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What a fantastic spring on Cape Cod! It’s been a long time since we’ve had such great weather all spring, or for that matter a spring at all! It seems to have melded right into summer and you’ll get no complaints here. I will say that this year is not only a better year weather-wise, but the spring/summer real estate market has come a long way last year as well. One might comment that it couldn’t have gotten much worse, but in fact in some parts of the country it could, and it has gotten worse. Here on the Cape we’ve been fortunate enough to hold on to our property values, with average selling prices in Eastham, for example, only off from the peak by approx. 12%. With interest rates solidly in the 4’s we should see more people taking advantage of reasonable prices in an area where people will always want to be. All in all, the Cape is a good investment. So while you’re on the Cape enjoying the great beaches and great weather why not take advantage of the favorable conditions in the real estate market. Just give me a call!
~Jorie

I am pleased to announce that Oceanside Realty is now a proud affiliate of William Raveis Real Estate.  After many years of being Broker/Owner/Manager of Oceanside Realty, my small family run business, I am very excited to be a part of another family owned company with extensive resources that will benefit not only Oceanside but our clients as well.  This change will allow me to focus my energy and enthusiasm on my buyers and sellers and less on managing the day to day of the office.  With this transition, Oceanside Realty will continue to thrive.  My contact information will not change, but you will notice new signs, ads, and a fresh new look.

I look forward to working with all of you soon!  Here’s to a great season!!  

~ Jorie

Wow, it’s well into January and I’m realizing it’s been quite a while since I’ve added anything to the Oceanside Blog. That said, I’d like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

I am happy to say that I’ve seen an marked increase in activity this January over January last year. The phones are ringing and it seems like people are coming out of hiding to take advantage of some favorable market conditions here on Cape Cod. All indicators point toward the beginnings of a recovery in the local real estate market on the Lower Cape. Everyone seems to agree that there may never be a better time to invest in a home here on the Cape. Interest rates remain low and there’s plenty of inventory to chose from. There are many deals to be had and buyers are beginning to take notice. The first time home buyer tax credit remains in effect until April 30th and provides real incentive for those who’ve never owned a home and a chance to own in an area that for many has been out of reach. If we can help at all in finding the right property for you either as a first time home buyer or if you’re looking for your dream vacation home let us help you with the process. We have a wealth of information and access to all MLS listings on the Cape as well as up to date inforamation on the 2010 first time home buyer tax credit. Give us a call!!

This is one of those weekends that those of us locals on the Lower Cape look forward to all year long.. Wellfleet Oysterfest! It’s a great weekend of fun, music, art, oysters, oyster stew, and more oysters… It seems like the whole town of Wellfleet comes alive for these 2 and a half days of celebrating life here. I managed to leave myslef enough free time this year, to get out and enjoy the festivities, I only hope at this point the weather doesn’t interfere too much.. But hey.. we live here on the Cape, year-round, we should used to a little foul weather by now. So that said I look forward to seeing all my friends, realtives, buyers and sellers this weekend enjoying all the activity. If you absolutely must buy a home here this weekend, I’m sure I can find some time to help with that as well.. Just let me know. Enjoy!

This could possible be the shortest summer I’ve experienced in over 25 years living here on Cape Cod.  The good news as always is that I absolutely love the fall and the cool crisp weather.  Not only is the weather great, but it’s less crowded than in July and August.  The other plus is that fall is when the real estate market here on the Lower Cape is in full swing.  Buyers who’ve been poking through newspaper ads and viewing property on line now have the time to get down to business.  There is no better time than September and October to get out and nail down the right property at the right price.  And there is no better time for Sellers to tidy up, open the windows, let the fresh air in and let me put the for sale sign up while there are plenty of buyers looking to settle in to a new home before the holidays. 

So if you’re thinking of selling, call me and we can get started right away.  And… if you’re a first time home buyer, there is still time to take advantage of the $8 thousand income tax credit (Yes, that $8,000!  And you don’t have to pay it back!!  You’ve got until November 30th.)

Fall is the time!! Call me or send an email!

~Jorie

Jorie Fleming,  Jorief@oceansidebuildingandrealty.com

Broker/Realt0r

Under a dusting of bright green pine pollen we all enjoyed a great Memorial Day weekend filled with cookouts, parades, fun at the beach, and seasonal businesses opening. All the things that people come to the Cape for. As I reflect on my own weekend, I am even more convinced that Cape Cod will always be a place where people want to be. Whether it’s for a vacation or a place to raise your family or retire. Even in a down economy there was no shortage of visitors on the Lower Cape this weekend. I personally visited two restaurants that opened their doors for the first time this past week, and two others that reopened for the season, with no shortage of hungry and thirsty customers. Things will quiet down some between now and when school lets out, but summer will come and so will the all the people. They may be on a tighter budget this year, but they’ll be here. If they don’t already own a place here, my bet is that most wish they did. Real Estate values may have depreciated slightly in recent months, but there will always be people willing to buy. A now happens to be a good time!! So don’t wait!

Yes, that’s the report on the front page of the Cape Cod Times today. It’s hard to believe, but for the first time in a long time, the main stream media is reporting some good news with regard to the Real Estate market. That good news being, that the “bad news” is not “as bad”. The Housing Assistance Corp. is fielding slightly fewer phone calls from people seeking help with foreclosures, and local foreclosure rates are down 3% in the 1st quarter in Barnstable County. Okay, so it’s no guarantee of a big turn around of the market here on Cape Cod, but it’s a step in the right direction. A little bit of positive information can go a long way.

Let’s hope for more good news.

JF

I’m happy to report that I had a closing this week on a home in Harwich that was purchased by a couple who are first time home buyers!  It has been quite a while since I’ve had the pleasure of assisting someone buying their first home, and it was a great experience for everyone involved.  I look forward to helping others d0 the same thing while the opportunity exists. 

With the shortage of affordable homes on the Lower Cape, sadly homeownership for many has been out of reach.  Recently though, an opportunity has presented itself here on Cape Cod that may never come around again.  The combonation of a drop in selling prices, and a drop in interest rates, along with a considerable inventory of homes for sale has opened a door for many, not to mention short sales and foreclosures.  If you have steady income, decent credit and a reasonable down payment (either in savings or in the form of a gift) more than likely there is a home out there you can afford.

As an example in Brewster and Harwich there are almost 35 homes for sale under $325,000.  Even in Eastham the Cape Cod and Islands MLS lists 11 homes priced under $350,000.  Some may require a little elbow grease, but as they say.. “They’re just not making any more of Cape Cod”, so now may be the time to make that investment and own your own piece of real estate on Cape Cod.

Call me if you need some advice on how you can find out what you can afford, and how to take the first step.  I’m happy to help!

~Jorie