA fosters art instruction, appreciation, and inspiration to its members and the public. It engages regionally and nationally recognized artists to conduct classes, workshops and demonstrations in watercolor, oil, pastel, and other media. Monthly Meetings, normally held the first Monday of the month, include art demonstrations by recognized artists, followed by refreshments and an opportunity to meet fellow artists. Also provided are Art History Lectures held in conjunction with the Stafford Library an... 03/03/2011

Looking for a waterfront home in Manahawkin, NJ? Confused by the wide range of prices? Being a waterfront community boating is the passion of most homeowners in Beach Haven West. Location to the bay is one of the largest determination of a home's value. The better the location the higher the price, unless you wish to compromise on quality. Bucchino builds quality homes, in great locations, at great prices. Please visit these website to see some of our great homes that are waiting to be your Jerseyshore Dream Home. http://4maryjeannelane.epropertysites.com/             http://walterblvd.epropertysites.com/ Call The Murphy-Lee Team today for more information 1-800-594-3315. 02/25/2011

Open House Manahawkin, Barnegat, and Waretown with photos and maps for February 20th, 2011. Open houses in the area with school reports, neighborhood information and Stafford Township real estate market trends. Click here for the list of Open Houses in Barnegat and surrounding area on February 20th, 2011 with easy to access maps and numerous photos.  Most Open Houses will take place between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, so use the maps provided in the above link to plan your day...or call me and I'd be happy to set up an exclusive "tour of homes" at your convenience. For complete updated information on Ocean County Open Houses and real estate tips click on www.OpenHouseOceanCounty.com Click on each address to see property details or click on Manhawkin Open House Maps for all open houses in in St... 02/17/2011

Happy Dogs in Manahawkin-Manahawkin Dog Parks Approved! Manahawkin dogs will soon have two parks for socializing and exercise.  The Stafford Township Council unanimously approved a plan to open two dog parks.  Though the exact locations haven't been determined, the parks being discussed are an area close to the Beach Avenue Playground downtown and the Lighthouse Park (on Lighthouse Drive at Clearwater) in the Ocean Acres section of Manahawkin. The expected cost for the two parks is $8,000 to $10,000 for fencing and waste stations.  There was some opposition to the proposal, residents expressed concern about spending the money and irresponsible dog owners who don't clean up after their pets. But the dogs prevailed!   Laura GiannottaLittle Egg Harbor REALTOR® at the Jersey Shore!Click on ... 02/16/2011

Manahawkin Homes for Sale-Manahawkin, NJ Housing Market Report-January2011 The number of homes for sale in Manahawkin averaged about 450 during the month of January, 2011.  New listings of homes for sale in Manahawkin jumped to 90 in January, a large number even for the Jersey Shore.  More homes are listed during January and February trying to appeal to vacation home buyers.  The number of days on the market is up and prices are somewhat stable from December, 2010.  Manahawkin, NJ New Listings Under Contract Expired Sold Days on Market Median Sold Price January 2011 90 24 58 22 145 $270,450 During the same period (Janaury) in 2010, the figures looked like this.  Manahawkin, NJ New Listings Under Contract Expired Sold Days on Market Median Sold Price January 2010 94 23 48 21 116 $267,000... 02/13/2011

You've heard me moan and complain about the Jersey Shore weather for a couple of months now.  I'm sure I'll moan and complain again before beach badges go one sale, but I have to admit the Jersey Shore is beautiful today.  Just down the block from my Manahawkin home is my Lake.  Actually, it's a Park that belongs to the Township of Stafford, but it's mine! It has tennis courts, basketball hoops (4 of them), a little kids playground and a huge lake...MY LAKE.  We used to be able to swim there, but now we can't (I have to say that, there are no life guards posted anymore).  But I know the secrets and I'll share MY LAKE.  There's a huge drop off when you get into the water. These pictures, water and ice, tell me where the drop off is...secret knowledge for me and dog (and you if you're vis... 02/13/2011

(New!) Schedule A Form: 6 Home Deduction Traps Get an “A” on your Schedule A Form: Dodge these tax deduction pitfalls to save time, money, and an IRS investigation. Read (New!) Get Your 2010 Energy Tax Credits: Filing Tips for Form 5695 Sidestep snares in the complex IRS Form 5695 to get all the 2010 energy tax credits you’ve got coming. Read (New!) 2011 Energy Tax Credits: What You Need to Know to Collect Washington is giving you less green for going green, as the feds reel back the 2011 energy tax credits from a lavish $1,500 to a paltry $500. Read (New!) 10 Common Errors Home Owners Make When Filing Taxes Don’t rouse the IRS or pay more taxes than necessary—know the score on each home tax deduction and credit. Read Tax Tips for Homeowners Looking Ahead to 2010 Returns From energy ta... 02/10/2011

Manahawkin Housing Market Conditions, is a compilation of statistical data in graph and written form. Data indicates market conditions on a local level and in three month 'snapshots.' A housing market analysis is available from me, Karl Hess, for any neighborhood in Ocean County, Monmouth County and on The Jersey Shore.  Each report includes a summary of the overall trends and an interactive map of the local housing market conditions and can be produced within minutes of your request. Click on www.HomeValuesinOceanCountyNJ.com for your free, no obligation, personalized report. Asking Prices and Sold Prices for Manahawkin Homes (November 9, 2010 - February 9, 2011) MARKET PRICING DETAILS   Total   Most Recent   Highest   Lowest   Average   Median Sold Homes 26   02/09/2011   $500,000   $... 02/10/2011

What's the Best Blog Comment You've Received? I'm human, I like the feedback from ActiveRain, both in emails and blog comments.  Most are well thought out, some raise issues that I hadn't thought about and some are the proof that people are reading, so it keeps me writing. Perhaps the best feedback I have received came in this morning in response to a blog written Friday called Dog Training Tips at the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter. I wrote about Martha Windisch, a certified dog trainer from Chatsworth, who volunteered to provide tips and answer questions at the Shelter.  This is her comment on my ActiveRain Blog: "Thanks for the publicity!  We had a great crowd of people today at the shelter for the Ask a Trainer event in celebration of National Train Your Dog Month.  I answered... 01/22/2011