The reality is that even with a down turn in the economy, people move, they retire, they get married, households get larger or smaller. People buy and sell vacation homes, life goes on.

Where are we in 2010?  As in every year, with every transaction, price is the dominate factor in the buying and selling process.  Properties priced to the market Sell.

Sellers who are dreaming of a rebound to 2005 pricing are going to continue to be frustrated. Sellers must evaluate their motivation to sell, and face the hard truth that the market will define the value of their property.  Competion at all price levels is high, therefore condition of the property is very important. There comes a day when one of two things happen to all Sellers.  They price the property to the market or they take the house off the market.

Those sellers who at the begining of the process price their property to or ahead of the market will be successful.  That is where we are in 2010.

Spring is almost here on Cape Cod, being surrounded by still chilled water it takes awhile for our temperature to warm up. I have put away the snow shovel, the Osprey’s are returning to build their nests, I check a few of the nesting areas as I drive along the coast on my way to Falmouth, MA where I List and Sell Real Estate. (www.peterhawley.com)

Not only do we have flowers appearing after a long winter, we also have many Buyers out and about every weekend, reviewing Open Houses. There is no question, there is high interest to get into the market, and there are some very attractive investments, but still many lack confidence that this is the right time to move forward. “We don’t know what to do.” is repeated over and over again.

The fact is that there has been some price stabilization, there are many properties that continue to be over priced, and the market is not going to roar back. It is all about perception and the motivation to actually buy something. 1. If you have a 5 year plus time line to use and stay in a property, it is time to BUY. 2. Interest rates are at historical lows making it time to BUY. 3. High inventory offers more choices more negotiating opportunity and it is time to BUY. 4. Combing new Tax Credits, which range from $8,000 for first time Home Buyers to 30% of the cost for a wood stove (total tax credit does have some limits) makes it time to BUY.

How to finally make the decision to move forward is difficult and my first suggestion is to crunch the numbers. What is your present debt level and when can you reduce or eliminate that debt? What is your credit score, and if it is low, what do you need to do to raise it so you can get the better interest rate offered? What is your cash reserve that will allow for a Down Payment, one year prepaid Home Insurance, Appraisal Fees, and Closing Costs? Have you sat down with a mortgage advisor and understand these costs?

(www.conwayfinancial.com )  It is about the money, and if your first decision is to address the money, understand the money, work to accumulate the money, then you will be able to make many more choices, you will have the confidence to BUY.

The old Real Estate quote, “One must be READY, WILLING and ABLE to Buy”,  continues to ring true. Understand your money and you will be, READY, and ABLE, and when you investigate the present Buying opportunities, you will be WILLING to BUY.

I would love to meet with you, assist in crunching the numbers, review what you can afford that is available in the market, negotiate a successful outcome, so you can  Hop right into your new home. Contact me at phawley@jackconway.com

It is a crisp March morning as I make my way to the office in Falmouth, MA, where I List and Sell Real Estate. (www.peterhawley.com). I had a discussion with one of my clients last evening regarding the need to have some windows replaced in a property that I am Selling, and I was pleased to be able to review some of the new Tax Credits, now available in 2009 and extended through 2010.

If you plan to make some home repairs, upgrade mechanical systems, or even buy a new car, let me direct you to 2 Internet sites that you might find interesting. First we have Alliance to Save Energy at www.ase.org Here you will find an easy to read outline of the new tax credits available from the US government. I also would direct you to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency,  where you can select your state and find all the current incentives available from your State government. I would also have you check with your local utility company and see what incentives they are offering, there are many incentives to purchase Energy Star rated appliances, converting Heating Systems and Hot Water Heaters. Leave no stone unturned when considering an investment in your property.

For all homebuyers that might need to factor in the cost of upgrades when making an offer, this information will be helpful. Many of these incentives will have short lives, and like many things, timing is essential.

There are also a number of Mortgage packages that allows you to factor in the cost of repairs and construction if you need to have a new roof, new kitchen, upgrade systems, and I highly suggest that you investigate these opportunities while speaking with your Lender. Here in Conway Country, our Conway Financial Services representative can fully explain the programs available. Kathleen Hallam, a member of the Falmouth Office team, is available at khallam@conway-financial.com, and would love to review those programs that you might qualify for.

Selling and Listing Real Estate is more than just knowing about a property and which room is the kitchen, it involves Tax issues, Financing options and having the knowledge to offer the best service I can to my clients. I am available at phawley@jackconway.com

and would love to hear from you.

Here in Falmouth, MA where I List and Sell Real Estate (www.peterhawley.com) I have spent the past few days having that heart to heart talk with Seller’s. Now that the election is over and we know what is, the looming question is what will be? As I tell my Seller’s, the future just isn’t what it used to be.

What each Seller must now do is understand what the actual cost of their present property is each month. The mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, heat, electric, lawn service, general upkeep. This total figure is critical, remembering these are out of pocket recurring expenses.

Here is an example; if it is going to cost out of pocket $3,000 a month and it is projected that the house might be on the market another 4 months. That is $12,000. My suggestion is at a minimum to do the following. 1. Lower the price this amount. 2. Offer this amount as a Seller’s concession, to be used to pay down a loan interest rate, pay the PIM, pay 2 years of taxes, or pay closing costs, for the BUYER.

Seller’s must be Pro-Active in a big way to grab the attention of the Buyer, and as we see in some areas prices being modified downwards, what a property is being offered for today, does not mean that the market will support that price in the future.

Seller’s needed to make some serious decisions. I am available to discuss innovative marketing programs and may be reached at phawley@jackconway.com

A recent survey concluded a large number of buyers are those making Life Style Changes, seeking to telecommute and work from their home base. They may commute to Boston or New York and beyond to meet with clients for a few days returning to spend the rest of the week on Cape Cod. I was one of those mobile world travelers, leaving Monday mornings to my office in Canada and then working my way back to the Cape.

Those who are close to retirement or those who have retired make up the largest influx of buyers, most have vacationed for years in Falmouth, know the community and have strong social ties here. Some may also own property further South and stay here from Spring to early Fall.

Next are those who wish to have a second home on the Cape, a short distance from Boston or New York, are busy with their careers, raising their families, and want a place that all their friends and family can come to and get to in a few hours.

The majority of the population live here year round, working each day, running their business’s, raising their families and like me enjoying everyday the delight of watching the sun cross the water each morning as I travel to my office. They are the glue that keeps the community strong.

Come and explore Falmouth real estate opportunities. I am available at phawley@jackconway.com, you may also view property that is available at www.peterhawley.com

Falmouth, MA – An Overview

From the Edge of America – Falmouth, MA, a thriving community on the southeast corner of Cape Cod. Here you will find the best in summer recreation, be it sitting on the beach soaking up the sun, fishing on and off shore, traveling to Martha’s Vineyard either directly from the Falmouth Harbor on the Island Queen, or transporting your vehicle on the ferry that leaves Woods Hole.

A community that boasts an $8 million Library renovation, a new expansive addition to the Falmouth High School, the excellent medical facility and services provided at the Falmouth Hospital, world renowned research facilities at the Marine Biological Lab, and at Woods Hole Oceanographic, an active Art and Cultural community, summer theater and concerts at Highfield, exploring the Waquoit Bay Research Reserve at Washburn Island, bicycling or walking along the Rail Trail are but a few assets that attract people to Falmouth.

Waterfront and Water View real estate values continue to be strong, with an up tick in closed sales during the second quarter of ’08. New construction continues and the up grading of older waterfront properties is in full swing.

If you are seeking tranquil settings away from the water, areas such as Sippewissett, West Falmouth, and North Falmouth offer wonderful opportunities.

There is no time like the present to explore the real estate opportunities here on the Edge of America.

I may be contacted at phawley@jackconway.com