Everything you’ve heard about the red hot market here is true. But the last bullet, Lowest Inventory on Record, is very concerning. Without homes for sale, there can’t be sufficient sales going forward to sustain a healthy market. In my opinion, we passed a tipping point some time ago, and without hundreds of new listings- impossible- it may be irreversible. This week there were only 38 homes for sale in Falmouth. In 2013, there were between 425-475 on any given day. Think about the consequences. If anyone has a solution, let’s get to it…
My New Listings
Our local MLS, under CCIAOR (Cape Cod and Islands Association of Realtors), changed vendors this past week. So most of us agents here on the Cape are spending all our waking hours trying to fix the glitches and figuring out how to use the new system. Also tearing out hair, swearing, throwing things, yelling at the computer…. Everything’s different, including the vocabulary, and the differences aren’t all that intuitive. I hope someday I’ll really like this system. But right now, not so much.
Assuming that the transition would be challenging, on the last day the old MLS was still live, I entered three new listings, just to be certain to get them in before we entered the nether world of a new MLS. It was a ridiculous day; my pace was frantic. I was chasing elusive sellers to get the signed contracts, and entering information that I hoped was correct, downloading whatever pictures/floor plans I had, clicking “Submit”, and holding my breath.
They all went live successfully, and here they are:
#21700770
174 Queen Street, Falmouth
$419,900
This is a wonderful small townhome right on Falmouth Harbor and around the corner from Main Street, Surf Drive beach, the Commodores, the ferry, the “everything” that is Falmouth! This home had been listed previously for a couple of years by two other agents, so my challenge was to breathe new life into it. My go-to stager extraordinaire, Rita Pacheco, and I spent just three hours and bought not one new item, but by editing and rearranging, the home looks entirely different! Our aim was to make it “coastal” and younger. Here’s the result.
#21701480
117 Worcester Court, Falmouth
$430,000
Talk about location and lot, this is a primo option! It’s hard to even picture a 17,000 s.f. level lot in the Heights, which is so dense; but this lot is eye-popping! If I had deep enough pockets, I would request a variance from the Building Department, and would build two attached fabulous condos, selling each for $675,000. This would be the essence of “win-win”, for the Town, the developer, and the lucky homeowners. But even if a variance wouldn’t be possible, restoring this charming Cape and putting on a kitchen-great room addition would give the buyer a spacious, 2017 home in the heart of Falmouth for under $650,000. This isn’t an opportunity that comes along often. It requires vision, cash, and project management skills, but the result will be spectacular!
#21701495
90 Cobblestone Lane, North Falmouth
$849,000
I’m happy to be collaborating again with Warren and Debi Dalton of Chappy, LLC, the much-admired local developers most recently of Westwind Cottages in West Falmouth. Cobblestone is a small cul-de-sac of all new homes next to the North Falmouth Elementary School. One home is built and occupied, and just appraised at $800,000; a second is built and about to be occupied. #90 will be the third home. At $849,000, it will have around 2,400 s.f., 4 bedrooms and baths, a study just inside the front door, an open floor plan, and a 2-car garage. There are never more than a handful of new homes in Falmouth at any time, and often what’s available is in an inferior location or setting. This one has it all: it’s new, it’s in North Falmouth, and it has the charm, detail, and quality that characterize every Chappy-built home. As we go to press, it has an accepted offer. But look at the great floor plan, and call me to talk about the next new home to be built on Cobblestone.
Real Estate Gems (Part 3)
#21700686
38 Clowes Drive, Falmouth
$750,000
This is the first week on the market for this traditional Cape in Sippewissett Highlands, a sought-after neighborhood near hospital, downtown, and with private beach and tennis. The asking price of $750,000 may be on the high side for this 3-bedroom, 3-bath, 2,483 s.f. home, especially because there is a full flight of stairs to get into the house, and many of our buyers in this price range prefer one-level living, even if there are guest bedrooms upstairs. On the other hand, certain of the departments at the hospital (cardiology, for one) require that doctors live within ten minutes of the hospital. There’s not much else to choose from, so if there’s one doctor who either wants or has to be close to work, this home could sell quickly for probably a bit more than its value might otherwise indicate.
#21610350
55 Pin Oak Way, Falmouth
$810,000
Last, but hardly least, is 55 Pin Oak Way, with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 1,867 s.f. Another really sweet home, recently refurbished with charm and taste. If you’re not superstitious about abutting a cemetery, the views are (sorry!) peaceful. Location couldn’t be better – quiet road, path to Main Street in one direction, half mile to the beach in the other, and the bike path across the street. This is why it’s $810,000. Location and condition really do matter.
Real Estate Gems (Part 2)
#21610276
19 Mayflower Street, Falmouth
$399,000
Here’s another good choice! In “marvelous Maravista”, this home has a spacious cathedral-ceiling family room that will be where all the living takes place. With 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1,558 s.f., it’s just right for that beach house getaway. And close to Bristol Beach for swimming and Little Pond for paddling.
#21700305
50 Colonial Way, Falmouth
$579,000
Someone’s aiming to make a chunk of change here! Nothing wrong with that, and it will be interesting to see what it sells for. It was last sold in October of 2014 for $435,000, and although it has had some upgrades, they don’t look as though they approach $140,000. This will be a good test of how hot the current market is. The location is great, in West Falmouth and with deeded access to Little Island Beach. But still…
Seller Blip, Agent Blap (Part 2)
But here’s the “blap”. The scarcity of listings is causing a few agents to engage in unprofessional behavior that is both against the Realtor code of ethics and offensive to sellers. It not only reflects poorly on the profession, but reinforces ugly stereotypes that have little basis in reality. And it’s embarrassing for the rest of us who uphold the highest ethical behavior.
Just this week, one seller whose home is under agreement was called on his cell phone from an agent (in Salem, NH of all places). The seller was offended. In another instance, an agent informed a buyer he’d never even met that he would be entitled to half the commission when informed that the buyer had an accepted offer – because the agent had given the buyer contact information for the listing agent when asked. Outrageous!
Creating and maintaining a viable real estate practice for the long-term is about one thing only: doing the right thing always, so that a positive and trusting relationship is the basis for a successful transaction and often, a valued and enjoyable friendship.
On that note, on Saturday a new buyer said one of the nicest things any client has ever said to me. As she was leaving the house she and her husband later made an offer on, she thanked me, and said, “I feel safe with you.”
I’m humbled and honored, and it’s why every day is a new day in my world, and each client is my one and only. Thank you to all who allowed me to guide you through this wild and often stressful process of buying or selling a home, and to those who generously refer prospects. You rock!
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