One of Hurricane Sandy’s most devastating after-effects has been the displacement of hundreds of local citizens from their homes, both on the barrier islands and the mainland. As a result, real estate professionals are seeing a great impact to the local real estate market.
“Right now, we’re just trying to help people find short-term rentals,” said Chris Anthony of Weichert Realtors in Toms River. “I was displaced myself, along with friends and family members, and we’re doing our best to find them homes. We’re working on that more than anything.”
Donna Walesiewicz of Crossroads Realty in Toms River said the push is greatest for rental properties.
“The biggest thing we’re facing right now is trying to get as many people affected by the storm into rentals. We’ve been in contact with Monmouth County, trying to get empty homes rented to these people,” said Walesiewicz.
Walesiewicz said that she and her co-workers have been working “around the clock” to accomplish that task.
“These people are already looking at being out of their homes for at least 8 months, and not knowing if FEMA can assist them. People are coming here with nothing, like they’re refugees. We rented a home to a lady yesterday, and she couldn’t stop crying and hugging me,” the realtor explained.
Walesiewicz described another situation where a rented residence in Point Pleasant located for tenants was initially without heat or electricity, until the generosity of neighbors provided them with those essentials.
“Our first priority is to find housing for those displaced, and get them a roof over their heads, heat and electricity. Everyone is helping out the best they can, and those who were affected have been strong and resilient,” said Walesiewicz.
Jim Flanagan, Broker of Record for Coldwell Banker in Toms River, also explained the job of finding housing for those displaced by Sandy as “our challenge and our crisis.”
“We don’t have an inventory of short-term rentals, but we are actively working with the Ocean County Board of Realtors on this. We have been inundated with calls for help from residents,” said Flanagan.
Flanagan characterized the areas where the calls originated from as “anywhere near water,” and specifically mentioned the barrier island, Shelter Cove, Snug Harbor, Green Island and Money Island, to name a few.
“In the next few weeks, the climate will be tense to find housing for everyone. FEMA does have housing available, but it’s not within the county. There are people who have children looking to go back to school and people who commute for work, looking at being without their homes for eight months to a year. In the short-term, it will be chaos,” Flanagan said.
The realtor said that his office had created an emergency housing list, and has notified residents on that list when housing has become available for them. According to Flanagan, they have also been in contact with the state on easing restriction for vacant homes in neighboring areas, to be able to offer them as rentals. He also encouraged those who may know of a vacant home to be rented to contact Mary Ann Wissel at the Ocean County Board of Realtors, at 732-244-8111.
But don't assume senior aren't helping out. I took in two family members and their huge dog and I expect they will need to live here with me for at least the next 6-8 months before they can relocate. Now a small cozy house meant for two is housing four adults and three dogs. It's not that easy, but it's what we gotta do. Also as someone else said, Seniors make up a significant number of volunteers all over Ocean county.
Funny how so many of you hate when the Evil Government makes rules about things, like entering disaster zones only at certain times or whatever, yet you think it's perfectly OK for the government to confiscate someone's home? Interesting.
Google "Hotpads" . click on Hotpads real estate website when it comes up in the list. Enter any of the Toms River, (or wherever) zip codes and see for yourself the many HUNDREDS of homes for sale AND rent in that zip code area. Now tell me how so many people will be able to rent a home, for at least a year, with no furniture, and in many cases, no $$, no car, no kitchen equipment, AND (many have) no job any longer.... But if they do have the means and $$ to rent... by all means Hotpads is a good place to check, and there are many many real estate agents who can also help with a rental search. Use the phone, use the internet.
http://hotpads.com/search#lat=39.9845636363636&lon=-74.1596681818182&zoom=19&dupeGrouping=building&listingTypes=sale,newHome,foreclosure,auction&includeVaguePricing=false&pricingFrequency=once&resultsPerQuad=24
Also remember that a lot of these rentals that are posted have been rented already...they are going quickly to those who have cash on hand.
Also understand what these little children are experiencing...they have been ripped from their homes and schools...they feel the tension of their parents and the community and they are scared.
I hope that their generosity to let us rent and live in their home is an inspiration to others to also share.
But seriously, Don't dismiss the entire source just because it's proving to be somewhat more difficult than usual in these circumstances. There's no way I believe that EVERY listing on those maps in the Toms River, Bricktown, Bayville, Beachwood area are gone - not in a week. BUT even if that is true and every single property is taken.... keep checking, because you never know when more people will start listing their properties knowing this is the time they can find renters at the drop of a hat. Now -- NANCY - as for this new HUD law about changing senior community status so hurricane victims can rent and or live there ...I have searched and searched all over HUD websites and disaster provisions, and I can't find any such new law. So can you provide a link? Maybe HUD will now provide the vouchers or assistance for people with kids to rent in senior communities, waiving THEIR restrictions on where they will allow their vouchers (for families) to go, but that doesn't mean HUD can overrule or change the actual, existing senior community laws or age restriction guidelines.
But please... really.... as soon as you return from 'fixing up your house' and retrieving your important things, tell us how unaffected your home was... better yet-- post a few pictures of your house and your neighbors' houses on your street. I want to see how this caution was all unnecessary because YOUR house and neighborhood is FINE....