Home Improvement Tips for Sellers

Clients are often asking us what improvements should be done - or NOT done - prior to selling their homes.  We tackle that topic in this week's video.  

Looking for a great new restaurant??

So, we officially have a new favorite restaurant on Cape Cod, and it's a little sandwich shop located inside a former KFC.  Mike's Roast Beef and Pizzeria on Route 28 in West Yarmouth has more than roast beef and pizzas - but both items are amazing.  We tried it for lunch yesterday.  And lunch today.  And dinner tonight. :)  The menu is enormous, and all made fresh in house.  After only one week, it's well past being a little secret.  Phones are off the hook (literally) and lines are out the door.  Still service is good, food comes fairly quickly, and it's tasty and fresh.  My wife is from the North Shore, and has longed for Kelly's Roast Beef to come our way.  Well now we have Mike's, and it might be even better.

No Money Down!

Did you know that you can buy a home with ZERO money down??  It's true.  All of Cape Cod is classified as a "Rural Development" area by the USDA.  Qualified buyers - meeting credit and income guidelines - are eligible to finance 100% of their purchase, with a terrific rate.  In the past 12 months, we've helped 4 families become homeowners through this program, and have another taking ownership next week.  If you'd like to learn more about your buying options, call me at 774-268-9012.  I'll put you in touch with a lender who will point you in the right direction.

The Sixty-One Thousand Five Hundred Dollar Question

"Where are you from?"

That's a seemingly innocent question, an ice-breaker you have probably asked a new acquaintance many a time.

But for one Massachusetts real estate agent, that question cost him more than $60,000.  While finding an apartment for a new client, he asked that question, to which the client responded "Venezuela."  Soon thereafter and without incident, the agent found them a rental and they moved in.

But that question stuck with the renters, who later declared that they found the question both upsetting - causing stress and sleeplessness over a 3-year period - and discrminatory.  The Boston Fair Housing Commission agreed.  Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B and the Boston Fair Housing Commission Regulations make it illegal for any licensed real estate broker “to cause to be made any written or oral inquiry or record concerning . . . national origin," and assessed the agent a total of $61,500 in civil penalties, legal fees, and emotional distress.  The full ruling can be found HERE.

That there was admittedly no impact on the quality of service provided - or housing made available - was of no consequence to the board.  Also of little importance was that instead of "Venezuela," the answer to that question could just as easily been "Dorchester" or "Cambridge," with no inference intended as to national origin.

Only in Massachusetts.

** BEST BUY IN YARMOUTH **

Welcome to 13 Dana's Path in West Yarmouth!  This custom-built home features fine details often found in pricier properties - solid wood doors, beautiful built-in bookshelves, detailed woodwork, central A/C.  The layout lends perfectly to entertaining, with the wide open spaces highlighted by a sun-filled family room.  With 1800 square feet of single-floor living, this home is deceptively spacious.  1st-floor laundry, fenced yard, irrigation.  The "one-car" garage fits 3 motorcycles, one John Deere riding mower, loads of tools - PLUS one car.  Just a meticulously maintained home, and a heck of a value at $316,500.  Call The Beatty McGovern Group at 508-534-7191 for details.

Sales Trending Down in Yarmouth

Sales of Single-Family Homes in December declined in Yarmouth for the 3rd straight month.  More importantly, the number of homes placed under agreement declined to a 12-month low of 16 properties - or just more than 1/2 the number from December of 2012.  This number is especially important because it is a key indicator of future sales, meaning that 2014 is likely to start on a sour note for those looking to sell.

   While inventory declined as well, there is still a 7.3 month supply of available homes, meaning that we are      still in a slight buyer's market.  If you are in the market to buy, now is still a good opportunity. 

Good Eats in Hyannis

We hadn't been in YEARS, but we had an opportunity to attend a birthday dinner at Embargo on Main Street in Hyannis tonight.  The food was fantastic, and we all had a great time.  Known largely for their Tapas menu and their nightlife, we were served a buffet of roast beef (with maybe the best mashed potatoes I've ever had), roasted vegetables, and a tasty Caesar salad.  You can see the entire menu at www.EmbargoRestaurant.com.  Check it out!  You might see us there, too.

Waterfront on Dinah's Pond

Congratulations to our 1st happy client of 2014!  The new owners of this 4BR waterfront home will be able to enjoy this beautiful view whenever they vacation on the Cape.  What they love most is the dock, from which they can launch their boat along Bass River to Nantucket Sound.  

If you are looking for your own piece of paradise, call us at 508-534-7191.