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

I just read an article published as a result of a survey done to determine housing needs and wants of Buyers 55+ years. What is tops on their list from this survey? Easy home maintenace and repair! Not organized social activities.

To meet this need, I have a reliable and professional team of support persons in the Trades and Professional Services that will fit the bill. Owning a home on Cape Cod need not be stressful. I will connect you with my Preferred Professionals, and assure you that these contractors and and service people will deliver on what they promise. These are not the typical, much maligned Cape Cod Contractors. They will show up, perform a professional service and charge a fair price. I do not recommend anyone that I can vouch for, and I look for reliability, responsiveness, competitive pricing and integrity. Any referrals I make reflect on my Cape Cod Real Estate business, and a poor referral from me will damage my reputation more than I care to imagine.

If you are concerned about buying on Cape Cod, as a mature buyer, a senior citizen, or just a busy professional who wants an enjoyable experience with a second home or permanent home on Cape Cod, please contact me to represent you in the purchase of this property. If you know someone who has had a negative experience owning here on Cape Cod, I would be pleased to share my Preferred Professionals on Cape Cod with them, too.

To read the full text of the survey results done by National Association of Home Builders and MetLife Mature Market Institute, click this link

http://rismedia.com/2010-01-26/mature-market-home-buyers-look-beyond-buildings-desire-services/

Would you rather be Golfing on Cape Cod at the Town owned Marstons Mills Golf Course, watching an incredible sunset from a Cape Beach OR cleaning gutters, repainting the house, raking leaves, or supervising a contractor you cannot trust to do the Job you hired him/her for?!

Call me for the best Preferred Professionals on Cape Cod!

May you find Fair Winds and Following Seas every day

Deb

Deborah Schilling

As we begin the first week of 2010, the outlook for real estate on Cape Cod is mixed-as it has been for some time. There have been some good analyses in print and other media. Since Fall 09 was pretty good on  Cape Cod, we hope it will continue into 2010.

The difficulties are going to be with financing and credit issues, as banks are constantly revising lending guidelines and becoming more conservative. The Consumer is feeling more confident, and has been accustomed to being able to secure financing for most purchases unless their credit rating was really poor or they hold too much debt. That may change in the coming months  as Private Investors begin to buy ‘Mortgages’ (technically Mortgage Backed Securities) again. Those investors are likely to be more cautious, and will put pressure on Interest rates to rise-to make their investments pay off.

We are not immune to this on Cape Cod, but I am optimistic that the activity I saw in the Fall of 2009 was based on confidence in the value of Cape Cod real estate. We tend to have more affluent buyers than some resort areas, and although all income levels were affected by the economic downturn, our Yankee frugality and/or generally higher income levels allow Buyers to believe our real estate is a good long term investment.

The most recent reports I have from Realtor.com (the most visited Real Estate Web site in the U.S.), show a substantial downturn in ‘Views’ in December. The high points (overall) were earlier in the Fall, as Consumers began to see possible good news ahead. I will be monitoring the activity in January, and hope the weather moderates. Once the initial cold snap happens, though, cold and inclement weather doesn’t stop Buyers, so we are all accustomed to it now, and look forward to Spring (and maybe a new Home!!)

Other indicators show that there is serious interest in Buying on Cape Cod, with the help of the Homebuyer’s Tax Credit (for first time buyers and existing home buyers), and with Investors looking at the many opportunities that are available for purchase.

I had an excellent showing today on a house I have listed in Marstons Mills, located on a Saltwater River, with views to Prince Cove with its deepwater marina. It is listed for $474,000 and the prospect is a local Builder who loved the location and may be up for a project to update this unique property.

We still see good activity for First Time Buyers, and Second Home Buyers, and I expect it to pick up considerable as our “Spring Market” develops. (Yes,  the Spring Market on Cape Cod does begin well before the daffodils come up and the grass turns green-the Early Bird gets the choicest worms here!)

Deb

We got what we often dream about-a White Christmas! Cape Cod homes look beautiful in the snow-especially since it has already90% melted. As we like to brag, we often tell prospective buyers that there are many winters that we can bike, play golf, even ride motorcycles through much of the winter on Cape Cod.

We are a retirement destination for those active retirees who want to be near enough to the children and grandchildren or nieces and nephews to attend their sports or school events or other activities without making an expensive trip on an airplane or having a long difficult drive. The retirees have their lives here, and can easily drive or join a group trip to Boston or New York City for broader cultural or city experiences, and yet be able to schedule times to be with their families when the situation arises.

The Sunbelt is attractive, but a couple of weeks or months there is often sufficient to feel like an escape from New England weather. Because Cape Cod weather is generally more mild than 'over the bridge' on the mainland of New England, we can more readily accept the short term inconveniences of winter here. Recently, I showed a listing to a couple from Upstate New York who were-get this-looking at a Cape Cod home for use in the Winter only. They love their mountains and outdoor activities in the Summer in the Adirondacks, but are tired of the snow that keeps them limited in the winter. It will be interesting to see how that works out for them.

Have a happy and healthy New Year.

Deb Schilling

A White Christmas in Cotuit

Yesterday I closed on a listing that was in East Falmouth-a cute Cape in a nice neighborhood of Ashumet Valley Estates. The economic stimulus has had a positive effect on real estate and in this case it helped both the Buyer and the Seller!

The Buyers-a lovely young couple who are schoolteachers bought the house, and will utilize the extended First Time Buyer Tax Credit. I suspect (they were not my clients) that they will reimburse themselves for expenses associated with the purchase, and maybe even buy some new items for the house.

The Sellers are moving out of state to new jobs, and their purchase is likely to be in time to qualify for the Tax credit for homeowners who are selling a home they have occupied as a primary residence and buying another.

Without these incentives, the transaction may not have come together-the house was listed by another agency earlier in the year, and little activity. I listed it in August, and it seemed like properties on Cape Cod in the 'First Time Homebuyer' range were really selling well. Also, we were seeing an uptick in Second Home Buyers purchasing on Cape Cape Cod. In fact, we had several interested parties from each category. A couple of offers were very low, and not able to be successfully negotiated, as the Buyers were reading Media reports of lack of activity and low list to selling price rations. With patience, and effective marketing, this house found its perfect Buyers in November, and may not have been able to sell prior to the original expiration of the Tax Credit.

We ended up with Happy Sellers and Happy Buyers for this Cape Cod home in Falmouth, and look forward to seeing continuing momentum in 2010-the signs are postive! ?For details on the Tax Credit click on the link below, or call for a hard copy, email or fax for details on this wonderful benefit.

tax_credit_indformation_sheet.pdf (71.34 kb)

Happy Holidays

Deb Schilling

Photo of Association beach on Ashumet Pond-if you own in this neighborhood, you would have rights to this find freahwater beach.

Do you go away even for short trips in the winter? Do you have a plan in place to protect your home from disaster? Here are a few tips to help prevent a freeze up or flood that could cost you thousands, render your home uninhabitable, and cause problems with renewal of your Homeowners Insurance.

Homeowners leave their Cape Cod homes unprotected for many reasons. Often it is as simple as only planning to be gone for a long weekend. Our fickle electrical supply can cause a furnace to go off and not reset, and if weather is exceptionally cold, a freeze up can happen in just a short time. Hydronic (hot water baseboard) heating systems are more vulnerable, too. Maintenance issues should be attended to in the Fall-before the cold, snow and ice hit hard.

For a helpful checklist, click on the link below, or email/call me and I will make this valuable FREE list available to you. Email deb@onestophomes.com or (508)428-2300 x 13.

Winterizing checklist for Cape Cod property owners.doc (1.74 mb)

 Winter scene at 904 Main Street, Cotuit-it never snows on Cape Cod, does it????

During this difficult economic time, it is important for all of us to remember how much our donations mean to the charities or non profits we choose to support. Late last year and earlier this year, the slow down in the Cape Cod Real estate market made it difficult for me to keep up with my charitable giving. I have had the good fortune to have had a 2009 that by the end of the year will not be 'off' that much from 2008!

I have selected a new organization to support-The Cape Cod United Way. They have traditionally supported a wide variety of programs and organizations locally. I invite you to explore their mission and share in supporting it. Connect with them at www.uwcapecod.org and view the Giving or Volunteering opportunities at www.uwcapecod.org/pdf/broforwebsite.pdf . As a small businessperson, I elected to commit to giving through the Rising Tide program. My name was featured in an article in the November 2009 edition of the periodical Cape and Plymouth Business as a participant in this new program. To read the article about the United Way Cape Cod, connect to

Rising Tide article Cape & Business Nov 09.pdf (1.32 mb)

I have also been a long time fan of Libraries in the Town of Barnstable. As I lived in Marstons Mills for 20 years and my Real Estate office has always been in Marstons Mills. I also support the Marstons Mills Public Library at www.mmpl.org It is a fine small library with a local feel, which is true for the other 6 libraries in our Town.

I also feel we have a treasure in Talk Radio with our local NPR radio station with is WCAI. I enjoy the wide ranging topics and interviews-from politics to nature and personalities on a local Cape Cod level. Learn more about the programming or listen online at www.cainan.org

I have made a commitment to be a Sustainer by a regular monthly commitment pledge to PBS WCAI Radio.

I believe that I owe a lot to Cape Cod for my success and the joy that every day reminds me how lucky I am to live in such a wonderful place! Whether you are here already and need to change your living situation, plan to move here by buying a second home, or retire here by buying a retirement home, I would be pleased to help you with a no obligation consultation to help you in your decision process.

Deb

The recently extended HomeBuyer Tax Credit is poised to help us continue our strong gains in activity this Fall. Great opportunity for first time buyers, AND current Homeowners to take advantage of this Tax Credit to buy a home on Cape Cod!

This information sheet provides an overview of the Tax credit provisions

Here is a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) regarding how the Homebuyer Tax Credit actually might work in the "Real World"supplied by Laurie Hayes, VP Mortgage Banking at Eastern Bank, here in Marstons Mills. I think it puts it into an understandable context!

I was recently interviewed for Our Town Blog posted on the RE/MAX New England website, and responded to the following questions about My Town, Barnstable Massachusetts, and its seven villages: Barnstable, West Barnstable, Hyannis, Centerville, Marstons Mills, Cotuit, and Osterville.

To view the video:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxzr6bVCAp4#watch-main-area

Barnstable (Mid Cape): We spoke with Deborah Schilling of RE/MAX Classic in Marstons Mills

1. What is the median price of a Single Family home?

Median price of SF home is now (based on YTD stats from CCIAOR MLS for Town of Barnstable)   is $235,000-very affordable compared to several years ago when it was above $350,000 median.

2. What is the public transportation system like?

The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, has recently been provided with additional funding from the government. They are hiring more drivers and adding more equipment. Public transportation as a rule is very limited, as our geography is so spread out. We have several major bus lines going to Boston, airports, Providence, and connecting to New York City.  Also a very busy airport in Hyannis, with connections to islands and Boston. Hyannis also has frequent ferry service to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, where there are commuters to the islands for daily work. Bicycle trails are sparse.

3. What is access to major highways?

Access to major highways:  Route 6 connects directly to Route 3, and from most of Barnstable is a little over an hour to Boston on a good traffic day, and maybe an hour and a half on a bad day. This excludes the weekend tourist traffic, whic
h can add significantly more time, but it quite possible to work ‘around’ with some local knowledge.

4. How are the school systems in the area?

Schools in Barnstable are well regarded and offer a variety from public school, to Charter school, private and private religious schools. Barnstable has the largest Town school population on the Cape.

5. Who is this area attractive to?

The Cape is attractive to a wide variety of residents, but has always been a mecca for retirees, and those looking to retire in the near future, as our climate is less severe as a rule than the rest of New England. Tempered by the sea, we usually get less snow and severe cold than inland or more northern New England, so it is often that Golf can be played year round!  Because the prices of Real Estate on the Cape have been higher than the suburbs of Boston, buyers look to move to the Cape to downsize and reduce the investment in their homes by moving to the Cape full time, and selling the family home near the city. Most of our buyers come from within 90-100 miles of the Cape, and started out as vacationers or visitors and got ‘hooked’ on our lifestyle and slower pace.

Because Barnstable has lots of Open Space, protected by Town and private acquisition, it is a place to be active-walking, biking, horseback riding, boating of all sizes and types, swimming (fresh and salt), yet is strong in the cultural end, too. We have a Conservatory of Art and Music, Cape Cod Community College, several excellent art museums, local theater groups, so we attract a wide variety of physical and intellectual residents.

6. Total population?

Approximately 50,000 year round, and tripling in the summer to about 150,000.

7. Average age of population?

42.

Deb’s Five Faves about Barnstable:

1. Best Coffee Spot: Cotuit Grocery and Fresh Market, Cotuit.

2. Best Breakfast Spot: The Mills Restaurant, Marstons Mills

3. Best Chinese Food Restaurant: The Golden Fountain, Hyannis.

4. Best Walk: Osterville village-quiet and safe and beautiful

5. Best Pizza: Pizza 1, Subs 2, Marstons Mills and Pizza Wave, Marstons Mills.

For more information on Barnstable contact Deborah Schilling:

RE/MAX Classic

167 Lovells Lane

Marstons Mills, MA 02648

(508)428-2300 x13

deb@onestophomes.com