Change is good, right? But in MY hometown?

My hometown...changed...

I have not been back to my hometown in almost 8 years.

What brought me back was a call from my father telling me my mother was in the hospital.  Well, I did what any good daughter would do.  I shut off my computer, quickly cleared my desk and calendar, and called my beau and said, "Are you in for a road trip?"  Fortunately, he said yes.  Unfortunately, he wanted to drive.  I am the worlds' biggest back seat driver.  Oh, well.

The visit went fine.  She is going to be OK.

On the way back home, which is now in Cape May, I decided to show off my town to my eager audience.  It is beautiful where I grew up.  The architecture, landscape, you name it.  We took the back way so I could show him the house I grew up in. 

I started by telling him how I would spend hours riding my bike around the tree lined streets and my quad through all of the woods.  The one lane bridges are all gone.  Although, I am sure  that given time, I could still find one.

We came to a little intersection and I told him to turn left onto my parents' road.  Driving along there was more traffic then I remember-understandably so.  In my mind's eye,  I was on my bike again and not in the car.

All of a sudden, I yelled, "Stop!"  He hit the brakes, hard.

I looked over and where there were once fields of sunflowers as far as the eye could see was a housing development.  I got out of the car and ran to the entrance.  I looked down and saw a sign that read, "open house."  What happened to the flowers?  In my mind I am yelling, "Does anybody remember those beautiful flowers?  Where are they?"  They were, as I remember, almost as tall as trees .  Beautiful fields of yellow suns in every direction swaying in the breeze.

I could not understand.  I just stood there probably looking like I was crazy, as the many cars drove by, and cried.

Now, as a professional who works in real estate this is a good change.  As a kid coming home, I am not so sure.  The memories are still in my head.  But, I can never take my children to see one of the most beautiful places I have ever known.  I am selfish and long to see it again.

Change is good, right?

Cape May County Open House Weekend

This weekend is the time to come to Cape May County if you are looking to buy a home.  I am sure there is a home on this tour that will suit your needs and it is a great time to look at homes without needing an appointment.  The dates are April 26th and 27th. 

This is the 2nd annual Cape May County open house weekend put on by the Cape May County Association of Realtors.  For a list of homes please view www.cmcaor.org.

The homes cover North Cape May, Cape May Beach, Cape May, Cape May Point, and surrounding areas.

The weather here is beautiful, with a little wind, as of Saturday morning.

I hope that you will take advantage of this time to view these homes for your buyer or for yourself.

Have fun.

Saucer magnolia

It seems as if alot of time has past since we have seen the beauty of Spring.  But thank goodness, it has come again in all of its' glory.  This is a photo of a saucer magnolia that was taken this week at my home.  I have found that March and April are great months to take photos outdoors when plant life is starting to take a deep breath and grow. 

The sky is always so blue during these two months.  I am a complete amateur at photography.  So much so that I usually get a perfect picture of one of my fingers.  However, lately I have been trying harder and I am quite pleaased at what I have accomplished.

Cape May is not only a great place to vacation and head to the beach, but, to take notice of the specific plant life we have in our area. 

I would not recommend this plant if you live within a block from the ocean because of the delicate petals and ocean breezes--not a great combination. 

I hope this picture makes you smile. 

Cape May Jazz Festival

Go locate your dancing shoes and hip party outfits because this weekend is the Cape May Jazz Festival!

Many entertainers will be here in this perfect 80 degree weather making sure all are having a splendid time.  This festival lasts from April 18-20 and more information can be found on www.CapeMayJazz.org.  This is an annual event and is fun for the whole family.  It kicks off the rental season and the town starts to really come alive! 

Places where they will be performing in Cape May include Althea's, Cabanas, Congress Hall, and Carney's just to name a few.

Tickets are available at the Washington St. Mall information booth. 

Have fun!

Townbank, New Jersey Home for Sale

209 Clubhouse Drive

Townbank, New Jersey 08204

$259,000

A quick drive from the Cape May beaches.

On the two short blocks home from the Delaware Bay beaches, be sure to notice the beautiful tree lined streets in this quiet neighborhood.  Once home, relax or entertain in the over-sized fenced in yard with gazebo.  The gazebo is fully equip with electric and cable for easy living.  A 10 x 10 custom storage building and perennial garden makes this backyard truly enjoyable.  Inside this home is a two bedroom and one bath living space with semi-open living room with eat in kitchen.  The home has been well taken care of with hardwood floors in the living room and wall to wall carpet in the bedrooms.  The bathroom has been updated with newer pedestal sink and tub surround.  The neutral color palette throughout the house gives this year round residence or second home a cozy feel.  If you wish to view this home please contact me at robin@chrisclemans.com or view our website at www.chrisclemans.com.  

North Cape May, New Jersey home for sale

1208 Sunnyside Drive

North Cape May, New Jersey 08204

All the work has been done for you...Come and see for yourself!

This home is priced to sell at $299,000.  The land behind the home is a non-buildable area and is full of mature trees.  Professional landscaping with irrigation and outdoor lighting is beautiful year round.  The fenced in yard, new 12 x 20 shed, and large wooden play set are huge bonuses.  There is mostly new Anderson windows throughout.  Custom closets in one bedroom and newer appliances in the 24 x 10 kitchen make this property stand out.  Also, on the lower level is a 13 x 21 master bedroom that is presently being used as a multi media room with a separate office area and a powder room.  Please contact me directly at robin@chrisclemans.com with any questions about this property or at www.chrisclemans.com

This property was brought to you by Robin Ganong at

Chris Clemans $ Co., Inc. Realtors

Real Eyes

I need to admit that I love quotes.  My bookshelves are full of novels with post-its sticking out where I have marked a great line.  Sometimes when I look back at them I can feel what mood I was in when I marked it.  I do have a quote to share, however, I am not sure where I heard it.  Although at first it may seem like it has a negative connotation, if read aloud a few times you will see that it does not.  It is actual inspiring.

"Real eyes realize real lies."

Cape May, New Jersey Vacation Rentals

I have an abundance of summer rentals in Cape May, West Cape May, and Cape May Point.  The homes vary from single families with gorgeous meadow and ocean views, top of the line accomodations and the most beautiful sunsets seen anywhere on the East Coast. 

Homes are also available for the budget minded vacationers who need a little rest and relaxation with their families.

You cannot forget those that wish to bring along their furry friends.  Pet friendly vacation homes rent quickly because pets are an integral part of many families.

This photo was taken today in Cape May Point on a beautiful, yet windy, March afternoon.  Keep in mind that Cape May, New Jersey is beautiful year round.  There are many activites that can be accessed year round.

Most of our homes are able to be previewed over the winter months if you wish to look before you leap.  The rentals during the season usually rent from Saturday to Saturday.  There are some homes that are able to be rented in the off season with flexible check-in and check-out dates.  Seasonal rentals and year round rentals are also available.

With all of this in mind, I am dispelling the rumor that all of the Cape May, New Jersey vacation rentals are now booked.  There is one left.  Please act quickly.  HAHA!

Please contact me at robin@chrisclemans.com and view our website at www.chrisclemans.com.

Cape May, New Jersey Land for Sale

Imagine your own oasis in Cape May, New Jersey.  Get ready for your own beach paradise, plenty of parking, and no condo fees.  Own a piece of land south of the canal that is ready to be built upon.  It is over an acre and is lined on three sides by beautiful, mature trees.  With the right home plans, there would be majestic views of the Cape May Intercoastal canal.  All permits are in place...just bring your builder or owner will build to suit.  The land is located just off of New England Road in Cold Spring.  Take a drive by, call me, or e-mail me for any information. The owners of this land are currently prospecting to build a home here.  If you wish to be involved in building your dream home let me know at robin@chrisclemans.com.  

My Phone and My Bathing Suit

Oh my goodness!  I definately needed a vacation.  Which is funny since I live in a resort town. What is a girl to do being a real estate agent and needing a break?

The answer is quite simple.  Just go.

For all the agents out there who are the primary bread winners of the family and not sure if they should do it or not, go ahead.  Technology today is a wonderful thing.  I brought my snappy phone that alerts me if my world is about to fall apart or come together and a bathing suit. 

Real estate deals will never stop walking through the door or calling on the phone.

Take a couple of days off to refresh your mind.  Get back to your happy place.  No, not your liquor cabinet.  The happy place inside yourself.

You deserve to be at the top of your game every day.  Maybe some time to take a deep breath and hold for a count of 10 will do you some good.

May I recommend Disney?  That is where I went.  It is impossible not to smile when you are at a place that features Mickey Mouse and Rum Runners.

My recommendation for the month of March is to take a trip before the Spring market starts running away with all of its changes and lasts through Christmas.

Best of luck to all that follow these words of advice or have some for the readers.