Good news from the MA Association of realtors

http://www.capeplymouthbusiness.com/news/show/2316

  One of our local realtors, Brian Pothier http://www.brianpothier.com sent out a comprehensive update on the Cape Cod Real Estate Market.  So far it looks like things are heading up!  As custom home builders, we constantly watch the market to see where housing and building demand is going.  A strong real estate market also bodes well for strong renovation and remodeling demand.

Click below to read the report!

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=9c4vr4eab&v=001zO3-DzIs5zZs5dKkFkcsurs44Jn2bopb7js2ja6LmX3IPiD2_UnnQuz0rRqqW35bcG6SQUuTiuQrn8xowYNsDIb-nWRPlIVbeUvn7IrryyDfzL3KXEBYnVV070AtMUeL5Tpx_0gRedY%3D

   REEF just launched their new board on Pinterest this week!!! We will be pinning items we find interesting in architecture, custom homes, remodeling or renovation.

Here is the link to our page!!!

http://pinterest.com/capecodbuilder/

    We came across this article by the New York times that provides an in-depth review of the current state of the real estate market on Cape Cod.  Cape Cod builders are always looking for signs of the health of this market, as it is a strong indicator of demand for new costruction, remodeling and renovation services. Custom home and custom renovation requests are on the rise, and we have noticed strong demand in the last two quarters.  With all of these indicators, now might just be the time to make an investment in your Cape Cod home while prices and interest rates are still at historic lows!

Click here to read the full article from the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/realestate/greathomes/GH-capecod.html

    Recently the CEO of JP Morgan announced 9 reasons the housing market is headed towards recovery.  Citing facts like steady population growth, reduced inventory, and steady job growth, CEO Jaime Dimon has a positive outlook on the market place.  As home builders on Cape Cod, REEF understands that information like this will not immediately translate into increased demand in our unique market.  However, since many of our customers make their investments in their Cape Cod homes based on the ability to sell their primary residence, things are looking up.  

Here is the full article from Housingzone.com: 9 Signs Housing is in Recovery

   We are always presented with the challenge of designing and building well-appointed, efficiently designed homes that fit the unique constraints of the small lots typically found on the Cape.   We found this article from Housingzone.com that provides some good ideas that will help you design your next "small home that lives large" Check it out!

docs/small homes that live large.pdf

Here are some pictures of a rendering we did for a new home in Dennis, MA.  Renderings are a great tool to help customers visualize the finished product... check these out!

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

   Now that we are in the throes of winter here in the northeast, we wanted to offer some tips on preventing ice dams.  Ice dams are caused when ice forms at the roof edges and gutter line, and prevents the natural flow of water off a roof.  They can cause thousands of dollars in damage as the water flows into the house in an irregular pattern, showing up over windows, in ceilings and running down the inside of walls. 

Amica and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety offer these tips:

• Make sure the ceiling is airtight, so warm, moist air doesn’t flow into the attic space.
• Increase ceiling and roof insulation to minimize the amount of heat that rises into the attic.
• Use weather-stripping around entryways to the attic.
• Seal around attic ducts, light fixtures, chimneys and fans to prevent heat from melting snow.
• Make sure the attic is well ventilated so that any warm air is replaced with cold outside air.
• Clean debris from gutters and drains to allow for proper drainage.

One of the best ways we have found to prevent ice dams, is to use a self-adhereing ice and water shield at all roof edges, valleys and other critical roof / wall intersections. Although it adds some cost up front, it is insignificant comparted to the damage and hassle invloved in repairing the results of an ice dam.  If you are thinking about remodeling, renovating or building a new home, please contact us to talk about ways of preventing this common problem: CONTACT US  

If you have any other questions concerning your home... visit our Ask Capecodbuilder page and let's see if we can help!

Check out photos of our recently-completed project in Orleans!!

http://www.facebook.com/CapeCodBuilder