On Cape Cod, everyone always thinks of shingled, traditionally styled homes.  However, there are a number of modern-styled homes, especially on the outer Cape. Custom Home Builders often look to modern styling to identify trends, and new and innovative ways to use materials. We came across this slideshow of homes that recently won the George Matsumoto competiton for modern design in California.  These homes are stunning, innovative, and remarkably simple in their form. Click Here to view the slideshow:

http://www.builderonline.com/design/modernist-house-design-competition-winners.aspx

If you are thinking of designing a modern home, please contact REEF today... and see what we can do for you!

   Planning and permitting your new home, remodeling or renovation project can be the most challenging part of the process. At REEF, Cape Cod's Home Builder, we provide complete, design, planning, and permitting services as part of our construction process. Any project, even the most simple, have several layers of permitting and design that must be addressed properly for the project to be a success.  Things like building codes, zoning by-laws, historic districs, conservation and wetlands, septic systems and energy efficiency all come into play.  Our team of experts has the experience, and technical knowledge to make the entire process predictable. 

If you are thinking of building a new home or remodeling on Cape Cod, you should take a minute and download our Critical Plannign Guide below:

And this could be your new home!

   With an aging population, and tough economic times, many families are opting to bring multiple generations under one roof. Many of the towns on Cape Cod allow in-law apartments through a special permit, and the process is fairly simple.  An in-law apartment also enhances the value of the home over the long term.  If you are thinking of investing in an In-Law apartment for your home, or building a New Custom Home with an apartment. Contact us for a free consultation. 

Here is an article from MSN Money that talks a little about the process: http://realestate.msn.com/how-to-add-a-mother-in-law-apartment

  The housing market has been in a real slump for the last several years.  As a Custom Home Builder, Remodeling, and Design firm on Cape Cod, we have felt this impact over the last several years.  Despite the consistent draw of people to the Cape, especially for retirement, we have found that people need to sell their primary residences off Cape to make the move.  Recently, the National Association of Home Builders published their outlook for 2012 and all signs are positive for the housing industry. In fact 2012 may be the first year in the last 7 for positive housing activity.  If you are thinking of building your new home on cape cod, or renovating or remodeling that old cottage, now is a great time to start planning your project!

Here is the full article from Builderonline.com: http://www.builderonline.com/housing-data/growth-looks-good.aspx

  Many of our customers are selling their existing home elsewhere so they can build their dream home on Cape Cod.  One of the great ways to help in this process is staging. Staging is a method of decorating the home to enhance its appeal to potential buyers.  Buyers are often times rushed when viewing a potential home, and have limited vision of its decorating potential. A professional staging company can highlight the unique features of a home and give it some updated styling for a very reasonable price.  REEF, Cape Cod's Home Builder has staged some of the Custom Homes built in recent years and had great success. 

Here is an article with more details about staging from decoist.com:http://freshome.com/2012/08/08/why-home-staging-could-give-you-the-edge-in-the-property-market/

    Summer is a great time to think of home improvements, remodeling or renovations.  Painting your home is a great way to preserve your home and add some curb appeal at the same time. Here are some tips if you are considering painting your home this summer! The Cape's coastal environment is hard on the exterior of your home, generally requiring painting every 5 years depending on your location.

REEF's Small Projects division can provide painting and general home maintenance throughout the year... click here if you would like a quote

Clock Below for 7 Smart Painting Tips

http://realestate.msn.com/7-smart-tips-for-painting-your-house#1

   The Master Bathroom is one of the most important spaces in a New Home or Remodeling Project.  The emotional and aesthetic appeal of the space must balance with the functionality and utility of the various fixtures. A well designed Master Bath can be a showpiece and still meet all of the needs of the homeowner. There is a strong trend towards larger spaces with accessibility features such as curbless tubs and roll in showers that can meet the needs of a homeowner for years to come. 

Here are some great designs we found from builderonline.com: Ultimate Bathrooms

Here is the latest info on Cape Cod Real Estate... looks like things are really on the move! If you are thinking of Building a New Home, Remodeling or Renovating, please contact REEF Realty today at CAPECODBUILDER.COM

JOHN F. MEADE, REGISTER OF DEEDS

REPORT OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY

FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2012

SALES VOLUME JUMPS, MEDIAN VALUE FLAT!

Barnstable County Register of Deeds, John F. Meade, reports that the volume of real estate sales in July 2012 was up 33.8% from July 2011 volume and the total value of sales was up 46.9% from the previous year.  The median individual property sale value was down 0.2% from the previous year.  There was a 78.4% increase in the volume of mortgage activity from July 2011 levels.

Year to Date: Volume of Sales is up 23.6%; Total Value of Sales is up 30.9%; Individual Sales Value is up 3.8%; Mortgage Volume is up 38%.

Register Meade reports that there were 605 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds in July 2012 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $259,374,719.00 in county-wide real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Barnstable County in July was $284,000.00.

There were 1,604 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in July with a total value of $448,358,950.00.  The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $222,300.00.

By way of comparison there were 452 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds in July 2011 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $176,602,644.00 in county-wide real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Barnstable County in July was $284,500.00.

There were 899 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in July with a total value of $246,965,561.00.  The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $221,791.00.

   As a Custom Home Designer,  Builder, and Remodeling Contractor on Cape Cod, REEF is always watching trends in design and finishes. We came across this report from the National Kitchen and Bath Association about the top 5 trends in kitchens for 2012.  The NKBA surveyed 350 of its members about these trends and they came up with some interesting information.  From Kitchen Cabinet Styles, to Backsplashes, to Faucets, this article provides some insight into the current trends in kitchen design.

Here is the full article:http://www.housingzone.com/design/5-kitchen-design-trends-2012

    There are a lot of unique spaces that can be created in a bedroom, a great use of space is an alcove bed.  These designs are fun for a kids bedroom, or an older home with limited space. They can be simple or elaborate, and become a permanent part of the home.  If you are planning a new home or renovation project, consider an alcove bed... they look great!

Here is the full gallery from decoist.com:http://www.decoist.com/2012-08-02/1-cool-alcove-beds/