Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Seashore Real Estate

  • Sheets and Towels at Rental Properties

    In an effort to generate more rental activity for our property owners, Tim Kerr Sotheby’s added listings with open weeks to the VRBO website.

    The VRBO fees charged on the landlord side are being paid by our agency and agents based on an expectation of attracting new business to our company.

    And it worked! We have successfully converted most inquiries to leases, filling in otherwise vacant weeks.

    A common question from our new VRBO customers is regarding the need to bring sheets and towels.

    The regular airbnb or VRBO guest expects freshly made beds, and towels hanging in the bathrooms.

    As property owners and rental agents, we have to acknowledge the changes in our industry if we expect to remain competitive in the vacation home market.

    I am happy to discuss the benefits of coordinating with a local linen rental company for the 2025 season.

    P.S. Earlier this week, a VRBO sourced tenant asked “will the rental property have shampoo, body wash, hand soap, or should we bring our own?” It’s not unusual for VRBO and aibnb properties to provide mini soaps and shampoo containers, as well as dish soap, laundry and dishwasher pods, etc.

    We welcome this perspective to plan ahead with our rental owners.

  • Landlord Duties

    A quick trip down south to provide some TLC to our rental property.

    As I know from my experience handling vacation rentals in Avalon and Stone Harbor, regular owner visits are key to keeping up with maintenance items and overall cleanliness.

    So, I will “spring clean” for a few days, and try to keep my sense of humor about what I discover as I organize!

    P.S. I’m now a few days in and STILL trying to find everything 😉

    Before…

    And after!

  • Summer Rentals

    There have been a few news pieces regarding the 2024 rental season at the Jersey Shore.

    The most recent: https://www.inquirer.com/newsletters/shore/jersey-shore-rentals-boardwalk-20240711.html

    A few thoughts: Owners with repeat tenants who kept their price increases to a minimum are experiencing a solid rental season.

    Property owners new to the rental market (or those with weeks not rented by January or February) have felt the shift in our market the most.

    Adding amenities (that are ironically considered the norm in most other vacation rental markets) such as sheets and towels, some paper products, beach tags, beach equipments, etc. definitely helps. Being open to allowing a pet (with references) may also fill un-rented weeks.

    The Jersey Shore rental environment has been slow to evolve. Look how long it took for change over cleaning to be included in the rent!

    Yet we have to keep up with tenant expectations, and provide good value, in order to be competitive with other high end travel destinations.

  • Parking Problems

    During peak summer holidays, finding a parking spot on the island can be a challenge!

    Unfortunately, tenants and owners who park on their yard beyond the designated driveway may be in for an unpleasant outcome.

    Just because a home has a stone yard, it doesn’t mean it’s suitable for additional parking. Water and sewer lines run from the curb to the house just under the surface of the yard. The weight of a vehicle can damage these pipes, creating an expensive plumbing repair.

    I noticed this truck on a yard over the weekend. Even when the street emptied out, the truck remained on the front yard!

  • Vacation Rentals- Last minute availability

    Procrastinators rejoice!

    There are a variety of options still open for summer and fall weeks at the beach!

    Visit our website for more details: Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty

  • Walks Around the Island

    Even though I live on the island, sell local real estate for a living, AND walk the blocks almost every day…it’s not unusual for me to say “What was there before?” when passing a newly cleared lot!

    Thank goodness for Google Maps to help me visualize the “before” version of a particular spot.

  • Sunday morning views…

    Picture perfect weather all weekend!

    As an island native, I have a “lifetime of experience” on Seven Mile Beach. And I appreciate the opportunity to help with all aspects of your seashore real estate needs.

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

  • Full circle!

    When my sisters and I were young, it felt like it took FOREVER for our dad to drive us somewhere.

    He would slowly cruise along Dune or Ocean Drive, turning his head to look down each street.

    If he noticed we were passing one of the job sites (he was in the carpet and tile business), he would stop and check in with the builder or installer.

    This morning, I laughed at the realization that I likewise, look down every street as I drive to work!

    And at this time of year, I am so happy to see “my” owners down enjoying their shore homes 😎

  • 2024 Rental Season

    Similar to last spring, our rental activity has been disappointingly slow.

    There are several factors:

    1. We have returned to pre-Covid demand, with prime weeks coinciding with the school calendar. Late June to mid-August are once again the standard rental weeks. Weeks books beyond that time frame are considered bonus rentals for owners.
    2. Families often have difficulty coordinating everyone’s schedule. Therefore, last minute bookings have become more common.
    3. When potential tenants are searching online, they see a variety of options still available. That lowers their sense of urgency. Procrastinators are no longer at risk when planning a beach vacation!

    We expect an increase of rental inquiries in the coming month.

    In the meantime, we are spreading the word via social media and other online advertising to encourage vacationers to commit.

  • New Rules Regarding Commissions

    The news reports are confusing for consumers (and frankly real estate agents).

    I have been studying the information to help convey the practical facts.

    Commissions have always been negotiable. However, an agency has the right to determine their fee for the services provided. This fee is disclosed to the consumer, and the consumer has the option of working with the agency or not.

    No fee is earned until we complete a transaction. Compensation is only paid if we finalize/close on a sale.

    Currently, the listing agreement with the seller states the total compensation to be paid, and ultimately shared between the brokerages and the seller/buyer agents.

    The new regulations (effective July 2024) will require buyer agency agreements. Buyers will acknowledge their financial responsibility for the buyer broker’s fee. This fee can be paid directly by the buyer, or negotiated in the offer to the seller in the form of a concession from the seller, or as a portion of the listing broker’s commission.

    Bottom line- it’s a math equation to satisfy all parties.

    Both the buyer and seller are ultimately paying for their representation through the purchase price funds and sale proceeds.

    Moving forward, we will clarify the language that will be acceptable to lenders regarding seller concessions.

    As a lifelong resident, with 40+ years of experience in this market, I am here to help buyers and sellers navigate the process.

    Thank you for trusting me to assist with your island real estate needs!