Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Seashore Real Estate

  • August at the Shore

    Most properties are at least 10 to 12 weeks in of summer tenants this rental season (depending on the owner start date) and are beginning to feel their “age”.

    Extra attention is likely needed on ceiling fans, air-conditioning return vents, and outdoor living spaces.  The weeds in the landscaping and/or stones may be taking over the yard.  There might be multiple empty containers of shampoo and pieces of used soap in the outside shower. And the drip pan under the grill probably needs to be emptied.

    It’s always worthwhile for owners to be on hand for the occasional change over for these reasons.

    For some properties, the 2020 rental season will be extending through early fall.  All the more reason for a late summer deep clean.

    If you need assistance with extra projects , I am happy to make recommendations.

    DeckBlog

     

  • Trends for Vacation Rentals

    Demand remains strong for weekly rentals through the fall.  And we have requests for longer term rentals in the off season.

    If your shore property will not be occupied in the coming months, you may want to consider adding rates for these bonus weeks.

    Happy to discuss and/or help with setting rates.

    ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com

    SummerDays

     

     

     

     

  • Update From Avalon and Stone Harbor

    How’s the summer?  Good question!

    1) Sales are booming.  Certainly not what I expected  back in March.

    Mortgage money is reasonable, and regular visitors to the area realize a beach house provides the ideal change of scenery for their family.  These are not impulse buys- the circumstances are the deciding factor for a buyer to move forward with a long planned dream.

    2) Occupancy should remain high through the fall.  Remote working and schooling have provided property owners and tenants with flexibility.  I expect island businesses to stay open well past the typical season (subject to keeping their workforce).

    3) Vacation Rentals- another plot twist to this summer.  In the spring, we had legitimate concerns about the viability of our rental season.  And as expected, a fair amount of  tenants cancelled (and we are still experiencing cancellations for various reasons).  The surprise was the high demand for last minute vacations (often for multiple weeks).  Thankfully, we’ve been able to fill most of the cancellations quickly.

    4) Mask wearing- as the weeks go by, more people are adhering to the mask requirements. It’s not perfect, and I am still frustrated at the push back against such a reasonable request.  Seeing young children wearing masks is heartbreaking, yet kudos to the parents for establishing the routine.

    An unusual summer for sure!

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  • Isaias has departed

    Well, that was an adventure!

    Beautiful blue skies have returned after a crazy day of high winds and tornado warnings.

    We are still dealing with scattered power outages and hearing from tenants as they report (mostly minor) damage.

    Pool companies and handymen are in high demand to assist with the clean up!

    In the meantime,  life guards are keeping swimmers out of the water until calm seas return tomorrow.

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  • Outdoor Dining- an update

    The phrase “when this is all over” feels abstract.

    In the meantime, restaurant owners have been super creative with outdoor venues and dining options.  If only they could control the fickle summer weather!

    While enjoying an early morning breakfast on the Avalon boardwalk, listening to the ocean in the distance, I commented to our Fishin’ Pier Grille waitress  that I hope THIS part can remain.  She said she hears it all the time!

    Recently I was reminded of the incredible losses owners are experiencing when I walked inside a local restaurant to use the restroom.  Too see rows of tables, booths, and the bar area completely empty was stunning.

    We will continue to support the local businesses that adhere to proper safety guidelines.

    P.S.  When talking with friends and co-workers about going out to eat, the first question we ask each other is “did it feel safe” rather than “how was your meal”- our new normal!

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  • Recurring topic- summer rentals

    Tenants are calling with questions and legitimate concerns.  Yet they still want to come.

    Booking activity remains strong.  Yet potential tenants ask us to clarify the cancellation policy.

    Unfortunately, the cancellations for Covid related issues WILL continue throughout the summer.

    We have new business from tenants who have not vacationed here before.  Often they are booking weeks recently cancelled by a nervous tenant.

    Once here, tenants are grateful to be at the beach and with their family.  They tell us it’s a much needed escape.

    Summer of 2020 continues to be an unsettled time for our rental business!

    To view rental inventory (and our new Beach Cam!) visit our web site:  https://www.timkerrsir.com

    SothebysOffice

  • We Can Do This…

    We walk along the beach early in the morning- with a mask at hand just in case we run into friends or neighbors who want to say hello.  Otherwise, we remain far away from others.

    I put a mask on when leaving my car to enter the office, and during my work day when I’m in the common areas, or talking with customers /colleagues.

    A mid-day walk to the bank (or Kohler’s!) means wearing a mask because of people on the sidewalk.

    Masks are required when showing real estate, and social distancing is the norm as we navigate the properties.

    The outside dining experience is manageable: wear a mask until seated, and again when the server approaches to take an order or bring food.  I’m grateful for the wait staff and want to be respectful of their well being.

    Following the basic guidelines will allow us to continue with our summer season.  We’ve got this!

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  • Vacation Rentals and Other Updates

    As of June 15th:

    1) The public may enter non-essential businesses and shops (with social distancing and other safety practices in place).

    2) Outdoor dining at restaurants will be permitted.

    The beaches are fully open, and our business community and restaurants are resiliently adapting to the new regulations.

    However, this does not mean the end of rental cancellations for upcoming summer weeks.

    The reasons for cancellations vary:  job loss, health issues, concerns about occupying a stranger’s home, and/or the worry of sharing space with extended family after months of social distancing.  The decision is not made lightly.  As the rental time period approaches, families discuss and come to the conclusion that makes sense for their situation.

    Rental property owners know that we will address each cancellation request on a case by case basis.

    Thankfully, the strong demand for new reservations continues.  We are working everyday to re-book the open weeks so that both owners and tenants are satisfied.

    As I said last month, it will be a bumpy summer!

    96thStreet

     

     

  • Summer Vacations 2020

    My observations from MANY conversations with tenants:

    Those with serious health concerns for themselves or extended family members are not comfortable moving forward with their lease.  All of the CDC guidelines and intense cleaning protocols will not change their perspective.  This is the tenant who will be sad, yet frankly relieved to cancel their plans.

    Others are approaching their vacation rental as an opportunity to FINALLY leave their home and enjoy the shore.  They understand that the situation may not be perfect, but feel overall it’s low risk.  This summer, tenants will come prepared with their own bed pillows and Clorox wipes.  They acknowledge the dining limitations because it’s the same at home.

    With the confirmation of beach openings and the hope for outdoor dining (mid June?), prospective tenants who held off making plans are calling to book. Rental property owners are grateful for the new reservations in their open weeks.

    It’s a bumpy ride, but we are hanging on!

    BeachView

     

  • Summer Plans

    With guidence from our local officials, we are once again able to process vacation rental leases for the summer.

    We have  a variety of options available starting in June.

    For more details, visit our website: Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty

    I am familiar with the properties and happy to help finalize your plans.

    ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com

    DeckBlog