A Few Last Minute Tax Ideas

The end of the year is here. Here are a few last-minute tax ideas that are actually expiring with the end of the 2011 tax year. Be sure to pay attention to the mortgage insurance premium deduction and the expiring home energy credits. The article, from the Inman News, can be found ...here.

Extreme Ice & Snow Homes - This Old House Photo Essay

Snow and Ice Houses - Nobody actually lives in them. They are not for-sale. They are often the epitomy of the impractical. But, they are fun, and very interesting. Some of these are available to stay in overnight.

Check out the 16 homes in this photo essay from the This Old House's website. The photo essay is here...

Dueling Monuments at First Encounter Beach

Many of us are familiar with the bronze plaque that stands to the left of the large parking lot at First Encounter Beach. Interestingly, there is another plaque at First Encounter that is a bit harder to find and tells a slightly different story. Check out this Cape Cod Times video, featuring Eastham historian Bob Carlson, who takes us through the history of the 'dueling' monuments, and the history of the events of Dec 8th, 1620.

My January 2012 Report Is Available Now!

My January 2012 report is available now! This issue of my newsletter has the sales results through November. You'll also get my "looking forward" commentary with my predictions for 2012. Additionally, you'll find a article about expiring tax incentives for homeowners and a photo-essay of ice & snow houses (Brrrr!).

This newsletter has been published every month for almost 9 years. My aim, with my newsletter, is to provide accurate sales and market information about the Eastham housing marketplace, to add commentary and opinion (as appropriate), and to keep it interesting. Download your copy of my January newsletter now.

Eastham Rental Home Permits - Going Up!

The permits required by all Eastham property owners for the rental of their homes for the 2012 season are going up. Surprise! The 2012 cost will be $75, vs $50 for 2011.  Ugh.

Shipwreck on Nauset Beach - The Montclair?

Shipwrecks seem to come and go on the Outer Cape. This one, thought to be the Montclair, has recently reappeared on Nauset Beach. Another piece of the Montclair washed up this past May. The Montclair sank in March 1927 just off-shore. Five men perished in the wreck. Watch the video from the Cape Cod Times.

Why List With A Top Producing Agent....?

When it's time to sell your Cape home, you do yourself no favors by picking an agent that isn't among the top selling agents. There are about 100 agents that sell in Eastham, but only a handful sell more than a few homes every year. Last year (2010) I sold 24 'sides' in Eastham (each transaction has 2 sides, a 'buyer side' and a 'seller side'). This year will be almost as good (check out my Sold Gallery).

Thought about selling your home?  Read the linked article for the 'reasons' to hire experience.

Bob Sheldon Quoted in Cape Cod Times

I, on occasion, get called by a reporter and asked about the current real estate marketplace. Sometimes I even get quoted in an article. Here is what I said to reporter Doug Fraser from the Cape Cod Times and published in the business section of the November 30th edition.

RE/MAX Classic Realtor Bob Sheldon says that buyers in his market still seem skittish. With more than half the homes in his town — Eastham — owned as second homes, Sheldon said many of his clients don't lack the cash to make a purchase but are worried about the future.

"I'm finding folks who get to verge of pulling the trigger and say maybe this isn't the time to be spending a half-million dollars," he said. "It's clearly a discretionary expense and they can wait a year."

Sheldon feels that uncertainty could linger into next fall, after the presidential election, when the course of economic policy will be perhaps a little clearer.

"I'm an eternal optimist," he said. "Going into the next year, the interest rates are down, the inventory is up, the prices are beaten down. Any lift on fears of the unknown and it will be gangbusters."

The whole article is worth reading. It's available online .... here ==> News on home sales mixed CapeCodOnline.com

November - Eastham Sales - Interesting!

Eastham's November sales were up from last month, but the numbers tell a confusing story. This year's sales lag 2010 by about 7%, year-to-date. The details....

• There were 7 homes sold in Eastham in November, up 2 from October
• Total sales were roughly $4.9M - the average home sale price was $767K (see note below)
• The median sale price in November was $406K.
• There are currently 124 active single family listings in Eastham, with an average list price of $554K and a medium price of $449K. The average days-on-market is currently 204 days.

Note: The average sale price is up dramatically from the 'norm' because we had a single sale at $2.5M. With a sample size of only 7, the average is swayed un-naturally. A better measure is the median price. All-in-all, it's dangerous to base trends on a single month's worth of data.

For more details, graphs, and commentary, download my latest monthly Eastham newsletter -- here. I've been publishing this newsletter for almost 9 years.

Home Appraisals - A New Problem?

Home appraisals have long been part of the home buying process. They are ordered by the bank or mortgage lender to ensure that they are covered should the 'new' homeowner walk away from their loan and forcing the lender to foreclose on the property. They typically will lend up to 80% of the property's appraisal value, or 80% of the agreed-to price, whichever is less. In the past appraisals have come in higher than the selling price of the home, so they have been simply part of the process, and not interfere with the transaction. More recently, however, they have come in lower than the price of the home, causing problems.

What are the options, for Buyers and Sellers? SmartMoney.com recently put it all together in an article that's a must-read for both Buyers and Sellers...... Here.

Upgrade Your Rental Home Tax Free ... But ...

Have you thought about upgrading your vacation rental property but were afraid that you'd have to pay capital gains on the sale? Nicely, Uncle Sam has created a way, called a '1031 Like-Kind Exchange', to make the trade, deferring any capital gains taxes until the final 'cash-out', which can be decades down the road. These 1031 exchanges have a number of rules and need to be executed correctly, but can save many thousands of dollars. Forbes.com ran an article called the 'Ten Things to Know About 1031 Exchanges'. It's good reading. Be sure to read #10 for vacation homes.

If you'd like to explore a 1031 Exchange for your Eastham property, please give me a call.

Several Mayflower Passengers Buried in Eastham

At Thanksgiving time it's easy to think about the first Thanksgiving and the hardships that the first Pilgrims had to endure to start life anew in New England. The folks who came over on the Mayflower had no infrastructure (roads, bridges, plumbing, etc) to rely on.

It's also interesting to note that Eastham is likely the final resting place for 3 of the original Mayflower passengers. The Cape Cod Times did a short video at the Cove Burying Ground on Rt 6 in Eastham, discussing the lives of these Pilgrims. Check it out.



The website referenced in the video is http://www.mayflowerhistory.com/. On that website is a chronicle of the Mayflower's exploration of Cape Cod Bay in the late Fall of 1620. Their landing on First Encounter Beach is described ...Here.

Eastham's Rubber Duck Race - I Was A Winner!

It was warm (low 60's), the wind was torturous (30 mph, sustained), whitecaps on the river, and the tide was coming in. The location was Bee's River, at the end of the First Encounter Beach parking lot. About a hundred folks showed up to enjoy smores and hot coffee, brave the wind, and watch the race. So, after collecting a buck-a-duck, the town rec committee dumped the large bag of ducks into the incoming tide and proceeded to chase the ducks upstream into the marsh. Upstream a ways were 2 brave souls in waders who proceeded to collect the first 10 or so ducks that reached them. These were the 'winners'.

Much to my surprise, my duck took 2nd place, a 16 pound turkey.  It was all skill!

My December Eastham Report is Available Now!

My December 2011 report is available now! This issue of my newsletter has the sales results through the end of October). You'll also get my "looking forward" commentary with my predictions for 2011. Additionally, you'll find articles about appraisers and 1031 "like kind" exchanges.

This newsletter has been published every month for almost 9 years. My aim, with my newsletter, is to provide accurate sales and market information about the Eastham housing marketplace, to add commentary and opinion (as appropriate), and to keep it interesting. Download your copy of my December newsletter now.

Photo of the Day - Hatfull of Potatoes

Who knew that this would be such a big weekend on the Outer Cape? In Eastham we have the Turnip Fest and (tomorrow) the Annual Duck Races. In Orleans we have "Hatfull of Potatoes" day at the Bird Watchers General Store. This is an annual fun event that they put on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. I went today as a lark, and came home with a hat full of potatoes. A BIG hatfull. Apparently funny hats are required (see mine, far right).

Eastham's 2011 Thanksgiving Rubber Duck Race

The Eastham Recreation & Beach Department is having its annual rubber duck race this next Sunday (November 20th) at the end of First Encounter Beach, on Bee's River. Prizes will be 'awarded' to the top 10 finishers. It's a buck a duck and they start swimming at 12 Noon. This should be a lot of fun.

If you'd like to buy a duck (for a buck), call the Rec Department at 508-240-5974 after 9 AM this Thursday (Nov 17th). Ducks are assigned automatically, by the order of the calls. When all the ducks are gone, they're gone! This is a rain or shine event. Must pay on race-day. Must be present to win.

I hope to see you there!

New Listing - Eastham 4 Bedroom Oceanside Cape

This 4 bedroom, 2 bath Cape sits on a landscaped half acre, just a short walk to the High School and the Cape Cod National Seashore. This house has a wood burning fireplace, a large family room, dining room, full basement, hardwood flooring, an updated kitchen and a large rear deck with an awning. This listing deserves a look-see.

Want to see more photos and a Virtual Tour? Go to http://325SquantoRd.robertsheldon.com

2011 Eastham Turnip Festival - November 19

The annual Eastham Turnip Festival will be held this year on Saturday, November 19th. There will be judged dishes (turnips, of course) and games and activities for all ages. Bring a few bucks for tee-shirts, arts & crafts, and, of course, for Eastham turnips. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Eastham Library. The festivities start at 1 PM at the Nauset Regional High School on Cable Rd.

There isn't much written about the Eastham turnip, but the Edible Cape Cod blog ran a story a few years ago about the turnip and about Art Nickerson, who grew these turnips for decades. Check out the article on the Edible Cape Cod blog.

October - Eastham Sales Down - Again!

Eastham's October sales were down significantly from last month, and continue to be quite a bit below last year. This year's sales lag 2010 by about 9%, year-to-date. The details....

• There were 5 homes sold in Eastham in October, down 11 from September
• Total sales were roughly $2M - the average home sale price was $398K
• The median sale price in October was $387K.
• There are currently 136 active single family listings in Eastham, with an average list price of $531K and a medium price of $439K. The average days-on-market is currently 201 days.

For more details, graphs, and commentary, download my latest monthly Eastham newsletter -- here. I've been publishing this newsletter for almost 9 years. 

Photo of the Day - The Answer - Where In Eastham?

I took this photo, and the 'Pants' photo below, a few days ago, when it wasn't raining. Today was pretty bleak with a cold, steady, rain. Ugh.

The 'Pants' photo was of the front porch of the Eastham Coast Guard Station at Coast Guard Beach. Apparently, some visitors had damp pants (freshly washed?) and wanted them to dry in the sun. Check out the photo..

Blue Whale Spotted Off Provincetown

Blue whales, the largest mammals on earth, were once thought to be extinct since they were hunted so fiercely up to 1976. Their numbers today are somewhere in the 10s of thousands, mostly in the way northern waters, seldom coming as far south as Cape Cod. But, recently, one was spotted near Provincetown. This whale was somewhere in the 75-80 foot range. A very unusual bonus for the folks on the whale watch that afternoon. The boat's captain, who has been on 6500 such whale watches, has seen only 4 blue whales.

Read the Cape Codder's article on the blue whale. Fun!

Photo of the Day - Pants Drying - Where in Eastham?

I was driving around Eastham today, looking to take a few photos. It was a cool, clear, cloudless, day. Wonderful!  Anyway, while shooting within the Seashore I found this strange sight. These pants were found drying in the sun. Where in Eastham was I?

2011 Oyster Shuck-Off Competition

Wellfleet's Oysterfest was a huge success this year. Part of the festivities, and the success, is the annual oyster shuck-off.  This video gives you an idea of the competition. Enjoy! Congratulations go to Camden Holland, this year's winner. Camden worked this summer at Mac's Seafood, in Wellfleet.

Foreclosed and Sued - The Double Whammy!

Did you know that forty-one states (Massachusetts??) and the District of Columbia permit lenders to sue borrowers for mortgage debt still left after a foreclosure sale? The banks are simply responding to the serious losses they have had to eat  due to today's battered housing market. This is true because foreclosed homes seldom fetch enough to cover the outstanding loan amount, both because buyers financed so much of the purchase price—up to 100% of it during the housing boom—and because today's foreclosures take place following a four-year decline in values.

The Wall Street Journal covered this phenomena on its online Homes section. Go check it out.

My 3Q2011 Eastham Report is Available Now!

My November 2011 report is available now! This issue of my newsletter has the sales results through the third quarter (ie through the end of September). You'll also get my "looking forward" commentary with my predictions for 2011. Additionally, you'll find articles about being sued after a foreclosure and about Eastham's Turnipfest.

This newsletter has been published every month for almost 9 years. My aim, with my newsletter, is to provide accurate sales and market information about the Eastham housing marketplace, to add commentary and opinion (as appropriate), and to keep it interesting. Download your copy of my November newsletter now.

Eastham Active Listings At Five Year High

The number of 'Active' listings in Eastham varies widely over the course of the year, typically peaking in September or October. This year the peak (if you believe that we're at the peak) is about 21% above where it was last year (see chart below). Said differently, we have about a 16 month inventory of homes for sale, calculated from running-year sales (12 months, Oct 2010 to Sept 2011).  We haven't seen this many active listings since 2006.

This makes it a great time for Buyers since we have maximum choice in all price ranges. Coupled with low, low mortgage interest rates, and a desire of most sellers not to hold onto their homes through the winter, makes for a great time to buy, buy, buy.

For more Eastham market information, and my market commentary, download a copy of my monthly newsletter ... Here.

New Listing - Large Ocean Side Contemporary Cape

This like-new large Contemporary Cape has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a huge kitchen, enormous living room w/fireplace, a full-length screen porch, first floor laundry, natural gas, and much more. Wonderfully landscaped. Detached garage. Property convenient to Nauset Regional High School and the National Seashore's Nauset Light Beach. Exclusive.  Listed at $629,000.

Go to http://260queenanndr.robertsheldon.com/ for more photos and a Virtual Tour.

2011 Wellfleet Oysterfest - October 15th & 16th

This year will be the 11th 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, arts & crafts, an old fashioned spelling bee (both adults and kids), educational presentations at Preservation Hall, and the all-important oyster shucking contest (amazing!).

Go to http://www.wellfleetoysterfest.org/ for more information, a schedule of events and for instructions on how to shuck an oyster.

Chicago Tribune - Author Loves Oysters (& Wellfleet)

Mayo Beach - Antique Postcard

Christopher Borrelli, a travel reporter from the Chicago Tribune, spent Labor Day weekend enjoying the sights, smells, and tastes of Wellfleet. He, apparently, loves oysters. The author reviews a number of Wellfleet restaurants, including one of my favorites, the Bookstore, overlooking Mayo Beach.

It is nice that the author mentions the upcoming Wellfleet Oysterfest, October 15th-16th. Read the Tribune article...Here.

September - By The Numbers

Eastham's September's sales were up a from last month, but still on a pace that's significantly below last year. This year's sales lag 2010 by about 8%, year-to-date. The details....

• There were 16 homes sold in Eastham in September, up 7 from August's 9
• Total sales were roughly $7.3M - the average home sale price was $460K
• The median sale price in September was $382K.
• There are currently 129 active single family listings in Eastham, with an average list price of $549K and a medium price of $448K. The average days-on-market is currently 198 days.

For more details, graphs, and commentary, subscribe to my monthly Eastham newsletter. I've been publishing this newsletter for almost 9 years. Check out my sample newsletter, Here.

My Windmill Weekend Photo Gallery

We had a glorious weekend for this year's Eastham Windmill Weekend. The weather was perfect. I had the opportunity, between property showings and meetings with clients, to go see the car show at the Elk's Club, to visit the festivities on the Windmill Green, check out the sand sculptures on First Encounter Beach, and attend the parade. My twin 2 year-old grand-daughters thought the sand sculptures were cool (who REALLY knows what a 2 year old thinks?) and their 7 year old sister loved the parade.

I took a lot of photos during the weekend and put them on my website to share. Go see the sand sculptures, the cars, and the rest of the fun.

My October Eastham Newsletter Is Available Now!

My October Eastham real estate newsletter is now available! This issue has the results for Eastham through the end of August. Additionally, you'll find a link to my Windmill Weekend photo gallery, 3 new listings, and a Hurricane Irene report.  This newsletter has been published every month for almost 9 years. My aim, with my newsletter, is to provide accurate sales and market information about the Eastham housing marketplace, to add commentary and opinion (as appropriate), and to keep it interesting.

If you'd like to download a copy, go to http://newsletters.robertsheldon.com/

Wellfleet Aerial Photos (Eastham too!)

I came upon a wonderful collection of aerial photos of Wellfleet that I feel I need share. They were taken last year by a firm named Maine Imaging. These photos are for sale, but watermarked copies are online for all to see. Check out the Wellfleet slideshow...Here. 

They also have an Eastham gallery .... Here. Cool!

Eastham 2012 Assessments Available

Eastham's 2012 assessment data is now available. A few data points...

• The assessment is intended to represent the values as of 1/1/2011
• The median single family residential home assessment for 2012 is $389,300, down 0.8% from the 2011 median assessment
• The average assessed value is $512,535
• There were 5074 single family homes in Eastham as of 1/1/2011
• The total assessed value for Eastham's single family residences is $2.31 Billion 

The 2012 real estate tax rate for Eastham is $6.35/thousand (up 7.4%).

The assessments for individual homes will be available online, on the Town of Eastham website...Here. You can also pick up a newspaper-like copy of the town assessments, next week, at Town Hall and at quite a few commercial establishments (e.g. the Superette).

We Remember Our Heroes

There is very little that I can add to today's tributes and remembrances. It still hurts to relive that day 10 years ago. I continue to be in awe of the bravery of those who ran into the towers as most everyone else was running out. May their bravery be always remembered.

Heroes.

New Listing - Large 4 Bedroom Bayside Cape

Eastham - This is a large Cape style home with 2 master suites, a large dining/living room combo w/a gas fireplace, open-style kitchen area, huge garage, hardwood floors, and a screened-in porch. Single floor living at its best. Located on a paved road very near Herring Pond and the bike path in a neighborhood of nicer homes.

For more information, more photos, and a Virtual Tour, go to http://75jennieclarkrd.robertsheldon.com/.

New Listing - Great Bayside Rental

Eastham - New Listing - This Bayside 4 bedroom, 2 bath Cape is a delight to see and enjoy! You will find a like-new home, with gleaming hardwood floors, a large kitchen, a large living room with a fireplace, 4 bedrooms (2 up, 2 down), and 2 full baths. The property is nicely landscaped with irrigation front & back, a large deck, and a gravel driveway. This house been a very popular rental property and is being sold as a turn-key rental with furnishings included (w/a few exclusions).

For more photos, a Virtual Tour, and a map, go to http://14fallonrd.robertsheldon.com/.

2011 Eastham Windmill Weekend - September 9th - 11th

Eastham Windmill

The biggest and best weekend in Eastham is the weekend after Labor Day, known here as Windmill Weekend. The town puts on a party with lots of events and it's always fun for the whole family. The 34nd annual Windmill Weekend includes an art show, a craft show, a car show, sand 'art' at First Encounter Beach (my favorite), concerts, a clam chowder contest, square dancing, a parade, 5 mile and 2 mile runs, and much more.

Go to the Windmill Weekend website for a schedule and more information. This year's theme is "Eastham: Gateway to the Cape Cod National Seashore for 50 Years". Come - come join the fun!

The 2011 Great Provincetown Schooner Regatta - Sept 2nd to 10th

The 10th annual Great Provincetown Schooner Regatta is an annual sailing and educational event that honors P-Town's maritime history, as one of the oldest and largest fishing ports in New England, and the great natural resources of it's harbor and Cape Cod Bay. The event promotes public awareness of the important role that Schooners, Cape Cod Catboats and other historic vessels played in our unique economic and cultural history.

In addition to historic vessels, all classes of modern sailing vessels are invited to participate in various races. There are individual races for Catboats, schooners, and other classes of boats. The Fishermen's Cup Challenge will take place September 6th. This is a schooner-only race from Gloucester to P-Town, commemorating the 1907 Lipton Cup race, when the schooner Rose Dorothea of Provincetown was victorious.

This should be a lot of fun, depending somewhat on the weather. The events spans 9 days, with many, many different things to do, including stuff for landlubbers. There is even an 'art-boat' exhibition. Check out their website at http://www.provincetownschoonerrace.com/.

August's Preliminary Real Estate Sales Report

August's sales were up a tad (only 1) from last month, but still on a pace that's significantly below last year. This year's sales lag 2010 by 16%, year-to-date. The details....  

• There were 9 homes sold in Eastham in August, up 1 from July's 8 
• Total sales were roughly $4.8M - the average home sale price was $531K
• The median sale price in August was $424K.
• There are currently 116 active single family listings in Eastham, with an average list price of $547K and a medium price of $449K. The average days-on-market is currently 199 days. 

For more details, graphs, and commentary, subscribe to my monthly Eastham newsletter. I've been publishing this newsletter for almost 9 years. Check out my sample newsletter, Here.

New Rules For Oil Tanks in Massachusetts

Effective September 30th a new set of rules kick-in for homes that have fuel oil tanks in Massachusetts. These rules should help prevent oil spills from faulty tanks or fuel lines. Homes will need to have either a leak detection device or the fuel lines will need to be jacketed. Either solution goes a long way to preventing oil leaks. The estimated cost of these changes will be $150-$350 price range. Fuel leaks, when detected, have cost homeowners up to $250K. Ugh!

Another component of this rule is that insurance companies must write policies that cover oil spills for homes that have installed the above mentioned spill prevention/detection components.

The Massachusetts Dept of Environmental Protection has more information on this new rule on its website.  Check it out!

Good Night Irene - Hurricane and Song

Irene good night Irene good night

Good night Irene Good night Irene

I'll see you in my dreams

Hurricane Irene traveled well to our west, providing serious winds and rain to central Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire, largely sparing us. Irene was only a moderate event for the Eastham and the Outer Cape. At my home we had less than an inch of rainfall and only 40+ mph wind gusts. In fact, at noon Sunday the sun was shining (briefly). That said, there were significant power outages. I got my power back this afternoon. Yeah!

The song Good Night Irene was originally sung by Huddie Ledbetter (aka Leadbelly) in 1932 and has been covered by just about every blues singer since then.

Hurricane Irene - Weekend Guest

This coming weekend looks like it'll be pretty wet and wild with Hurricane Irene's arrival sometime Sunday and staying through Monday afternoon. I've been watching the reports with interest since there will be no escape from the winds (now predicted at 70 mph) and the rain. Predictions on the rain are more difficult to find, but it'll surely be several inches. Even Cape Cod's sand won't be able to absorb the rain fast enough. 

Below is a screen capture from early this morning from the http://www.weather.com/.  Stay tuned!

Tax Tips For Home Sellers - IRS

The IRS isn't known for it's humor, so it never disappoints when you are looking for dry advice. They've just published their top 10 tax tips (a la David Letterman) for folks who've been fortunate enough to actually sell their homes in the current dreadful marketplace. Fortunately for the Outer Cape, while the number of homes sold is down (18% in Eastham), the sale prices are holding pretty steady.

Anyway, check out the latest tip sheet from the IRS....Here.

New Listing - Completely Rebuilt Ocean Side Cottage

This 2 bedroom, 1 bath 1200 sqft ranch home is a complete rebuild, inside and out. New utilities, new appliances, new bedroom wing.  Open floorplan, vaulted ceilings, upscale kitchen, large deck, on a Cape Cod acre on the ocean side. New 4 bedroom septic. Close to Nauset Light Beach, the North Eastham shopping area, and the bike path.

More photos and a virtual tour at http://900oldorchard.robertsheldon.com/.

Edward Hopper P-Town Painting On New Stamp

In just a few days, August 24th, the US Postal Service will issue a new postage stamp commemorating Edward Hopper as one of America's premier artists. The stamp depicts Hopper's "The Long Leg" painting, done in 1935, of a sail boat and P-Town's Long Point Lighthouse. The first day ceremony will be held in Provincetown. The original painting hangs in the Huntington Library, near Pasadena, California.

Interestingly, the Huntington's website states that the lighthouse in the painting is the Stage Harbor Light, in Chatham and the American Lighthouse Foundation (and the USPS) say its the Long Point Light. After staring at the photograph on the ALF website, my vote is with P-Town.

My September Eastham Real Estate Newsletter Is Available Now!

Part 2 of my mid-year 2011 report is available in my September Eastham real estate newsletter, now available! This issue has the results for Eastham's neighbors (Orleans, Wellfleet, et al) through the end of July.  Additionally, you'll find articles on Eastham Windmill Weekend, a new postage stamp featuring an Edward Hopper painting, and a new listing. This newsletter has been published every month for over 8 years. My aim, with my newsletter, is to provide accurate sales and market information about the Eastham housing marketplace, to add commentary and opinion (as appropriate), and to keep it interesting.

If you'd like to download a copy, go to http://newsletters.robertsheldon.com/

Cape Cod's Nude Beach - Seashore?

When you come to the Cape Cod National Seashore you probably don't expect to encounter unclothed sunbathers. The Seashore is one of only two National beaches (the other is in Hawaii) where nudity is specifically prohibited. That said, the park rangers have been busy enforcing the no-nudity rules, particularly in the Truro/Provincetwon end of the Seashore. The Cape Codder ran an 'exposé' (sic) of the nude bathing problem and history as part of their celebration of the Seashore's 50th anniversary. 

Photo of the Day - Full Moon Over Nauset Light Beach

We went to Nauset Light Beach to show it to a visiting niece and were greeted by a wonderful full moon near the horizon. Although it was late, the setting sun behind us and the rising moon over the ocean provided significant light to us and the several hundred folks walking the beach. Check out this photo taken at the beach.

 

The walk on the beach, coupled with the hike back up the stairs, gave us a craving for ice cream. Fortunately, a friendly ice cream store was on our way home. Aren't summers wonderful?

Tracking the Sharks of Bermuda and Cape Cod

Last year we learned that the sharks that join Cape Cod's many seals (they have lunch together) travel to warmer weather during the winter months. Scientists have continued, and expanded, their shark tracking to now include tiger, mako, and blue sharks and have discovered more about the travels of sharks in the North Atlantic.

Dr. Brad Weatherbee, of the Bermuda Shark Project, shared his studies at the Wellfleet Audibon Wildlife Sanctuary and summarized in the Cape Codder article (click this link).

Do Something Different - A Beach Fire

Did you know you can have an evening bonfire on the National Seashore beaches?  I've taken my family to the Seashore for bonfires at Coast Guard and Marconi Beaches this summer for sunset bonfires. They are a lot of fun and you have the beaches practically to yourselves. 

You need to get a free permit at the Seashore visitors center and bring everything (wood, matches, kindling, chairs). Food, and drink (no glass!) are permitted.  You'll also need a bucket to douse the fire and a flashlight to find your way off the beach (it gets really dark). Don't forget the marshmallows for smores!

Only 4 permits are issued for each beach (Nauset Light, Marconi, and Coast Guard). You need to sign up for the permit 4 days ahead (Monday for a Thursday fire, etc) at 9 AM. Sometimes there's a line of folks waiting at the Visitor's Center door so be early. Also, the Rangers check permits on the beach each evening.

Lastly, Eastham allows charcoal fires on the Bay beaches. The fires must be in a container (e.g. a Hibachi) and you need to get a free permit at the Eastham Fire Station, next door to Town Hall.

Photo of the Day - First Encounter Beach

This photo was taken a few days ago on First Encounter Beach, in Eastham. This babe, my granddaughter Maddie, is enjoying the wide-open beach, the sunshine, and the Cape summer.

July's Preliminary Real Estate Sales Report

July's sales continued the slowdown noted last month. The sales for last month were not only down from a sluggish June, but came in at half the July 2010 number. This year's sales lag 2010 by almost 20%, year-to-date. The details....

• There were 7 homes sold in Eastham in July, down from 8 in June and 14 in July, 2010. 
• Total sales were roughly $2.2M - the average home sale price was $320K
• The median sale price in July was $294K.
• There are currently 118 active single family listings in Eastham, with an average list price of $559K and a medium price of $449K. The average days-on-market is currently 215 days.

For more details, graphs, and commentary, subscribe to my monthly Eastham newsletter. I've been publishing this newsletter for almost 9 years. Check out my sample newsletter, Here.

2011 Cape Cod Oldtimers Longboard Classic - August 14th

The 2011 Cape Cod Oldtimers Longboard Classic will be held at 5 PM on August 14th at Wellfleet's White Crest Beach.

This year there will be a few new rules. Since vintage longboards are getting valuable and harder to come by they have decided to allow any longboard over 9 foot to be used in the contest (without a leash). Collector boards and vintage items should still be available for everyone to drool over.

The 'new' rules...

• Any longboard (9 feet or longer) regardless of age or condition will be allowed this year.
• Contestants must be 21 and over.
• All boards must be nine (9) feet in length or longer.
• No leashes / No wetsuits - (If it’s too cold – tough!!!)

This should be a lot of fun, and a good excuse to watch an old art form (and a few old-timers) in action.  If you'd like to compete in this competition, go to the Old Timers website for complete rules and an entry form. 

New Listing - Cooks Brook Beach House

EASTHAM - New Listing - Looking for an totally updated beach house? This home is MUCH bigger than it looks! The current owners totally rebuilt and expanded this house with the best of design ideas and building materials. This home could be a fabulous rental property and is wonderfully landscaped. Vaulted ceilings, natural gas heat, granite counters, etc. We have 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and just a short walk to Cook's Brook Beach. This home can be purchased furnished. Come see how exquisite a beach house can be!  Listed at $525,000.

Go to http://180cooksbrook.robertsheldon.com/ for more photos, more info, and a Virtual Tour.

A New Cape Cod App!

There's a new 'app' for your Android smartphone (also available, soon, on your iPhone) from the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. The Cape Cod App is billed as the 'Official Visitors Guide' to Cape Cod. The best part is that the app is free!

This App covers the best of the Cape, with all the information you need on what to do including all the latest events. You can also learn about where to stay, where to eat as well as great tips on shopping. The app nicely segments the Cape by town, so getting around is easy.

The App also includes 'hot' deals and vacation packages! Take a look at the Cape Cod Chamber's website...Here.