After the brutal winter, the rental industry is now in high demand for Jersey Shore vacations.
If you’re still sore from shoveling snow and ready for a different kind of workout, like walking up the dune path to a spectacular Jersey Shore summer vacation, rental owners are waiting for you. Prices, according to the experts, are on par with last year.
“For me, they stayed stable. We’re good. We have not seen them come up that high at all,” said Debbie Marsicovete, a rental homeowner.
Duane Watlington founded Vacation Rentals LBI. He suggests booking full weeks – most Jersey Shore towns now require seven-day minimums during peak times.
“Sunday to Sunday rentals have become more popular too, so that way families can come down and spend the whole weekend here instead of having their weekends split up with that changeover day,” said Watlington.
And because of the trifecta of winter storms, rental bookings are only now starting to switch into high gear.
“We see a lot when we get nicer weather. People start to realize, ‘Hey, listen, I have to look to see what I’m doing for the summer months,’” said Dave Seegers, of RE/MAX at Barnegat Bay.
The owners say connecting with their renters on a personal level before hitting that credit card submit button ensures the best experience for everyone.
“The first thing we do is call them on the phone, talking through whether this property is a good fit for your family needs,” said Kathleen Ries, a rental homeowner.
Duane and his partners still have some prime weeks left, but with this brief summer-like stretch, they’ll fill up quickly.
Experts suggest that if you’re looking for something a little less crowded and a little less expensive, try booking a week in September or early October.