December 03, 2008

Home for the Holidays- Sandwich Village Christmas Celebration

Posted to Beverly Comeau

The best time of year begins with our community Carol Sing and the lighting of the Village Christmas tree at Town Hall Square on Shawme Pond. Sandwich Village is transformed into a magical place. Living in the midst of all the festive activities is pure joy- year after year! I am so proud to call Sandwich my hometown!

As a member and past Director of the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce and a local realtor, I have been involved in the Holiday House Tours. This year’s event has been expanded to 12 new and historic residences. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon filled with artists, fine food, wine and beer, floral displays and holiday music. Save the date - Sunday, Dec. 14. You can order tickets online at http://www.sandwichchamber.com. Join us in celebrating Sandwich’s long history of community spirit, neighborhood charm and gracious homes.

While in the Village for the day- shop Sandwich- an array of art galleries, book stores, jewelry and fine gift shops offer unique holiday gifts. And, register for a Sandwich Shopping Spree at participating merchants.

You may want to spend the weekend! I recommend The Annabelle Inn- a favorite on previous Village House Tours. The Innkeepers are truly gracious and you’ll be treated to a very special stay. Reserve at http://www.annabellebedandbreakfast.com.

If you enjoy your visit, you’re sure to love living in Sandwich. I’d like to help you find your Cape Cod home- whether it be a new beginning for you, a second home as a getaway, or an investment to rent on a weekly basis or short term or year round. Visit me at http://www.BeverlyComeau.com or email me at BComeau@jackconway.com. Ask me why I love living here! Christmas is just one reason!

Posted By: Beverly Comeau



November 25, 2008

Cape Cod is made up of 15 towns, and real estate is truly local here...

Posted to

UPPER CAPE COD INVENTORY REMAINS STABLE:

Cape Cod Town # of homes listed for sale Price Range
+Sandwich 267 single family homes $159,000 to $2,850,000
+Bourne 161 single family homes $175,000 to $4,500,000
+Falmouth 413 single family homes $124,900 to $7,900,000
+Mashpee 213 single family homes $154,900 to $7,000,000

UPPER CAPE COD SALES ARE STEADY:

Town Homes Sold 1/1/08-10/31/08 Price Range 1/1/07 - 10/31/07 Price Range
+Sandwich 179 $150,000 - $1,575,000 207 $165,000 - $1,150,000
+Bourne 126 $184,000 - $3,495,000 122 $115,000 - $2,305,000
+Falmouth 353 $120,000 - $2,925,000 382 $150,000 - $2,680,000
+Mashpee 153 $85,000 - $4,800,000 148 $180,000 - $3,000,000

(+ Based on Cape Cod & Islands Multiple Listing Service statistics)

If you are selling or buying a home on Cape Cod, let me be your resource. I am the local real estate expert. I understand that information helps you make an educated decision. Begin your search for homes on Cape Cod at http://www.BeverlyComeau.com. From there you can link to many resources, including a local Market Snapshot report. Or send me an email at BComeau@jackconway.com - I promise to respond quickly to your request.

Posted By: Beverly Comeau



November 21, 2008

Tis the Season...

Posted to Peter Hawley

Things are very busy here in my office in Falmouth, Mass. where I List and Sell Real Estate (http://www.peterhawley.com). I know we are beginning the Holiday Season when I drag out the Toys for Tots collection boxes and signs, and begin to tell everyone that again Jack Conway Falmouth office is a Drop Off site for new and unwrapped toys. This year the request for assistance will increase, and therefore the need for more toys is a challenge. Please visit http://www.toysfortots.com to find a Drop Off location in your area and learn how you might support this program.

One of the great events conducted by Jack Conway the founder of our company is the annual Thanksgiving Breakfast held each year at the Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, Mass. If you have not visited this wonderful place, mark your vacation calendar to do so (http://www.plimothplantation.com). This gathering typifies our company’s core values, of caring for others, as we collect food to benefit MainSpring House, Home for the Homeless.

Preparation has begun for the 45th Annual Falmouth Christmas Parade, the largest such event in southern New England. Visit (http://www.falmouthchamber.com) for a complete list of local events. The theme this year is Christmas Wishes and the Conway elves have been hard at work preparing our 60-foot float, which we proudly drag through the parade route. One of our annual Christmas wishes is no rain and mild temps the day of the parade. Regardless of the weather this is another great example of the community of Falmouth comes together, and is why many choose to live here.

It is the Season to share, to join with friends and family, to give, to reach out to those in need, and to enjoy where we live. Here in Falmouth, our Season is 12 months long. I may be reached at phawley@jackconway.com to assist you with your Real Estate needs.

Posted By: Peter Hawley



November 21, 2008

Dennis on the Cape

Posted to Scott Cash

The town of Dennis received its name in memory of Rev. Josiah Dennis who previously was the pastor of its principal church for 37 consecutive years. The town extends across the Cape, having Cape Cod Bay for its northern boundary and the Vineyard Sound for its southern. Harwich and Brewster constitute its eastern boundary, and Yarmouth its western. Like the towns on the Cape west, it would seem to have two parts-north and south- separated by a large tract of oak and pine woods, through which the old road runs near the head of Follen's pond. At the north is the range of hills that extends through Yarmouth, Barnstable and Sandwich.

In Dennis, the hills are only about a mile from the bay and their summits command fine views of it. The surface of the town north of the hills is very uneven, and at the south is a vast undulating plain sloping toward the sound. The town has five divisions or communities, the most of which are considerable villages of the New England type, and are noticed under their respective names. The first settlement of the town was in the northern part, but the southern now exceeds in population. Bass River is a considerable stream, extending along the boundary between Dennis and Yarmouth- the line being the center- flowing from Follen's pond southerly into the sound, affording harbor for small craft. It is the largest stretch of inland water in the county. Chase Garden River forms part of the western boundary, emptying into the bay at the north, where many fishing schooners formerly found safe refuge for the winter months. The largest marsh of the town is at the mouth of this river. This marsh is really a continuation of the great marshes around Barnstable bay.

If you are thinking of making the Cape your home, call Scott Cash at 508-534-5702. Scott is a 13th generation Cape Codder. You can view all of Cape Cod’s wonderful homes at http://www.cashoncapecod.com.

Posted By: Scott Cash



November 20, 2008

Accepting What Is??

Posted to Peter Hawley

Early this morning I was greeted with the first snow squall that swept across Cape Cod, and as I headed to my office in Falmouth, Mass. where I list and sell Real Estate, (www.peterhawley.com), the fields and marshes were dusted with what appeared to be sugar. I am not sure if I am ready for this change in weather, I heard the snowmaking machines are cranking out the powder in Vermont and New Hampshire and Maine, so there is a good start to ski season in the North Country.

Just as I am not sure I am ready to accept that winter has arrived, many in the Real Estate have not accepted the market has changed, and is going to continue to change, and I submit we will be better off if we accept what is and get on with the business at hand.

From Sept. 1 to Nov. 19, 2008 according to the CCIAOR MLS, in Falmouth, Mass. 77 Single Family homes have Sold. There were 411 Single Family homes on the market Nov. 19. This means that over 18 percent of the inventory has been Sold, and although there are markets throughout the country that have had little movement, Falmouth, Mass. continues to have a strong Real Estate market.

The other statistic I find interesting is the percentage difference between the last Listed price and the Sold price, and during the same period mentioned above, that percentage was 92.77 percent. That is a little over a 7 percent discount, which indicates that Buyers continue to see value, are buying, and looking at their long term goals in a positive way.

The message to Sellers is very clear, accept what is, those properties priced correctly are in fact selling, and you might review your market position at least every 30 Days. I am available at phawley@jackconway.com to assist you in meeting your goal of either Selling or Buying property.

Posted By: Peter Hawley



November 18, 2008

Thanksgiving on Cape Cod

Posted to Joe McGann

While the Pilgrims ultimately settled in Plymouth and established the Plymouth Colony there, they first landed in what is now Provincetown, a town on the northern tip of Cape Cod. After scouting the area for some time, a group of the leaders took a dory up to what is now known as the town of Eastham, approximately 25 miles away. As they approached one of the beaches in the town a group of curious Native Americans appeared on the shore, watching their progress towards land.

It was there, in what is now called First Encounter Beach (right), where the Pilgrims and the natives met for the first time. The spot is marked only with a small plaque, but each Thanksgiving for many years I've visited that spot, first with my children, then with friends and now with my grandson and anyone else who wants to take the short ride from my home on Nauset Beach.

Like so many historical spots, it is a very evocative place and you can almost feel the presence of those settlers and the natives, who were probably terrified of these strange interlopers. There is no place I'd rather be on Thanksgiving than Cape Cod and I never miss visiting First Encounter. You can find spots like this all over Cape Cod, each playing its own unique part in the colonization of America.

And, if you would like to experience all that the Cape has to offer as a resident, please visit my website at or .

Posted By: Joe McGann



November 14, 2008

Winter Strolls

Posted to Joe McGann

Many of your favorite Cape Cod towns have some sort of "stroll" between Thanksgiving and New Years. Several towns do a First Night Celebration, with Chatham being one of the largest. It's a wonderful time to come to the Cape, stay in a cozy B&B, bundle up and join in the evening fun. There is nothing like fall and early winter on Cape Cod. It's quiet shop owners are more relaxed and have more time to talk and there is certainly no traffic. It's a fun time to reconnect with the Cape at a time of the year that is totally unlike the summer experience.

When we first moved to the Cape as year-round residents 12 years ago, staying open through the winter months was a new concept for restaurants, galleries and shops. A few brave souls toughed it out, found success after a year or two and now business is good enough to encourage others to do it. What a difference a few years make.

On http://www.jackconway.com and on http://www.joemcgann.com, you can find links to various chambers of commerce and a schedule of events. And while you're at it, take a look at the latest real estate offerings. Who knows, you may go home with all of your Christmas presents and a new vacation home!

Posted By: Joe McGann



November 10, 2008

What Now......

Posted to Peter Hawley

Here in Falmouth, Mass. where I list and sell Real Estate (http://www.peterhawley.com), I have spent the past few days having that heart to heart talk with Sellers. Now that the election is over and we know what is -- the looming question is, what will be? As I tell my Sellers, the future just isn’t what it used to be.

What each Seller must now do is understand what the actual cost of their present property is each month. The mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, heat, electric, lawn service, general upkeep. This total figure is critical, remembering these are out of pocket recurring expenses.

Here is an example; if it is going to cost out of pocket $3,000 a month and it is projected the house might be on the market another 4 months. That is $12,000. My suggestion is at a minimum to do the following. 1. Lower the price this amount. 2. Offer this amount as a Seller’s concession, to be used to pay down a loan interest rate, pay the PMI, pay 2 years of taxes, or pay closing costs, for the BUYER.

Sellers must be Pro-Active in a big way to grab the attention of the Buyer, and as we see in some areas prices being modified downward. What a property is being offered for today does not mean that the market will support that price in the future.

Sellers needed to make some serious decisions. I am available to discuss innovative marketing programs and may be reached at phawley@jackconway.com.

Posted By: Peter Hawley



November 06, 2008

What does ABR Stand For?

Posted to Beverly Comeau

ABR- Accredited Buyer Representative- the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation.

This designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council of the National Association of REALTORS who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria.

In today’s real estate climate, buyers need an advocate- someone in their corner- when they are buying a home- making one of the largest investments in their lives.

I was preparing a presentation on the importance of buyer representation to 15 new agents in our company last week. There is an immense commitment and fiduciary responsibility a buyer’s agent makes to the buyer client.

The most important time spent with a buyer is during the consultation process. My role is:

  1. Build trust. I want to learn what is important to my buyer- what their expectations are- what is their goal because that becomes my goal.

  2. Determine their concerns. Explain options. Do a reality check.

  3. Explain the process of searching for properties, evaluating the properties, negotiating on their behalf, managing the details of the transaction.

  4. Share my knowledge and communicate often so my client can make an informed decision.

  5. Make a commitment to go the extra mile.

If you are thinking of buying a home on Cape Cod, it really does make sense to choose a realtor to represent you who has earned the ABR designation. I’ll make a commitment to make your homebuying journey an exciting process ending with a celebration on closing day! Call Beverly Comeau, ABR, at 508-364-0084 or email me at BComeau@jackconway.com.

Posted By: Beverly Comeau



November 04, 2008

Sandwich Boardwalk...A Respite Any Time of Year

Posted to Beverly Comeau

The outdoor temp recorded in my car said 64 degrees... the end of October. I was negotiating an offer for my buyer client and I needed a new strategy to break through the seller’s resistance. My brain needed oxygen.

Less than a half mile from my real estate office is the Sandwich Boardwalk. I can get there blindfolded! It’s my refuge! And I wasn’t alone today! The Glasstown Trolley pulled up with a bridal party ready to pose for a group photo on the Boardwalk. Three older women had to get out of the water before the photographer took the first picture- yes, they were swimming! Dogs were out for a stroll with their owners. Bird watchers had their cameras ready. Groups were basking in the sun snuggled against a sand dune to break the wind. It was a glorious afternoon. And it was high tide!

Let me tell you the story behind the Sandwich Boardwalk. It was destroyed during Hurricane Bob. Local residents organized a committee to sell planks which could be engraved. Then volunteers rebuilt the Boardwalk. Walk across and you can read the names of many local businesses, family names, lovers’ initials, memorials, inspirational quotes . . . Never Give Up, Where It All Began, The 3 Legged Marsh Dog and who is The Grand Geezer?

Homes for sale within one mile of the Sandwich Boardwalk range in price from $279,900 for a two-bedroom cottage near Town Neck Beach to $2,375,000 for a five-bedroom home with the beach at your doorstep. And just listed is a three-bedroom home with views- spectacular views- just steps to the Boardwalk.

Imagine- stress relief nearby- and it doesn’t come in a bottle! Go to my website http://www.BeverlyComeau.com to search for your home in Sandwich near the Sandwich Boardwalk.

Oh, yes, the offer did go together!

Posted By: Beverly Comeau



November 04, 2008

The Current Economy and Cape Home Sales

Posted to Joe McGann

Wow is all I can say. When I started this real estate blog I wrote a little about the state of the economy and the Cape Cod real estate market, but I never in my wildest dreams (or nightmares) thought the WORLD, not just the US, would ever experience what we are seeing today. And yet September sales on the Cape were the highest on record since 2003 and I had another terrific month. It seems that foreclosures are driving a large part of the market now almost everywhere, but none of my sales were foreclosures and on the Cape such sales are generally very inexpensive homes. Of course this was well before the world markets fell apart.

I happened to be taking a long vacation drive when the economy suddenly became all the news and, thanks to satellite radio I could listen to the talking heads all day. It was more like a roller coaster ride than a roller coaster! What I have gleaned from it all is that no one really understood what they were doing with all the credit swaps and derivatives of all types and on and on and we still don't know what's going to fix it, but we do know that people will always need shelter, that people will still retire and take vacations and boy are there some bargains out there now.

Warren Buffet is really a study in how to do it right. He sees nothing but opportunity in what has happened and, as he said, the best time to buy is when there is blood on the ground and that's what he's doing. So if you have a few bucks and a nice credit report you can still borrow money. We've all gotten spoiled by how easy credit has been for the past decade. Think about this: before all the easy money it wasn't ever easy to get credit. Buying a house was a tough process with lots of documentation and that's where we are now. It's not really any harder than when I bought my house in the early 70s. It's just that nobody is used to that anymore. I'll repeat what I said a while ago. Banks have to lend money to make money. At Conway Financial Services our mortgage experts know which banks have been relatively unaffected by these times because they never wavered in their underwriting. They have money to lend, we have homes to sell and you can find them all at http://www.joemcgann.com or write to me at jmcgann@jackconway.com.

We've been in business for 53 years and we've seen the ups and down come and go and we at Conway are as solid as the lenders who will finance your Cape Cod dream home.

Posted By: Joe McGann



November 01, 2008

GOOD NEWS : Single-family home sales rise in September!

Posted to Melanie Cauchon

I just read the MAR's (Massachusetts Association of Realtors) Bay State REALTOR News and this week's news is wonderful! Single-family home sales rose in September 2008 compared to 2007! Combine this news to the interest rates being lowered again by the Fed, and it looks like we will be busy in the coming months! If you decide to seize that opportunity and check out what your next home will be like, click here on my site http://www.melaniecauchon.com. Or you can call me any day at 508-534-5570. If you wish to read the full article, email me at mcauchon@jackconway.com, and I will be happy to send it to you and keep you posted on the latest market statistics.

Posted By: Melanie Cauchon



October 30, 2008

How to Entertain Little Children in Sandwich Village…

Posted to Catherine Thomas

How do you entertain small children in Sandwich Village in cold weather? One reason I chose to relocate to Cape Cod, and specifically Sandwich, is that it is more than a summer vacation destination. Sandwich Village is really a quintessential small New England town.

There are quite a few things to do that are not beach related. When my sister visits with her two little girls we will have several activities to keep them entertained!

Our fist stop will be the Fish Hatchery where you can feed the trout. The hatchery is run by the state Fish and Wildlife department. They have several large tanks of trout from baby to adult. They sell fish food for a quarter and the children have a ball feeding the fish.

Another favorite spot is the penny candy store. The older children prefer the old fashioned "five and dime" on Jarves street in the village right across from Beth’s Special Teas. The younger ones like to go to East Sandwich to the Painted Daisy where they sell candy by the pound.

If the Heritage Museum is open we stop in at the Art Museum and take a few rides on the antique, but fully restored, carousel.

For lunch we like to go to the Daniel Webster Inn and have chowder or chicken pot pie which is one of their specialties.

One favorite stop is the Sandwich Glass Museum. The children love to watch the glass blowing demonstration and then do the “scavenger hunt” through the exhibits. At the end of the visit they turn in their scavenger hunt sheet and receive a small bag of marbles to add to their collection.

In the afternoon we’ll stop for tea. For a more formal tea we go to the Dunbar Tea Room, across from the grist mill; which is quite cozy and has delicious scones. If we want an informal and less time consuming snack we’ll go to Beth’s Special Teas on Jarves Street for some really delicious brownies and cookies.

Of course no visit to Sandwich is complete without a trip to the Boardwalk!!

Feel free to email me at CThomas@jackconway.com about my experiences living in Sandwich Village and raising children on Cape Cod. Or if you’re interested in homes for sale in Sandwich Village or buying a home on Cape Cod visit my website at http://www.CatherineOnTheCape.com or call me at 508-503-4443. If you would like to search the MLS yourself, send me at email at CThomas@jackconway.com and I’ll send you a password to the MLS system.

Posted By: Catherine Thomas



October 28, 2008

Leaves are not the only thing Falling in October...

Posted to Peter Hawley

It is a soggy day here in Falmouth, MA where I List and Sell Real Estate (http://www.peterhawley.com), and for the past few days I have watched the old Maple tree by my office window shed its brilliant coat of leaves, and by the end of this day, they will all be gone. Leaves are not the only things falling, house prices are falling and interest rates are falling. The economy is readjusting to inflated prices, unsustainable investments, and a re-evaluation of true value compared to speculative value. In the long run this benefits everyone, although in the short term we all might feel a little discomfort.

Falling property prices have in fact had a positive impact on total sales which have increased due to the combination of low, fixed interest rates, the Federal Government’s program that offers a $7,500 tax credit to those who have not owned a property in the last three years and the reality that real estate provides shelter not only an investment vehicle, the wise buyer is planning for the future and following the idea “Buy Low, Hopefully Sell High.”

Many of my clients who I have in what I call my “works in progress” file, all seem to have a number of things in common. They ran up consumer debt, but are committed to eliminate it and free up more disposable income to be used for savings and building toward their financial future by being in a position to own property. They are starting to subscribe to the philosophy of under living, which is living within or below one’s financial means. By doing so they will be able to have more choices, they will be able to own a property, a house, establish a home, which for many of us is the center of our lives.

There is opportunity before us each day, for some it is time to enjoy the harvest, with lowering prices and interest rates, for some it is time to collect the seeds for future planting. I would love to assist you and may be reached at phawley@jackconway.com

Posted By: Peter Hawley



October 26, 2008

Independent Living at its Best

Posted to Melanie Cauchon

We all have seen a parent, grandparent or loved one who had to move out of their home because they just could not live on their own for a reason or another.

They stayed in their house as long as they could for fear of losing their independence, afraid of entering a nursing home, or losing their driver’s license and independence.

And though we know it is best for them, it is often heartbreaking and conflicting to have to intervene.

Fortunately, there is an alternative to losing that independence: Heatherwood Independent Living at Kings Way, in Yarmouthport, Cape Cod.

Here you can own your own condo, but do not need to do anything to it. You can go everywhere you want without a driver’s license: with the shuttle’s chauffeur service. You can cook in your own kitchen, but you do not have to because the monthly condo fee includes at least 20 meals/month at the “country club-like” cafeteria/restaurant, just an elevator floor away! You can walk without fear of cars, because you are surrounded by Kings Way golf course and numerous paved walking paths. Your loved ones can rest assured you are safe at all time, because everyone has their own personal portable emergency alert device. You can exercise indoors in group classes or alone or you can swim in one of the outdoor pools. You can get your hair done at the on-site hair salon or barbershop, work on a project in the workshop room, grab a new book in the library, watch a movie in the theatre room, meet with friends in one of many living rooms or dens… There are so many activities every day and it is so beautiful that it feels like a luxury hotel resort! The only thing you cannot do: get bored! Heatherwood really offers all the services on site so its residents can maintain their independence!

To learn more about this wonderful life style, check out my listing at http://www.melaniecauchon.com/detail.asp?listingID=20808909&searchtype=byagent&agentid=108796 and make sure to look at all 35 photos! You can call me at anytime with questions or to make an appointment at 508-534-5570 or go to my website at http://www.melaniecauchon.com.

Posted By: Melanie Cauchon