Amazing weather this week- picture perfect September days and nights. Â Add in the “quiet”, and you can understand why many consider September the best time of the year at the shore.
In the busy summer months, Mother Nature’s sound are muffled by air conditioning units and traffic. Â Now, you can clearly hear the ocean from blocks away. Â And the birds. Â And the silence.
Harvest Moon rising over the beach last night at sunset…and setting over the bay this morning at sunrise.
Our reward for shorter days…
Last night- 16th and Ocean Drive looking toward the neighborhood over the 21st Street bridge, Avalon.
The expectations of a beach rental have 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)
Our 2014 Rental Authorizations are in the mail this week.
The cover letter:
Hello from the beach!
We “weathered†several challenges prior to our 2013 rental season.Â
Sandy left behind a combination of real and perceived damage. Thankfully, our loyal visitors returned and found Avalon and Stone Harbor open for business.
 Now to prepare for 2014.
 What’s new? Tenants will be able to book their 2014 rentals with a credit card. This will enable us to confirm bookings immediately, and expedite payments to property owners.
 With 90% of rentals generated through our web site, this is a logical next step of convenience.
 Please complete the enclosed 2014 Rental Authorization today. As potential tenants start their search for next summer, we want your property to be on the list! This is also the ideal times to evaluate rates and amenities (see attached list for ideas).Â
Thank you for the continued opportunity to help with your summer rentals. We appreciate the business!
May I help with your 2014 summer rentals? Â New inventory is always needed. Â Thanks! Â Â ann@anndelaney.com
Another beautiful day. Â Needed a light jacket for my early beach walk, but now the temps are just right for showing sale property 🙂 Â Enjoy the weekend!
The Avalon Beach Patrol finished their season last Sunday. Â The Stone Harbor Beach Patrol has limited coverage through this weekend.
Use caution either way -the ocean is rough!
An ocean breeze during this “heat wave”- keeping us comfortable at the beach!
I attended a low key ceremony yesterday in Stone Harbor – at the future 9/11 memorial site on 123rd Street. Â Like the memorial in Avalon, a piece of steel from the World Trade Center will be incorporated in a meaningful way.
Join the friendly Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Saturday, September 14th for the annual surf contest. Â 111th Street and the beach, 8am.
There will be tents by the beach selling coffee and donuts… and of course the popular “Nuns’ Beach” wear. Â The generous support from the community helps to maintain this beautiful Stone Harbor landmark.
P.S. Found this wonderful article on line: An Entire Beach of Nuns posted in July.  Funny!
The first picture was sent to me by a reader last year: Villa Maria by the Sea, 1955. Â Still looking great in 2013!
Explore the other side of Stone Harbor Point. Â The hike is “challenging”…but not for the typical reasons.
First- only make this trek at low tide. Â Do not wear flip flops. Wait for a breezy day or after the cool weather arrives. Â Why? Â Water, mud, and bugs respectively 😉
Start at the street end off of Third Avenue at 122nd Street. Â There is a path on the right hand side that crosses the marsh and then winds around to the left to the two bird look out platforms. Â Then on to the clam shell driveway that leads to the beach or back to the 123rd Street parking lot.
Saturday Sights
Busy on island today with numerous tag sales (to be followed by the fall tradition of demolitions!) Â and the Wine Festival on 96th Street. Â Also, it’s bulk trash pick up weekend in Stone Harbor (free stuff!)
Amazing views during my early morning beach walk. Â Now preparing for a productive day showing sale properties 🙂