Peter Hawley's Blog, Falmouth, MA

"America the Beautiful" author was born in Falmouth, MA

This year we celebrate the 149th Birthday of Katharine Lee Bates, born in a house on the Town Green in Falmouth on August 12,1859. Her father was the pastor of the Congregational Church right around the corner. The house is maintained by the Falmouth Historical Society   ( www.falmouthhistoricalsociety.org ), and may soon be on the market. Miss Bates moved to Wellesley and graduated from Wellesley College in 1880. She was a professor at the college until 1925.

Katharine wrote the poem "America the Beautiful" after a trip to Colorado Springs, CO in the summer of 1913. She is quoted about her inspiration years later stating....

"One day some of the other teachers and I decided to go on a trip to 14,000-foot Pike's Peak. We hired a prairie wagon. Near the top we had to leave the wagon and go the rest of the way on mules. I was very tired. But when I saw the view, I felt great joy. All wonder of America seemed displayed there, with the sea-like expanse."

If you are looking for an antique home, a Bed & Breakfast, or maybe even a part of history, be sure to visit www.peterhawley.com . You just might find your new home in wonderful, Falmouth, MA.  

Cape Cod, MA: Life on Vacation

Cape Cod, a very unique 400 square mile peninsula, with 115 beaches, 41 golf courses, 50 miles of bike trails, with 15 communities, each offering a complete vacation and year round experience.

Two years ago, it was very difficult to find a home under $300,000, but that is not the case today, and this news is drawing more and more 2^nd home buyers, who can easily generate rental income if they wish.

Here in Falmouth, where I sell and list real estate, ( www.peterhawley.com), the beaches are dotted with people on vacation as well as locals, who enjoy the sea shore every day.  Summer is not the only time when people spend time on the Cape. Due to the mild climate, after Labor Day new visitors appear. Mostly those who are "empty nesters", traveling retirees, and those who wish to absorb the changing of the seasons, as the green of the marsh grasses begin to turn golden brown and the Swamp Maple leaves turn to a brilliant red.

September and October offer some of the best sailing days, a perfect time to come to Falmouth and day trip to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.  Tee times are easy to get, and the fishing is still fantastic, as some species begin their migration to warmer waters.

Biking or hiking allows you to view nature at very nice slow pace, and it is a wonderful time to bird watch, as the winter birds begin to arrive. So, come visit, and know that this all can be yours, every day, when you Buy property on Cape Cod. (phawley@jackconway.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

PEOPLE ARE BUYING IN FALMOUTH, MA

I know we have all read that the market is slow, but here in Falmouth, MA, things are more than just percolating along. Here are the quick stats as of today. On the market, Single Family homes - 448 available. Since June 1, 2008, Pending Sales - 66. SOLD since June 1, 2008 - 101.

Why is this you might ask? Simply there is value here in Falmouth, MA and many have recognized this fact. We have property as low as $125,000 to over $7 million. There are choices and we all like choices. There are competitive mortgage rates and many Sellers have come to the correct conclusion that the market dictates the price.

In my practice of Real Estate (www.peterhawley.com) we have been extremely busy, 2 properties sold in less than 7 days in July, and most all of our Listed properties have been selling below the average days on the Market (DOM), which stands at 166 days.

If you are seeking to live in a thriving community, that offers community values as well as real estate value, then let me show you what is available here in Falmouth, that perfect home might be Sold and I do not want you to miss it.

 

 

RELOCATING

 

Years ago as a corporate manager I moved quite often and lived in many parts of the country. The first time, I thought it would be easy to travel to a new locations, pick up some real estate magazines, pick a few places to see, call a few Agents, see houses, and buy one. Actually the first and second time I moved, it worked out great. The third time, I was not so lucky. I call two Agents found in a real estate advertisement, was very specific in what I needed, when I needed to move in, and a list of things that I did not want. I traveled to this new community, interviewed the Agents who appeared to know the area, and off I went on a tour. Not once in 2 days did I see anything that was even close to what I had asked for, and I knew for a fact that the properties I sought were available, I just didn't know where. Long story short, I abruptly ended any communications with these two Agents, and sought out a firm that had relocation services.

The second trip to this new community made me a believer. I had been extensively interviewed by a RE firm, was placed with an Agent that listened, and who had a similar style as I have. The Agent met me at the airport, valued my time, showed me 6 homes all were within 90% of my criteria, I was back at the airport in 6 hours, and ready to make an offer. I never moved again without using a Real Estate firm that had a Relocation department.

In my practice of Real Estate (www.peterhawley.com) I am fortunate to be associated with the largest Real Estate Relocation organization, known as the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World that is geared to match clients with Agents, provides excellent communications and information about a new locale, and strives to make that long distant move a very smooth experience. So if you are moving across town or across the world, contact me at phawley@jackconway.com and let me get you moved.

 

Offer to Purchase (OTP)

The Offer to Purchase (OTP) is the first step in the Buying process, and may be the most important set of documents to insure a smooth process to a successful transaction.

In my practice of Real Estate ( www.peterhawley.com) I have learned that if the OTP is complete, all disclosures addressed, all expectations are in writing, then there is a smooth transition to the Purchase and Sales (P&S) which is the final set of documents, that define the complete transaction.  Failure to address all issues in writing at the time an OTP is presented or accepted, will unnecessarily complicate, delay, and create much stress as one moves to closing.

All facts regarding a property that is listed needs to be verified, starting with knowing who has the right to sell the property, dimensions of the structure and lot, septic systems, what utilities are available, what restrictions of use may be noted in the Deed, any outstanding betterments that will encumber a property, liens that may have to be addressed, zoning restriction, taxes, and present disclosures regarding the actual condition of the structure.

Once this information is verified, and there is an agreement of a Purchase Price, the next important information to be noted are the specific dates for performance, such as Home Inspections, Mortgage Contingencies, execution of a P&S, accounting of monies to be placed in Escrow, the date and place for closing.

The OTP is a legal and binding contract, if done correctly and completely all parties will be most thankful that I as a REALTOR did my job.

 

Home Inspections Are Not Just For Buyers

Traditionally, once an offer to purchase has been accepted, a buyer has a window of opportunity to conduct a number of inspections, to further determine the condition of a property.

In my practice of Real Estate in Falmouth, MA, I often recommend to the Seller that they have a complete Home Inspection prior to putting a house on the market. This accomplishes a number of objectives, the most important is that there are no surprises once a Buyer makes an offer, and the transition to closing is much smoother.

The small cost of an inspection often saves thousands of dollars, which might be lost, if a Buyer demands repairs before closing which may result in a negotiated lower price. This can often be avoided, by knowing what needs to be repaired or brought up to code, prior to listing a property and having everything taken care of first. Many repairs are as simple as touching up cracked or peeling paint, having the chimney swept and the flashing replaced, replacing a few roof shingles, having the heating system cleaned and inspected, making sure there are no leaky faucets, inside and out, that the doors open and close and do not scrape the floor, are a just a few low cost improvements that the Seller can do.

If a Seller is unwilling to make repairs, then an estimate in writing for repairs should be reflected in the asking price. It is always the little things that create the biggest problem, take care of them and you will be moving soon.

A Realtor® is a Locavore

Locavore - one who supports, consumes, sustains all that is local. I was thinking about this newly coined term and how it applies to my real estate business and my actions as a Realtor®.  As a Realtor®, I not only assist people buying and selling properties, I also generate millions of dollars of transactions, I purchase and use the services of other local businesses, and work as part of the fabric of my community seeking solutions to affordable housing, bringing new residents and growth to my community which in turn generates tax revenues and new customers for the local economy. I provide employment to others, from the person who maintains my office and keeps it sparkling clean, to all the trades that I call on to fix and repair a property hours before a sale is closed, or days before a property is put on the market.

In Falmouth, MA, it is easy to be a locovore during the summer. Using my membership to Coonamessett Farm I can pick fresh vegetables and herbs as I meander through the rows of well tended plants. I can go to the hen house and find eggs, and also have fresh cut flowers spilling from my basket as I head towards the farm stand to pay the local owners.

Everyday the bounty of the sea lands right here at the town dock where I can purchase just caught fish and lobsters directly from the fisherman or steps away at the local fish monger. From the sea to my plate, all within hours, all local, all fresh, all my part of the cycle as a locavore.

 

Who is moving to Falmouth, MA A recent survey concluded a large number of buyers are those making Life Style Changes, seeking to telecommute and work from their home base. They may commute to Boston or New York and beyond to meet with clients for a few days returning to spend the rest of the week on Cape Cod. I was one of those mobile world travelers, leaving Monday mornings to my office in Canada and then working my way back to the Cape. Those who are close to retirement or those who have retired make up the largest influx of buyers, most have vacationed for years in Falmouth, know the community and have strong social ties here. Some may also own property further South and stay here from Spring to early Fall. Next are those who wish to have a second home on the Cape, a short distance from Boston or New York, are busy with their careers, raising their families, and want a place that all their friends and family can come to and get to in a few hours. The majority of the population live here year round, working each day, running their business’s, raising their families and like me enjoying everyday the delight of watching the sun cross the water each morning as I travel to my office. They are the glue that keeps the community strong. Come and explore Falmouth real estate opportunities. I am available at phawley@jackconway.com

Falmouth, MA – An Overview From the Edge of America – Falmouth, MA, a thriving community on the southeast corner of Cape Cod. Here you will find the best in summer recreation, be it sitting on the beach soaking up the sun, fishing on and off shore, traveling to Martha’s Vineyard either directly from the Falmouth Harbor on the Island Queen, or transporting your vehicle on the ferry that leaves Woods Hole. A community that boasts an $8 million Library renovation, a new expansive addition to the Falmouth High School, the excellent medical facility and services provided at the Falmouth Hospital, world renowned research facilities at the Marine Biological Lab, and at Woods Hole Oceanographic, an active Art and Cultural community, summer theater and concerts at Highfield, exploring the Waquoit Bay Research Reserve at Washburn Island, bicycling or walking along the Rail Trail are but a few assets that attract people to Falmouth. Waterfront and Water View real estate values continue to be strong, with an up tick in closed sales during the second quarter of ’08. New construction continues and the up grading of older waterfront properties is in full swing. If you are seeking tranquil settings away from the water, areas such as Sippewissett, West Falmouth, and North Falmouth offer wonderful opportunities. There is no time like the present to explore the real estate opportunities here on the Edge of America. I may be contacted at phawley@jackconway.com