The market has been frenetic, which happens often in the spring. But this year the lack of inventory has continued, so on the one hand it’s great to be a seller – all my listings have sold on the first day – but horrible to be a buyer.

There’s little to choose from, and the competition is crazy, so even full-price offers aren’t necessarily accepted. I’ve had some disappointed buyers in the last couple of weeks. My strategy in this circumstance is to try to find homes that could be sold that aren’t on the market. I have some success with this, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for all parties.

Most of my current Falmouth showing times are with buyers from NH looking for that quintessential beach house in Maravista; one Metrowest couple looking for a second home that might eventually become their retirement home; and another Metrowest couple who will make this their primary home now. The beach house price range is in the $300’s; the second home price range starts at $900,000; and the primary home is in the $500’s. Two of the couples have made offers that haven’t been accepted.

Here’s a selection of homes that are still available (keeping in mind that the best ones go on and off the market in a blink):

#21711287
26 Pin Oak Way, Falmouth
$619,000

This one reminds me of my first Newton house. It’s a vintage 3-bedroom Gambrel, easily walkable to Main Street and the beach, and with some updates. The yard is small, and there’s no garage, but the street is pretty and the location is downtown, highly coveted by many. I wouldn’t pay this price for such a small house, but probably someone will.

#21711025
9 Aspen Lane, Falmouth
$679,000

Here’s a house that requires vision and a generous budget. It’s in Wild Harbor Estates, a desirable neighborhood of upscale homes, and is a 3-bedroom, 3-bath ranch with a sunporch, always a nice feature. But it’s an original, and needs your basic $150,000 to make it appealing. It will probably require some reworking of the space as well. After that, you’ll have a great-looking modest home with a one-car garage in a really nice neighborhood with its own beach and kayaking place for $800,000! It seems like a lot of money for a smaller home, but as a totally redone condo alternative, it makes sense.