Greetings!

Not all change is bad or disruptive. In the case of Netflix East Coast Studio, businesses may be in for some new coastal culture. Neflix is clearly going to impact the population demographics as we now know it. A new 'wave' of creatives are going to look to find their niche here on the Shore. In addition, as change is happening to Oceanport and Shrewsbury, a return of the famous Ocean Grove soda fountain luncheonette is expected in 2026. And finally, Counsellors Title is always preparing to go the extra mile, especially when it comes to AI-Title fraud.

Please feel free to email me at ralph@counsellorstitle.com if you have any questions or would like to follow up on any of this edition's articles.

Ralph Aponte

Founder & President

732.914.1400

Feel free to book a call to discover how we can serve your needs.



Nagle's: An Epic Ocean Grove Historic Comeback

by: Anthony DiMaio

In Ocean Grove, Nagle’s Represents A Nostalgic Landmark Revival (2026)

Ocean Grove’s own Nagle’s, a historic pharmacy turned soda-fountain café, is slated for a heartwarming return in 2026. The news comes from local sources and has been confirmed by the Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce and media outlets like APP.com—including confirmation that new owner Kelly Ryan is planning the reopening.

Frankly, as I remember the soda fountain/luncheonette, it was one of the things that made Ocean Grove a place so many people liked to call home.

A Glimpse into Nagle’s Charming Past

• Origins & Atmosphere: Built in 1880, Nagle’s began life as a traditional pharmacy. At some point, owner Len Steen transformed it into a quaint restaurant with an old-fashioned soda-fountain counter and eye-catching features like antique pill-and-elixir cabinets and race-jersey memorabilia linked to horse racing lore.
• Beloved Institution: Patrons fondly remember lining up at its outside windows for ice cream cones and sundaes.
• Temporary Closure: Since around 2019, the café has been shuttered.

Why This Revival Matters

1. A Return to Community Landmark: Nagle’s was more than a storefront—it was a place of social connection where families and friends gathered over sweet treats and memory-making. Its reopening promises to rekindle that communal spirit.
2. A Celebration of History & Heritage: Ocean Grove is renowned for its Victorian architecture and rich history—as the “Queen of Religious Resorts,” with roots in the Methodist camp meeting tradition. Nagle’s revival adds depth to that narrative.(Wikipedia)
3. Filling a Breakfast & Lunch Old Town Experience: Local commentary highlights how, after Nagle’s closed, options for quick, casual dining in town vanished—especially during the busy summer months—making its return feel timely and necessary.

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Protecting Real Estate Transactions from AI-Driven Fraud

By: Anthony DiMaio

At Counsellors Title Agency in Toms River, we’re seeing how artificial intelligence is reshaping both the real estate market and the risks that come with it.

Unfortunately, AI isn’t being used only for innovation — it has also become a powerful tool for fraud. Sophisticated scammers are now able to generate realistic identification documents, alter legal contracts, and even produce convincing title-related communications that make fraudulent activity harder to detect.

The real estate closing process is a prime target for these schemes. With multiple parties involved — buyers, sellers, attorneys, lenders, and title agencies — there are many opportunities for criminals to intercept or manipulate important documents. For example, we’ve seen cases where closing instructions or wire transfer details were intercepted and altered, redirecting funds straight into a scammer’s account. An email pretending to be from your lender, attorney, or even a title company — complete with AI-generated letterheads and signatures — can be alarmingly convincing.

At Counsellors Title, protecting our clients from these growing threats is one of our highest priorities. We work proactively by:

• Using secure communication channels to reduce the risk of interception.
• Verifying payment instructions in person or through trusted, verified phone calls.
• Educating buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals about the dangers of email and wire fraud powered by AI.

Our role extends far beyond issuing title insurance policies. We are the front line of defense in ensuring that your closing is secure and that your funds and documents remain protected.

And these risks are not limited to closings alone. Across the property market, AI-enhanced scams are emerging in many forms — from fraudulent rental listings featuring AI-generated property photos to fake real estate professionals pushing “urgent” deals.

As the landscape evolves, Counsellors Title Agency remains committed to protecting every transaction with the highest levels of security, diligence, and care.

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Could Netflix Make a New "Hamptons" on the Jersey Shore?

by Anthony DiMaio

Based on the information provided and current market data, Netflix’s $900 million Fort Monmouth facility opening in 2028 will likely have substantial positive impacts on the real estate markets in Shrewsbury, Eatontown, Fort Monmouth, and Ocean Township. Here’s the analysis:

Expected Real Estate Market Impacts by 2028

Employment-Driven Demand

Netflix’s facility is estimated to create more than 1,500 permanent production jobs and more than 3,500 construction-related jobs, creating significant housing demand. With Monmouth County’s median home price already at $750,000—a 10.3% year-over-year increase, this influx of well-paid entertainment industry professionals will likely accelerate price appreciation.

Geographic Proximity Benefits

The four municipalities mentioned will benefit differently based on their proximity to Fort Monmouth:

• Eatontown (directly adjacent to Fort Monmouth) will likely see the most dramatic impact
• Shrewsbury and Ocean Township (within 10-15 minutes) will experience strong secondary effects
• All areas will benefit from improved infrastructure and commercial development

Market Dynamics Already in Motion

Current Monmouth County market conditions show strong fundamentals: homes are moving faster, with days on market dropping by over 10%, now averaging just 43 days, and closed sales rose 6.3%. For residents, businesses, and the real estate market, the arrival of Netflix at Fort Monmouth is a game-changer.

Anticipated Price Impacts

Given the scale of this investment and job creation, can expect:

• 15-25% appreciation in home values within a 5-mile radius by 2028-2030
• Rental market surge as temporary workers and new residents seek housing
• Commercial real estate boom for retail, dining, and services catering to entertainment industry workers
• Infrastructure improvements benefiting all property values

Timeline Considerations

With groundbreaking in May 2025 and opening in 2028, the market will likely see:

• 2025-2026: Speculation and early investor activity
• 2027: Construction workforce housing demand peaks
• 2028-2030: Full impact as permanent workforce settles

Risks to Monitor

• Housing supply constraints could create affordability issues for existing residents
• Property tax implications as values rise rapidly
• Infrastructure strain requiring municipal planning

For Counsellors Title Insurance Agency, this represents a significant opportunity to prepare for increased commercial and residential transaction volume in these key municipalities.



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About Counsellors Title Agency

We are an award-winning agency and one of New Jersey's leading title insurance businesses, based in Toms River. Counsellors is known for its team of knowledgeable service professionals recognized for its exceptional title, settlement and escrow services, for all 21 New Jersey counties. Its glitch-free signature service provides confidence to home buyers, sellers, and industry professionals. The knowledge base of its staff has processed over $17 billion in orders and established itself as a pillar of trust and benchmark of excellence within the real estate community.