Before the Off-Season Gets Away From You
An End-of-Summer Checklist for LBI Property Owners
As summer winds down on Long Beach Island, it’s a good time to give your property a once-over before the off-season. Whether you use your home yourself, rent it, or both, taking care of a few things now can help prevent bigger issues over the winter and make next spring a little easier.
Check the Exterior
Take a walk around the property and check the roof, siding, decks, railings, windows, outdoor shower, and other exterior areas. LBI homes take plenty of wear from salt air, sun, wind, and summer use, so look for anything that may need a repair before fall and winter weather arrive.
Look for Water & Moisture
Check around windows, doors, ceilings, bathrooms, crawl spaces, attics, and mechanical areas for leaks, moisture, mildew, or signs of water intrusion. Small issues can turn into much bigger ones when a home sits unattended for longer periods.
Review Your Insurance
Make sure your homeowners, flood, and liability insurance premiums are paid and that your policies will remain active throughout the off-season. It’s also worth checking that your coverage still makes sense, especially if you’ve made improvements or changed how you use the property.
Check Your Cameras, Sensors & Locks
Test security cameras, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, leak sensors, smart locks, thermostats, and other devices you rely on while you’re away. Replace batteries where needed and make sure you can access everything remotely. A backup physical key is always recommended.
Prepare for Fall & Winter
Think about securing outdoor furniture, umbrellas, grills, and other items before fall storms roll through. This is also the time to start planning for winterization, freezing temperatures, and routine property checks if the house will be vacant for extended periods.
Get Ahead of Repairs & Projects
If something took a beating this summer or there’s a larger project you’ve been putting off, start making calls now. The off-season can be a great time to get work done on LBI, but contractors’ schedules can fill up quickly.
If You Rent Your Property
Review tenant feedback and any recurring issues that came up this season while they’re still fresh in your mind. Start thinking about next year’s rates and calendar, and make sure rental registrations and other requirements are on your radar for 2027.
Know Where Your Property Stands
Even if you’re not thinking about selling, it’s helpful to know what’s happening around you. Take a look at recent neighborhood sales, your property’s current market value, and its rental potential. LBI can vary quite a bit from one neighborhood or even one block to the next. You can also reach out to an expert, like myself, to give you an accurate pulse of the local market and specific property.
A Little Work Now Goes a Long Way
Taking some time at the end of summer to check on the property, handle maintenance, and prepare for the off-season can help prevent costly surprises and put you in a better position for next summer.
If you need a trusted local recommendation, have a question about your property, or want to know what your LBI home could be worth or rent for in today’s market, I’m always happy to be a resource.
