This is an interesting time in the Building, Remodeling, and Renovation Business on Cape Cod and across the nation! Prices have been very low for the last 4+ years, and all indications are that the recession is nearing an end.  Labor and material prices are still at historic lows, but that trend is seeing an end...  If you are thinking of Building a New Home, Remodeling, or Renovating on Cape Cod, then you must download our Fall 2012 Guide: Why Build Now!. 

Click Here to Download:

   REEF, Cape Cod's Homebuilder has been involved in the Cape Cod Real Estate market for over 25 years.  With nearly 1,500 projects completed, and daily interaction with real estate professionals and property owners, REEF has seen all of the ups and downs of the market cycle. Over the last 7 years, Cape Cod Real Estate has declined in value, just like many areas in the country.  However, we here at REEF feel we are approaching the end of the cycle.  So, if you are thinking of buying, Building, or Remodeling your Cape Cod Home, NOW is a great time to act. 

Here is an article from boston.com that talks about buying on the Cape: Buy NOW on Cape Cod

If you would like to know what your project may cost, take a look at REEF's 2012 Construction Cost Guide by clicking below:

  Over the last several months, we have continued to see positive signs in the building industry.  Home prices are rising, building permits are increasing, and the market is seeing a renewed interest in real estate as a sound investment.  A a Custom Home Builder here on Cape Cod, our experience has been much the same.  Demand for Custom Homes, Renovations, and Remodeling have increased dramatically over the last 4-5 months. As the market recovers, people have found the ability to mitigate the risk associated with building a home on Cape Cod, given the fact that mortgage rates are low, property values have settled and become stable.  This is an exciting time for builders across the country, especially for those who had the financial strength to weather the storm. Meanwhile, there have also been significant advancements over the last couple of years in building technologies, materials, and techniques that have allowed new homes to be built quickly and efficiently.

Here is an article from Builderonline.com that looks at the increase in residential construction across the country: http://www.builderonline.com/economic-conditions/signs-of-life.aspx

   REEF has started a site on Pinterest to show off some of our work, and highlight innovative new products and designs in the custom home building world.   Follow along and see updates and new photos daily!

Click here to see the site: http://pinterest.com/capecodbuilder

    Outdoor living spaces are becoming more and more poplular, especially with custom homes on Cape Cod.  The marketplace for items like outdoor kitchens, grills, patios, and fireplaces has exploded over the last several years.  Many of the manufacturers have responded with modular, easy to install products that retain the permanent look of masonry or exotic hardwoods that the consumer is looking for.  With the growth of the market, costs have come down and availability of these products is expanding.   The landscaping and outdoor living areas are unfortunately one of the last things that our customers plan for, and sometimes fail to budget properly to achieve their needs.  The demand for these products and well designed landscape or hardscape areas is growing.  Below is an article from Housingzone.com showing the increased popularity of these items.  If you are planning your new home on Cape Cod, you should definitely consider some outdoor living spaces!

survey-outdoor-living-plays-larger-role-selling-new-homes

Here is a photo of one of our recently completed homes with some of these features

  So you have been waiting for the real estate market to hit rock bottom... well then you now may be your chance!!  Check out this article from Yahoo finance. Home prices are at their lowest point since 2002, and are down 34% from their highs of 2006. Check out the article here: Home Prices Hit New Lows

So now is the time to take advantage of the market place and build or renovate your Cape Cod Dream Home!!!!!

Positive news about the housing market is becoming easier to find. 

A recent article for the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) reveals that, "The number of housing markets showing measurable improvement nearly doubled in January with the addition of 40 new metros to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI), released today.  The IMI now boasts 76 improving markets, up from 41 in December, with 31 states and the District of Columbia represented by at least one entry.The index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown improvement from their respective troughs in housing permits, employment and house prices for at least six consecutive months."

To View the Entire article on the NAHB website, click on the link below;

http://www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?newsID=14478

The Design, Build and Renovation of a home requires an integrated systems approach.  Ideally the entire process, from design to construction, has been planned so as to maximize an efficient timetable for project completion.  Equally important is ensuring that the resulting home is a healthy environment for its occupants.

Systems Approach Can Save Money

"Applying the principles for a healthy home, to design, construction and renovation, does not have to result in significant cost increases.  By understanding interactions between building systems, we can identify cost saving trade-offs that improve building performance."

The link below directs you to a booklet which offers valuable insights into some key aspects and design criteria to consider prior to starting your project.  Some of the major design considerations are related to:

1. water

2. air

3. combustion

4. dust

5. creatures.http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/pdfs/db/32114.pdf

Although this pamphlet is intended for those in the construction industry, it's content is relevant and accessible to homeowners.

-Request Info

   2011 was an interesting year in real estate on Cape Cod. Properties in good locations retained much of their value, while many people looking for raw land to build a new home felt that prices were too high. At REEF we regularly monitor lot sales, and have noticed some interesting trends.  First, many of the lots that were on the market for the last several years have come off the market, probably waiting to be re-listed in the spring to take advantage of the larger pool of buyers. More importantly, we have seen many lot prices drop over the last year or so, as sellers are more motivated to move their inventory. 

  If you are thinking of building on Cape Cod, now is a great time to take a hard look at what is available for land.  It is imporant to work with a competent real estate agent, and get a company like REEF involved early in the process.  Custom building on raw land can be a complicated process for a buyer, especially with all of the factors involved.  It is critical to have a team that is familiar with all of the zoning, septic, permitting and legal hurdles so the process can be smooth and predictable.  Contact us today if you are thinking of purchasing a lot... you would be surprised how easy the process can be with REEF on your side. CONTACT US

If you would like to search the Cape and Islands MLS for land click here:-MLS Property Search

REEF also has lots listed for sale in Dennis, MA click here: FOR SALE