You are renting from the owner, not a realtor or big business. This is our shore house and it has been in my family since I was a little kid staying there with my Grandparents. As a kid and young adult, I would help them maintain it and rent it. For almost 30 years, I have owned and rented the house. We completely renovated the first floor and added the 2nd floor.
We take pride in the house and do a lot of work each year to keep it very well maintained, which is somewhat unusual for beach rentals and even hotels at the shore.
By renting direct, with the NJ State laws, you do not need to pay State or local taxes. Plus no vrbo fees, and no realtor admin fees. This saves you about 25% which is a huge amount on our rentals. We suggest you invest some of the savings in travel insurance.
.... you value great location on a relatively quiet residential street, a short walk to the beach, close to town and boardwalk, easy street parking, big yard, screened porch + 2 decks out back, very well-maintained home with modest size rooms. Think of it with the analogy of "a very well maintained Honda Accord"...nice, good value, dependable, upper-middle level. There's enough beds and rooms for the stated amount of people allowed - in bedrooms - not on the floor or on cots like some places.
This house is not right for you if....
- If you value tons of floor space for sleeping people on the floor and a place for a big party weekend, this probably isn't the best place for you.
- If you want a classic worn, older rental that you don't have to take care of, this isn't for you.
- If you want a huge McMansion with a "Great Room and nothing but stainless steel Bosch appliances, granite tops, and daily maid service, this isn't for you. I recommend The Southern Mansion B&B or a $15k/week rental.