Lifeguard stands, trash/recycling receptacles, and concession stands in place along the beach.
Traffic lights and parking meters/restrictions active.
More police vehicles in circulation…with a few officers on bicycles!
AND, more cars parked on our block…including one in front of our house over the weekend…the nerve  😉
Yes, there is still time to find a vacation rental for a week (or more!) this summer.
Search availability on our web site:  Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty  and then contact me to discuss.
I am familiar with the inventory and locations, and happy to help you select the best home for your needs.
ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com
609-967-7950
Thank you for your interest!
Every spring, I pick up so many balloons washed up on the beach 🙁 Â The pictures below are from this morning’s walk.
If you are celebrating an event, purchase flowers rather than balloons. Â They look better at the water’s edge!
Even a vacation can be a work related experience.
I was a tenant last week in Naples, Florida. And although rental practices vary by location, many expectations and behaviors are the same.
For example, the owner warned us in advance about major road construction in the neighborhood. Â She forwarded notices from the city, with an apology for the unavoidable inconvenience. Â I’m glad that we were not caught off guard as we drove up the house- and I really believe it was less of a hassle because we were mentally prepared.
Lesson? Owners and rental agents hate to be the bearer of bad news, yet it makes sense to disclose issues that will ultimately impact the tenant’s use of the property. Â The property owner may not have any control over the situation (road work, beach replenishment, nearby construction, etc.) but after a long day of travel, those issues will seem even worse from the tenant’s perspective.
Another observation: we didn’t look through the owner’s welcome book until mid-week when we needed information regarding an appliance.
Thankfully, there were laminated instructions next to all of the TVs (and as with most homes, each TV had a different set up). Â The Wi-fi password was prominently posted on the refrigerator. Â There was a label on the thermostat to specify the settings for AC. Â And there was another laminated note with detailed trash and recycling instructions (although the recycling can was FULL, so obviously the last tenant missed the pick up day). Â Does any of this sound familiar?
I sincerely believe tenants want to follow owner’s wishes, Â yet the “house rules” should be easy to find.
Notes in the utility room and kitchen will be seen by most guests. Â Stickers on a wall of switches may avoid the back yard spot light burning all week. Â Anything quirky should be labeled/explained.
We appreciated that the house was clean and well stocked. Â The furniture and bedding were all newer. And, there were brooms and cleaning supplies for the crazy sister who cleans on vacation (that would be me).
Overall, a fun week with my sisters…and the bonus of a fresh perspective for the summer rental season ahead.
Out of the office message: Â Friday May 4th to Friday May 11th. Â Back in the office on Saturday May 12th.
A few years ago, my sisters and I vacationed together to celebrate the “baby’s” 50th birthday.
Although we had traveled as a group with our families, this was the first time since our teen years with just the 4 of us under one roof.
Thankfully, we managed to share bedrooms and bathrooms without any major incidents 😉
Rather than wait until next year for another milestone birthday, we decided to celebrate the eldest turning 59.
And of course we will be relaxing on a beach 😎
Ages: 53, 56, 57, and 58… turning 59.
Yes, our parents had their hands full!
On this morning’s episode…
I watched the precision high dive of an osprey into the ocean. The hawk surfaced with a surprisingly large fish -especially considering the shallow water depth.
The fish was heavier than a normal catch, causing the osprey to land on the beach several times for a better grip.
After a few minutes of attempted take off and forced landings, the osprey gave up and left the fish behind. Â The hawk quickly returned over the ocean in search of “lighter fare” for breakfast!
So, if you find a random dead fish in your yard, it’s not from some epic flood.
Likely leftovers from an overzealous osprey 🙂
A colorful morning beach walk…with the bonus views of dolphins jumping the waves and osprey fishing for breakfast!
Reminder that seasonal beach tags are now on sale in Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ.
Tags are $23 each and allow you to “cross the border” between the two towns! Â Purchase before the end of May for the pre-season price.
Although most of my beach time is before and after the tag checker hours, I am happy to contribute to the protection and maintenance of our beautiful shore line.
Money well spent!
The “Opening Soon” signs are appearing in store and restaurant windows around the island.
We are grateful for the businesses that endure the LONG winter and manage to keep their doors open with a limited customer base.
And we are excited for more dining and shopping options as the season approaches.
Rental Property Owners
Every season, the first tenants in a property discover the forgotten maintenance items.
Check before your first guest arrives:
1) Outside shower clean and water on
2) Outside hoses connected
3) Trash cans and lids accounted for (they often “escape” in the winter months)
4) Air conditioning units ready (breakers on, units uncovered, clean filters, etc.)
5) Hot water heater ready (breaker on, or dial turned from vacation mode to appropriate temperature)
6) Cable and Wi-fi functioning
7) Appliances clean and ready (run the washer and dishwasher through a cycle)
8) Screens in windows -check for needed repairs
9) Pillows and mattress pads clean (or replaced)
Happy summer!