Category: Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News

  • Expectations for Summer 2021

    Rental bookings for 2021 are slightly ahead compared to this same time last year.

    A few observations based on my local experience, as well as discussions with nearby shore town real estate agents:

    1) We have lost some rental inventory due to owners opting to keep their properties available for family use.  This may be a temporary situation based on current limitations for other travel.

    2) More tenants are looking for multiple weeks.  They know that a beach vacation can be a safe break, and a happy experience to plan.

    3) Even our long time regular repeats are signing leases and sending in checks early.  They want to be certain their reservations are secured!

    4) Homes with pools continue to be popular- ideal for social distancing.

    5) There are many requests for pet friendly rentals.  Two of our pet friendly rentals sold this fall, and are no longer an option.  Tenants are willing to pay a surcharge and provide references if an owner will consider their dog (often it’s on a case by case basis).

    6) Our rental inventory is constantly changing.  Search our web site and contact me to discuss!  Tim Kerr Sotheby’s web site

    Thank you for your interest!  ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com

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  • 2021 Vacation Rentals

    If you know anyone looking for an extended vacation rental next summer, our new inventory provides great options!

    For example: 422 99th Street, Stone Harbor

    I am here to help with any questions:  ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com

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  • Labor Day Weekend Updates

    The annual TK Charities foot race is a Labor Day weekend tradition.  Every year, we read the names of the generous sponsors on the signs that pop up along Dune Drive, and then cheer on close to 1000 runners as they take over the local streets!

    Unfortunately, the event was cancelled for 2020.

    Starting this Friday, indoor dining will be permitted with capacity limitations and specific ventilation requirements.  If a restaurant is unable to work within the guidelines, they will continue with take-out and/or outdoor options.

    After Monday, beach tags are no longer required, and there will be plenty of room to social distance!

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  • Watching the Weather!

    Even a moderate storm is concerning in peak summer season.

    Decks and patios are full of furniture.  Umbrellas and awnings are in use.

    Tenants are not fully aware of the strength of high winds, and/or the locations typically prone to flooding.

    If you have any questions regarding your shore location and any risks associated, I am happy to answer to the best of my ability.

    ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com

    Stay dry, and watch the storm from our Avalon beach cam!  

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  • Supporting Local Businesses

    Every venture out for a meal needs a strategy:  picking the right time of day to avoid both crowds and extreme heat, selecting the best seat for social distancing, and then evaluating the establishment’s commitment to safety guidelines.

    So far, it’s been a mixed bag.  The lack of enforcement regarding masks (for patrons entering, and the servers) has been my main concern.

    The restaurants that follow the guidelines will see a shout-out on Twitter.

    Unfortunately, those with lax standards won’t earn a repeat visit.  It’s just not worth the risk.

    Business owners have an enormous amount of responsibility and stress this summer – and policing their customers and workers is one more annoying  task.  I get it (and see it in our business as well).

    Yet the stakes are too high for all of us to look the other way.

    Hopefully I will be able to post about more positive dining experiences in the months ahead.

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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

  • 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!

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  • What’s Open?

    Local update:

    Island hotels and motels are permitted to welcome overnight guests.  Capacity is restricted to 60% occupancy until June 22nd.   Pools and restaurants at the hotels are not open.

    Area restaurants are preparing for outdoor dining.  Once authorized, we will see tables and chairs in unique settings in order to accommodate the demand.

    Retails shops are still restricted to “curbside”  business, yet the municipality will work with the shops to display items outside (similar to a sidewalk sale) starting June 1st.

    Real estate offices remain closed to the public.  Agents are transitioning back to their offices, and rental check in day will be handled curbside (actually more convenient for the tenants!)

    Take out options are varied, and now include cocktails.  Check out the food truck next to the Windrift!

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  • 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

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  • Looking Forward…

    This quote posted on Twitter from novelist Connie Schultz says it all:

    “Today is Wednesday. We are living in a time of dreams deferred, but not extinguished. This is not our forevermore. Let’s take care of ourselves and cheer for one another. And right now, let’s breathe.”

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