Responding to pleas from panicked homeowners and housing industry leaders who claim new flood zones are hurting real estate sales and the economy as a whole, the U.S. Senate today passed a procedural hurdle to delay steep increases in insurance premiums. The vote was 86 to 13 with a final Senate vote expected as early as Wednesday.
While the move is designed to postpone by four years insurance rates which reflect the true cost of flood risk, it provides no relief for vacation homes -- a large percentage of which lie in flood-prone coastal, river and marsh locations. On Cape Cod, roughly half of all residential properties are vacation homes, according to Cape and Islands Association of Realtors statistics. Flood insurance premiums, mandated by mortgage lenders, could still rise ten-fold on vacation homes. Cash buyers are not required to have homeowners insurance of any sort. Even if the government puts off implementation of the insurance increases, the clock is ticking. All homes, primary and secondary, will pay the true, higher rates in four years. The National Association of Realtors blames a reduction in home sales in the third and fourth quarters last year on the chilling effect brought on by new, expanded Federal Emergency Management Agency flood zones. The zones were created after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 ravaged reserves in the National Flood Insurance Program. Superstorm Sandy brought an avalanche of new insurance claims in 2012. The Biggert-Waters Act of 2012 intended to restore the balance sheet to the battered NFIP, however the law had the unintended effect of increasing insurance premiums so much, that some homeowners could not afford to pay the bill and faced losing their homes. In addition, the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth conducted a study this fall which found the mapping system used by FEMA to determine the new zones is an outdated model more appropriate for the Pacific Ocean than the Atlantic. Senator Edward Markey of Massachusetts indicated that he intends to investigate the issue further. You might also like: Interactive Map Shows Advance of Cape Cod Flood Zones
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![]() You know a community has provenance when it has a road named Old King's Highway, as in... the King of England. Cape Cod is old and the housing stock reflects our proud history. There are currently 121 single family homes for sale constructed prior to 1900. Not everyone wants to own a home built when Abraham Lincoln was President, but for those who do, there are risks along with the rewards to consider. To minimize the former, here are some tips from Realtor.com.
First, determine the scope of the project. Will you shore up the foundation? Remove some interior walls? Expand and modernize the kitchen and baths? If you're looking for an old house bargain, it might be less expensive to buy a handyman special, tear it down and start all over. Second, know your architect. Ask your realtor or your friends for the name of a professional with expertise in working with historic homes. Make an appointment to see if the architect shares your vision of what the antique home can be. Keep it local. Where possible, source architectural salvage from the same region. Design details and materials at home with the natural environment will produce a harmonious final product. Why reinvent the wheel when the wheel may be lying in a field nearby somewhere? And now, what not to do. Don't interfere. Once the project is underway, a change of heart about the floor plan or a significant design element will stop the work, put the job behind schedule, cost money and heap frustration on everyone. Some contractors will quit a homeowner who is all over the place with his or her fancies. Do your best to get it right before construction begins. Don't ignore Historic Commission rules. Cape Cod is rich with history and there are hard-working town commissions working hard to guarantee this history is not lost for future generations. After all, the two-month tourist economy that allows the Cape to survive year round is partly founded on the unique historic characteristics of our region. Work with your contractor to make sure the required permits are in place and aesthetic rules are followed. Don't assume the job will come in at budget. Most construction projects blast through projections by as much as 25 percent. Expect yours will too and have the money ready. With thoughtful planning and some guidance, a quality historic renovation can provide years of comfortable living in a home with a glorious past. You may also like: Massachusetts Historic Society Trust for Architectural Easements Old House Journal Chet Curtis, the fatherly journalist who guided New England through news events big and small for nearly five decades on television, died last night after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 74. WCVB-TV devoted nearly all of it's early evening news tonight to Curtis' career. Though he migrated to Boston's NECN in 2000, his long association with Channel 5 is what audiences remember best. Chet Curtis was born in Amsterdam, N.Y., and began his news career in the 1970s. His on-air chemistry with fellow anchor Natalie Jacobsen worked off-camera as well, and the two were married for nearly 25 years before divorcing in 1999. During that time "Chet and Nat" calmly and authoritatively covered the news and donated their time to various charitable causes, while raising their daughter Lindsay who was born in 1981. Curtis's fight against cancer was no secret. He attended his daughter's June wedding in a wheel chair. His weight loss was considerable. His induction into the New England Broadcaster's Hall of Fame last September showed a particularly frail man who appeared far older than his years. Watching the retrospective on Curtis brought me back to my childhood in Worcester in the 1970s. Chet and Nat's ease in front of the camera, their ability to make an important and influential job appear enjoyable and fun had a profound impact on me. They more than anyone else on television at the time made me want to work on TV too. And so I did. For more than two decades. Natalie spoke through tears on the news tonight, to say how moved she was that Chet was well enough to attend their daughter's wedding; today so "sad that Chet died early". After the famous pair disbanded at home and in front of the camera, New England television news was never the same. Natalie herself retired a few years ago. Today the absurdly talented news department is more of an ensemble than the supporting players for local television royalty. It's the way TV news is everywhere now.
Chet Curtis was the go-to guy for the big interviews and every New Englander of a certain age feels the loss. For all his experience and exposure to newsmakers and king pins, it is the way he talked to the rest of us at home every night that will be his most important legacy. It's been a long time, I know. The holidays and a general lack of new listings have scuttled most of the tours for two months now. But today I have some inventory to show you. Let's begin with a super affordable ranch. ![]() 18 Mansion Street in West Harwich has 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. The entry-level price will get your foot in the door in Cape Cod real estate. ![]() Paint the whole thing white and watch the transformation. ![]() A coat of paint and some updated furnishings will add wow factor to this coastal charmer close to the beach of Nantucket Sound. 18 Mansion Street is offered at $229,000. Do you like to bicycle? Do you remember the Brady Bunch? Our next stop combines the two for a unique Cape Cod architectural opportunity. ![]() Let's check out 2 Old Colony Road in Harwich. Built in 1976, this expanded ranch sits directly on the Cape Cod Rail Trail Bike Path, within sight of the heart of Harwich Village Center. Pets are no problem in this fenced in yard. Three seasons of greenery provide total privacy and you can watch it all from this spacious elevated deck. For the discriminating buyer who seeks space, elegance and a place by the water's edge, let's tour 6 Shoal Hope Drive in West Harwich, shall we? There are four bedrooms and four bathrooms in this expansive property on the Herring River in Harwich. And there is plenty of room to roam outdoors as well. The lot is .75 acre. The home was built in 2002 and it's been meticulously cared for. The first floor master en suite is huge. Can you imagine how pleasant it is to sit on this patio by the river in the summer? A dock comes with the property so bring your small boat. You get 11 feet of clearance under the bridge at Lower County Road at high tide. 6 Shoal Hope Road is offered at $1,490,000. A little steep you say? OK, let's tour a 1988 home in authentic condition. ![]() This home is deceiving. It's open floor plan presents spaciousness that is surprising when you walk in. There's something about this kitchen that is super cool to me. It's a time capsule of its day. The formica "wood" counter tops, the oak-trimmed formica cabinetry and the 4 x 4 inch tile backsplash are all original and in great shape. Only one owner has held this property for 25 years. I always think it's a bonus when a home retains it's architectural integrity. You have the option of doing a 2014 total upgrade, or you can keep the 1988 sensibility. Remember, mid-century homes across the country that were not updated in 60 years are commanding a fortune now. ![]() The bathroom is authentic 1988 too. You don't see too many like this anymore. ![]() This is one of three bedrooms on the first floor but there is unfinished space on the second floor for two more. That's Grassy Pond in the distance, a quiet little place to enjoy a kayak, canoe or paddleboard.
And do you think you could use that deck? Brother. Once the trees leaf out, you can do some serious relaxing back here. 26 Olde Homestead Way offers 3 bedrooms and two bathrooms and the rare opportunity to upgrade the septic system for as many as five bedrooms if you like. With 1.35 acres of land you have a lot of flexibility. It is on the market for $424,000. Let me know if you would like to tour any via cellphone or in person and I'll get you in. You might also like: Interactive Map Shows Advance of Cape Cod Flood Zones Self-employed Face Challenges with Second Home Financing From the shanty to the waterfront manse, it seems everyone wants a piece of Cape Cod for themselves. Those in the luxury market of $1,000,000 or more get a bigger piece than most. Here are the ten priciest homes on the market right now on Cape Cod and the Islands. It would be my honor to take you through them in person. Just call. ![]() $25,000,000 97 Tilipi Run, Chatham Boasting one of the most spectacular properties on the Cape Cod shoreline, this shingle-clad home is poised on 1.9 acres and majestically resides over the Atlantic Ocean, Monomoy Islands and Nantucket Sound. ![]() $18,000,000 157 Wapoos Trail, Chatham Iconic 13+ acre waterfront estate on Morris Island complete with a 5 bedroom, 7 1/2 bath main house and a 40' x 30' boathouse with permanent dock and two side floats. ![]() $17,500,000 251 Green Dunes Drive West, Hyannisport This exclusive gated 10 acre estate boasts truly unparalled 250-degree views from Nantucket Sound and Martha's Vineyard to Hall's Creek, Squaw Island and beyond. ![]() $14,950,000 52 Ships Eagle Lane, Osterville From its stone pillared front gate welcoming one to seven acres of waterfront privacy, to its private deep water dock and more than two additional acres of sandy beachfront on Nantucket Sound, this extraordinary 1880's-era manor provides all the comforts and amenities one would expect from a modern day world-class estate, while preserving the charm of yesteryear. ![]() $14,750,000 459 Sea View Avenue, Osterville Overlooking the beautiful waters of Nantucket Sound sits this sophisticated yet intimate waterfront estate. ![]() $13,900,000 461 Main Street, Osterville Grab your ipad and choose the music for this morning's workout. Take the elevator to the gym and enjoy a sauna or maybe a steam in this 5 bedroom, 8.5 bath direct oceanfront home. ![]() $13,500,000 79 Garrison Lane, Osterville Located on a 2 acre parcel down a private gated drive, this magnificent waterfront estate overlooking Eel River and Nantucket Sound defines architectural elegance and style. ![]() $12,500,000 177 Seapuit River Road, Osterville On the south coast of Cape Cod, on the renowned private island of Oyster Harbors, one of only a few rare properties offering views of Nantucket Sound, a private sandy beach and a deep water dock. ![]() $12,500,000 62 Hulbert Street, Nantucket Privacy abounds at this extraordinary Hulbert Avenue property. Situated on nearly an acre of land, there is a four+ bedroom main house and a three bedroom cottage, both renovated in 2008 with great attention to detail and quality. ![]() $11,800,000 41 Uncle Roberts Road, West Yarmouth Known as Pebble Hedge on Great Island, this outstanding waterfront estate consists of 3 separate properties totaling 9.52 acres surrounded by a sandy shoreline to the south and protected waters with a deep water dock to the west. ![]() Have you ever seen a sign on Cape Cod advertising "Pizza and Grinders"? Did you think you'd get a metal fabrication device served up with your pizza? Or did you know grinder is the eastern New England word for sub? It's one of the regional quirks of the English language. Two Harvard University researchers conducted a survey of these regional differences and they offer their findings in a super entertaining online quiz. It determines with scary accuracy the place where you grew up and learned to speak. It nailed me, no problem. I spent the first 18 years of my life in New England and the next 32 in Syracuse, NY. Which was the greater influence on the way I spoke? According to the map, my speech originated from Worcester - Mass, Boston, or Providence, R.I. Boom. I was born in Worcester.
My children grew up in Syracuse but they had New England pronunciation drilled into them from the enunciation drill sergeant who was their mother. I would not allow them to pronounce "aunt" as "ant" as their friends did. As a result the dialect tool determined my daughter came from either Springfield, Mass -- birthplace of her dad, or Worcester--the birthplace of her mom, but not Syracuse, the birthplace of herself. Take the quiz via The New York Times, here. A more detailed map and explanation comes from Dr. Vaux's own website here. Once you take it you'll want to pass it along to everyone you know. You might also like: Interactive Map Shows Advance of Cape Cod Flood Zones Planning a Trip to Cape Cod? Start with Street View What do the Sahara Desert and your home have in common? They both have a relative humidity of 5 percent in January.
The air around us is always looking for water. If it doesn't come from a pot of water on the stove or a humidifier in the hallway, the atmosphere will pull water out of our bodies, making us walking humidifiers. The symptoms of that are well known-- flyaway hair, static shock when you touch something, itchy skin, bloody nose. Luckily there are things we can do to increase the humidity and actually save money at the same time. 1. Turn off the "heat dry" feature on your dishwasher. When dishes are clean, simply open the door, let the steam enter the room and the dishes will air dry super quick. 2. Turn off the fan and open the bathroom door when you shower. You'll vent the steam into the house and give family members a thrill. 3. Give the dryer a rest till spring. Line dry your laundry on racks or line in the basement. The dryer is one of the biggest electric draws in the home. You'll save money and humidify the air with the damp laundry. If you have a clothesline outdoors, go ahead and use it. Your clothing will freeze board stiff within an hour. Bring it indoors and it will air dry in moments and humidify the air. 4. Done boiling the pasta or potatoes? Don't dump the water just yet. Let it evaporate into the room. The longer you leave it the more water will be released into the air and you have a built-in excuse to not wash the pot. The bottom line, any time you have something wet or damp, don't reach for electricity to dry it, let the winter heat do it for you. Your appliances will last longer, you'll add years to your clothing, and your skin and wallet will be grateful. You might also like: AC and Internet Top List of Desired Home Features: Survey Demand for Larger Homes Inches Up on Cape and Elsewhere. Home staging affects a buyer's overall impression of a property, but does not prompt them to spend more than a home that is not staged. That's according to a new study by the College of William and Mary. 802 study participants were shown illustrations of six homes. Each of the properties was shown in both appealing and outdated styling. Participants were asked how much they would be willing to pay for the homes. The amount was approximately $204,000 regardless of whether the home was nicely staged or not. Interestingly, while the participants would not offer more money for the staged properties, they believed other buyers would be willing to do so. Many experienced realtors swear staged homes sell faster and for more money than homes in outdated or cluttered decor. The study did not address timing, it only dealt with cost. Here is an example of a Cape Cod home that sold last year. It was vacant and offered at $384,900 without any furniture, new paint or repair. After 6 months and a price drop to $369,900 the sales contract expired and the owners listed with another realtor. The second time, the property was cleaned up, freshly painted and staged with crisp modern furniture in a popular coastal style. Even with the changes, the price was lowered once again, to $339,000. 93 percent of buyers begin their home search online. What do you think about the two versions?
The first selling agent didn't post a lot of photos. The second agent offered several to show off the staging. Here are some more. There you have it. After 78 days on the market, the home sold for $330,000 -- $45,900 less than the original asking price and with a few thousand dollars invested in paint and staging.
Do you think the staging sold the home? Or was it more an issue of the reduced price? If you're a homeowner, how do you think the sellers of this property feel now? Was it a fair deal for them? Please weigh in. You might also like: Selling your Place? Get the Most out of an Open House Homes on Streets Named for Trees Sell for Higher Price ![]() A ferocious nor-easter packing 60 mile per hour winds and horizontal snowfall pounded Cape Cod and the north shore of Massachusetts Friday.
![]() With businesses shutting down and TV news gearing up, it was time to cocoon indoors. The best news about a nor-easter is the sunny weather that always follows. Just when you think you can't take another moment of cabin fever, it's time to excavate the car and take a look around. If you can't get here in winter, enjoy this little video. The Cape is stunning at any time of the year. ![]() As Cape Cod prepares for a major nor'easter homeowners may wish to grab a "For Sale" sign along with the snow shovel. It turns out, winter is the best time to sell a house. A recent survey by Redfin finds that homes listed in the winter months, even in cold and snowy northern locations, sell faster and for more money than homes listed at any other time of year, including traditional favorite, summer. Analysts studied data on homes for sale between March, 2011 and March, 2013, and discovered that homes listed in winter months were 9 percent more likely to sell and for 1.2 percent closer to list price than homes listed at any other time of year. Winter listings also sold one week faster than listings in the spring, summer or fall months.
Inventory drops at year's end on Cape Cod, making the few available homes more attractive to serious buyers. In spite of the cold and snow, Redfin found that the successful winter formula held true in northern cities as well as in the south. In Boston, homes were more likely to sell within six months when listed in winter (62%), spring (51%), summer (48%) and fall (50%). Surprisingly, summer was the least effective time to list a home for sale. Like the stock market that far outperformed expert's predictions for 2013, the revelation that winter-time home sales are more productive is cause for everyone to re-think what they thought they knew about real estate. You might also like: Cost-Value Ration Breaks Six-Year Slump The Truth About Home Appraisals The Bay State gained 47,000 new residents in 2013 over 2012, according to new Census Bureau figures. For the third year in a row, Massachusetts' population growth lead the northeast. With 6.7 million inhabitants, Massachusetts is the 14th most populous state in the U.S. All of this is no surprise to anyone who has tried to negotiate the traffic on our roads. You might also like: Migration Map Shows Financial Hit for Mass.
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Maureen Green
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