An offer being written today will ordinarily close around the end of the year or at the beginning of 2015. It's a special pleasure to be with my buyers as they choose a closing date based on their holiday celebrations. 

Below is a selection of homes curated by me that would fit the bill for first home/second home/retirement home buyer goals. Come with me while we take a look!

#21407151

 32 Pearl Lane, East Falmouth

I think this house is a sleeper! It's really cute. At the end of a cul-de-sac in Maravista, minutes from downtown and the beach, it backs up to the rear of the Teaticket School playground. I like that there's lots of open space behind the house - but I also like the sound of kids playing. And remember, on the weekends it's going to be pretty quiet. So why do I like this house? Great location, 3 bedrooms with one being on the first floor, 2 full baths, 1,438 s.f. (not too big and not too small - just right), and a really pretty setting. For a brief moment last week, the asking price was $299,000. I thought that was a steal. But even at $329,900, it's a really nice house for the money.

#21408774

 

 

At 1,512 s.f., with 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, this house is just a little bit bigger than Pearl Street. Being 2 miles from the beach (in this case, Menahaunt), it's a bit farther to take a dip. But it does include an association dock right at the end of the cul-de-sac for a pretty paddle down the pond. So it's whatever floats your boat. More space? Kayak opportunity? Regrettably, even at the asking price, this Seller will be taking a loss. For a buyer, it's a great opportunity! 

#21408955

What makes this house unique is the setting. With over 3 acres, a barn, two sheds, extensive gardens, and agriculturally zoned, being here is really like being in the country. It's not what people usually think of when they think of Falmouth, but it's a very appealing setting for anyone who enjoys the farming life. Good price, too! 

Last week when I was showing this house, I felt the familiar stirring of what is apparently a chronic condition for me: "House Rescue-itis". (Some people rescue dogs; I rescue houses.) Why? It is the least expensive house on the street by at least $150,000. Right there, that's probably enough for me, because I can change any house, but I can't change the location. This is a classic case of a house that was listed too high for too long and is now less than what it could have sold for, had it been priced properly at the beginning. It makes me sad for sellers. The house could use some snazzing up (my specialty), but the location, size (4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2,386 s.f.), and acre lot will deliver instant equity upon improvement.

#21408875

 

 

This sweet home (3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 960 s.f.) reminds me of the little beach house that I used to own. There's something about a small house very near the ocean that speaks to why we all love it here. The air and light are magical. This is a lot of money for a small house not particularly renovated, but it offers the quintessential beach experience as is, added on to, or knocked down and started over. And only steps from Surf Drive Beach. Flood insurance will most likely be necessary if a new buyer gets a mortgage, but so far, insurance fees are not that high, and I feel our low property tax rate is a more than fair trade-off.

 

#21407398

   

This house will most likely not be for the retirement home buyer, as it has no first-floor bedroom suite and it's a flight up from the garage. But the house is young, with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 2,329 s.f.; beautifully maintained; and in a neighborhood of similar homes. Centrally located near the high school, it's not at a beach, but it is only a 10-minute drive to either west or south side surf, and a quick 5 minutes into town.  

 

#21409242

 

 

The price on this home might seem high for its size (3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,820 s.f.), but the Gull Road location commands a premium. In that sweet spot between Main Street and Surf Drive Beach, and near the bike path, this is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in town. Nice house, nice location, but you have to pay for it. 

#21202854

You've seen this here before. It's been on the market since April of 2012. Can you believe that? You don't have to be a genius to draw the one and only conclusion: the price was too high ($795,000), and it's been too long. So now it really is a buyer opportunity. Nice house, nice neighborhood, and at Woodneck Beach, this is now a deal. Unfortunately, agents tend to overlook houses that have been on the market for such a long time. This doesn't help the selling situation.  

#21303716

#21404942

I showed this house its first day on the market in June, at $715,000; and just a few weeks ago, one of my buyers made an offer that was accepted, but he later withdrew because the roof needed replacement. The sellers have reduced the price and are replacing the roof, and appear to be what's colloquially referred to as "motivated". Ballymeade is enjoying increased buyer interest lately, and houses that are appropriately priced are selling. This is a good house: nice floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 2,545 s.f.; first-floor main bedroom suite; and just enough yard while still being surrounded by lots of mature trees. There is a separate third garage, great for a workshop or even better, home for motorcycles. 

#21404276