Click on the image or address link below for more information about each home, or look for other homes on the Property Search of my website. 

TRUE STORY: Years ago, in the days before cell phones, my kids and I were skiing at Stowe over Christmas. Being diligent, I went to the phone booth in town (remember those?) to call in to my answering machine early on Christmas morning. Lo and behold, one of my clients had left me a message that he wanted to buy his wife the ultimate Christmas present - the house they had been looking at the week before. They did - and I think they lived happily ever after.

If you'd like to buy your honey the best present ever, take a look at the homes below. People who put their homes on the market in December are serious sellers who want their properties to be noticed. They want to take advantage of the greatly diminished number of homes on the market at this time of year to increase their own visibility. Here is a sampling of what's new this month (with my as always honest commentary):  

#21110128

104 Parsons Lane, Waquoit

$269,000

Here's an older house in an older neighborhood with more of that "country" feel than most of Falmouth has, but still near Mashpee Commons. Lots of possibilities for the "earthy crunchy" buyer!

#21110084

90 Maravista Avenue, Maravista

$283,999

A builder's own home: solid, well-maintained, spacious for the price. Street gets some traffic, but the location is central, the yard is private, and the asking price is small. 

#21110136

236 North Falmouth Highway

$479,000

Set well back from the road, this home is for the true antique lover. Needs work, but the acre lot, the authenticity of the home, and a wonderful barn will make it worthwhile.

#21109891

71 Main Street, Falmouth

$1,495,000

I loved this house last year when it was on the market. A true village home on the green, the house is graceful, well-proportioned, and with lovely grounds. The sellers have transformed it into the perfect home for an extended family or for those who host with gusto. Being on Main Street, you can easily hang out at the bar at La Civetta, take the grandkids to an author reading at Eight Cousins, or buy something perfect to wear at Maxwell's - all just steps from your front door. 

#21110333

46 Waterside Avenue, Falmouth

$3,900,000

Look at this only if you appreciate the most exacting workmanship! Built by one of Falmouth's most respected builders, and in a special location overlooking a small pond and Vineyard Sound, this is someone's dream home, for sure. Personally, I love the guest house...take a look!

#21110302

30 Point Road, North Falmouth

$6,500,000

Saving the best for last, this is the home of one of Boston's most well-liked and successful couples. He's an attorney, and she's a chef-restauranteur (who catered my son's Bar Mitzvah back in the day before she was quite so famous). The house has been designed with care, and built with exacting taste. The floor plan is logical, the size is just right - not too big and not too small - with an unusually wonderful flow between inside and out. (It drives me crazy that more homes here haven't achieved this successfully. Living here is about the interface between inside and out - we're here because of the soft air and the beautiful views.) The carriage house is a dream, and the views are like something in a movie. This property is a pleasure to show, and I promise if you see it, you'll agree with me!

Here's a person doing what many of us only talk about. After a couple of decades of going to work every day and just living his life, this man is selling his house, buying an RV, and heading to the Grand Tetons to discover what comes next. Let's help him - this is probably the nicest waterfront home at the best price on the market. 

Because the house faces west over Mill Pond, the sunsets are reliably sensational. Ice skating is picture postcard-worthy, and kayaking will take your blood pressure down. You have a good deal of what you need at the end of the street: the library to nourish your mind, Smitty's Ice Cream to tickle your tummy, and Family Foods to provide dinner.  

All this for only $339,900!

#21110379

52 Natal Avenue, East Falmouth

$339,900

I know that part of the fun of this newsletter for many of you is clicking through the listings and looking at houses even when you have no intention of moving. Here is probably the best I'll ever be able to offer. So kick back, put your feet up, and enjoy this one!

#21110299 

17 Indian Trail, Osterville (Oyster Harbors) $28,740,000

(you're reading that correctly - that's $28 million)

Summer before last, I was holding an open house at my own house one day, hoping to meet potential Falmouth buyers. A couple who had a weekend house up the street came by and were smitten with my little nest, but they were a week away from buying a new primary home, and my house wasn't really on the market. 

Short story - we reconnected this past Labor Day weekend, and last week we swapped houses - literally!

I'm very happy that my wonderful home has new owners who are as passionately in love with it and the setting as I have been. They have been the world's most wonderful buyers ever. They were willing to accommodate my unconventional needs. We completed both transactions with only one contingency: we could each cancel at any time for no reason. We each deposited a grand total of $1100, and they are allowing me to rent back until May 1, so I can do a little work on the new house and move without pressure.  

On my website, I talk about "reinventing real estate". This transaction is a case study of what that means. We proceeded with respect, consideration, and fairness. As we closed, we all expressed our deep appreciation for the other, and I realized that the key to making this happen is trust. They trusted me, I trusted them, and we made it work to our mutual benefit.

As I thought about applying this concept in my real estate practice, I understood that such a level of trust is probably unrealistic. However, it's a goal I'm committed to and will encourage whenever I can. Can I change the world one transaction at a time? Probably not, but I'll keep trying.

The view I've had, the view they're getting