It’s time for the beach communities to slowly emerge from hibernation.
Restaurants and shops start opening on weekends. Â Our summer neighbors return for brief visits to check on their homes.
And although the temperatures remain cold, a bright sunrise over the ocean gives us hope for an eventual spring!
Sixteen years ago, I created this blog as an alternative to the average real estate agent web site.
The blog has remained a creative outlet to talk about my local business, and our shore lifestyle.
And then twelve years ago, I signed up for Twitter. Â Twitter seemed more upbeat and fun compared to other social media options; and a quick way to communicate with property owners and visitors.
On days like today- with the wind howling and the temperature barely at 20 degrees- Twitter keeps me accountable. Â I bundle up and post my regular #beachwalk picture before heading off to work.
During weather events, my posts provide a local perspective, and reassurance to out of town property owners. Â In turn, I appreciate the kindness extended by strangers- some of whom have become in person customers and friends!
Thanks for following along!
Incredible response from prospective buyers and fellow real estate agents once I posted this sale listing late Thursday afternoon.
202 92nd Street MLS info- click here.
Within  24 hours, the final contract was signed by all parties!
I realize it’s discouraging for the prospective buyers (and their agents) who miss out. Â There’s no easy solution while the inventory remains low.
If you own a shore house and are thinking about selling, it really is an opportune time!
This will apply only to conforming loans (less than $647,500).As far as blizzards go, this one was manageable.
Thankfully, no issues with flooding or power outages. Â And the municipal workers did a great job clearing the streets.
It looks pretty, but I’m ready for the big melt!
For 40 years, I have worked with property owners in Avalon and Stone Harbor as a vacation rental agent. Â The booking and processing side of the job have evolved with technology, yet tenants and owners still appreciate the personal service of an on-site professional.
This experience transfers over to my role as a landlord. Â My husband and I work hard to meet the expectations of our guests. Â Owner visits are essential to check/replace supplies and “spring clean” several times a year. Â Our approach: if they find a well maintained property, the tenants will (hopefully) respect and care for our condo during their stay.
And occasionally, I’m a tenant.
Earlier this month, I rented a home in Naples, Florida to celebrate milestone birthdays with my sisters. Â Although the owner was responsive when I reported several issues, the “tenant” in me was a bit frustrated. Â Waiting to see if a tenant complains is not the best landlord strategy!
Often it’s the simple items that make a difference: plenty of hangers in the closets, extra towel bars and hooks in the bathrooms, a full length mirror, clean cushions for the outdoor furniture, new shower curtain liners, and a starter supply of detergent, toilet paper, paper towels and trash bags.
If you have questions, I’m here to help!
With the right attire, EVERY day is a beach day 😉
Bright sunshine and no wind for this morning’s walk- almost felt balmy!
This past year was a bit of a roller coaster, and at times blurring completely with 2020!
Work was hectic (another banner season for sales and rentals at the shore). Families were once again grateful to spend time at the beach.
In between, we were able to juggle our own family gatherings, including a beautiful wedding last May.
There were plenty of beach walks and bike rides. Â Outdoor dining is still the norm. The popular TK Charities events resumed (I’m a volunteer…not participant!) Â And our towns creatively hosted numerous outdoor events.
So what do we expect for 2022?
Demand remains strong for summer rentals and vacation home purchases. Â And the islandwide construction boom continues.
Personally, we are looking forward to traveling again- with a BIG trip planned for next fall. Â We are hoping for the best (and of course purchased travel insurance).
My wish for all of us: Â less stress, more laughter, and good health in 2022!
Santa– the life size plywood cut out version- has been an important part of Christmas for as long as I can remember.
Santa began his life of service in the early 1960s at my parents’ first house in Avalon. He was surrounded by big, multi-colored bulbs on the newly planted shrubs. Inside that modest Golden Home rancher, 4 little girls hung their stockings on a cardboard fireplace with a plug in red bulb that magically turned the metal wheel to create “fire†.
In the 1970s, Santa moved with our family 5 blocks south in Avalon to a larger, 2 story home with a real wood fireplace. The colorful exterior lights were eventually replaced with more subtle white bulbs, but the spot light literally remained on Santa.
In the off season, Santa hung proudly on the garage wall- watching us all come and go. Those little girls grew up and moved out, bringing back grandchildren for days on the beach. In the 1980s, my young sons were fascinated by Santa, and maybe a bit intimidated based on our attempts to use him for improved behavior!
When my parents downsized to a townhouse in the early 1990s, my father asked if I wanted Santa for our home. Of course, I was thrilled- and Santa didn’t complain as he was forced to leave Avalon and move “off shoreâ€.
Santa loyally followed us on each move- knowing that he would be given a prominent position (with a flood light) at Christmas.  Years later, he gratefully moved back to the island to become a Stone Harbor resident!
Now coasting past his mid-50s, Santa was showing signs of wear (aren’t we all).
For several years, I thought about arranging a touch up, but it just didn’t feel right.  Thankfully, our niece offered her artistic talents - a perfect fit!
So the newly refreshed Santa is back in his designated spot in front of our home- ready to face another 50+ years by the beach 😎
