Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Seashore Real Estate

  • Service With A Smile (behind a mask)

    I wonder if some of the conveniences offered by local businesses can remain in place after the crisis?

    For instance, I returned Comcast equipment the other day on behalf of a property owner- and wow, what an easy process (compared to past experiences).

    And how about: take out food delivered to the back of your car, streamlined drop off for car service at the dealership, and CVS mailing prescriptions?

    Social distancing guidelines will require changes to the way our office does business, too.  And in the process, we hope to make the rental check in routine more efficient.

    Change is hard.  But change can also help us to improve.  That’s the goal.

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  • Thoughts for Summer, continued

    The owner of Relax Concierge (a successful linen and beach equipment rental company)  responded to my recent post regarding expectations for Summer 2020:

    All owners should have 2 sets of bedding for each bed ( comforters, mattress pads, pillows). Even if they aren’t cleaned each week it gives the bedding a week to rest.     I recommend this anyway for when renters mistakenly take home a pillow sham.  It drives some tenants crazy.  I totally get it.

    Owners should arrange for some extra cleaning time.   Create a cleaning check list that includes all touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, railings that are not normally on cleaning schedule.  Possibly also include the surface checklist to show renters what was done for peace of mind.

    Houses with really nice kitchens will be at a premium since many guests will probably prefer to dine in more often.

    I’m hopeful that our linen service will be still desired since guests may not want to bring from home and that our guests know we take cleaning very seriously.   I will continue to post about our cleaning procedures as we prepare to reopen. 

    All the best,
    Erin

    Regarding the additional cleaning, our agency has discussed extending the change over time to allow cleaning services the opportunity to tackle the extra tasks.

     

  • Vision for Summer 2020?

    Government officials are beginning to prepare us for the new normal.  We will not be suddenly freed from our homes to resume our prior lives.

    So what should we expect this summer at the shore?

    My random thoughts:

    Beach tag inspectors enforcing social distancing between family groups (will be challenging on the busier beaches).

    Extra life guard stands so that guards can spread out.

    Designer cloth masks to match bathing suits and beach cover ups (idea for the local surf shops!)

    Restaurants with outdoor dining will be preferred- and should definitely incorporate air circulation for comfort, and to ward off those pesky gnats!

    Families will be comfortable vacationing in properties where they can control the cleanliness.  Homes with pools will become even more popular because the occupants can isolate and enjoy their time away.

    We are fortunate that Avalon and Stone Harbor offer plenty of open spaces- allowing residents and visitors the opportunity to safely navigate a much needed break this summer.

    Think positive 😎

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  • Walks Around the Island

    With the beach off limits, we are now exploring all of the neighborhoods of the island during our daily walks.

    Thankfully, as a real estate agent, checking out houses is my favorite pastime!

    Today’s walk covered from downtown Avalon, and north to the inlet.  Loved seeing the ocean at the turn around.

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  • Restrictions for Construction

    Directive from the Governor of New Jersey:

    BREAKING: I’m signing an Executive Order to further our aggressive efforts to enforce social distancing.

    All non-essential construction across New Jersey will CEASE, indefinitely, effective 8:00 PM Friday.

    Exceptions include projects at our hospitals and schools, in our transportation and public utility sector, the building of affordable housing, other individual housing sites that can adhere to strict limits on the number of workers on-site, and other limited instances.

     

    The last sentence is important for local construction projects.

    Builders will be required to restrict their sub-contractors and crews in order to comply with this order.

    Emergency/essential repairs are also permitted.

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  • Thoughts about our summer rentals

    We are typically gearing up for the summer season by now.

    Instead, we are talking with our rental property owners and summer tenants about the “what ifs” for summer of 2020.

    Tenants arriving in May and early June are understandably the most unsettled.  Their final rent payments are coming due, and there is so much uncertainty regarding the timeline.

    Our best guess last week for even a partial return to normalcy, seems less realistic this week.

    The take away from the phone and email conversations:

    1) Property owners are realistic and want to do the right thing.

    2) Tenants are hopeful that their summer vacation plans can stay in place.

    3) Everyone understands that business is on a pause mode for the next several weeks.

    In the meantime, I’m here (working from home of course) and will do what I can to help.

    Stay safe and healthy!

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  • Avalon NJ New Construction

    Stunning NEW single family home available for sale: $2,599,000.

    6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, huge great room on the 2nd level plus a spacious family room overlooking the back patio area and pool.

    For more details and pictures:   MLS Link 291 44th Street, Avalon NJ

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  • Sotheby’s International Realty

    unnamedTim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty has the name recognition of the high end brand…PLUS the local expertise of our team of agents and staff.

    We live here.  We work here.  We love it here.

    ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com

    609-967-7950

    Thank you for your business and referrals!

     

     

  • For Sale

    Visit our Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty web site to browse sale and rental properties in Avalon, Stone Harbor and surrounding communities.

    Sales:  click here

    Rentals: click here

    Thank you for your interest and referrals!

    609-967-7950  Ann Delaney

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  • Elevating Real Estate

    The regulations regarding elevation play a major role with an owner’s plan to either renovate or build new.

    A Flood Elevation Certificate is needed to determine the official elevation of both the land and the first floor living area.  For example, “curb” elevations on the island range from 5 feet above sea level to just over 12 feet.   The island may seem flat, but the subtle inclines exist!

    Obviously a home with a lower curb elevation will need to be higher off the ground to meet code.

    Now back to the charming beach cottages.  A lender will require flood insurance which is calcuated on the elevation.  If the home meets code, the annual premium will be approximately $900.  If the structure sits too low, the premium could be as high as $5500.

    When a major renovation is planned, the municipality will require the structure to be brought up to code, too.

    At this point, a property owner can compare the cost of lifting/renovating their home, or building new.

    If the lot is undersized and/or the structure is larger than would be permitted today, lifting may be the best option to retain livable square footage.

    If you have any questions regarding local real estate, I am here to help!  609-967-7950

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