We have noticed a large uptick in inquiries for our construction services since the last large stock market dip in August.  People are struggling with where to put their money, and real estate has always been a sound investment, especially on Cape Cod.  People's perception of the marketplace has a lot to do with their willingness to make the decision to invest.  Unfortunately, most of the news you hear on a daily basis covers the negative market conditions, and the impending failure of the European financial system.  US news recently published this article on the real estate market, which supports our position that now is a great time to build. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/whats-store-housing-market-2012-221458067.html

   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

   We have noticed over the last several years that customers are moving away from the large, elaborate homes, and asking for smaller, well-designed, and planned homes that contain less, but more efficient space.  As people move towards retirement, their needs for large great rooms, formal dining rooms etc, are less critical.  Most of the homes we have built have been in the 1200 - 2000sf range for the last several years.  Our customers focus on well designed living / kitchen spaces, a reasonably sized master suite, and additional flex space that can serve as an office or a bedroom to accommodate summer guests.  Here is an interesting article we found looking at national trends towards smaller homes.  Smaller home trends

REEF has also designed some smaller homes as part of our standard portfolio called the Cottage Collection... click here -Cottage Plans

  A couple of years ago, the EPA instituted new lead regulations covering work in homes built prior to 1978.  After years of study, it was determined that the dust created from renovation and remodeling work in homes with lead paint was the leading cause of lead poisoning in children and adults. The dust created during construction project is much more readily absorbed into the body, as opposed to large peeling paint chips, which had been thought to be the leading cause in the past.

  So what is the big deal about these new regulations? The safety, training, and work environment requirements add significant, if not prohibitive cost to any work being performed in an environment that contains lead.  The work area must be sealed from the rest of the house, tradesmen are requiured to wear full suits, and respirators, and the work area must be thoroughly cleaned, and wiped down daily.  There are ways to mitigate these costs, but if lead is present in the home, there is really no simple or inexpensive solution to the problem. 

Here are some links from the National Association of Home Builders, and the EPA with additional information:  http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=118467

http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf

 We found this video clip from ABC news regarding the impact of purchasing American-made products on the job market.  The building industry in general is a huge consumer of durable goods, and as such,  a small commitment to increasing the use of American-made products can have a dramatic impact on employment, and the overall economy.  REEF will commit to seeking out American-made products at every opportunity!!

Click here to watch the video: http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/0_04vzdsr5/uiconf_id/5590821

  Here are some interior shots of a new home that we have been working on for a few months in Dennis, MA.  This week we are installing the kitchen, finishing the interior trim work, and getting ready to install the plumbing fixtures.  This home is located in our Dr. Stanton Rd. neighborhood, and has a traditionally-styled exterior, with an open floor plan, and some more contemporary styling inside. If you would like to see more of this home, please click here -Request Info

    REEF Realty often partners with land owners, and those seeking land on Cape Cod, to design custom homes that can meet the unique characteristics of the lot.  Here is a new plan we came up with for one of the lots currently for sale on Dr. Stanton Rd. in Dennis, MA.  These lots range in price from the mid to high $200's.  Let us know what you think!

If you are thinking of purchasing a lot on Cape Cod, click here and find out how we can help: -Request Info

  We thought this was appropriate given the season. Just a little reminder to be safe for the holidays...

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/611.pdf

So the weather has been cooperating with us this fall, and we have been moving along nicely on this new home in Wellfleet, MA.  This project is unique, as the site posed a few challenges due to its proximity to the coastal bank. When building anywhere near the water, the permitting process will involve approval by the local conservation commission.  The conservation commission's input will influence things like lot coverage, site drainage and septic locations, vegetation preservation or removal.  REEF was able to work with its team of engineers and the commission to negotiate an exceptional location for this house, which allowed the preservation of critical environmental concearns, while maximizing the views of Wellfleet Harbor.  Here are some photos from the site this week. The house has been insulated, and we are starting to sheetrock and plaster today.... If you have a property on Cape Cod with a challenging site like this, click here to see how REEF can help you!! CONTACT US