Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Seashore Real Estate

  • Advice from Friends?

    Most prospective buyers have family and friends who already own on the island.

    And while those relationships can be an excellent resource for general information, a buyer may find the “financial advice” conflicting with the realities of the market.

    Current property owners may not be up to date with recent comparable sales.  Or they will encourage their buyer friends to stick firm with their negotiations even if it means losing the property.

    I encourage buyers to connect with their friends, yet still make their own decisions. We are all creatures of habit, and therefore believe OUR location on the island is the best.  However, a different neighborhood might be a better fit for your family.

    Your real estate agent should also be a trusted source of facts and information.

    I’ve lived here my entire life, and have been selling homes in Avalon and Stone Harbor for almost as long!  I’m happy to help with your search.

    ann.delaney@tksir.com      609-967-7950

    Thank you for your business!

    UnderContractSign

  • Online Vacation Rentals

    Each time I book with an online rental company, I know to verify the authenticity of the arrangement.

    With VRBO rentals, I talk directly with the management company and/or look up the owner’s last name to see if the address matches up in tax records.

    My preference is to work with a local agency.  They know the home and area, and are accountable for any issues.

    My skeptical approach was validated today when I met a prospective tenant who was scammed out of a large sum of money for vacation rentals in Avalon.

    The tenant rented 2 separate homes in Avalon via Craig’s List.  Both are actual homes on the island, however, the property owners do not offer their homes for rent!  The scammers created fake listings (properties may have been previously for rent, and therefore easy for someone to copy and paste pictures).

    A relative of the tenant decided to walk around one of the homes, and encountered the owner.  When it was determined the situation was a scam, the tenant filed a police report.

    In the meantime, family members are scrambling to find replacement properties for their vacation set to start in 2 days.  Plus the gut punch of more money out of pocket.

    Tips to avoid a scam:

    1) Book with a local, reputable rental agency.  Talk to a real person- even if you are able to book online.  Rental agencies may promote their listings on various online platforms, but booking directly with the agency is typically the most cost effective.

    2) Do not wire money.  Most agencies allow credit card or ACH payments on a tenant portal.  Or, send a personal check.

    Reach out to me to help!

    RentSign

     

     

     

  • Summer Rentals

    We have availability of vacation rentals for the coming weeks!  There’s still time to plan a beach getaway 🙂

    Please search our web site for options:   https://tksir.com

    And I am here to help:  ann.delaney@tksir.com   609-967-7950

    SothebysOffice

  • Preparing Your Vacation Rental For Guests

    Tis the season…

    Time for power washing, yard clean up, turning on the outside shower, and cleaning the gas grill.

    Rinse the outside trash/recycling receptacles.

    Check the condition of the porch/deck furniture.  Scrub the cushions.

    Clean ceiling fan blades and vents for the AC system.

    Inventory the kitchen, and objectively review the condition of items.  Toss all rusty cookie sheets and scratched pans!

    Wash the mattress pads and bed covers.  Replace pillows as needed.

    Add hangers in the bedroom closets.  Tenants also appreciate a small chair in the bedroom.

    Happy spring cleaning!

    House

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Summer at the Beach

    There’s still time to find a vacation rental in Avalon or Stone Harbor NJ!

    Search our web site: Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty   and/or contact me to help.

    ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com

    Fishing

    RentSign

  • How’s the Market?

    On national news, I hear various descriptions of the current real estate market.

    The most creative so far (from a segment on the Today Show): “savagely unhealthy”

    With the lack of inventory, buyers are forced to compete against many other interested parties.  This in turn leads to frustrated customers…and ultimately higher prices.

    During my 40 years in the Avalon and Stone Harbor real estate business, I have navigated a variety of market cycles.   Despite those fluctuations,  for the majority of property owners, a shore home remains one of their best investments.

    We watch the numbers on our retirement account statements change, and likewise, the market value of our homes.  The numbers remain paper gains or losses until we are ready for our next adventure.  With real estate, we have the unique benefit of renting the property to generate income if needed.

    I appreciate the opportunity to help with your local real estate plans!

    ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com    609-967-7950

    UnderContractSign

     

     

     

     

  • Beachwalking = Realestating 😉

    Beautiful views in all directions!

    20220327_080623

  • Time to Upgrade

    When we built our current home 17 years ago, flat screen TVs were new technology…and cost a fortune!

    Because I’m frugal, I could not justify updating our sets even as Smart TVs and voice remotes became the norm.

    Earlier this month, Private Eyes/Cooltronics returned to our house to finally replace what they installed in 2005!  They hauled away 2 HEAVY flat screens and 2 old console sets (I’m frugal, remember?)

    With our new set up, we can catch up with the rest of the world on Netflix shows and movies.  I now understand “binge watching”  as we power through the past seasons of Ozark!

  • March 2022

    Two years.

    Two busy (and challenging) summers.

    A booming real estate market that we could not have imagined back in 2020.

    And now we are planning for the 2022 season.  Will it be more “normal”?  And how do we even define those expectations?

    My observations:

    1) Most rental property owners have reverted back to providing basic bedding (mattress pads, quilts, and pillows).  Tenants also appreciate when owners include a linen rental service as an amenity.

    2) With rental rate increases across the board, tenants have higher expectations.  Even basic cottage owners have to step up and evaluate the condition of kitchen supplies, furniture, etc.

    3) Clean, clean clean!  Properties that start off with a thorough spring cleaning (inside all cabinets, carpeting, bedding, windows/blinds, deck cushions, ceiling fans, return vents, etc.) are easier to maintain in season. When organizing the kitchen, toss those chipped coffee mugs, scratched frying pans, and rusty cookie sheets!

    4) Based on bookings, our summer season will once again begin well before Memorial Day weekend and extend through early fall.  That’s good news for local merchants and restaurant owners.

    5) Speaking of restaurants- there will be many changes and additions to the food scene.  Will post updates as places open.

    Happy spring 🙂

    Path

     

  • Twitter for 12 years!

    Sixteen years ago, I created this blog as an alternative to the average real estate agent web site.

    The blog has remained a creative outlet to talk about my local business, and our shore lifestyle.

    And then twelve years ago, I signed up for Twitter.  Twitter seemed more upbeat and fun compared to other social media options; and a quick way to communicate with property owners and visitors.

    On days like today- with the wind howling and the temperature barely at 20 degrees- Twitter keeps me accountable.  I bundle up and post my regular #beachwalk picture before heading off to work.

    During weather events, my posts provide a local perspective, and reassurance to out of town property owners.  In turn, I appreciate the kindness extended by strangers- some of whom have become in person customers and friends!

    Thanks for following along!

    FebruaryPier