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Planning a 'STAYCATION' this summer ???

By
Real Estate Agent with Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited

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With the economy and financial fears still weighing heavy on many people's minds thoroughout the country, many people are choosing to forego the costly flights and travel costs for Summer Vacations, in favor of a 'Staycation' - or stay-at-home-vacation.


Now this is not just spending time in your living room and not going to work, a 'Staycation' typically sees people making their very own backyards into their own private summer 'resorts' !

 

Staycation !

Pools, patios, barbecues, buying extra outdoor games, backyard audio setups, even outdoor TV and Movie setups are becoming more popular - and although some of these items are not the cheapest 'toys' on the block, the savings people are seeing by not spending $1,000s on vacations, and the deep discounts retailers are giving to stimulate buyers, are making for some great opportunities for people to transform their plain old backyards into pretty fun and impressive backyard oasis spots ! - and places that the family and friends can enjoy many times throughout the whole summer !

 

 

 Even simple sitting areas can create a relaxing spot
 to unwind and enjoy the summer days !

 

 

 

 

 Staycation !

 

 

Some transformations can get REALLY extensive with waterfalls, built in expanded barbecues with dual side burners, rotisseries, prep counters and built in refrigerators, and full featured entertainment setups with rec room toys like outdoor pool and ping pong tables, and retractable TV screens with DVDs and Cable feeds to watch sports events outside in Hi Def !

 

 

 

Now there is nothing that can completely take place of a real vacation where you can truly getaway from the daily grind entirely for a while - but if the finances are only allowing some days trips instead of week-long vacations, then maybe taking a look at upgrading your own backyard to enjoy each weekend and summer nights may be something to consider !


Happy Summertime All !!!

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Sheldon Neal is a Realtor with RE/MAX Real Estate Ltd. and can assist in all home sales and purchases in Bergen County NJ.
To contact Sheldon, please call 201-481-2891

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Show All Comments
Sally Dunbar
Lyon Real Estate, Fair Oaks CA (Sacramento Area) - Fair Oaks, CA
Fair Oaks Realtor - Fair Oaks Homes for Sale

How many of ever just repalx in our home.  The best vacation can be to tell everyone you are leaving, set the phone to voicemail... and stay home and enjoy what you have worked so hard to create.

May 28, 2009 03:33 AM
The Rains Team
Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners - Hoschton, GA
A higher standard in real estate

Hi Sheldon, I'll take backyard #3...that looks beautiful! I would love to have an outdoor room someday! As for this year, we're just expanding our patio area...maybe next year will be the outdoor room!

Have a great weekend,

Anne

May 28, 2009 03:40 AM
Ann Allen Hoover
RE/MAX Advantage South - Hoover, AL
CDPE SRES ASP e-PRO Realtor - Homes for Sale - AL

Hi Sheldon, I've been planning several vacations (that may one day get to take) but for this year it will definitely be a staycation.  Now if I could just have one of those fabulous backyard getaways......

May 28, 2009 05:10 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I'm with claude I want a staycation at the house in the photographs.  But this year we'll be staying home. 

May 28, 2009 05:26 AM
Sharon Paxson
Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach Real Estate

Sheldon - very nice term you have coined here - there is nothing wrong with a staycation, sounds good!

May 28, 2009 06:21 AM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

Tom - Yep likewise ! We're looking for nice pieces to upgrade the backyard ourselves ! ... I think a trip to TARGET is on order !!!

Claude - Most people I speak to are doing more local day trips and backyard stuff this year ! Oh well - we'll make the most of it !

David - ...well I would prefer Cocomo, but if not, I'll take my backyard !!! lol

Lori - Agreed ! Most people dont know what's going on in and around their neighborhoods !

Steve - We bought our current house because it has an ingound pool and plenty of room to unwind on the summer evenings - its great !

Betina !! Ha ! You've got the idea !!! Yep, thats my plan !!!!

Sharon A ! - Dontcha just love that photo ! ...one day maybe we'll have a yard like that !!!

Shirley ! I love the comfort of relaxing in my own surroundings too - especially if we can jazz it up a little :o)

Hannah ! - Oh absolutely and if I had the time and extra cash, I'd be off on a vaca myself too !!! lol ... but for now, evenings on the deck or by the pool will have to do :o)

Jim V - That's my biggest problem too ! My cellphone is buzzing all day !

Bob - Thanks and see you guys soon :o)

Sharon L - Ha Ha ! Nah then we wouldnt have seent he Buffalo in the passenger seat !

Sally ! - Nice idea ! That's one way to help reduce distractions to enjoy your home !!

Anne ! Yep - one step at a time ! A nice new patio will give you a nice spot to relax in this season too ! Hope you are well :o)

Ann A - I dont know when we'll actually 'get away' ourselves, but we'll be spending a LOT of time by our pool and unwinding at our home this summer !

Tammy ! - Well why dont you just come on over and hang with my family in our back yard !!! ....oh and did the Priority Mail get delivered yet today ???

Sharon P ! - Hi There !  A little music, a little BBQ, some comfy seats, some sunshine and good friends, and good times abound !!!!  Hope you are well :o)

 

May 28, 2009 07:11 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Hey mate-If you were in the passenger seat when that big old buffalo stuck his head in the window, he could have given you a big kiss with that big old tongue. LOL

May 28, 2009 08:59 AM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

...LOL !!!

May 28, 2009 12:38 PM
Susan Mangigian
RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA
Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

Hi Sheldon lovey!!  We put a pool in 6 summers ago and we love it.  Can't wait to sit out there and watch Max and his friends do cannon balls this summer!  I take my morning tea out there in the summer and we really get a lot of use out of it.  I highly recommend it for people with kids ages 5 and up because you will get years of enjoyment out of it.

May 28, 2009 01:14 PM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

Allo Mangiggles ! I know EXACTLY what you mean !

It is always such an exciting moment when we unveil the pool for the season :o)

 

May 28, 2009 01:35 PM
Jamie Dumaine-Russell
RE/MAX Alliance - Branford, CT

No bells and whistles here although those photos look mighty inviting!  Give me the ole lounge chair, umbrella, grill and kiddie pool and I'm all set for my backyard staycation.

May 28, 2009 01:59 PM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

Donna ! - That's the beauty of the lowly staycation - it can be whatever makes you the most comfortable at home !!!!  .... (but some of those backyard makeovers do look nice right !?!?!?!? !lol )

May 28, 2009 02:06 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Sheldon, I used to have a back yard "oasis."  A waterfall, pond and I just loved it.  Eventually it became too much work and I had to fill in the pond (but found my fish happy homes :)  But I am going to create some special places outside....thanks for the reminder to get moving!

May 28, 2009 04:38 PM
Paddy (Patricia) Pizappi
Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty - Pine Bush, NY
Real Estate Associate Broker Hudson Valley NY

Hi Sheldon Upgrading the backyard is a great thought but with option #3 it may be cheaper to catch the next flight to Hawaii Hope you have a great summer anyway

May 28, 2009 11:26 PM
Lourdes Hoglo REALTOR® Three Village & North Shore Suffolk Co. Long Island
Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Setauket, NY

I take staycation window #1. Do they take reservations?

I agree with you, if you must stay home for Summer, why not enjoy every day and night and make our surroundings ready for entertainment and good times. 

We actually get many friends and family coming to visit and stay with us every Summer. So it feels like we are on a constant vacation too. We find fun things to do and places to see! And when not going out, simply make great at home dinners and eat outdoors every night!

PS. I let my guests cook... :)

May 29, 2009 01:54 AM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

Carole ! - There really is something therapeutic about your own backyard oasis - it can get you up in the morning, get you through a tough day - just knowing you can come home, and kick back in a fun, private, relaxing environment and unwind a little !

Paddy ! - Well good point ! But you dont have to do it all at once !! LOLOL ... I'd do the patio and get the chairs one year, then think about the custom BBQ etc next year ! (or the next year !) ... that is unless I continue to close a bunch of monthly deals thru the year - if I do, then heck I'll build that whole picture at Christmas !!!

Lourdes ! - That sounds exactly like our home ! Yep, we have the same visitors and we love to eat outside each night ! Have a great weekend !

 

May 29, 2009 02:25 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

No Sheldon, it did not.  Better check that tracking #.  Poor Preston in warehouse all weekend.

May 29, 2009 04:20 PM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

.... I just called the warehouse mgr, who told me he's way up on Bay 6 on the top shelf and theirfork lift is broken until Monday ...

Fortunately we packed lots of granola bars and Gatorade with him - so he should be OK ...

 

lol...

May 30, 2009 01:07 PM
Marie Ogle
Mortgage Processing Solutions - Spokane, WA
Contract Mortgage Processor

What an idea!  The vacation that keeps on giving!  Although, I would have to splurge on the maid because I would so miss the "room service"

Jun 01, 2009 12:58 PM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

Marie !! Yes that would be a good addition !!!! lol ...

Jun 01, 2009 01:28 PM
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