As summer makes it's exit and we experience the first round of cool nights here on Cape Cod, our thoughts go towards fall evenings in front of a warm fire.  There are literally hundreds of options on the market for fireplaces for your new custom home, and if you are thinking of building a home, renovating or an addition, you should definitely see what is available. 

 Considerdations for style, fuel type (gas or wood), location, and even outdoor fireplaces are all things to look at when planning your Cape Cod home project.  A nice idea is to have a fireplace in the master bedroom, which can enhance the style, cozy feel and ambiance of your new master suite. Click below to see 50 fireplace designs for your Cape Cod Home

50 Fireplace Designs

   Now that we are in the dead of winter, there are still opportunities to do maintenance on your Cape Cod Home.  This is a great time of year to identify leaks, drafts, or other issues that arise with the cold weather.  Some of the biggest potential risks at this time of year are leaks from ice dams, or frozen and broken pipes.  Take some time to walk through your attic and basement spaces and seek out potential drafts and seal them with foam.  Even a small amount of preventative maintenance at this time of year can save you from a very expensive repair! 

If you are heading south for the winter, and leaving your Cape Cod Home unattended, this is a good time to confirm all of your contact information with your homewatch or alarm service company.  Another inexpensive option is to have either a freeze alarm or water sensor installed to quickly identify a potential freeze or leak as soon as possible. 

For more information click here: January Home Maintenance Checklist

  Good news continues in the Cape Cod and Massachusetts Real Estate markets! Here is another update from the Massachusetts Association of Realtors

   There were 3,685 detached single-family homes sold this October, a 22 percent increase from the 3,017 homes sold the same time last year. This is the 16th straight month of year-over-year increases. The October condominium market was up 34.8 percent compared to the same time last year. (from 1,056 units sold in 2011 to 1,423 units sold in 2012). This is the 15th month of the last 16 that condominium sales have been up.  

The median selling price for single-family homes in October was $287,000 which was up 4.4 percent from $275,000 in October 2011.  

Condominium median selling prices in October were up 2.0 percent from the October 2011 median price (from $259,900 to $265,000). 

Inventory and Days on Market:

The inventory of single-family homes as of October 2012 decreased 23.5 percent from October 2011. This was also the largest single month year-over-year decrease since MAR has been tracking this data.

The inventory of condominiums on the market in October was down 32.2 percent compared to the year before.  

Detached single-family homes stayed on the market an average of 102 days in October 2012, which was down from 114 days in October 2011. Condos stayed on the market an average of 102 days, which was down from 111 days in October 2011.

So far, it looks like 2012 will be the start of the rebound for the real estate market, and as you know, demand will continue to increase. If you are considering Building, Remodeling or Renovating your Cape Cod Home, please CONTACT US today!

I

   At a conference held on November 13, 2012, Governor Patrick announced a new plan to promote construction of 10,000 new units of housing annually.  This "Compact Neighborhoods" plan supports smart growth and higher density development in areas where it makes sense, i.e., near jobs, or transit centers. Along with the renewed focus on development, there was also a focus on providing a more streamlined and predictable permitting process for residential projects, which was written into the jobs bill that was passed in August.  This sort of positive attitude towards housing from the state level can only serve to help all of us in the Home Building industry.  Housing and development are major sectors of the economy on Cape Cod, and it is nice to see government leaders taking positive steps towards recovery!

Here is the full article from HBAMA.com: Governor Patrick Talks Housing

   The Commerce Department released it's September statistics for new home starts and building permit activities.  New Home construction was up 15% from August, and building permits are rising at the same level.  The level of activity in September signifies an 82.5% increase from all time lows seen in 2009! So what does this mean for your New Home, Renovation, or Remodeling project on Cape Cod? Well it means demand for qualified and experienced contracting services is on the rise, and that material prices will be on the move as well.  Since last year at this time, REEF has witnessed an 8% increase in construction materials prices for the average home.  So if you have been thinking of Building, Remodeling or Renovating on Cape Cod, now is a great time to start and take advantage of still low costs and low interest rates! Here is the full article from Yahoo Finance: Construction Starts Up

If you are thinking of starting your project click here to see how we can help:

   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:

   Prices for existing homes have continued to rise this summer.  July marked the 5th consecutive monthly increase for year over year sales data.  This is good news and shows continued strength in the housing market. 

As a custom home builder on Cape Cod, many of REEF's customers are selling their existing homes to  retire here on beautiful Cape Cod.  With low interest rates, and rents on the rise, the housing market has begun a consistent upward trend, allowing people to sell their homes at a higher price.  The favorable interest rates also help the construction / renovation market as construction loans are also available at similarly low rates.  If you are thinking of building a new home on Cape Cod or Renovating your existing home click here to find out what it might cost:

Here is the full article from residentialpros.com: Home Prices on the Rise

   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!