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/

  Looks like the housing market is back on the move!.  In both April and May, home sale prices increased, and June is looking positive as well. In some markets, home prices are back where they were in 2003! Opinions are all trending towards a stabilization of the market, and accordingly, REEF has begun to see some material prices increase of the last few months (over 2%).  This means that things are definitely on the move. If you are thinking of a New Home, Remodeling, or Renovation project, now is the time to start and take advantage of this emerging market!  Click below to find out what your project might cost!

Here is the fill article on the housing market from Builderonline.com:http://www.builderonline.com/home-prices/home-sales-prices-increase-for-second-month.aspx

   A garage addition is a great way to add value to your property by providing additional storage, parking, and sometimes living space.  The challenge is that often times a custom garage design is needed to properly fit a lot or existing home.  At REEF, Cape Cod's home Builder, we provide complete design, permitting and construction services to accomplish this type of project. Here are some recent projects and custom designs we have completed for our customers.  If you are thinking of a garage addition or detached garage for your home, please click below to contact us:

   Professional Builder Magazine recently published their "Design Innovation Repoort" which was developed with leaders in residential design from across the country.  There were 15 key points in this report, many of which make a lot of sense, and can provide some inspiration for your next New Home, Remodeling or Renovation Project. 

See the full article here: http://www.housingzone.com/design/15-great-ideas-leaders-residential-design

   Bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in any home. REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder has done several bathroom remodeling and renovation projects over its 25+ year history.  We came across the following article that shows IKEA's 2013 bathroom collection.  There are some really interesting and contemporary products featured here.  If you are thinking of remodeling your bathroom, kitchen or home on Cape Cod, please contact us today.

Here is the full Article: http://www.digsdigs.com/ikea-bathroom-design-ideas-2013/