Get Out and Vote!

This year's national election has taken on increased importance as the nation, and the world, deals with the financial crisis that has seemingly spread from the so-called 'housing crisis' to just about every aspect of our lives. Opinions are strong, and varied, as to what direction(s) the nation must go. Both parties are pushing for change. Please make it your responsibility to get knowledgeable on the issues and take the time to vote.

Pristine Eastham Oceanside Ranch

New Listing - This 2 bedroom ranch home has had meticulous care and is a pleasure to show. The location is at the end of a cul-de-sac and borders the National Seashore, providing exceptional privacy and tranquility. The house has a new roof, an irrigation system, huge closets, updated appliances, wood-burning fireplace, and a new 40 foot Trex deck out the back. The walk-out basement is partially finished, including a half bath and a separate laundry room. This home has been a great rental property and is being sold turn-key, with furnishings included (with a few exceptions). Priced to sell at $412K. Go to http://385candlewooddr.robertsheldon.com/ for more photos and a virtual tour.

A Customer Letter - A Buyer

Bob,

We want to thank you for all you did to help us find our perfect Cape Cod home. We began the process almost a year ago, and the amount of properties available made this an almost overwhelming experience. Your patience and understanding enabled us to find exactly what we needed, and your assistance through the closing process and beyond made us comfortable every step along the way.

We look forward to many years of joy with family and friends at this wonderful home.

Warmest regards,
M. & K. C. (of Connecticut)

A Quote For Our Times

"You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encouraging class hatred. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn. You cannot build character and courage by taking away man's initiative and independence. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.

Abraham Lincoln

Delightful Brewster Condo

New Listing - A condo with a quiet residential ambiance. Relax by your beautiful fireplace in the winter or sit outside overlooking a wooded area on your private patio in the summer. Generously proportioned Master bedroom, first floor laundry, private storage shed, kitchen open to the dining area. Unit is set at the rear of the complex and has a private yard. Close proximity to schools, bike trail, beaches. Never rented, this immaculate unit is well-maintained. Newer roof, septic, and hot water tank. New washer/dryer & dishwasher. Move in and enjoy yourself!

Go to my website for more photos & information. A Virtual Tour is also available as is a Google map of this property.

Eastham Assessor's Department - 2009 Update

I stopped by the town assessor's department and spoke to Gail Fitzback, the Deputy Assessor. She gave me a few statistics you might find interesting. The 2009 assessments are based on the property values on January 1, 2008.

• The number of single family residences in Eastham for 2009 is 5,053, up from 5,044 for 2008 (up 0.2%)
• The 2009 median home assessed value is $416,200, down from $433,900 (down 4%)
• Tax rate is $5.31 per thousand, up from $5.08 (up 4.5%)
• Total assessed value of Eastham's single family homes is approximately $2.5B (yes-Billion!)

What Makes A Great Real Estate Agent?

Frontdoor Unlocked by HGTV posted an article articulating what makes a great real estate agent. Measure me against this standard. The article is HERE.

New Listing - "Brand New" Wellfleet Condo

This 584 sq foot cottage has been completely rebuilt, inside and out, to be a fabulous summer get-away. This cottage belongs to the Brownie's Cabins colony. There is a completely new bathroom with custom tiling, new kitchen cabinets, updated appliances including a new dishwasher, and a vaulted ceiling with 2 ceiling fans. There are new windows, new siding, new roof, new footings - all new! Come take a look. Priced below recent appraisal. Priced at $239,000. Enjoy it next summer! Go to my website for more photos & information. A Virtual Tour is also available as is a Google map of this property.

Chatham Seaside Links - Hmmmm!

I promised I'd report after I had a chance to play the 9 hole golf course that abuts the Chatham Bars Inn. I played it last week with my wife and a friend.

Well, I found it difficult. Several of the holes, including the 1st, were laid out such that you couldn't see the pin from the tee box due to a hill crest in the fairway. My game is inconsistent (I'm overstating my skill level here) without the 'help'. The other 'help' we had was the wind, which seemed to blow in my face on every hole (is that possible?). All that said, it was a good time, a great day, and the price was right, $19 (without cart).

I Now Advertise on Trulia.com

I now advertise on Trulia.com . I have recently signed up as a "Spotlight Realtor" on Trulia.com. This means my clients' listings will be featured 'front & center' on all home searches. Trulia is fast becoming a premier website for folks seeking real estate. This new exposure should provide more traffic for my website, more showings for my listings, and more sales.

A Customer Letter - A Buyer

Bob,

N. and I would like to thank you for your perseverance in our five month quest to obtain this property. I know that the profit for you had to be at a minimum and your efforts to put this deal together were above and beyond. Again, thank you and hope we can stay in touch as neighbors.

T. B. (of Connecticut)

Wellfleet OysterFest - October 18th & 19th

This year will be the 7th annual Wellfleet OysterFest. The weekend (and the village) will be filled with fun things for the whole family to do and see. There is a 5K run, a tennis tournament, arts & crafts, an old fashioned spelling bee (both adults and kids), and the all-important oyster shucking contest. Go to www.WellfleetOysterFest.org for more information, a schedule of events and for instructions on how to shuck an oyster.