“If you're lucky enough to live at the beach, you're lucky enough.” That’s Alisa Molbert Freidberg’s belief. As a Realtor® for six years and a resident of Long Beach Island for 10, she knows this well.
Although Long Beach Island is part of the Jersey Shore, as you’re crossing over that bridge, you’ll feel like you’re entering another world and leaving all your troubles behind. The people, she says, are friendly and welcoming. “When you go on a walk or ride your bike, people say hello, everyone waves. They’re just happy to be here.”
The beaches, of course, are beautiful anytime of the year, and you have the ability to walk or bike to many places. “I love being outdoors with my dog, walking or playing on the beach, and so many places are pet friendly here,” says Alisa.
There is also a big sense of community, whether it’s among the year-round residents or renters. “We have quite a bit of renters on our block and everyone is just so nice,” she says. Having renters also adds some variety to the neighborhood; you never know who you will meet.
On certain parts of the island, such as in Harvey Cedars, residents can easily walk to both the ocean and bay beaches. You can go from surfing to crabbing and back again. While the sound of waves can be mesmerizing and peaceful, and jumping through waves and riding boogie boards great fun, there are also bay beaches for the little ones and for those who enjoy calmer waters. The sunrises and sunsets over the water are just gorgeous and bring many people out to watch Mother Nature show off her magic.
In addition to driving, walking and biking around the island, there's the LBI shuttle, which runs in the summer and goes from one end of the island to the other, stopping on the Boulevard along the way. “It's a nice service and relatively inexpensive,” says Alisa. “If you're in Holgate and you want to go to the lighthouse but don't want to drive, you just jump on and get a ride. And it's great for adults who want to go out and have some cocktails and not have to worry about driving.”
The number of residents has definitely grown since the pandemic, she says, and even in the winter there is plenty to do. “I love the quiet and the solitude of winter, but many of the bars and restaurants stay open year round,” she says. “There are happy hours, bands, trivia nights and karaoke nights, so you can keep yourself as busy as you want.”
“People also love that they can surf all year round,” says Alisa. “Even in the winter, especially when there's a storm coming, they put on their wetsuits and they're gone.” Of course, boaters also love the ability to have their boats close to their homes.
“For families, there are two elementary schools on the island, while kids in high school are bussed to Southern Ocean about 10 miles away,” she says.
Alisa, with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zack Shore, REALTORS® focuses on sales on the island, but also covers Manahawkin and Beach Haven West. “Zack Shore, REALTORS® is the number one agency on LBI, with the largest market share in both closed units and dollars for decades.”
There are three offices on the island – Ship Bottom, Beach Haven, and Barnegat Light - and all handle sales as well as rentals.
“I don't do rentals particularly, but we have a large rental department and a large rental book of business with repeat customers,” she says. “My motto is ‘Expect Better’ and for me it's really about personalized service. If you're buying a house, I'm with you every step of the way from showing you homes, to helping you obtain a mortgage, a home inspection, and setting up utilities. Even after the sale is done, whatever I can do to assist I will.” She once had a client who just closed on a house and was getting carpeting installed the next day. When they couldn't be here, she was on site for the carpet install.
Alisa has received the Honor Society designation from Berkshire Hathaway two years in a row. “In 2020, I was in the top 16% of the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, and in 2021, I was in the top 18%. You can see all my reviews on Zillow.”
To find your dream year-round or vacation home on Long Beach Island, contact Alisa at 732-718-0039, AMolbert@ZackShore.com or at www.longbeachislandlistings.com.