Although online vacation rental companies are convenient, there are advantages to leasing with a local managing agency.
The primary benefit is working with a knowledgeable individual who is familiar with both the property, and specific location.
Additionally, the total cost may be less without the required online taxes and fees.
In some areas of the country, the online business model is the only option for landlords and tenants.
However, in resort communities, a real estate office or rental agency may be able to assist.
Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty has offices in Cape May, Stone Harbor, Avalon and Sea Isle City. The agents in each office are local experts in their community.
I often hear this phrase (and use it myself) when discussing real estate ownership.
We might be referring to our timing in the market, a location selection, or how much we appreciate our good fortune.
Yet, we should also admit that we were gutsy and brave. After crunching the numbers and looking at the practical aspects of a purchase, we took the next big step, and actually BOUGHT a property!
It’s impossible to determine the perfect time to buy, especially as it relates to mortgage interest rates or market values. Real estate should be viewed as a long term investment, and eventually, you will be considered so smart for taking that leap of faith!
Building financial wealth is directly connected to real estate ownership.
I have lived and worked in the Avalon and Stone Harbor area my entire life. For 40+ years, I have handled sales and rentals on the island, including personal experience with vacation home and rental property ownership.
I welcome the opportunity to help with your wealth building plans!
The blog post and Santa were both updated in 2018!
Santa– the life size plywood cut out version- has been an important part of Christmas for as long as I can remember.
Santa began his life of service in the early 1960s at my parents’ first house in Avalon. He was surrounded by big, multi-colored bulbs on the newly planted shrubs. Inside that modest Golden Home rancher, 4 little girls hung their stockings on a cardboard fireplace with a plug in red bulb that magically turned the metal wheel to create “fire†.
In the 1970s, Santa moved with our family 5 blocks south in Avalon to a larger, 2 story home with a real wood fireplace. The colorful exterior lights were eventually replaced with more subtle white bulbs, but the spot light literally remained on Santa.
In the off season, Santa hung proudly on the garage wall- watching us all come and go. Those little girls grew up and moved out, bringing back grandchildren for days on the beach. In the 1980s, my young sons were fascinated by Santa, and maybe a bit intimidated based on our attempts to use him for improved behavior!
When my parents downsized to a townhouse in the early 1990s, my father asked if I wanted Santa for our home. Of course, I was thrilled- and Santa didn’t complain as he was forced to leave Avalon and move “off shoreâ€.
Santa loyally followed us on each move- knowing that he would be given a prominent position (with a flood light) at Christmas. Years later, he gratefully moved back to the island to become a Stone Harbor resident!
Now coasting past his mid-50s, Santa was showing signs of wear (aren’t we all).
For several years, I thought about arranging a touch up, but it just didn’t feel right. Thankfully, our niece offered her artistic talents – a perfect fit!
So the newly refreshed Santa is back in his designated spot in front of our home- ready to face another 50+ years by the beach 😎
