Marstons Mills is really becoming a focal point for  activity. In the last few years, a sense of community has really solidified, supported by new businesses in town, and the Residents realizing that we have something very special here. I lived in Marstons Mills from 1976 until 1996, and my Real Estate business office has been here since 1986. 'The Mills' has always had its own unique style-kind of a 'do your own thing' feeling, but always with a helping hand to neighbors when needed. Since many new residents have moved in, they bring a desire to bring the Village together in a proactive way so that Town services, economic prosperity and recognition of the uniqueness of living here is rewarded.

The newly formed Marstons Mills Farmers Market, which takes place on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month until May 15 at Liberty Hall on Main Street, is a welcome addition to the vibrancy of the village. Marstons Mills has had an Annual River Day in May, celebrating the Marstons Mills River, and a Village Day in September, both oriented to our strong population of young families. The Farmers Market reaches a new segment of the population, including working people, retired residents and a generation that cares to feed itself in a more sustainable way. We are lucky to have the convenience of a major supermarket in Marstons Mills, but as this Farmers Market grows, it could become a very friendly and much antiipated alternative for those specialty items that cannot be found in a supermarket. Not only that, but the heartbeat of the village is all within walking distance to this market-the Marstons Mills Public Library, the Mills Restaurant, the Plum Porch gift shop, and the long established Marstons Mills Cash Market.

Come discover the treasure that is Marstons Mills, and visit my slide show of Marston Mills scenes on my website at www.onestophomes.com

Deb

The Recession is Over! Long Live the Recovery!

Unfortunately this proclamation is a bit tongue in cheek. The Recession has been declared 'over'. The recovery is in its very early stages, but I believe it will be a long slow climb out-hence 'long live the recovery'.

We have seen tempting bits of good economic and real estate news, such as the recent report of both increasing sales volume and increase in median price from 2009 to 2010. This is really great news, and yet does not mean prices are actually climbing. It means that more expensive properties are selling, and that is really positive. Last year in the first Quarter of 2009, 75% of the sales were UNDER $250,000, so it could only go up from there.

The good news has been tempered by the reality of our lagging economy. Higher unemployment claims have been documented and consumer confidence sunk unexpectedly in the most recent report. There are still many areas of the Economy that are not on firm footing, and that will affect the Real Estate recovery nationwide.

What about here on Cape Cod, in my primary market areas from The Bridges to Dennis (focusing most intently on Towns of Barnstable-including villages of Marstons Mills, Cotuit, Barnstable and West Barnstable, Osterville, Centerville & Hyannis), Sandwich and Mashpee? I watch the daily activity carefully, and there are many new listings coming on the market daily. Although properties are selling, they are quickly being replaced with new listings. In some cases, the new listings seem to be coming on with optimistic pricing, based on the surge of activity in the last quarter of 2009. That may help to sell some properties that have been on the market for some time, and have recognized that the Market is not supporting unrealistic asking prices of the new listings. Price reductions are carefully followed on the Internet by active Buyer prospects, and when properties are priced right, we see offers coming, and sales completed.

There is real cause for concern later in 2010, after the Tax Credit expires, and the possible impending flood of more expensive houses coming into foreclosure. For buyers, it might seem wise to wait, but the spectre of increased mortgage interest rates could negate the gain of a lower price point. For sellers, it is wise to price the property correctly now to take advantage of the buyer activity we are seeing.

Winter still has a grip here-although we only received about 4-6 inches of snow, I like to think that by mid-February, the worst of Winter is behind us. The snow is melting fast this time, and with it I hope that buyers realize their opportunities to take of advantage of the Federal Tax Credit for both First Time Buyers and qualified Repeat Buyers are running out soon.

In Cotuit and Marstons Mills, we have a good selection of properties for sale in many price ranges. Last year at this time I had several listings in Cotuit, 3 of which sold in 2009, and right now I have only 1. Cotuit seems to be 'hot' right now-there are still options, but the well priced listings and attractive opportunities to live in this delightful seaside village are in short supply. A quick visit to my website www.onestophomes.com (click onto 'Express Search') will show you what is currently for sale in our Cape Cod Multiple Listing Service.

I have 4 listings of Marstons Mills real estate for sale right now-wide price ranges, and 3 are Waterfront properties. Living on the water seems to be everyone's dream of the perfect piece of Cape Cod real estate. What is special about Marstons Mills waterfront properties is that there are beautiful clean freshwater ponds to enjoy both the view and the water activities (swimming, paddling in canoes or kayaks, small craft boating and sailing, and this year ice fishing or skating). There is also Saltwater front property available, too. On inlets, estuaries, deepwater coves and bays-again with pricing to suit everyone's budget for Cape Cod real estate investment.

If you are not aware of the soon to expire Tax Credit opportunity, please view my earlier post with a link to a quick explanation to determine if you might qualify.

With mortgage interests rates likely to rise soon, and buying opportunities galore, Sellers are anxious to see their Cape Cod real estate sell this Spring. For Cape Cod Real Estate Buyers, if you buy now, you will be a homeowner in time for the daffodils and other Spring things here on Cape Cod-and particularly my own personal favorite places-Marstons Mills and Cotuit.

 If you would like to know more about this hidden secrets here on Cape Cod, visit my website at www.onestophomes.com and view information about these villages, and get to know the Mid Cape area, the Town of Barnstable and the activities we enjoy most living here.

Deb

 Spring daffodils on Cape Cod

 Kayaking on Cotuit Bay