Beautiful morning with slightly higher than normal tides.
The tips of the march grass have an orange tint. Â Herons are hanging out on the empty docks (and have taken over the now vacant osprey nests!)
While this is somewhat ordinary, I also appreciate the uniqueness of our life.
So grateful!
It may FEEL like summer, yet we are definitely in the off season mode with planning for next year.
The demand for 2022 vacation rentals is well above normal. Â And tenants are motivated to secure their beach house months in advance!
If you are thinking about renting out your shore home, now is the time to confirm rates and availability.
I’m here to help owners and tenants with their plans: Â ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com or 609-967-7950
An important warning based on a recent alarm call handled by the Avalon Fire Department:
Batteries in golf carts emit hydrogen (an odorless, colorless, and highly flammable gas) when charging.
In high quantities, Â hydrogen gas will activate a carbon monoxide detector.
The alarm call to the Avalon Fire Department was caused by a cart charging while inside a closed garage.
Therefore, charging the cart should be limited to outside, or in a well ventilated area.
Noticeably quieter during the week. Â As schools return to an in person setting, families are unable to extend their beach time like last summer. Â And unfortunately, some local businesses are reducing their hours due to lack of help.
Yet we know there will be plenty of peaceful beach days ahead!
We are not expecting any major issues from Henri, yet it’s smart to be prepared:
Secure all possible flying objects- trash cans, deck furniture, umbrellas, and beach chairs.
Close and lock the door for the outside shower; likewise the storm door.
Be aware of possible flooding, and move vehicles to a driveway or parking lot (street parking is risky is certain flood prone areas).
Head to the inlet and watch the power of Mother Nature!
Picture from a past storm:
For our vacations, I’ve enjoyed hotel/resort accommodations, as well as home rentals.
When traveling with extended family, a home or condo is ideal. Â We can all have our own space, prepare simple meals (with no set time for breakfast!), and still enjoy time together.
For some destinations, I prefer to stay at a resort hotel. Â I like when my husband can walk or be shuttled to the adjacent golf course while I hang out on the beach. Â For a short vacation, an on site restaurant is convenient, too.
I was thinking about this yesterday while enjoying lunch outside at The Reeds. Â Families were riding the double decker pontoon boat on the bay, and boarding the hotel golf cart headed to the beach. Â Because we live here, I sometimes forget the resort aspects of our community!
With Covid, the demand for vacation rentals increased. Some families just felt more comfortable with their own space rather than shared common areas.
Observation as a rental agent: “hotel people” adjusting to the reality of renting someone’s private home. Â Every property is unique in decor and amenities. Â Owners set up their kitchen to their personal preferences. Â There might be extra batteries for the TV remote in a junk drawer…or maybe not. Â Same with spare light bulbs or a fly swatter! There’s no front desk, or on-call maintenance crew to resolve issues. Â Rental agents do our best, yet we are at the mercy of local vendors.
If you are new to the vacation home rental process (either as a landlord or tenant), I am happy to help along the way!
Within the next month, we will be connecting with property owners and confirming 2022 rates and availability.
I’m here to help both landlords and tenants with their plans! 609-967-7950
The “September” weather these past 2 days is Mother Nature’s reminder to enjoy the remaining weeks of summer!
My list of things to do typically revolves around restaurants to try before they close for the season.
Because the weather is so nice through the early fall, there’s still plenty of time for activities such as kayaking and bike rides.
When the swallows start lining up on the electrical wires…I know the summer clock is ticking 😉
Comments and Conversations
With the quiet months of fall, I’m more likely to overhear conversations between neighbors, and people chatting as they walk by the office.
A few recent exchanges that stand out:
“I’ve heard that the wind just blows like crazy all winter.” Â TRUE
“We are here full time…well of course, not in the winter.” Â Â HUH ??
“Our porch furniture and grill should be fine out on the deck.” Â SEE WIND COMMENT
“It’s too early to winterize the outside shower. Â We will be back down next month.” IT GETS COLD IN NOVEMBER
Even with the picture perfect weather, it’s time to plan for the cold months ahead!
My annual post:
A check list for shore owners:
1) Disconnect the garden hose and turn off/drain any faucets that aren’t frost proof (most faucets on decks are NOT frost proof). Turn off and drain the outside shower (often overlooked and those pipes are the first to freeze and break).
2) Close the foundation vents and secure the crawl space door (the newer Smart vents will close automatically).
3) Secure/store trash cans, deck furniture, kayaks, grills, flags, etc.
4) Unless you completely winterize the house (drain the water), turn on the heat to 55- 60 degrees. Â The upper floors can be set slightly lower, but not below 50 degrees. Â A whole house water shut off valve is an extra level of protection against frozen pipes in the event of a power failure.
5) Open the cabinet doors below all sinks to allow heated air to circulate around the pipes.
6) Lock all windows (especially casement style that open with a crank handle) and sliding glass doors. Strong winds can vibrate a door or window open!
7) Unplug small appliances.
8) Check the kitchen sink for any random food items left in the garbage disposal – run with ice cubes or a piece of lemon.
9) Empty and turn off the ice maker if you won’t be using the house for an extended period of time.
10) Open the lid on the washer and prop open the door to the dishwasher to avoid musty odors.
And ideally, hire a winter watch service for peace of mind. Â I am happy to recommend someone if needed.