Category: Life at the Shore

With every personal real estate experience, I learn valuable lessons.

When I rent a vacation home, I can better relate to the needs of our summer renters.

As a landlord, I understand the hard work that goes into preparing and maintaining a rental property.

I’ve purchased and sold several primary and second homes, and appreciate the emotional side of those transactions.

The financial aspects of real estate ownership are important, and my experiences include participating in a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange, understanding depreciation, calculating capital gains, passive losses, deductions, etc.

I live here…and work here…and provide a “lifetime of experience” to all of my customers.

Thank you for your business!

Our local municipalities require annual inspections and licenses for all rental properties.

And, although it can be cumbersome for landlords to comply with the ever changing list of regulations, the ultimate goal is to ensure a safe rental experience for the tenants.

The benefit of a thorough inspection was validated after reading the news article about a tragic fire in the Hamptons. Devastating.

During the summer months, rental agents often trouble shoot the annoying beep of a smoke or CO detector. Owners may be frustrated that an electrician is needed to properly resolve the issue; mainly because hardwired detectors are purposely linked so that all alarms will sound.

Our priority must be compliance with all of the code requirements, as well as a quick response to safety concerns. It’s sad when a tragedy reinforces this fact.

During an average day, it’s hard to picture our streets and sidewalks under water.  Yet there are sections of our seven mile island vulnerable to heavy rains and tidal flooding.  When emergency management sounds the siren, and reminds us to “move vehicles and personal property to higher ground”- do most owners know what to do?

Ironically, the areas closer to the ocean are typically high and dry. The bay side (Ocean Drive/ Third Avenue) is more likely to flood.  And for some reason, the business district in both towns can get pretty soggy, too.

When I am working with buyers, I point out the low areas as we look at property.  I know I have discouraged a few sales over the years by describing the effects of a typical winter storm,  but I don’t want a new owner to be caught off guard.  If they still choose to purchase in that neighborhood, the buyer will at least know where to move their car when they hear the flood warning!