Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News

  • 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!  

    Beach

     

     

  • 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!

    96thStreet

     

     

  • 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!

    Windrift

  • 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

    DeckBlog

     

  • 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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  • 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.

    RentSign

     

     

  • Best Guess?

    Property owners and summer tenants are asking for my thoughts on this summer.

    Of course I don’t know…but I will share my current expectations:

    1) The local municipalities will want to avoid a mad rush to the shore, therefore, Memorial Day weekend will have to be low key.

    2) The mayors are working together on a limited opening of the beaches in May (exercise and fishing only)- possibly for specific hours of the day.

    3) Second homeowners will be officially welcomed back, yet the ban on short term rentals and hotel guests is likely to extend until after Memorial Day weekend.  This will allow for a “soft” opening.

    4) Restaurants are requesting flexibility with towns regarding outside seating.

    5) When beaches fully open, social distancing requirements will be expected.

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