Why Keep Renting Every Summer When You Could Own a Piece of the Shore?
For many families, summer at the Jersey Shore is a beloved tradition — and Avalon or Stone Harbor are two of the most coveted towns for vacationers. But if you’ve been renting a home in either town every summer, year after year, have you ever stopped to do the math?
Let’s break it down:
If you’re spending $5,000 to $10,000 per week on a summer rental, and you vacation for 2–3 weeks each season, that’s $15,000 to $30,000 a year — just to rent. Over 10 years? That adds up to $150,000 to $300,000 you’ve spent on rent… with nothing to show for it.
What if that money was going toward owning your own shore home?
Why Buying Could Be the Better Move
1. Build Equity Instead of Paying Someone Else’s Mortgage
Every rent check you write is helping someone else pay off their property. When you own, your money is working for you. Over time, your home builds equity — and that’s a form of long-term wealth.
2. Turn It Into an Income-Producing Property
You don’t have to be at the shore every week of the summer to make buying worth it. With the popularity of Avalon and Stone Harbor, weekly rentals command premium prices. Rent out your home when you’re not using it, and your rental income could cover a good chunk — or even all — of your annual costs.
3. Enjoy More Freedom and Familiarity
No more adapting to a new rental every year. Your own place means you can keep your beach gear, personalize the home, and create consistent traditions. Bonus: no need to compete for rentals during peak season.
4. Strong Investment Potential
Properties in Avalon and Stone Harbor tend to hold — and increase — their value thanks to limited inventory and high demand. You’re not just buying a vacation home — you’re making a smart investment in a high-demand market.
Real Numbers: A Quick Scenario
Let’s say you buy a home for $1.5M with 20% down. Your mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance might run you around $7,000–$8,000/month. If you rent it out for just 8–10 peak weeks at $7,500/week, you could bring in $60,000–$75,000 for the season — potentially covering most of your annual costs.
The rest of the year? It’s yours to enjoy.
Is It Time to Rethink Your Summer Strategy?
If Avalon or Stone Harbor are part of your annual tradition, maybe it’s time to make them part of your long-term plan. The money you’re already spending each summer could go toward building a legacy — and a source of income.
Want to explore what’s on the market and what you could rent it for? Let’s talk. I’d be happy to run the numbers with you.
Reach out I can help!
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.