The sunrise, a few feathered friends, and this morning, a large pod of dolphins!
On national news, I hear various descriptions of the current real estate market.
The most creative so far (from a segment on the Today Show): “savagely unhealthy”
With the lack of inventory, buyers are forced to compete against many other interested parties. Â This in turn leads to frustrated customers…and ultimately higher prices.
During my 40 years in the Avalon and Stone Harbor real estate business, I have navigated a variety of market cycles. Â Despite those fluctuations, Â for the majority of property owners, a shore home remains one of their best investments.
We watch the numbers on our retirement account statements change, and likewise, the market value of our homes. Â The numbers remain paper gains or losses until we are ready for our next adventure. Â With real estate, we have the unique benefit of renting the property to generate income if needed.
I appreciate the opportunity to help with your local real estate plans!
ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com   609-967-7950
When we built our current home 17 years ago, flat screen TVs were new technology…and cost a fortune!
Because I’m frugal, I could not justify updating our sets even as Smart TVs and voice remotes became the norm.
Earlier this month, Private Eyes/Cooltronics returned to our house to finally replace what they installed in 2005! Â They hauled away 2 HEAVY flat screens and 2 old console sets (I’m frugal, remember?)
With our new set up, we can catch up with the rest of the world on Netflix shows and movies. Â I now understand “binge watching” Â as we power through the past seasons of Ozark!
A repeat post from 2016:
On my father’s side: my grandmother was born in County Clare in the Republic of Ireland, and my grandfather grew up near Ballymena and the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland. A real mixed marriage!
They met and married in Philadelphia, and vacationed in Stone Harbor each summer while raising 6 children (pictured in front of their local rental cottage).
In the 1950s, my grandparents built a year round home in Avalon. A family business brought the sons and daughters (including spouses and young children) from Philadelphia to Avalon shortly thereafter.
After visiting the beautiful windswept coast of Northern Ireland, I can totally understand my grandfather’s love of the shore.
Sand in our shoes… and salt air in our lungs 😉
Sláinte!
P.S. Â According to family legend, my grandfather arrived to the United States through Canada. And my grandmother used her older sister’s ID to travel from Ireland to the US. Her grown children didn’t know her real name/age until she applied for Social Security. It’s important and relevant to consider that our family’s immigration history may be softened by nostalgia.Â
Pictures from our 2008 trip to Northern Ireland.
Two years.
Two busy (and challenging) summers.
A booming real estate market that we could not have imagined back in 2020.
And now we are planning for the 2022 season. Â Will it be more “normal”? Â And how do we even define those expectations?
My observations:
1) Most rental property owners have reverted back to providing basic bedding (mattress pads, quilts, and pillows). Â Tenants also appreciate when owners include a linen rental service as an amenity.
2) With rental rate increases across the board, tenants have higher expectations. Â Even basic cottage owners have to step up and evaluate the condition of kitchen supplies, furniture, etc.
3) Clean, clean clean! Â Properties that start off with a thorough spring cleaning (inside all cabinets, carpeting, bedding, windows/blinds, deck cushions, ceiling fans, return vents, etc.) are easier to maintain in season. When organizing the kitchen, toss those chipped coffee mugs, scratched frying pans, and rusty cookie sheets!
4) Based on bookings, our summer season will once again begin well before Memorial Day weekend and extend through early fall. Â That’s good news for local merchants and restaurant owners.
5) Speaking of restaurants- there will be many changes and additions to the food scene. Â Will post updates as places open.
Happy spring 🙂
Summer at the Beach
There’s still time to find a vacation rental in Avalon or Stone Harbor NJ!
Search our web site: Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty  and/or contact me to help.
ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com