Category: Seashore Real Estate

The basics: the federal government passed legislation last year (before Sandy) to phase out subsidies for the National Flood Insurance Program.  Therefore, rate increases will take effect starting October for all secondary homeowners.

Unless the government decides to alter the current plan, flood insurance rates are scheduled to increase 25% each year over the next 4 years.

If your property does not comply with elevation requirements, ask your insurance agent if proper crawl space venting  will correct the problem.  An elevated structure with proper venting qualifies for the lowest flood insurance rates.

P.S. The revised FEMA flood maps are expected to be available for public view on Tuesday. Will post link when available.

Quote from article written by staff writer Sarah Watson for The Press of Atlantic City  8/24/13:  “These maps are the most recent updates in FEMA’s first major upgrades of the flood maps since the 1980’s. The maps also become the “best available data” for the purposes of those rebuilding their houses following Hurricane Sandy or starting new construction.”

There are vacation rentals available for the remaining weeks of summer (through September).

The water is warm, the weather is great, AND the rates drop a bit from our high season weeks.

Search our web site:  Power Play Realty web site    Email me with any questions:  ann@anndelaney.com

Thanks!

According to municipal officials, Cape May County property owners will be able to view the revised flood maps as of August 19th.

Type in a property address in the box above the map, and click “Get Details”.  While the flood zone may change (many of the V zone locations are expected to revert back to the preferred A zone ), the elevation requirement will likely remain as stated.

Although the final maps aren’t due to be released until August 2015 (for flood insurance rating purposes), construction offices will be referencing the revised maps in order to issue building permits.

You may have noticed the towering heights of  homes under construction on the island.  While waiting for the final FEMA maps to be published, officials in Avalon and Stone Harbor issued building permits based on the preliminary data approved by Governor Christie.

Near the bay,  this includes the much discussed “V-Zone”.

The cottage pictured was lifted and placed off to the side so that pilings could be driven into the ground.  The house was placed back on the pilings, and will now be totally renovated.   The lower level can be cosmetically covered with break away walls.

V zone construction allows water to flow freely under a home- preventing structural damage caused by the pressure of flood waters on a solid block foundation.

Yes, this was our biggest check in weekend…so it makes sense to starting planning ahead for our 2014 rental season!

The expectations of a beach rental have obviously changed over the years.  A basic property is likely to be passed over in favor of the updated “Coastal Living” décor home.

So what do tenants need/want?

Large HD televisions with full cable package (one main set, with additional sets in bedrooms)

Wireless Internet – has become a necessity

Newer mattresses/ attractive bed coverings (some owners are providing linen service to gain a competitive edge)

Newer furniture and flooring

Newer appliances- including kitchen counter top items

Air conditioning (with a service contract for prompt repairs)

Well stocked kitchen, extra light bulbs, some paper products, cleaning products, and bug spray (for the common summer ants)

Comfortable deck/porch furniture

Grill with a wire brush to keep it clean

Extra trash/recycle cans (the average home needs 3 cans for regular trash, and 2 for recycling items)

Welcome Book with information & instructions (especially regarding the electronics)