Photo of the Day - Uncle Tim's Bridge

Actually yesterday. As I was driving through Wellfleet I was struck by the sun shining on Uncle Tim's Bridge, so I stopped and took this photo. I love how the sun illuminates Wellfleet harbor. Enjoy!

Uncle Tim's Bridge, Wellfleet

Top 10 Remodeling Trends for 2013

The remodeling firm 'Neil Kelly Company' (from Portland, Oregon) has put together a list of its top 10 home design and remodeling trends for 2013. Their top trends include the move toward clean, contemporary kitchen cabinets and the rise of quartz composite counter tops. Although 'trends' vary by locale, this is a good list.

Read the article from HousingZone.com ... Here.

Considering Buying Land in Eastham?

There are some great deals on lots and land in Eastham! Many of the current 26 residential land listings have great potential for your new Cape Cod home. However, there are some things you should know before you buy your lot.

• Never Purchase a Lot without a Building Permit

• Make your offer contingent on issuance of a full building permit for the size and type of home that you want to build. Without a permit, there is no guarantee you will be able to build your dream home, or any home at all for that matter. For a building permit you'll need both an engineered "Title V"septic plan and a water test, which likely will require a well.

• Site Engineering

• Have the site engineered with a site plan, septic design and percolation tests. You want to make sure that you have good soil conditions, and there won’t be additional expenses for fill on the site. You also want to know where the water table is on the site.

• House Design

• Depending on the location of the lot, the project may be subject to review by a historic commission, which may preclude some styling and design ideas (not generally common in Eastham). 

• General Site Conditions

• Having the site engineered and applying for a permit will also identify potential issues such as, zoning, wetlands, or endangered species (ie MESA) issues that can cost time and money to address.

The building permit process is clearly the best way to guarantee that an investment in land will meet  expectations.

This article came from Reef Builders (http://www.capecodbuilder.com).   They are highly experienced in both simple and complex permitting for projects and can manage the engineering, design, permitting and construction processes.

My January 2013 Newsletter Is Available Now!

My January 2013 newsletter is available now! This issue of my newsletter has my market update, through November, for Eastham. Additionally, you'll find a few new Eastham listings as well as my 2012 year-end preview.

This newsletter has been published every month for over 9 years. My goal, 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.

Photo - Cookie Weekend 2012

Every year, in December, we try to gather all the kids and grandkids together and spend a day making cookies. This year we had a full house, which included my twin 3 1/2 year old twin granddaughters for the first time. So much fun! Everyone went home with 6-7 dozen cookies, and some fudge and white chocolate peppermint bark. Beverly's broken wrist just forced us all to help a little bit more. Check out the cookies...

Eastham New Listing - Comfortable Colonial in the Woods

30 Cape Circle, Eastham

EASTHAM - New Listing - This ten years new (2002) home is a large 3 bedroom Colonial with an open kitchen/dining/living area with a wood burning fireplace, hardwood floors, large screened porch, rear deck, outdoor shower, and 3 large bedrooms upstairs. This house sits on a half acre at the end of a very quiet cul-de-sac. This house has been a great rental. Listed at $535,000..

For more details, a map, and a Virtual Tour, go to http://30CapeCircle.robertsheldon.com. This is comfortable Cape living. Come see!

Eastham New Listing - Bay Beach Cottage

13 Beach Plum Lane, Eastham

EASTHAM - New Listing - What could be more Cape-y than a cottage near the Bay? This is a 2 bedroom year-round cottage, just a few steps to your deeded beach, just north of First Encounter Beach. Front and rear decks, new washer/dryer, oil heat, and super-cute. Good sized bedrooms, built-ins, new refrigerator & ceiling fans. Fully furnished. A Great rental. Listed at $399,000.

More information, a Virtual Tour, and a location map can be found at http://13BeachPlum.RobertSheldon.com.

Jeremiah's Gutter - The First Cape Cod Canal

Back in May 2010 I wrote a post on Jeremiah's Gutter, the first Cape Cod canal. The gutter was a hand-dug trench connecting the Bay with the Town Cove.  The canal ran through what is today the Easthan/Orleans Rotary. Anyway, the Cape Cod Times did a video on Jeremiah's Gutter - catch it here...

 

For a little more history, check out my prior post...Here.

Photo of the Day - High Tide on the Bay

This photo was taken a few minutes ago at the deeded beach of my new listing at 13 Beach Plum Lane. It's at high tide and there is some beach to enjoy. Yeah!

Eastham New Listing - 4 bedroom Ocean Side Gambrel

2350 Nauset Rd, Eastham

EASTHAM - This is a neat & clean 4 bedroom Gambrel with an open kitchen/dining/living space, 2 fireplaces, wood floors, and a full basement. Many recent updates and a new outdoor shower. Lots of space for the whole family. This home is close to Nauset Light Beach, the National Seashore and the Rail Trail bike path. Listed at $389,000.

More information, a Virtual Tour, and a location map can be found at http://2350NausetRd.RobertSheldon.com.

Eastham's November Sales Strong

Eastham's November sales continue to show an increase over last year.  November had 12 sales, compared to October's 16 and September's 9 sales, reflecting a healthy early fall. The details.....

• There were 12 homes sold in Eastham in November.
• Total November sales were approximately $4.9M - the average home sale price was $412K
• The median sale price in November was $390K.
• There are currently 102 active single family listings in Eastham, with an average list price of $628K and a medium price of $449K.
• The average days-on-market is currently 275 days.

For more details, graphs, and commentary, download my latest monthly Eastham newsletter -- here. I've been publishing this newsletter for over 9 years with the goal of providing market information to my clients, so they may approach the market from a more informed position. Check it out!

Eastham - Escape To Your Private Retreat

50 Deborah Doane Way, Eastham

EASTHAM - New Listing - We have a lovely open Cape style home with hardwood floors both downstairs and upstairs and a wonderful screened porch to enjoy the summer breezes in total privacy. This home sits near the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, tucked in the trees, but very near the National Seashore and the bike path. Large kitchen, vaulted living room, skylights, garage under, well maintained. Being sold fully furnished (with just a few exceptions). Listed at $365,000.

For more details, a map, and a Virtual Tour, go to http://50DeborahDoane.robertsheldon.com. Worth a look see.

New Listing - Pristine Ocean Side 3 Bedroom Cape

25 Fairview Ave - Eastham

EASTHAM - This is a like-new (2002) 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath light filled Cape with a great open floor plan w/sliders onto the deck, and a fenced private back yard. Vaulted ceilings in living room with a gas fireplace & skylights in both the living & family room, 1st floor master suite, hardwood floors & 1st floor laundry. Full walkout basement, outdoor shower, and natural gas heat and hot water. This house sits on an ocean-side half acre, close to the National Seashore Visitor Center. Listed at $489,000.

More information, a Virtual Tour, and a location map can be found at http://25FairviewAve.RobertSheldon.com.

New Listing - 3 Bedroom Ranch - Across From Wiley Park

It's "Location, Location, Location" for this delightful 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch. This house is directly across from Eastham's Wiley Park and Great Pond and just a short walk to a Bay beach. Designed for one floor living with lots of upgrades, including a master suite. The house has hardwood floors in the common areas and a first floor laundry area. You'll enjoy the large sun room, the fireplace and built-ins in the living room, and the one car garage. Wiley Park, with its hiking paths, childrens play area, and the fresh-water beach is directly across the street. Listed at $499,000. Come See!

Check it out at http://1625HerringBrookRd.RobertSheldon.com

My December 2012 Newsletter Is Available Now!

My December 2012 newsletter is available now! This issue of my newsletter has my market update, through October, for Eastham.  Additionally, you'll find a few links to articles that previously were put on my Facebook 'corporate' page and an update on Hurricane Sandy.

This newsletter has been published every month for over 9 years. My goal, 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.

Wellfleet Paragliding - High Above the Dunes

I came upon a video that shows a gathering of paragliders above Wellfleet's high dunes. The video, taken before Hurricane Sandy, is spectacular. It's a bit long, and the folks seem to be speaking Portuguese, but the scenes are amazing! 

 

2012 Thanksgiving Rubber Duckie Race - November 18th

Again this year, the Eastham Recreation and Beach Department is having its annual rubber duck race on the Sunday before Thanksgiving (November 18th) 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 3 PM. 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 10 AM this Wednesday (Nov 14th). 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. You must pay on race-day and be present to win.

Video - Fierce Nor'easter Hits Outer Cape

The same storm that beat up the northeast as a second punch after Hurricane Sandy took a swipe at the Outer Cape today. The Cape Cod Times sent their video team out to check out some Outer Cape beaches.

 

Don't Forget to Vote!

This year's presidential election has pundits on both sides claiming a significant victory. I have nothing to add to their fancy red and blue maps, except to remind you to vote tomorrow. We can't whine about how it turns out if don't participate in the process.

Go vote!

Billingsgate Island - The Little Island That Was

Billingsgate Lighthouse

Off the end of Wellfleet's Great Island are the remains of what was the community of Billingsgate Island. There were about 30 homes, a lighthouse, and even a baseball team, on this tiny island (50 acres?) that was focused primarily on fishing and whaling. The island totally disappeared in 1942, but can still be seen at low low tide, just south of Jeremy Point. The history is a fascinating story of fighting a never-ending battle with the inevitable 'sinking' of the island.

Check out these two articles...

• Billingsgate: The Island that Disappeared from CapeCodOnline.com
• That Was the Island That Was from CapeCodHistory.US

Eastham's October Sales - Way Up!

Eastham's October sales show a serious uptick from prior months.  October had 16 sales, compared to September's 9 sales, reflecting a strong late summer. The details..

• There were 16 homes sold in Eastham in October, up from September's 9 sales.
• Total sales were approximately $8.1M - the average home sale price was $503K
• The median sale price in October was $442K.
• There are currently 111 active single family listings in Eastham, with an average list price of $603K and a medium price of $444K.
• The average days-on-market is currently 239 days.

For more details, graphs, and commentary, download my latest monthly Eastham newsletter -- here. I've been publishing this newsletter for over 9 years with the goal of providing market information to my clients, so they may approach the market from a more informed position. Check it out!

Hurricane Sandy - An Update

It currently appears that the eye of Hurricane Sandy will cross from sea to shore somewhere between Cape May and New York City. The sheer vastness of this storm, estimated at about 800-1000 miles across, will ensure that Cape Cod gets its share of wind and rain. The local news stations are comparing Sandy with the "Perfect Storm" of 1991. The 'Perfect Storm' reference may be a bit overstated, but winds may well approach 75-80 mph on the Outer Cape early Tuesday morning. We aren't expected to get a lot of rain, likely under 2 inches. Waves on the ocean side may top 15-20 feet, and bayside erosion may be severe. We'll need to pay attention to the weather predictions as the storm gets closer. Follow the 'action' at www.Weather.com.

Below is the projected path of Sandy, captured just a few minutes ago. The time marks on the figure suggest that this could be a long duration event.

.

Wood End Lighthouse Gets a Coat of Paint

The very tip of Cape Cod has two similar lighthouses. They are the Long Point and Wood End lighthouses and are accessible only on foot or by boat. Every few years they need a coat of paint and this is the year. The video crew from the Cape Cod Times accompanied the painting volunteers to the Wood End lighthouse for this year's paint job. Enjoy!

 

My November 2012 Newsletter Is Available Now!

My November 2012 newsletter is available now! This issue of my newsletter has my 3rd quarter  market update for Eastham.  Additionally, you'll find a few links to articles that previously were put on my Facebook 'corporate' page.

This newsletter has been published every month for over 9 years. My goal, 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.

The Death of Stainless - What's Next?

As a Realtor I see a lot of kitchens. Ignoring the occasional Harvest Gold and the older Coppertone appliances, the majority of the kitchens have either white or stainless steel appliances. The newer kitchens seem to tend toward the stainless.  Well, the reign of stainless seems to be coming to an end. That begs the question of 'what's next'? Surprisingly, white may be making a comeback, but the appliance makers have a variety of thoughts here. 

 

Check out an article on 'what's next' from the Wall Street Journal...Here.

IRS Pub 527 - A Must-Read For Second Home Owners

If you have, or are considering, a second home that you'd like to rent to summer folks, you've probably wondered what the tax ramifications might be. Well, look no farther than IRS Publication 527. This pub will take you through the requirements for deductions, depreciation, personal use limitations, reporting, and just about anything you can think of.

You'll see what is deductible (a lot!), and what income doesn't need to be reported (yes - there can be some!). I don't recommend reading this just before bedtime or you'll wake up in the morning on the couch, but it should be a part of your planning for tax-time. Get IRS Pub 527 on the Internal Revenue Service website ...  Here.

2012 "Bus Season" Is Here!

I call it our 'secret summer'. September and October have significantly diminished traffic, warmer weather, and most of the other benefits of summer on Cape Cod. But Labor Day (actually the day-after Labor Day) starts the season I call 'Bus Season'. During bus season there is a steady stream of large tour buses traveling up and down Route 6, checking out all the 'tourist' attractions along the way. You know - lighthouses, windmills, gift stores, etc., on their way to P-Town.

I took the photo below yesterday. There were 7 or 8 buses at the Seashore visitors' center. Where was my wide-angle lens when I really need it? On my way home there were 2 buses at the Gift Barn and another at the Eastham Windmill. Oh my!

Bus Season at the Seashore

Eastham's Preliminary September Sales Update

Eastham's September sales seem to show a bit of a slowdown from prior months.  September 2011 had 16 sales.  September's sales reflect a somewhat slower summer. The details.. 

• There were 7 homes sold in Eastham in September, down from August's 9 sales.
• Total sales were approximately $2.5M - the average home sale price was $356K
• The median sale price in September was $362,500.
• There are currently 122 active single family listings in Eastham, with an average list price of $621K and a medium price of $450K.
• The average days-on-market is currently 223 days.

For more details, graphs, and commentary, download my latest monthly Eastham newsletter -- here. I've been publishing this newsletter for over 9 years with the goal of providing market information to my clients, so they may approach the market from a more informed position. Check it out!

2012 Wellfleet Oysterfest - October 13th & 14th

This year will be the 12th 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, a guided walk across Uncle Tim's Bridge, and the all-important oyster shucking contest.

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

Just for Fun - Cape Outhouses

I stumbled upon this video and I thought it might be fun to catch a bit of the early Cape 'experience'. Check out this video.

 

Photo of the Day - Great Pond Sunset

This was today's sunset on Great Pond. Amazing!

My October 2012 Newsletter Is Available Now!

My October 2012 newsletter is available now! This issue of my newsletter has a market update for Eastham through August. Additionally, you'll find articles about Eastham's 2013 assessments, Wellfleet's Oysterfest, the Orleans Water Fest, refinancing your mortgage, and 2 new listings.

This newsletter has been published every month for over 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 October newsletter now.

New Listing - 2012 To-Be-Built Cape Style Home

This is a to-be-built 1550 sqft contemporary Cape-style house, just about 1 1/2 miles to Nauset Light Beach. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home will have hardwood floors, solid surface counters, gas fireplace, natural gas, full basement, rear deck, and an outdoor shower. You will find this an exceptional home with quality features and exceptional trim-work. Buy it early enough and be a part of the selection process for kitchen counters and pick your own paint colors.

Go to http://5Wonderstrand.robertsheldon.com for more information and photos. There, you'll also be able to download floorplans and elevation views.

2013 Eastham Assessment Information

I met with Gail McAleer, the Town Assessor, on Friday and learned that Eastham's 2013 assessment data will be available soon. She gave me the 'highlights'. A few data points...

• The assessment is intended to represent home values as of 1/1/2012
• The median single family residential home assessment for 2013 is $386,450, down 0.7% from the 2012 median assessment
• The average assessed value is $449,647
• There were 5081 single family homes in Eastham as of 1/1/2012  (up 7 from 2011)
• The total assessed value for Eastham's single family residences is $2.28 Billion (down about 1%)

The 2013 real estate tax rate for Eastham is $6.53/thousand (up 2.8%).

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 (I think), at Town Hall and at quite a few of Eastham's commercial establishments (e.g. the Eastham Superette).

2012 Eastham Windmill Weekend - September 7th - 9th

Windmill Weekend is the biggest and best weekend in Eastham and is held the weekend after Labor Day. The town puts on a party with lots of events and it's always fun for the whole family. The 35th 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 Celebrates Eastham". Come - come join the fun!

Two items of special note. First - the sand art contest will be held Saturday morning to be at low tide, and second - the parade route on Sunday has been shortened and will start at Arnold's Restaurant and proceed to the Windmill Green.

2012 Old Timers Longboard Competition

The 2012 Old Timers Longboard Competition was held last week at White Crest Beach in Wellfleet. The weather was spectacular and the crowds were bigger than they've been in years. The waves, on the other hand, were disappointing.

This is a unique event on the Cape, held the last weekend in August and intended to be an end-of-summer get together for Cape lifeguards, surfing crazies, and 'oldtimers' of any age. Although a light-hearted event, the surfing 'rules' are taken seriously. The key rules are..

• all boards must be at least 9 ft long
• participants must be 21 years old (except lifeguards, who can be younger)
• no wetsuits or tethers
• no whining

Go to the competition's website for the results and for photos of the event.

Eastham's August Sales Preview

Eastham's August sales continue on a 'normal' path after a huge June.  August's sales reflect the activity during the late-late spring and early summer. The details.. 

• There were 6 homes sold in Eastham in August, down from July's 9 sales.
• Total sales were approximately $3.2M - the average home sale price was $541K
• The median sale price in August was also $541K.
• There are currently 127 active single family listings in Eastham, with an average list price of $645K and a medium price of $470K.
• The average days-on-market is currently 227 days.

For more details, graphs, and commentary, download my latest monthly Eastham newsletter -- here. I've been publishing this newsletter for over 9 years with the goal of providing market information to my clients, so they may approach the market from a more informed position. Check it out!

Eastham New Listing - Cute Seashore Cottage

This 3 bedroom cottage has been completely redone and is super-cute from top to bottom. Wood floors, updated kitchen, wonderful upstairs sleeping area, wood stove, large rear deck, sun porch, 1 car garage, & full walkout basement. Best of all - this house is deep within the Seashore and less than a mile to Coast Guard Beach.

Go to http://695NausetRd.robertsheldon.com for more photos. Also, check out the Virtual Tour and the a Google map.

Thank You Neil

Neil Armstrong - We'll always remember your moment.

RIP - 8/25/2012

My September Newsletter Is Available Now

My September 2012 newsletter is available now! This issue of my newsletter has the mid-year sales report (Part 2) for Eastham, and neighboring towns. Additionally, you'll find articles on your taxes, historically low mortgage rates, and 2 new listings. 

This newsletter has been published every month for over 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 September newsletter now.

Dolphins Strand on Eastham's Thumpertown Beach

A pod of dolphins that were in Wellfleet harbor were coaxed out of the harbor only to strand themselves on Eastham's Thumpertown and Kingsbury Beaches. There appeared to be about 10 dolphins in all, one succumbing to the incident, with the other 9 being rescued. The video below is from the Cape Cod Times.

New Listing - Wonderful Contemporary Home

Eastham - New Listing - Wonderful 3 bedroom Contemporary home with lots of extras. Newer roof, updated kitchen and baths, first floor master suite, wide-open floor plan, first floor laundry, ductless A/C, huge Trex deck and screened in porch, large 2 car garage. All with great landscaping and on a quiet cul-de-sac on Eastham's ocean side. E-Z one-floor living at it's best. Listed at $579,000.

For lots of photos go to http://25TwinRocksDr.robertsheldon.com.  For a Virtual Tour .. click Here.

New Federal Real Estate "Sales Tax" Coming

The current incarnation of ObamaCare has a little-understood, and often mis-represented, provision for a 3.8% sales tax on home sales. The fear is that this is just 'one-more' tax that will eat into what we've managed to hold onto through the years, over and above the capital gains tax. (Note: The familiar capital gains exclusion of $250K, $500K for married couples, doesn't apply for second homes.) 

A deeper understanding of this provision should give many of us (but not all) a bit of relief, since only the top earners are directly affected. Unfortunately, second home owners will more likely fall into this group.  Like most tax provisions, the details will make your hair hurt, but you ought to see how it'll affect you. Read this article from Inman News... Here.

Eastham's July Sales - OK

Eastham's July sales were back to 'normal' after a huge June. July's sales reflect the activity during the late spring and early summer. The details..

• There were 9 homes sold in Eastham in July, down from June's amazing 20 sales.
• Total sales were approximately $4.2M - the average home sale price was $472K
• The median sale price in July was 410K.
• There are currently 125 active single family listings in Eastham, with an average list price of $634K and a medium price of $450K.
• The average days-on-market is currently 219 days.

For more details, graphs, and commentary, download my latest monthly Eastham newsletter -- here. I've been publishing this newsletter for over 9 years with the goal of providing market information to my clients, so they may approach the market from a more informed position. Check it out!

Cape Cod Shark Hunters

With sharks being seen along the Outer Cape's shores, in Chatham, Orleans, and Eastham, there is a team of researchers that has been very busy. They are the Cape Cod Shark Hunters. The Shark Hunters have been spotting sharks from the air, trailing them in the water, and tagging them with tracking devices.

The Shark Hunters have a website, at www.CapeCodSharkHunters.com, where they have recent photos, a few videos, and info on the team and their techniques. Check it out!

Close Encounters of the Whale Kind

Image you are off the coast of Truro, simply sitting on your float, enjoying the waves and the beautiful day. Then you are greeted by 3 enormous humpback whales. Whoa!!  Also, check out the story in the Boston Globe... here.

My August 2012 Report Is Available Now!

My August 2012 report is available now! This issue of my newsletter has the mid-year sales results for Eastham.  Additionally, you'll find an article about having a beach campfire on the National Seashore and 3 new listings.

This newsletter has been published every month for over 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 August newsletter now.

Photo of the Day - Eastham Monday Night Concert

I had the chance to go up to Eastham's Windmill Green to see tonight's free concert at the band gazebo. The music was provided by the Brass Connection Quintet, a group of 5 (imagine a quintet NOT be 5?) brass players. They performed familiar tunes, many from the movies and TV. There must have been over 200 folks there. Lots of fun for all ages.

Eastham Concert at the Gazebo

Sharks at Eastham's Nauset Light Beach - Video

It's becoming the news of the summer on the Outer Cape. Friday there was a sighting at Nauset Light Beach in Eastham that cleared the water for about 4 hours. Check out the video from Boston's Channel 7 (WHDH).



Eastham New Listing - Steele Rd Cottage

EASTHAM - New Listing - Just 0.3 miles from Cooks Brook Beach is a classic summer beach house waiting for your family. Beautifully decorated and surprisingly spacious, there's a big living room, an oversized front porch, and an eat-in-kitchen. There's an outbuilding, and a large front lawn. Also, the cottage has new windows, updated wiring, new ceiling fans and hot water tank. Fully insulated and heated. This cottage comes turn-key, fully furnished with only a few exclusions. Listed at $319,000. 

Go to http://290SteeleRd.robertsheldon.com for a Virtual Tour, and more photos.  Easy to show - Come see!

Seals in Truro - Shark Lunch?

The is a spot in North Truro, about a half hour walk from the High-Head parking lot on Truro's ocean beach, where a large group of seals gather that is a sight to see. The seals, by the hundreds, enjoy the sun on a sand bar that emerges at low tide. The Cape Cod Times traveled there to capture the seals in a video...check it out. Where there are seals, there's likely to be sharks.

   

Eastham New Listing - Investment Property

EASTHAM - New Listing - Investment Property - Two homes, 1 to rent, the other to live in (or both to rent), with many updates and deeded access to Schoolhouse Pond. Close to National Seashore with it's Beaches and bike paths. The Front home is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath 1,715 sqft Cape that has been completely renovated and is a delight to see. The Back cottage is 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, 752 sqft, and is a classic Cape Cod cottage. Both homes are currently rented and have stable tenants.

Call me for details. Go to http://3100StateHighway.RobertSheldon.com for more information, a Virtual Tour and photos.  

Beach Campfires at The Seashore

Try something different this summer! There's nothing like eating a meal around an open campfire on the beach - lobster rolls, salads, cold drinks (no glass containers), & smores - while the little ones frolic on the uncrowded sand. The Cape Cod National Seashore offers free permits to the Outer Cape Beaches (Nauset Light, Coast Guard, & Marconi) to have beach fires for small groups (up to 25 - varies by beach).

The permits are very limited and need to be reserved at the Seashore Visitors' Center in Eastham a few days prior to your planned 'event'. On many mornings there's a line waiting at the front door to the Visitors' Center when it opens at 9 AM. I've personally waited over 2 hours for the permit.  Go to the Seashore website for the details (http://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/permits.htm) .

These campfires are what memories are made of. My kids and grandkids love these and ask for them when they come for a visit. Enjoy

Sharks at Nauset Beach in Orleans

Swimmers were forced out of the water today at Nauset Beach, in Orleans, after a 12-14 foot shark was seen just a 100 yards or so off the beach. Sharks aren't looking for swimmers, of course, but have been known to attack humans while hunting for seals. Seals, on the other hand, have become plentiful these last few years in the Orleans, Chatham area.

Check out this news video from earlier today.

Eastham Sales - June Was A Huge Month!

Eastham's June sales were a HUGE 19 sales. June's sales reflect the activity during the late spring, which was really good. This June's 19 sales is the highest single month's sales since October 2004. The details..

• There were 19 homes sold in Eastham in June, up from May's respectable 11.
• Total sales were approximately $8.3M - the average home sale price was $434,432
• The median sale price in June was 430K.
• There are currently 123 active single family listings in Eastham, with an average list price of $640K and a medium price of $449K.
• The average days-on-market is currently 227 days.

For more details, graphs, and commentary, download my latest monthly Eastham newsletter -- here. I've been publishing this newsletter for over 9 years with the goal of providing market information to my clients, so they may approach the market from a more informed position. Check it out!

2012 Monday Night Concerts At Eastham's Windmill

The Eastham Visitor's Service Board is again sponsoring the band concerts on Eastham's Windmill Green on Monday evenings this summer. The concerts are held at the bandstand, starting at 7 PM every Monday. The line up is as follows:

• July 2 - "Salute to America" by the Chatham Chorale
• July 9 - The Big Jazz
• July 16 - The Brass Connection Quintet 
• July 23 - Toast and Jam
• July 30 - Bruce Abbott - Fred Fried Jazz Quintet 
• August 6 - Lower Cape Concert Band
• August 13 - O'Challah Irish & World Music
• August 20 - "The Elbows" 
• August 27 - Chandler Travis Philharmonic

These concerts are lots of fun. Join literally hundreds of folks on the lawn - bring lawn chairs and/or blankets. Or, bring a picnic dinner. These are fun for the whole family.

Two Frenchmen Row to France from Chatham

Two Frenchmen, Bruno Froideval and Mathieu Bonnier, started their cross Atlantic rowing adventure a few days ago, on June 20th. They intend to individually row their respective rowboats from Chatham to Saint Jacques, France. The journey is to take an estimated 70-75 days and capitalize on the prevailing currents for much of the effort, but they will do a lot of 'actual' rowing. There rowboats are not your open 3 seaters that we grew up with - they are a technical marvels that, when fully outfitted, can weight upwards of 800 pounds. Check out the following websites for more information:

• The Cape Cod Chronicle article announcing their departure.
• Bruno Froideval's website 
• A satellite view of the progress of his voyage (really cool!)
• Mathieu Bonnier's website

Lastly, check out this video from the Cape Cod Chronicle which shows the rowboats and their departure.

NY Post: "Skip The Hamptons - Go to the Cape"

Today's NY Post says to skip the Hamptons and go to Cape Cod. Avoid the overpriced mediocre restaurants, long lines and velvet ropes, yet still get great food and wonderful beaches by traveling to the Cape. I couldn't have said it better myself! The article highlights P-Town, Wellfleet and Chatham, each the places to stay, places to eat, and the 'best beach adventure'.

Check out the article in today's New York Post ... Here. 

Giant Lobster Found Off Rock Harbor

A huge lobster, at 16.5 pounds, has been found off Rock Harbor. It was caught by hand by a diver. This lobster can be seen in North Eastham in the Friendly Fisherman's lobster tank. Check out this Cape Cod Times video. Wow!

My July Newsletter Is Available Now!

My July 2012 report is available now! This issue of my newsletter has sales results for Eastham through May. Additionally, you'll find my mid-year preview, and articles about this year's Part-time Residents meeting, the record breaking achievement of Eastham's Freeman Hatch, and 2 new listings.

This newsletter has been published every month for over 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 July newsletter now.

Eastham New Listing - Large 3 Bedroom Cape

New Listing - This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, home is an immaculate one-floor-living Cape on a quiet cul-de-sac. An open living/dining/kitchen area, big bedroom, bath, and a separate laundry area are on the first floor. The 2nd floor has 2 good sized bedrooms, an open office area, and a bath. The spacious yard is nicely landscaped. Full clean basement, outdoor shower, oil heat, underground utilities, natural gas to house. Really clean and a pleasure to show. Listed at $419,000.

Go to http://45BlueHeronWay.robertsheldon.com for more info and lots of photos. For a Virtual Tour, go ...Here.

2012's Quahog Day - June 20th

In the tradition of Groundhog Day, Cape Cod has it's own weather predictor. He is Doug, the Quahog. On June 20th this year he will be carried to his perch at the Skipper Restaurant in South Yarmouth where he'll predict the weather for the upcoming summer season. Last year he accurately predicted 12 weeks (and a day) of beach weather for the Cape. This will be his fourth year and the ceremony will be on all the local (and a few Boston) stations. The 2012 event is supported by Cape Cod Textile, The Skipper Restaurant, Quahog Republic, the Yarmouth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Yarmouth Parks & Recreation Department.

The event was conceived by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and will have plenty of pomp and fun happenings, including a week of Quahog activities. Check out the Quahog Day website at www.QuahogDay.com.