Check out these open houses on Cape Cod this weekend.  If you are interested in any of these homes or to learn more about any other homes for sale on the Cape, contact us today.  Chatelain Real Estate agents are known for the excellent quality of service and professionalism they offer their clients and would love to help you find your dream home on Cape Cod.

 

Saturday 1-3 | 88 Pleasant Bay Road Harwich

Delightful home centrally located. It features one floor living, warm wood accents, an open floor plan, beamed vaulted ceiling, and sparkling hardwood floors throughout. The master bedroom with private bath has direct access through large slider to the deck. This home is nestled on a private acre of land that is convenient to Pleasant Bay for water recreation and to shopping, restaurants, groceries, post office and all life needs. Truly a joy to own.

 

 

 

Saturday 1-3 | 15 Ocean Ave Harwich Port

This is an unbeatable sought-after sweet location that features charming cottages, which share a love for summer fun. Nantucket Sound is merely 140 paces away and Harwich Port village center is less than a quarter mile for fine dining, shopping, art galleries, and more. This home an arts and crafts style bungalow renovated in 2013 , combines historic features, such as built-ins, charming decorative arched fireplace, carved brick mantle and dark wooden beams with modern bathrooms, kitchen, and infrastructure upgrades. The ocean is viewable from both up and downstairs porches and the master bedroom. It is a larger home with adequate room for large gatherings. Long standing solid rental history is available. Septic is being upgraded.

March Review:

We'll go ahead and say it now, "this was a decent winter for weather."  Why does this matter for the real estate market on Cape Cod? With the seasonality of sales here an easy winter sets up sellers to get their properties on the market earlier in the year: i.e. February and March instead of March and April.  Last month inventory was up 10% from 2018 and this month it is up 15%.  This leaves us with 5.3 months of inventory in Barnstable County which, while still slightly seller favored, is more sustainable and healthy than the 4.7 months of inventory we saw at this time last year.  We do notice that the percent of original asking price received is down from last year, but up from February.  Finally, average days on market is 120 which brings up an important consideration.  Imagine paying two extra months of your mortgage, utilities, taxes and insurance. Now weigh that against a lower list price that will more quickly attract a buyer and result in a sale.  If you are considering selling we recommend working with professional Realtors so that you can devise a pricing and marketing strategy that accounts for your needs as a seller. 

Recent Market Summary

	Jan	Feb	Mar
Closed Sales	229	201	291
Inventory	1,626	1,693	1,837
Median Sales Price	$395K	$408K	$421.5K
Avg Days on Market	112	130	120
Avg % of Original Price	92%	91%	93%

 

Ask Agnes: What Improvements add value to my home?	Spring cleaning tips from an expert in...tips

Check out these open houses on Cape Cod this weekend.  If you are interested in any of these homes or to learn more about any other homes for sale on the Cape, contact us today.  Chatelain Real Estate agents are known for the excellent quality of service and professionalism they offer their clients and would love to help you find your dream home on Cape Cod.

 

Saturday 10-12 | 88 Pleasant Bay Road Harwich

Delightful home centrally located. It features one floor living, warm wood accents, an open floor plan, beamed vaulted ceiling, and sparkling hardwood floors throughout. The master bedroom with private bath has direct access through large slider to the deck. This home is nestled on a private acre of land that is convenient to Pleasant Bay for water recreation and to shopping, restaurants, groceries, post office and all life needs. Truly a joy to own.

 

 

Saturday 10-12 | 560 Millstone Road, Brewster

 This light and bright ranch checks all the boxes - 3 good sized bedrooms, en-suite master bath, 2 car garage, full basement, gas generator, fireplace, irrigation, gleaming hardwood throughout. Walk-up attic offers many possibilities. Perfectly located less than 2 miles to Brewster's fantastic beaches and across the street from Nickerson State Park with trails, camping, fishing and more. Nicely situated far off the road on an attractive 1.4 acre wooded lot. Exceptionally well maintained and very lightly used since it was built in 2002. Nothing to do but move in and enjoy.

 

 

 

Sunday 10-12 | 47 Asack Drive South Dennis

This lovely home in a sought-after Dennis neighborhood offers sparkling hardwood and tile floors. It is conveniently located with easy access to amenities and all of life's needs. Sit back and enjoy morning coffee in the window wrapped sunroom while listening to the chirping birds in the peaceful yard. Step out on the Azek deck to feel the breeze coming through the trees that afford exceptional privacy. Entertain from the smartly appointed stainless kitchen with granite counters. Nestle with a book around the gas fireplace in the living room. Or enjoy a movie in the loft that is large enough to be both an entertainment center and grand home office. Take comfort in the first floor master bedroom that features an en suite lovely bath and walk-in closet. House your guests in the two second floor bedrooms. Take pride in the interesting architectural features. Delight in the fact that this home is low maintenance and economical to own with its solar panels. This is truly a joy to own.

 

 

Sunday 1-3 | 13 Beachwood Road, South Yarmouth

A sophisticated cottage for the discerning homeowner this is a true pleasure to own. Don't compromise on quality. This extraordinary custom renovated luxurious cottage personifies the charm of the Cape. Every inch in each of the six rooms is crafted to perfection from end-grain butcher block counters and Baldwin hardware to granite steps, copper gutters, and decorative mullions all by Kenneth Vona Construction. Ocean views capture quintessential Cape Cod. This jewel is less than 50 paces to Nantucket Sound beach.

With Spring finally here we are ready to shake off our winter coats and enjoy longer days and better weather (soon).  But take a rainy day this April (like today!) and make your home clean and tidy with these easy and fun spring cleaning tips.

Dust and clean horizontal surfaces

This often gets overlooked but now is the perfect time to take care of it.  Here is a quick trick too: use a reusable microfiber cloth or rag on a Swiffer handle to wash and reuse without wasting a lot of single use cloths - it also keeps you from having to bend over for shoe-molding!  We also like using a dilute vinegar mixture (50:50 water vinegar) after the quick dusting to truly clean and refresh all of those surfaces.  Even consider putting in a few drops of your favorite essential oil to add a pleasant fragrance.

Wash and put away winter goodies

Spend a little time going through coat racks, car trunks and chair backs to collect heavy coats, scarves, sweaters etc....  Wash what you can and put it away.  If your house is small, consider packing these items away in plastic tubs in the attic or basement with a dryer sheet to keep them fresh until the fall.  This is also a great opportunity to go through those winter items that never got used and consider donating them.  There are a lot of Red Cross donation drop boxes around Cape Cod that accept clothing donations.  Also Goodwill and municipal transfer stations are collection points for these goods as well.

Clean your refrigerator and freezer

Nobody likes doing it but now is your chance.  The best thing to do here is to completely empty the contents.  It doesn't take too long and allows you to take a look at the expiration dates on jars and condiments (mustard from 2015! Shame on you).  Wipe the shelves and drawers and, once you put everything back, you are left with a better organized, emptier and cleaner fridge!  Here is a fun tip for smaller families that will save you energy as well: if you find that you don't use up all of your fridge's space, put gallons of water inside to fill up the empty area.  These will help retain the coldness when you open the door and your fridge won't have to work as hard getting things back to temperature once it is closed, saving electricity.

Make a plan and chip away at it

Don't mark off one whole day to do all of this at once.  Write down a checklist of what you want done and choose 15-30 minute projects to tackle over the next few weeks.  Remember the result is a nice clean home that you will love spending time in!

Check out these open houses on Cape Cod this weekend.  If you are interested in any of these homes or to learn more about any other homes for sale on the Cape, contact us today.  Chatelain Real Estate agents are known for the excellent quality of service and professionalism they offer their clients and would love to help you find your dream home on Cape Cod.

 

Sunday 11-2 | 15 Ocean Ave Harwich Port | Featured Cape House Hunt in the Cape Cod Times

This is an unbeatable location that features charming cottages, which share a love for summer fun. Nantucket Sound is merely 140 paces away and Harwich Port village center is less than a quarter mile for fine dining, shopping, art galleries, and more. This home an arts and crafts style bungalow renovated in 2013 , combines historic features, such as built-ins, charming decorative arched fireplace, carved brick mantle and dark wooden beams with modern bathrooms, kitchen, and infrastructure upgrades. The ocean is viewable from both up and downstairs porches and the master bedroom. It is a larger home with adequate room for large gatherings. Long standing solid rental history is available. Septic is being upgraded.

 

*NEW TO MARKET* | Saturday 10-12 | 560 Millstone Road Brewster

This light and bright ranch checks all the boxes - 3 good sized bedrooms, en-suite master bath, 2 car garage, full basement, gas generator, fireplace, irrigation, gleaming hardwood throughout. Walk-up attic offers many possibilities. Perfectly located less than 2 miles to Brewster's fantastic beaches and across the street from Nickerson State Park with trails, camping, fishing and more. Nicely situated far off the road on an attractive 1.4 acre wooded lot. Exceptionally well maintained and very lightly used since it was built in 2002. Nothing to do but move in and enjoy.

 

 

 

It's that time again, Spring.  The daffodils are starting to poke up through the ground, afternoons are getting warmer, and homeowners are starting to take a long hard look at the shambles of their yards and homes after the winter.  We decided to take a bit of time for another installment of "Ask Agnes" and focus on home improvements and how much value they add to a home. 

"Hi Agnes! It's been a while since we've had a chance to do this and we are excited to be back."

"Me too.  What can I do for you today?"

"I'd like to sell and need to know which major home improvements I should do to maximize my sale price?  Should I finally renovate my bathroom"

"The short answer is don't do it."

"Truly? Even my bathroom?  Everyone loves new bathrooms right?"

"The cost recovered on most home improvements just don't pay back"

"Can you explain a little about this 'cost recovered' to start?"

"Sure.  Cost recovered is a way to measure how much value a home improvement adds to your home compared to what you spent to make the improvement .  Here is a quick example: you have a lemonade stand that is worth $10 and you spend $5 improving the sign and painting the stand.  You then sell the stand for $15.  We are interested in how much value that $5 improvement added to the property and in this case it is $5, so you recovered 100% of your investment.  This means you only broke even and the improvement, while it added value to the property, didn't net you any extra money."

"Wait, isn't a 100% return an amazing investment?"

"In the stock market it sure would be because they are considering a "Return on Investment' or ROI, which is a little different.  For home improvements we are interested in the cost recovered so anything less than 100% means you lost some money."

"Right, that makes sense now.  So to get back to the bathroom how do you know it isn't a good investment?"

"Well based on the report here a mid-range bathroom remodel in New England costs $21,891 and adds $15,777 in value to your home at resale.  That is a 72% cost recovery which means you lost $4,333.  The cost recovered is even worse nationwide at only 60%.  

"What are some other examples? What about kitchens or re-siding?"

"People do like new kitchens but a mid-range minor kitchen remodel in New England only returns about 81%, more extensive remodels closer to 60%.  Siding is about 89%, backyard patios are 57% and the list goes on and on."

"Is there anything I can do that will actually earn a profit"

"According to the report new garage doors are the only thing that does.  And in this case a $3629 improvement nets only $267."

"Yikes, forget home improvements then huh?"

"That thinking isn't quite right either for two reasons.  Sometimes an improvement is actually maintenance and deferred maintenance may reduce the value and marketability of your home. For example, a leaking roof will lessen the value of your home through water damage and should be repaired regardless of the cost. The important thing is to consult with your realtor before making improvements to sell your home.  They will advise you as to which projects are worthwhile and which are not. My final thought here is that you shouldn't be waiting to improve your home!  Enjoy it and make it work for you.  If you want to add a back deck by all means do it and enjoy an improvement in both your home and your quality of life.  Don't hold back from an improvement if it is something you will enjoy."

Well Agnes, as always we appreciate your sage advice and experience here in the Cape Cod real estate market.  Please contact us with questions about buying and selling on the Cape and stay tuned for our next installment of Ask Agnes.

Check out these open houses on Cape Cod this weekend.  If you are interested in any of these homes or to learn more about any other homes for sale on the Cape, contact us today.  Chatelain Real Estate agents are known for the excellent quality of service and professionalism they offer their clients and would love to help you find your dream home on Cape Cod.

 

PRICE REDUCED | Saturday 10-12 | 47 Asack Drive South Dennis

This lovely home in a sought-after Dennis neighborhood offers sparkling hardwood and tile floors. It is conveniently located with easy access to amenities and all of life's needs. Sit back and enjoy morning coffee in the window wrapped sunroom while listening to the chirping birds in the peaceful yard. Step out on the Azek deck to feel the breeze coming through the trees that afford exceptional privacy. Entertain from the smartly appointed stainless kitchen with granite counters. Nestle with a book around the gas fireplace in the living room. Or enjoy a movie in the loft that is large enough to be both an entertainment center and grand home office. Take comfort in the first floor master bedroom that features an en suite lovely bath and walk-in closet. House your guests in the two second floor bedrooms. Take pride in the interesting architectural features. Delight in the fact that this home is low maintenance and economical to own with its solar panels. This is truly a joy to own.

 

Saturday 1-3 | 88 Pleasant Bay Road Harwich

Delightful home centrally located. It features one floor living, warm wood accents, an open floor plan, beamed vaulted ceiling, and sparkling hardwood floors throughout. The master bedroom with private bath has direct access through large slider to the deck. This home is nestled on a private acre of land that is convenient to Pleasant Bay for water recreation and to shopping, restaurants, groceries, post office and all life needs. Truly a joy to own.

Check out these open houses on Cape Cod this weekend.  If you are interested in any of these homes or to learn more about any other homes for sale on the Cape, contact us today.  Chatelain Real Estate agents are known for the excellent quality of service and professionalism they offer their clients and would love to help you find your dream home on Cape Cod.

PRICE REDUCED | Saturday 10-12 | 47 Asack Drive South Dennis

This lovely home in a sought-after Dennis neighborhood offers sparkling hardwood and tile floors. It is conveniently located with easy access to amenities and all of life's needs. Sit back and enjoy morning coffee in the window wrapped sunroom while listening to the chirping birds in the peaceful yard. Step out on the Azek deck to feel the breeze coming through the trees that afford exceptional privacy. Entertain from the smartly appointed stainless kitchen with granite counters. Nestle with a book around the gas fireplace in the living room. Or enjoy a movie in the loft that is large enough to be both an entertainment center and grand home office. Take comfort in the first floor master bedroom that features an en suite lovely bath and walk-in closet. House your guests in the two second floor bedrooms. Take pride in the interesting architectural features. Delight in the fact that this home is low maintenance and economical to own with its solar panels. This is truly a joy to own.

Saturday 1-3 | 15 Ocean Ave Harwich Port

This is an unbeatable location that features charming cottages, which share a love for summer fun. Nantucket Sound is merely 140 paces away and Harwich Port village center is less than a quarter mile for fine dining, shopping, art galleries, and more. This home an arts and crafts style bungalow renovated in 2013 , combines historic features, such as built-ins, charming decorative arched fireplace, carved brick mantle and dark wooden beams with modern bathrooms, kitchen, and infrastructure upgrades. The ocean is viewable from both up and downstairs porches and the master bedroom. It is a larger home with adequate room for large gatherings. Long standing solid rental history is available. Septic is being upgraded.

Sunday 1-3 | 13 Beachwood Rd South Yarmouth

 sophisticated cottage for the discerning homeowner this is a true pleasure to own. Don't compromise on quality. This extraordinary custom renovated luxurious cottage personifies the charm of the Cape. Every inch in each of the six rooms is crafted to perfection from end-grain butcher block counters and Baldwin hardware to granite steps, copper gutters, and decorative mullions all by Kenneth Vona Construction. Ocean views capture quintessential Cape Cod. This jewel is less than 50 paces to Nantucket Sound beach.

February Review:

February saw the beginning of the Spring market on Cape Cod and the numbers tell an interesting tale.  We notice that average days on market has been steadily increasing while average percent of original price received has been declining.  It seems that buyers in the market are responding to overpriced houses by waiting longer to make offers and ultimately offering less.  We see this time and time again in smaller markets too, take an analysis we did for a client recently: Brewster Single Family sales in 2018. 

I'll explain briefly: 

Blue columns indicate the current price as a % of the original asking price.  In other words, the price that actually attracted a buyer.

Orange columns indicate the sale price as a % of the original price.

The three groups of columns show the houses that sold the fastest selling (left group at less than 25 days), median (middle group), and slowest selling (right group at more than 105 days).

Given all of that, we see houses that sell faster sell for closer to the asking price.  Homes that are on the market for longest are reduced to 94% of the original asking price before they attract a buyer and sell for only 90% of the original asking price. The takeaway is clear: if you price your house too high, it could spend more time on market and receive significantly less than the original asking price - ultimately costing you money.  It is important to work with local real estate experts to be sure you are well informed about how pricing strategies ultimately affect your bottom line.  

Recent Market Summary

	Dec	Jan	Feb
Closed Sales	290	229	201
Inventory	1,614	1,626	1,693
Median Sales Price	$385K	$395K	$408K
Avg Days on Market	95	112	130
Avg % of Original Price	93%	92%	91%

 

Blog - Top 5 things to do on a rainy day on Cape Cod	Dennis Insights

We think Cape Cod is a wonderful place not just in the sunny summer, but even when a little rain looks to hinder a beach day.  With our top five fun activities to do on Cape Cod in nasty weather you'll be sure to find something to love.  In no particular order here they are

Nauset Model Railroad Club | Orleans

Just like it sounds this organization is a total hidden gem.  Although their hours are a little unusual the club does have summer open houses and it is worth the wait.  Stunning detailed models and a group of enthusiasts who are a credit to the hobby make this an excellent stop even on a sunny day.

National Park Salt Pond Visitor Center | Eastham

The Cape Cod National Seashore encompasses some of the most beautiful areas the nature of Cape Cod has to offer.  And while the majority of the park is best enjoyed on a beautiful day, the Salt Pond Visitor Center is a must stop in inclement weather.  Loaded with information on local geology, history, and biology the visitor center also shows a variety of videos and has a wonderful gift shop with hard to find books and guides of the area.

Cape Cinema | Dennis / Chatham Orpheum Theater | Chatham

We don't mean to imply that these are the same entity but both are small cinemas with unique and wonderful personalities.  Cape Cinema has only one screen and specializes in independent films.  Enjoy a beer with the movie as well as popcorn and brand new seats (frankly we thought the old seats were part of the charm but the new ones are definitely more comfortable...and less lumpy).  Also the ceiling is painted in a magnificent and sprawling mural pictured here.  Chatham Orpheum recently underwent an extensive multi-million dollar restoration and hearkens back to a time when cinema itself was new (c1916).  You can enjoy a bite to eat at the cafe and take in the mural by local artist Hans deCastellane of deCastellane Gallery in Dennis Port.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History | Brewster

This treasure includes extensive and interpreted hiking trails and guided tours for sunny days, but when the weather turns sour, hold on to your hats.  The Natural History Museum has numerous excellent exhibits including an aquarium, touch-tank, honey-bee hive, a bird watching area and a gift shop with multiple resources by local authors, some of whom volunteer at the museum.  In addition to these offerings the museum host speakers and special programs through most of the year and is a great resource for kids programs and STEAM learning opportunities.  Be aware though that, while a treasure, the museum is not exactly a secret and can be crowded on truly abysmal days in the summer.

CLAMS Public Libraries | Everywhere

We can't say enough about the excellence of the Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing (CLAMS) - also known as the library system.  This resource links nearly all of the public libraries on Cape into one gigantic catalogue.  From audiobooks and DVD's to museum passes and free classes, this system has far more than just books.  Additionally each library is completely unique and worth a visit.  While we can't choose a favorite we love the South Dennis Library on old Bass River Road.  It exudes delightful 19th century charm and has a magical children's section in the basement to boot.

Honorable Mention...

The Edward Gorey House | Yarmouth

Edward Gorey was a well known local author for his idiosyncrasies as well as his unique works.  The museum is exceptionally curated and gives a unique window into the mind of a truly unusual individual