What a day for kiteboarding yesterday! Here are a couple of videos I shot from inside my car. Wild wind!
WHRC Scientist Home Search
My buyer this week is an interesting Ph.D who’s just come to the Woods Hole Research Center. She and her husband are from Venezuela, both with Ph.Ds in Forestry from universities in the U.S. (Talk about a “commuter marriage”; he’s working in Chile! They spend a weekend a month together, either in his place or hers.)
At the WHRC, the scientists fund their research with grants, and this woman has enough for the next three years. So she’s looking for a home that will be comfortable now, but that will be easy to sell in three years if she needs to. What does that mean? Location, location, location! Then, care with the selling price, so she will be able to sell if necessary and at least break even. This buyer has a good sense of style and knowledge of the costs of renovation. She can see the potential in our many tired homes, and she’s not afraid to take on the challenge of redoing a house if it will get her to her goal.
We’ve looked at a number of possibilities, but at the moment, the one that has risen to the top of the list is 58 Landfall, in Treetops.
#21604987
58 Landfall, Falmouth
$459,000
I’ve written about this condo before. I think it’s the best deal in town. The asking price of $459,000 is lower than any selling price in Treetops for the last 18 months, so right there, that’s a great beginning. The renovated homes there sell in a blink in the $600’s, so there’s the second criterion checked. The community is lovely, just a mile from Main Street and with access to a private ocean beach, as well as pool and tennis onsite. This unit is special because it overlooks Oyster Pond, and is tucked away in one of the most private spots in all of Treetops. I love it, and in my mind’s eye, it’s spiffy, sophisticated, and beautiful. Maybe this buyer is the one to make that happen! Stay tuned…
Eye Candy
#21608220
58 Cape Codder Road, Sippewissett
$2,795,000
Not in the search of either of my previous two buyers, but definitely the pick of the week for spectacular. This is a “two-fer”, two for the price of one. Ha, who am I kidding?! There is an extra lot with the house, but the price includes that. The setting/view is beyond (what, spectacular, breath-taking, outstanding?). The house is at the end of a very exclusive road in Sippewissett, with direct views east-south-west over Buzzards Bay. This is one of the most dramatic views in town. The house itself is classic mid-century, and has been well-maintained. Not everyone loves classic mid-century, though, so it will be interesting to see whether new owners honor the pedigree or knock it down to build a house that makes a statement equal to its setting. If the property were mine, I’d have a hard time deciding what to do. But it’s worth seeing just to see that view in person.
Chapoquoit, Madaket, Key West
All places of famously blazing sunsets. Here’s Chapoquoit Beach in West Falmouth last night. The dogs are great, but it’s the sweethearts standing motionless in the maelstrom around them that drew my attention.
Both Ends of the Price Spectrum
Recently I spent some time with prospects who live in a spectacular reproduction Cape directly on the ocean in East Sandwich. Their home is on the market, and they’ve been looking for their next nest in Harwichport and Barnstable Village, places they’re familiar with.
They like the idea of being able to walk to village amenities, and approached me because of my Westwind Cottages listings in West Falmouth Village. They also want to downsize somewhat.
There aren’t many homes currently for sale that are close to a village. After looking at the two for sale in Westwind, we looked at what’s available within a mile of Main Street. There are four between $600,000 and $1,100,000: 373 Walker, 166 Siders Pond, 102 Fresh River Lane, and 19 Clinton. Each one comes with some important trade-off, whether it’s a large flood insurance premium (Walker and Fresh River), or needing a lot of work (Siders Pond), or on a busy street (Clinton).
They were enthusiastic about Westwind because of the charm, detail, quality of construction, and proximity to the market, cafe, bike path, and beach. They just need that buyer for their Sandwich home!
At the other end of the price spectrum, I was out with a young couple and their three kids looking for their first home. Their decision will be based on price – what’s the most spacious home in a good neighborhood setting for under $350? This is what we saw:
#21608129
280 Riverbay Way, Falmouthport
$350,000
This 1,950 s.f., 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo in Falmouthport offers a lot of comfortable space on 3 levels and is directly on the river. No garage, and a smallish kitchen, but the pool might be a more than acceptable trade-off. It’s in good condition, too.
#21608120
17 Weatherglass Lane, Falmouth
$369,000
In Davisville, and with access to Green Pond at the end of the street, this is a pretty cute house in great condition. But small – only 1,080 s.f., with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The lot is good-sized, if the buyer wanted to build an addition, and the woods behind the house are appealing for a family with kids.
#21608947
27 Candace Way, Falmouth
$339,000
Another very cute house, this one also smallish, with 1,112 s.f., 3 bedrooms, and 2 baths. But it’s been renovated, so it’s fresh, bright, and very attractive. In a tucked-away neighborhood off Brick Kiln, this is either a plus or a minus, depending on the buyer.