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pansy
Even though I woke up to snow Wednesday morning, by Wednesday afternoon I was planting my pansies. Spring CAN'T be far behind - can it? What a winter. January was pretty active in the real estate market, even through the first two snowstorms. But the third one was as if it snowed a wet blanket, and that chill continued. Nothing much happened for the next couple of months. 

But the weekend before last, everything changed. Town was mobbed, buyers were swarming like locusts. I had made appointments on Wednesday with listing agents for Saturday; by Friday, they were all calling me, wanting to change the appointments because they were trying to accommodate their own clients who had shown up since Wednesday. 

Good houses in nice locations and in decent condition at fair prices are selling quickly, occasionally with more than one offer. Our current inventory is about the same as last year, and sales also are about the same. So we don't have the red-hot market of the mainland, but we're holding. 
 
What I have noticed is that there seem to be a lot of tired homes coming on the market, and those don't generate any enthusiasm either in me or my buyers. So the challenge of finding good homes for my buyers is greater than what the inventory level might indicate. Keep reading for my creative approach. 

Inventory Down, Buyers Up - What Do You Do?
  
I was never one of those agents who relied solely on MLS to find homes for my buyers. So, when I can't find good possible matches, I scour the listings that are expired, withdrawn, or just not for sale in any official or visible way. And guess what? My last three sales are of homes that were not listed at the time I brought the buyer. 

You'd think that sellers would be thrilled to hear from me, right? "Hi, Ms. or Mr. Seller, my name is Nadine Krasnow, and I have a - real - buyer for your home. I'm not interested in listing it, I'd just like to show it to this one buyer. Since I'm a sole proprietor, we can work out something very favorable on the commission. May I show the house?" 

You'd think the response would be, "Certainly, let's talk!" But no, it ain't that simple. Sometimes just finding the seller takes days. I spent the better part of two snow days this winter finding one seller. She had moved out, the phone was disconnected. Finally I reached the ex-husband, who relayed the message; but the daughters had taken over. And they were so angry with the original listing agent that they didn't want to talk to any Realtor. Even though they really did need to sell the house. Eventually, they relented, and yes, my buyers will be closing on April 29.

The last two days I've been calling my former neighbors on the pond. I have a buyer who wants to live only in the woods and kayak on his pond. But there are only about two homes in the woods on a pond in his price range for sale. So I'm trying to find something that suits that's not currently on the market. I have some leads, we'll see, stay tuned...
Best of the Bunch

From the dross and remains of current inventory, there are a few I like. The two overall best values are these:
 
#21402952
$235,000
 
141 Strawberry
 
 
The reason this is my favorite floor plan at Falmouthport is that it's one level, and the two bedrooms are separated from each other by the two bathrooms, closets, and the basement staircase. For a compact unit (1,036 s.f., 2 bedrooms/2 baths), there is unusual privacy inside. There's also privacy outside, as this is an end unit. With windows and sliders on three sides that face south and west, cathedral ceilings that soar, and a view through the unit to the perfectly private deck and gardens, this little place lives larger than the square footage would lead you to believe. An estate sale, the asking price of $235,000 positions this unit as the lowest price currently for sale in Falmouthport. And it's adorable! 
 
 
#21401512
$345,000
 
12 Pine Cone
 
The seller and I both think that the town assessed square footage of 1,382 s.f. is less than what it actually is. With a kitchen that's the size of the usual kitchen plus dining room; a beautiful cathedral-ceiling, fireplaced living room; three bedrooms (two of which are king-sized); and two baths, there's a lot of elbow room here. The oversized two-car garage; gas heat and hot water; central air; spacious deck; and level lot of over 18,000 square feet all add to the comfort and ease of living in this well-built, lightly-lived-in home. Swimming at Jenkins Pond is part of the pleasure of living on this desirable White Pines cul-de-sac. In addition, it's only a few minutes' drive to downtown Falmouth and Mashpee Commons. 
 
 
#21402172 
$529,000
 
59 Fox Lane
 
 
 
As a former homeowner on Fox Lane, I can attest to what a great location this is. Just a half mile from Old Silver Beach; with 54 acres of conservation land behind the house; the bike path at the end of the street; AND with walking (and horseback riding) trails through the woods adjacent to Bourne Farm, I loved living on Fox Lane. The house? Not so wonderful right now, but could be. So if you have enough money, time, and fortitude to buy the house and do some work, you'd end up with a great house in a great neighborhood.
 
 
#21401690
$649,000
 
16 River Haven
 
This one I like because it has potential for both an investor and a boat owner. With 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 3,056 s.f., it's eminently rentable. It's light, bright, and in great shape! At the same time, the deep water association dock at the end of the street will send you off to the Vineyard for lunch or dinner, an overnight in Newport, an expedition to the Elizabeth Islands, a good old deep sea fishing trip, or a trip north for Boston fireworks or Maine lobster. This is a classic case of "if you have money, you can make money." Rental income can do a lot to support this asking price of $649,000.
 
 
#21400651
$689,000
 
69 Pequossett
 
If you were one of those kids who spent time in the summer at a big old summer house with extended family and friends - or maybe you just saw a movie about that - this house will resonate with you. Fully functional, not terribly updated but very charming, this is the kind of place where summer becomes a verb. Barefoot living, swinging screen doors, trips to the homemade ice cream parlor, kids of all ages, deep breaths, and making memories. 
 
 
#21401408
$879,000
 
136 Racing Beach
 
This house had me at the drive-up, and sealed the deal inside the door. With 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 1,800 s.f., it's just enough space to work comfortably. Only a few houses from the private Racing Beach, the orientation inside the house is westerly over the marsh and toward an inlet of Buzzards Bay. The secluded deck runs the entire length of the house, and the view is breathtaking. The Racing Beach area is exclusive in a good way. It's never going to be much more built up than it is; homes are gracious, well-kept, and the essence of quiet quality. This house will always retain its value.  
 
 
#21401661
$1,395,000
 
307 Cairn Ridge
 
I watched this house being built, and loved it. It's interesting and graceful, and every detail and proportion is just right. Coming from Ms. Fussy (me), this is high praise. So I was curious (more than usual) to see the inside. It's stunning! An architect's or designer's delight, there's lots of gleaming white and cool marble, fireplaces, studies, nooks, built-ins - the list goes on. I actually did that stereotypical broker thing and called one of my buyers as soon as I got in my car. The house is priced about a half million under what it could be. I told him,"I've never said this to you before, but you and Laurie need to get in the car and come ASAP to see this house!" In my dazzled state, I neglected to notice that there's no first-floor owner's suite. So no deal for this buyer. But the house is truly stunning!
 
 
#21401434 
$4,995,000
 
150 Westwood 
 
 #21401037
$5,995,000
 
80-K Little Island
 
Here's nourishment for you house gourmands. Both of the homes above could easily be movie sets. Westwood faces west, with sweeping views of Buzzards Bay; and the rolling lawns of Little Island lead to a private, secluded beach. Two different environments, equally mesmerizing. Both houses are young, although Little Island is, in keeping with its understated neighborhood, more classic. The Little Island neighborhood is one of rutted dirt roads that wind around, with hand-painted family name signs on trees to guide the visitor. Westwood is, well, "only" spectacular. Click on the images above for details. 
A Flood Insurance Update

Beautiful beachfront -
sometimes
After my first emails concerning new flood insurance rules, I stopped sending updates because the situation was changing so quickly. 

You may know by now that the rush toward implementation has been delayed. The situation is still uncertain, but better than it was. It's hard for everybody, particularly homes that were not in a designated flood zone before, but are now. It's also hard for lower to mid-priced homes, which will be impacted proportionately higher. 

In addition, buyers of homes under $500,000 are definitely eliminating from their list of potential homes properties for which flood insurance will be required. This obviously impacts the ability to sell, and the ultimate selling price. 

For those of you whose homes were not in the flood zone when you bought, but are now, the situation is serious, and I urge you to be as vocal as possible in as many media as possible - and keep up the pressure. As always, I welcome your phone calls. 
The Gathered Table

The asparagus course
While I was renovating my new home, my friend and plumber, Neil Karas, told me that his son with a friend of his, both professionally trained chefs and working in town, were going to start what they were calling "pop-up dinners". Naturally, this got my attention and I asked to be kept in the loop about where and when. 

Corey Phillips is a Culinary Institute of America graduate, currently cooking at The Pickle Jar on Main Street. David Haddad is a New England Culinary Institute graduate, currently cooking at The Glass Onion in the Queen's Byway. 

The first of their dinners I went to was on December 23, and the theme was The Feast of the Seven Fishes. This was one of the most exquisite dining experiences I've ever had. They prepared the traditional seven fish-course meal served in Italian homes on Christmas Eve, but with a sophisticated and innovative twist. Each course was not only delicious, but was visually delectable as well. 
 
For example, the ingredients for the asparagus course in the photo (taken at the last "Spring"-themed dinner) were fresh asparagus from the farm, homemade asparagus juice, black pepper ricotta, lemon oil, baguette curls, and prosciutto. Aren't you salivating? 
 
They rent the kitchen and cafe at Coonamessett Farm to host these dinners every other Monday night. The cost is $65 per person, participation is limited to 18, and it doesn't take long for all these people to become your new best friends. It's a very different and very fun experience. If you'd like to go, email them at gatheredtable@gmail.com or visit them on Facebook to join their mailing list.
Just for Fun

Nobska Woods Hole was cited in the Smithsonian Magazine as #5 in a list of America's 20 best small towns. We know they hit the nail on the head! 

In addition to all of the wonderful places mentioned in the article, I would like to send a shout-out to Beth Colt and her Woods Hole Inn and Quick's Tavern for the life and quality that they have brought to this revitalized block. Not to mention that Beth writes one of the all-time great blogs, definitely worth reading!

I also really like Steven Birmingham's Coffee Obsession, referred to around town as Coffee-O. The prices are probably half what they at the S place (Starbucks), the coffee is way better, and it's local. Try it if you haven't already!

It's always fun when your hometown is recognized and celebrated. Enjoy!
Thanks for reading, and as always, please remember me when you have the chance to recommend an agent!


Cordially,

Nadine

Nadine Krasnow
Falmouth Fine Properties
P.O. Box 664
Falmouth, MA  02541
(617)921-7552
nadine@falmouthfineproperties.com


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