We hope that you continue to do well, and that you are looking forward to a nice Thanksgiving!

Finally we are starting to get some rain here!  Thus far, it has not been significant, but we may be slowly returning to our usual “seasonal” weather.  Due to the dry conditions, there have been wildfires in the area, but none have been truly local, with the closest one being in Lakewood.

As you may recall, about a year ago, a commercial fishing boat ran aground on the beach in Point Pleasant Beach, and then sank nearby offshore when it was towed off.  A few days ago, it was refloated, and towed in Manasquan Inlet.  We are told that it will likely become part of an artificial reef.  There are pictures of this in this month’s gallery.

Other News

On November 16th, Bay Head hosted a meeting regarding flood mitigation in the town. This meeting in part resulted in a request for bids for a Flood Mitigation System for Bay Head.  The bid specifications can be found here.  The proposed project may include installation of tidal control gates and pump stations.  We expect the town to share a recording of the meeting on the website, but they have not yet done so. If you would us to let you know once it is available, please reply to this email.

In early December, there will be a meeting of barrier island mayors (not open to the public) – after this meeting, a schedule of when and where renourishment will start and end may be made public.

As you may have seen or heard, NJ Transit recently installed a tall chain link fence, topped with barbed wire, around a section of wetlands at the north end of Twilight Lake.  We are told that it is to protect newly planted vegetation there, per NJDEP guidelines.   The town was not notified of the plan prior to installation.

At Bay Head’s last council meeting, there was a first reading of an ordinance regarding the removal and replacement of trees – a similar ordinance is being considered in Mantoloking as well.  The ordinance is based on a NJDEP model or sample ordinance.  Watch the town websites for further details.

Meetings and Events

Bay Head Council Meeting, Monday, December 2nd, 7:00pm

Mantoloking Planning Board Meeting, Thursday, December 5th, 6:30pm

Mantoloking Tree Lighting (TENTATIVE) – Friday, December 13th, 5:30pm (watch for updates from the borough)

Mantoloking Council Meeting – Tuesday, December 17th, 5:30pm

Bay Head Planning Board Meeting – Wednesday, December 18th, 6:30pm

Bay Head Christmas Walk – Events starting Friday, December 6th, and continuing through the weekend.  Details can be found at the link above.

Bay Head Tree Lighting, Santa Visit – Friday, December 6th, 6pm.

Bay Head Reorganization Meeting – Thursday, January 2, 2025 – 6:00pm

Mantoloking Reorganization Meeting – January 7th, 2025, 5:30pm

Market

Since our last update, the market in Bay Head and Mantoloking has been relatively quiet.  The most recent closing (not our listing) was at 118 Park Avenue, Bay Head, at a price of $2,750,000.  It was first listed at a price of $3,699,000 in September of 2023 – if it had been priced more appropriately, it is likely that it would have sold sooner, perhaps for a higher price. In other news, we have a new waterfront land listing on South Drive in Brick – if you know someone who might be interested, the details can be found here.

You can browse all Bay Head homes for sale here, and all Mantoloking homes for sale here.

For further insights and market statistics, please visit our blog to read our November Market Update

Equity Reports and Home Values

If you are curious about your home’s value, you can find three AI generated values here, but if you’d like, we’d be happy to send you an equity report, showing your purchase price, and any appreciation since then, a computed market value, and other details (just reply to this email).

Local Photos and Videos

A selection of Ed’s local photos from the last month can be found here. You can see some of our recent videos on our Youtube channel (and you may want to subscribe to our channel for future updates).  For those of you who enjoy Ed’s photography, his 2025 Bay Head and Mantoloking calendar can be found here.

If you know anyone who would enjoy these updates, please forward this email, or ask them to get in touch with us.

Be well, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Suzie and Ed

All statistics are per Monmouth/Ocean MLS as of 11/20/24.

We hope that your fall is off to a good start, and that you were not affected by the recent hurricanes!  If you are in an area affected by Helene or Milton, you may benefit from a grace period that FEMA has extended through December 10th for flood insurance renewal payments.

There have been numerous whales and dolphins seen at the beach recently, and we were even able to see the aurora borealis in town too!  We did not catch any whale or dolphin photos, but there is an aurora photo here.

All is well and busy here, and so far, our fall has been mild, though dry.  Recently, the NJ DEP issued fire restrictions and drought watch notices due to the dry conditions.

We are happy to share that the Army Corps of Engineers has finally awarded a contract for beach renourishment for our section of beach – it was awarded to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock, but no specific start date has been set, though work is likely to start within the next nine to twelve months.

Other News

On November 16th, Bay Head will be hosting a meeting (virtual and in-person) regarding flood mitigation in the town. On a related topic, New Jersey’s proposed Resilient Environments and Landscapes rule, and the associated Climate Adjusted Flood Elevation (CAFE) rule continue to be in the news, and more. In short, they could impose more stringent elevation requirements for new development and redevelopment.  There may be more significant and far reaching impacts as well. The NJDEP is accepting comments until November 3rd, and more details can be found here.

If you are a Mantoloking oceanfront owner: Mantoloking will receive its allotment of dune grass on November 1st.  Dune fence delivery may be delayed.  Oceanfront homeowners may email their dune grass and dune fence requests to boroclerk@mantoloking.org or by calling 732-475-6983 ext. 313.

The Mantoloking Public Works department will deliver your dune grass and dune fencing( when available) upon request or you may have your landscaper pick up your allotment at the public work’s parking lot.

Garbage and Recycling: Fall/Winter

Bay Head: Monday and Thursday, townwide (off-season)

Mantoloking: Garbage, Monday, Recycling, Wednesday, Bulk, 4th Monday of each month. Note: Mantoloking residents are now asked to bring their cans to the curb prior to 6am on service days.

Meetings and Events

Bay Head Halloween Parade – Saturday, October 26th, 11:15am check-in

Bay Head Mayor’s Chili Cook-off – Sunday, October 27th, 12 to 2pm

Bay Head Mayor’s Haunted Halloween Walk – Wednesday, October 30th, 5:30-6:30pm

Bay Head Council Meeting, Monday, November 4th, 7:00pm

Mantoloking Planning Board Meeting, Thursday, November 7th, 6:30pm

Mantoloking – Special Meeting – Land Use – Tuesday, November 12th, 6:30pm

Bay Head Planning Board Meeting – Wednesday, November 13th, 6:30pm

Bay Head Flood Mitigation Meeting  – Saturday, November 16th, 3pm (in-person and online)

Mantoloking Council Meeting – Tuesday, November 22nd, 5:30pm

Bay Head Christmas Walk – Events starting Friday, December 6th, and continuing through the weekend (more details to come).

Market

Bay Head and Mantoloking saw good market activity in September, and this has continued into October, but the most active segment of the market remains below $3,000,000.  A number of oceanfront and bayfront homes in both towns have remained on the market for a significant period of time.  Happily, some clients of ours have enjoyed recent successes in the current market – our listing at 280 Osborne Avenue sold for $1,100,000, more than $150,000 over its asking price.  Another client closed on a new home at Bay Point Harbour, at a price of $1,080,000 for a 3rd floor “Harbour House.”

You can browse all Bay Head homes for sale here, and all Mantoloking homes for sale here.

For further insights and market statistics, please visit our blog to read our October Market Update.

Equity Reports and Home Values

If you are curious about your home’s value, you can find three AI generated values here, but if you’d like, we’d be happy to send you an equity report, showing your purchase price, and any appreciation since then, a computed market value, and other details (just reply to this email).

Local Photos and Videos

A selection of Ed’s local photos from the last month can be found here. You can see some of our recent videos on our Youtube channel (and you may want to subscribe to our channel for future updates).

If you know anyone who would enjoy these updates, feel free to forward this email, or ask them to get in touch with us.

Have a great fall, and a Happy Halloween!

Suzie and Ed

All statistics are per Monmouth/Ocean MLS as of 10/21/24.

Labor Day is fast approaching and we hope that you’ve had a great summer! As you know, though, if you are here in September, it is one of the best months!

If you make it up to the beach, keep an eye out – there are many things to see – whales, dolphins, skates, and rays have all been seen there recently!

We now have the ability to share more urgent Bay Head and Mantoloking updates with you via text – eg – storm and flooding alerts, road closures, event update, and more. This includes items that might not “keep” for a month. You can opt-in here.

Other News

As you may be aware, new real estate regulations went into effect in New Jersey on August 17th, and on a similar schedule across the country.  Many documents have been revised as a result of the new regulations, and signed buyer agency agreements are now required prior to any homes being shown to any buyer.  There are also changes to the listing agreements that are used when a home is listed for sale.  Further details can be found in our recent blog post, and we are happy to answer any questions that you may have, whether via phone, email, or in person..

Manasquan Inlet has been in the news a lot recently, due to unprecedented shoaling seen there.  There is a large sandy shoal, inside the inlet, along the south jetty.  The US Army Corps of Engineers dregde, Murden, is working diligently to remove this obstacle.  The shoal has made the inlet less navigable, and less safe. You can see our video (now about two weeks old) of the shoaling here.

Meetings and Events

Mantoloking Planning Board Meeting – Thursday, September 5th, 6:30pm

Mayor’s Sunset Gathering, Sunday, September 1st, 7:00pm – corner of Lake Avenue and Twilight, north end of Twilight Lake

Bay Head Bonfire – Saturday, September 7th, 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Bay Head Council Meeting, Monday, September 9th, 7:00pm

Bay Head Mayor’s Chili Cook-off – Saturday, September 14th, 12:00 to 2:00pm

Mantoloking Council Meeting – Tuesday, September 17th, 5:30pm

Bay Head Planning Board Meeting – Wednesday, September 18th, 6:30pm

Market

The Bay Head and Mantoloking real estate market has remained active in July and August, but there has been less activity at the higher end of the market – eg – over $5,000,000.  Under $2,000,000, there is more activity, but inventory is still limited. There is also very little inventory in the “middle” of the market.

You can browse all Bay Head homes for sale here, and all Mantoloking homes for sale here.

For further insights and market statistics, please visit our blog to read our August Market Update.

Equity Reports and Home Values

If you are curious about your home’s value, you can find three AI generated values here, but if you’d like, we’d be happy to send you an equity report, showing your purchase price, and any appreciation since then, a computed market value, and other details (just reply to this email).

Local Photos and Videos

A selection of Ed’s local photos from the last month can be found here. You can see some of our recent videos on our Youtube channel (and you may want to subscribe to our channel for future updates).

If you know anyone who would enjoy these updates, feel free to forward this email, or ask them to get in touch with us.

Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!

Suzie and Ed

All statistics are per Monmouth/Ocean MLS as of 8/5/24.

We hope that you enjoyed the extended 4th of July holiday, and that you are staying cool in the recent hot weather!

New Jersey American Water has imposed temporary water restrictions for much of Ocean County, due to water main repairs, and to due the heat that we have been having.  You can find these and other water related alerts here.

In Bay Head and Mantoloking, property tax bills have been mailed, and taxes are due August 1st, with a grace period until August 12th.  Information about tax payments in Bay Head can be found here, and for Mantoloking, here.  Mantoloking also now offers online payments, and details can be found at the link above.

In addition, we are currently in the public comment period for a wind turbine installation that could ultimately affect the Bay Head and Mantoloking area.

Bay Head Recreation continues to offer their Summer Recreation Camp through August 8th.

AND – The Bay Head Fire Company Clam Bake is Saturday, August 17th, 12 to 5pm.  Tickets are available here.

We now have the ability to share more urgent Bay Head and Mantoloking updates with you via text – eg – storm and flooding alerts, road closures, event update, and more. This includes items that might not “keep” for a month. You can opt-in here.

Other News

If you own a rental property that accepts rentals of 6 months or longer, you may be subject to the new lead inspection regulations (the law came on the books in 2022, but is in full effect as of July 2024).  Details about the requirements, and who is subject to them, can be found here.

We recently spoke with a client about a water leak that took place in their home, and was undetected for some time, causing significant damage.  Smart water shutoff valves, and water/flood sensors can both help to reduce this risk.  Moen makes a number of options, but it is best to consult with your plumber and alarm company.

Meetings and Events

Bay Head and Mantoloking Property Taxes Due August 1st

CANCELLED: Mantoloking Planning Board Meeting – Thursday, August 1st, 6:30pm

Bay Head Movie Night, Saturday, August 3rd, 8:00pm – behind the borough hall

Mayor’s Sunset Gathering, Sunday, August 4th, 7:00pm – corner of Lake Avenue and Twilight, north end of Twilight Lake

Bay Head Council Meeting, Monday, August 5th, 7:00pm

Glimmer of Hope – August 10th, 7pm – Twilight Lake – Lanterns for sale at Manasquan Bank, Bay Head

Bay Head Non-Resident Tax Payer Meeting – Monday, August 19th, 7:00pm

Mantoloking Council Meeting – Tuesday, August 20th, 5:30pm

Bay Head Planning Board Meeting – Wednesday, August 21st, 6:30pm

Market

Bay Head and Mantoloking saw good market activity in the months of June and July, with a variety of closings, contracts, and new listings.  Here and there, price reductions have continued, but in some cases, those price reductions have produced contracts.  One interesting new listing is a “land-locked” oceanfront listing at 525 East Avenue in Bay Head.

You can browse all Bay Head homes for sale here, and all Mantoloking homes for sale here.

For further insights and market statistics, please visit our blog to read our July Market Update.

Equity Reports and Home Values

If you are curious about your home’s value, you can find three AI generated values here, but if you’d like, we’d be happy to send you an equity report, showing your purchase price, and any appreciation since then, a computed market value, and other details (just reply to this email).

Local Photos and Videos

A selection of Ed’s local photos from the last month can be found here. You can see some of our recent videos on our Youtube channel (and you may want to subscribe to our channel for future updates).

If you know anyone who would enjoy these updates, feel free to forward this email, or ask them to get in touch with us.

Be well, and enjoy the rest of the summer! Labor Day is not all that far off!

Suzie and Ed

All statistics are per Monmouth/Ocean MLS as of 7/24/24.

We hope that you’re looking forward to a beautiful 4th of July week! ​

The beaches have opened in both towns, without a hitch – lifeguards are now on duty, and badges are required.  As of right now, ocean temperatures are generally in the high 50s.

Starting on Thursday, June 27th, Bay Head’s Farmers’ Market will be back for the summer, in their usual location (Afternoons, next to Manasquan Bank). If you enjoy farmers’ markets, you can find many more in this state-wide guide.

Though the summer season has started, we continue to receive inquiries about summer rentals – and ​some rentals do have remaining availability.

We recently launched a service that allows us to share more timely “urgent” updates (hurricane or flooding updates, for example) with you via text. This includes items that might not “keep” for a month. You can opt-in here.

Other News

As always, there will be numerous events and activities throughout Bay Head, Mantoloking, and the surrounding area for the 4th of July weekend and weekend! You can find a writeup of many of these ​celebrations, parades, fireworks displays, and more on our blog.

Meetings and Events

Bay Head’s 4th of July Bike Parade – 10:30am, Thursday, July 4th

Mantoloking 4th of July – Details here.

Bay Head’s Music in the Park – 7:00 to 9:00pm, Saturday, July 6th

Mayor’s Sunset Gathering – Corner of Twilight and Lake – 7:00pm Sunday, July 7th

Bay Head Council Meeting – 7:00pm, Monday, July 8th

Mantoloking Planning Board Meeting, Thursday, July 11th, 6:30pm

Bay Head Movie Night (behind the borough hall) – 8:00pm, Saturday, July 13th

Mantoloking Council Meeting – 5:30pm, Tuesday, July 16th

Bay Head Planning Board Meeting – 6:30pm, Wednesday, July 17th

 

Market

May and June have been busy months in the Bay Head and Mantoloking (and beyond) real estate market.  Some properties are receiving multiple offers, and going under contract quite quickly. Others (not our listings), have recently had price reductions. These include 118 Park Avenue and 138 Cranberry Avenue.

Our listing at 254 Curtis Point Drive recently closed at a price more than $300,000 over the asking price of $3,200,000, having received multiple offers within its first week on the market. This listing was very popular on various online portals, and our targeted digital marketing reached an additional 8,700 people interested in local real estate.

You can browse all Bay Head homes for sale here, and all Mantoloking homes for sale here.

For further insights and market statistics, please visit our blog to read our June Market Update.

Equity Reports and Home Values

If you are curious about your home’s value, you can find three AI generated values here, but if you’d like, we’d be happy to send you an equity report, showing your purchase price, and any appreciation since then, a computed market value, and other details (just reply to this email).

Local Photos and Videos

A selection of Ed’s local photos from the last month can be found here. You can see some of our recent videos on our Youtube channel (and you may want to subscribe to our channel for future updates).

If you know anyone who would enjoy these updates, feel free to forward this email, or ask them to get in touch with us.

We hope that you have a happy, safe, and fun 4th of July! Hopefully, we will see you around town too!

Suzie and Ed

All statistics are per Monmouth/Ocean MLS as of 6/12/24.

We hope that you had a safe Memorial Day weekend, and that you’re looking forward to summer! Bay Head honored and remembered those gave their lives in service to our country on Saturday, with a commemoration at the borough hall.

Bay Head recently bulldozed sand up onto their dunes, and repaired the access points in the process. Most if not all Bay Head access points are now open, and all Mantoloking access points are open (though the ramp and Downer Avenue remains damaged).

We recently launched a service that allows us to share more timely “urgent” updates (hurricane or flooding updates, for example) with you via text. This includes items that might not “keep” for a month. You can opt-in here.

Other News

In spite of the mixed foggy weather, both towns were quite busy over the long weekend, and traffic was heavy.  As a reminder, beach badges will soon be required in both towns, so be sure to buy them if you haven’t already.

On June 20th, the Seaweeders are hosting their garden tour (fundraiser) from 10:00am to 3:00pm.  This includes a self guided tour of carefully selected Bay Head and Mantoloking gardens, and lunch and a boutique at Bay Head Yacht Club.  Tickets and details can be found here.

Meteorologists have predicted a much more active hurricane season for 2024, and the season officially starts June 1st.  You can read more here about Colorado State’s hurricane forecast here.

Meetings and Events

June 2nd, 7:00pm – Mayor’s Sunset Gathering – corner of Twilight and Lake, Bay Head

June 3rd, Bay Head Bulk Pickup

June 3rd, Bay Head Council Meeting – 7:00pm

June 6th, Mantoloking Planning Board Meeting – 6:30pm

June 18th, Mantoloking Council Meeting – 5:30pm

June 19th, Bay Head Planning Board Meeting – 6:30pm

June 20th – Seaweeder’s Garden Tour (fundraiser) – 10:00am to 3:00pm

Market

The market in Bay Head, Mantoloking, and the surrounding area remains healthy and active, with a good number of closings in the recent past.  Our listing at 47 Mount Street recently sold for the full asking price of $2,200,000, and our recent listings at 254 Curtis Point Drive and 384 Western Avenue (Bay Head) have gone under contract quickly, with multiple offers. We also recently helped clients of ours purchase 1021 Barnegat Lane, Manrtoloking ($2,025,000), and a new oceafront home, at 1073 Ocean Avenue, Mantoloking

When well priced, properties are selling, but if not, they are sitting, and reducing their prices in some instances.

You can browse all Bay Head homes for sale here, and all Mantoloking homes for sale here.

For further insights and market statistics, please visit our blog to read our ​May Market Update.

Equity Reports and Home Values

If you are curious about your home’s value, you can find three AI generated values here, but if you’d like, we’d be happy to send you an equity report, showing your purchase price, and any appreciation since then, a computed market value, and other details (just reply to this email).

Local Photos and Videos

A selection of Ed’s local photos from the last month can be found here. You can see some of our recent videos on our Youtube channel (and you may want to subscribe to our channel for future updates).

If you know anyone who would enjoy these updates, feel free to forward this email, or ask them to get in touch with us.

Thank you, and we hope to see you around town soon!

Suzie and Ed

All statistics are per Monmouth/Ocean MLS as of 5/7/24.

We hope that you’ve had a good month, and that you’re looking forward to the start of the summer!  All is well and busy here, but we have had a lot of less than pleasant weather, including a couple of minor nor’easters, and some flooding.  As mentioned, we recently launched a service that allows us to share more timely “urgent” updates (hurricane or flooding updates, for example) with you via text. This includes items that might not “keep” for a month. You can opt-in here.

We were recently asked to prepare an aerial survey of Bay Head’s beaches, north of Mount Street, and you can find it on our YouTube channel.

Much of the repaving of Bridge Avenue has been completed, and you can see an aerial video of the progress here.

Though buyer agency has been in practice for many years, it has been a topic in the news recently.  As a result, we have published a blog post explaining what buyer agency is and how it works here.

We have mentioned this topic before, but property and mortgage fraud continues to be a concern – fraudulent deeds or liens being recorded against a property, without the owner’s knowledge.  The Ocean County Clerk offers a service to help guard against this.

Other News

​

The Bay Head, Mantoloking, and Point Pleasant Beach Townwide Garage Sale is Saturday, May 4th, from 9:00am to 3:00pm.  Registration is required, and includes a $25.00 donation to the Point Pleasant Beach High School PTO, as this is a fundraiser for them.  Register here.

There are no specific updates regarding beach replenishment, other than to state that the projects for our area are still delayed to problems with the bidding process.  Overall the beaches in both towns are in pretty good shape, but some Bay Head beaches are narrow, and some access points are closed.  In Bay Head, Strickland Street is likely the easiest access point to utilize right now.  Bay Head’s beach access points should all be open by summer. All of Mantoloking’s access points are open, though the Downer Avenue ramp has sustained some damage over the winter.

In Mantoloking, speed bumps have been proposed for Barnegat Lane, but the details of this project are not yet finalized.  There will likely be an opportunity for public comment and discussion this summer.

Meteorologists have predicted a much more active hurricane season for 2024, and the season officially starts June 1st.  You can read more here about Colorado State’s hurricane forecast here.

Meetings and Events

April 27th, 10:00am, Mantoloking’s Barnegat Bay Blitz (bayfront cleanup) – meet at Bergen Avenue

May 2nd, 6:30pm – Mantoloking Planning Board Meeting

May 4th – 9:00am to 3:00pm – Townwide Garage Sale (Rain Date, May 5th) Register here.

May 5th, 7:00pm/dusk – Mayor’s Sunset Gathering – corner of Twilight and Lake, Bay Head (generally the first Sunday of the month, until early fall)

May 6th, 7:00pm – Bay Head Council Meeting

May 15th, 6:30pm – Bay Head Planning Board Meeting

May 18th, Bay Head 5K Memory Run: Details here.

May 21st, 5:30pm – Mantoloking Council Meeting

Market

Though there were no closings in Bay Head and Mantoloking in March, a good number of homes went under contract in March, and also in April.  May is likely to be a good month for closings in both towns! Inventory is still lower than average in both towns, but for the most part, the homes that are available are selling rapidly, sometimes with multiple offers.

You can browse all Bay Head homes for sale here, and all Mantoloking homes for sale here.

For further insights and market statistics, please visit our blog to read our April Market Update.

Equity Reports and Home Values

If you are curious about your home’s value, you can find three AI generated values here, but if you’d like, we’d be happy to send you an equity report, showing your purchase price, and any appreciation since then, a computed market value, and other details (just reply to this email).

Local Photos and Videos

A selection of Ed’s local photos from the last month can be found here. You can see some of our recent videos on our Youtube channel (and you may want to subscribe to our channel for future updates). Ed also recently published a book of some of his Bay Head and Mantoloking photos – if you’d like to know more, please send him an email.

If you know anyone who would enjoy these updates, feel free to forward this email, or ask them to get in touch with us.

Thank you, be well!

Suzie and Ed

All statistics are per Monmouth/Ocean MLS as of 4/20/24.

Happy Spring, and we hope that you’e doing well!  All is well and busy here with a healthy and active market!  This month, seals were seen on the beach in Bay Head and Mantoloking, and dolphins have been spotted heading north (a few photos of the seals here)!

You are probably aware of the proposed National Association of Realtors settlement that has been in the news.  Though we are aware of what it contains, it has not yet been been finalized, nor approved by all parties involved.  We are told that it will not likely take effect until July at the earliest, and will keep you informed as we learn more.

We recently analyzed our Bay Head and Mantoloking listings from last year, and were pleased to learn that our listings, on average, sold for 98% of their asking price (some sold for more than asking price).  The average for the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is only 93%. This helps to underscore why it is so important to set the right price for a home the first time. Frequently, a home that is not well priced the first time will experience multiple price reductions, and ultimately sell for less than it would have, if properly priced from the start.

Other News

​

As is periodically necessary, Congress has reauthorized the National Flood Insurance Program through September 2024, with a bill that offers funding in the amount of $1.2 trillion.

On a related topic, state laws that require more detailed disclosures regarding flood risk when selling real estate have gone into effect – this includes new language in the standard sales contract, and also in the seller’s disclosure.  You can find additional details about the new law here.  The text of the law can be found here. Last but not least, you can receive a report about your flood risk and required disclosures via the state Flood Risk Notification Tool.

Bay Head and Mantoloking have both shared their upcoming bulk pickup dates – Bay Head has a bulk pickup scheduled for June 3rd, and starting April 1st, Mantoloking will have bulk pickup on the 4th Thursday of each month.

Over the winter, Ed furthered his real estate education, and earned a number of new certifications – Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE), Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), and Green Designee (smart homes, home efficiency, and more).  All three help him to help both seller and buyer clients in a variety of ways.

In Bay Head, Summer Recreation Camp registration has opened, and details can be found here.

Take note – on or about March 29th, Bay Head and Mantoloking’s traffic lights will switch from “blink” to normal “summer” operation.

Meetings and Events

April 1st, 7:00pm, Bay Head Council Meeting

April 4th, 6:30pm, Mantoloking Planning Board Meeting

April 13th, 9:00am, Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps: Details here.

April 16th, 5:30pm, Mantoloking Council Meeting

April 17th, 6:30pm, Bay Head Planning Board Meeting

April 27th, 10:00am, Mantoloking’s Barnegat Bay Blitz (bayfront cleanup) – meet at Bergen Avenue

May 18th, Bay Head 5K Memory Run: Details here.

Market

​

The market in Bay Head and Mantoloking remains active, with a balance of new listings coming on the market, with a similar number going under contract and closing.  Having said that, inventory is still below typical levels.  Our listing at 47 Mount Street is now under contract, and we also just listed 104 Bay Point Harbour (a 2 bedroom, 2 bath Harbour House for $1,100,000).  For the moment, interests rates remain around 6.75%, but it is still hoped that they will decrease as the year progresses.

You can browse all Bay Head homes for sale here, and all Mantoloking homes for sale here.

For further insights and market statistics, please visit our blog to read our March Market Update.

Equity Reports and Home Values

If you are curious about your home’s value, you can find three AI generated values here, but if you’d like, we’d be happy to send you an equity report, showing your purchase price, and any appreciation since then, a computed market value, and other details (just reply to this email).

Local Photos and Videos

A selection of Ed’s local photos from the last month can be found here. You can see some of our recent videos on our Youtube channel (and you may want to subscribe to our channel for future updates). Ed also recently published a book of some of his Bay Head and Mantoloking photos – if you’d like to know more, please send him an email.

If you know anyone who would enjoy these updates, feel free to forward this email, or ask them to get in touch with us.

Thank you, be well, and have a Happy Easter!

Suzie and Ed

All statistics are per Monmouth/Ocean MLS as of 3/21/24.

We hope that all is well with you! February was pretty mild here, with only a little bit of snow – Spring is coming! Last weekend, Ed took part in the Seaside Polar Bear Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics.  The water was about 41 degrees, but the event raised over $2,500,000!  Over the last month, there has been an uptick in listings – some of these are brand new listings, others are properties that have been on the market before.  More details on that below.

Other News

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In a recent conversation, the documentary about Mantoloking, “Mantoloking – A People’s History, came up – if you have not already seen it, you can watch it here.  It covers several decades of Mantoloking’s history, including live interviews, old photographs and film, and more.

Mantoloking reports that service costs for garbage and recycling are going up, and that the industry is trending away from “back door pickup” due to cost and logistics.  The current contract runs through September 2025, but they are exploring other options.  Other towns, including Brielle, have run into this trend, and there, curbside pickup is offered at no charge, but to continue back door pickup requires an annual fee.  It is likely that more towns will be making similar changes.

Beach renourishment for Ocean County (including Bay Head and Mantoloking) continues to be delayed – the Army Corps has not yet awarded a contract and will likely be going out to bid again sometime this year.  The original bidding process resulted in all bids being rejected due to the fact that they were too high. As a result, this summer should be “safe” – eg – no beach replenishment work in 2024.  We will share further updates as we have them.

If we offered updates via text messaging (storm updates, news, flooding, photos, videos, etc.), would you sign up?  Please click here to let us know.

Meetings and Events

March 4th, 7:00pm, Bay Head Council Meeting

March 7th, 6:30pm, Mantoloking Planning Board Meeting

March 19th, 5:30pm, Mantoloking Council Meeting

March 20th, 6:30pm, Bay Head Planning Board Meeting

Market

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Since our last update, inventory has increased slightly in Bay Head and Mantoloking.  There are three brand new listings, and three that were on the market last year, and have now been relisted.  Of all of these, 36 Howe Street, Bay Head is probably the most interesting – it last sold for $4,100,000 in September of 2022, and is now on the market for $4,800,000.  It will be interesting to see what happens to it.  Another new listing is 1066 Barnegat Lane, Mantoloking, a bayfront located on a double lot, asking just under $10,000,000.  So far, none of these recent listings have gone under contract.

You can browse all Bay Head homes for sale here, and all Mantoloking homes for sale here.

For further insights and market statistics, please visit our blog to read our February Market Update.

Equity Reports and Home Values

If you are curious about your home’s value, you can find three AI generated values here, but if you’d like, we’d be happy to send you an equity report, showing your purchase price, and any appreciation since then, a computed market value, and other details (just reply to this email).

Local Photos and Videos

A selection of Ed’s local photos from the last month can be found here. You can see some of our recent videos on our Youtube channel (and you may want to subscribe to our channel for future updates). Ed also recently published a book of some of his Bay Head and Mantoloking photos – if you’d like to know more, please send him an email.

Please reply to this email with your questions.

Thank you, be well, and Spring is coming!

Suzie and Ed

All statistics are per Monmouth/Ocean MLS as of 2/26/24.

As you likely know, we recently had some big storms here – some centered on flooding, the other involving some snow.  The portions of each town which tend to flood did so as usual, but with higher than average levels.  Bridge Avenue has been closed a lot lately, due to flooding, but also due to water main work. You can see photos and videos of the storms at the links below. We are told by various sources that the recent flood levels were similar to flood levels in Hurricane Irene (August 2011), and the December 2022 storm.  The recent flooding was approximately 3.5′ above NAVD88 (which is the elevation datum that most flood elevation certificates are measured from).  Events such as this seem to be coming more common!

Other News

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During the storms. it came to our attention that though Bay Head and Mantoloking both have emergency notification systems, not everyone knows about them, and has signed up for them.  Here are the signup links:

Bay Head (Note that they may be switching systems)

Mantoloking

On a related topic, if we offered updates via text messaging (weather, flooding, photos, videos, etc.), would you sign up?  Please click here to let us know.

The recent storms prompted us to create a page with some of our favorite weather resources – apps and websites, tide charts, and more – you can find it here.  It includes sources for wind predictions, radar, and the latest briefings from the National Weather Service.  Please bookmark it – we will try to update it as appropriate during major storms.

For those of you in Mantoloking – the town is now offering electronic billing for sewers – to opt-in, email your name, property address, email address, and phone number to sewers@mantoloking.org.  Mantoloking also reminds everyone that tax payments are due February 1st, but there is grace period until Monday, February 12th.

If you have an iPhone – a recent iOS update reset many voicemails to the “default” greeting, not any custom greeting that you may have recorded – you may want to check on this.

Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan (Ed is on their board), just announced their 2024 – 2025 season.  Shows this spring include Fiddler on the Roof and Grease, and next season some of the highlights are CATS, Footloose, and 1776.

Meetings and Events

February 1st, 6:30pm – Mantoloking Planning Board Meeting

February 5th, 7:00pm – Bay Head Council Meeting

February 20th, 5:30pm – Mantoloking Council Meeting

February 21st, 6:30pm – Bay Head Planning Board Meeting

Market

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We are currently experiencing our winter lull – the weather is cold, and buyers and sellers are either in warmer climates, skiing, or at the very least, not thinking about real estate. Currently, there are only 6 homes on the market in Bay Head and Mantoloking combined.  Typically, as we come out of the cold weather, inventory increases, and the predicted lower interest rates should help as well.  According to Fannie Mae, interest rates could drop below 6% by the end of 2024.

You can browse all Bay Head homes for sale here, and all Mantoloking homes for sale here.

For further insights and market statistics, please visit our blog to read our January Market Update.

Equity Reports and Home Values

If you are curious about your home’s value, you can find three AI generated values here, but if you’d like, we’d be happy to send you an equity report, showing your purchase price, and any appreciation since then, market value, and other details (just reply to this email).

Local Photos and Videos

A selection of Ed’s local photos from the last month, including the recent snow storm and flooding, can be found here. You can see some of our recent videos on our Youtube channel (and you may want to subscribe to our channel for future updates). Ed also recently published a book of some of his Bay Head and Mantoloking photos – if you’d like to know more, please send him an email.

If you would like to offer your home for rent for any portion of next season, please let us know. Tenants are already making plans for next summer.

Please reply to this email with your questions.

Thank you, be well, and stay warm!

Suzie and Ed

All statistics are per Monmouth/Ocean MLS as of 1/2024.