A McPhee Associates of Cape Cod Quarterly Newsletter |
|
Greetings!
Here we are in the middle of Spring, with Summer right around the corner. Not sure where the time went, but we certainly welcome the warmer weather and the pre-season flurry of activity.
In each issue I touch on the real estate market and try to predict what’s next for our region. At this point, it’s hard to say what the future will bring. Barnstable County is still exceeding national statistics in increased Home Sale Prices as Inventory still drops (see Report below). Unlike other parts of the country where developers can ‘expand further out’ into suburbs, or redevelop larger urban properties, the Cape is limited for new development due to space, zoning and environmental protection. When inventory is low, the high demand drives price.
One thing I do know is that we are still busy and still booking out months ahead. While we are getting inquiries for a variety of projects – home renovations, additions, new construction, and architect collaborations – we have noticed that plans and budgets are a little more reserved. This may be a reflection of rising interest rates and/or uncertainty with what is in store with the economy the second half of the year.
As a brief regulation update, you may have heard the buzz about the new energy code updates in Massachusetts. Under new regulations, each municipality must apply one of three codes: Base Energy, Stretch, or Specialized. Most towns in Barnstable County (and State) have adopted the Stretch Code – which creates stricter guidelines on energy efficiency for all new residential construction and for most renovations.
These new energy standards will have an impact on building requirements and pricing. However, with energy cost savings on heating and electricity, these higher performance standards can save money in the long run. In addition, the state’s electric and gas utilities provide financial incentives that can further reduce costs.
As one would expect, the higher standards will apply to home features like insulation, windows, heating, appliances, etc. The process of implementing and enforcing the code is similar to the current code, where the builder submits documentation of compliance to the building inspector. However, the actual testing is performed by a certified third party, Home Energy Raters (HERS rating).
There is a lot to unpack with this, and the transition with be gradual, but I wanted to mention this as it will have an impact on our process going forward. To learn more about the Code, visit Mass.gov.
In closing, I would like to thank you all again for your business, referrals and kind reviews. I say it every time, but we wouldn’t be here without you. Have a great weekend and I wish you all a very happy Memorial Day holiday and a safe and healthy rest of Spring.
Sincerely,
Rob McPhee
|
|
In this issue, we've selected two garage designs to showcase that were created by our in-house architectural design team. One is an addition to an existing garage, and the other is a new construction, detached garage. Both homes are in Dennis and are currently in construction phase. See how some recent progress pictures show these designs coming to life.
BELOW: You may recognize this home, Classic Ranch, from our project gallery as one of our past home remodels. Now, in a new phase, we are adding a second level above the garage, creating a studio suite that will include a living/bedroom area and a full bath.
The design below shows how the new addition tiers nicely with the roofline of the existing single level Ranch.
|
|
 |
Recent progress photo of the addition above the garage. |
|
|
|
Floor plan design of the studio suite includes full bath. |
|
|
|
BELOW: A family beach house close to Corporation Beach in Dennis was in need of a garage and some extra space. The property had enough acreage on its lot to add a full, detached garage with finished space above.
The architectural design complements the existing Cape Cod-style home with cedar shingles, white trim and dormered bump-outs. The new space above will include a home gym, office and wet bar.
|
|
Existing Cape Cod home in background. |
|
New 2-car garage with space above. |
|
|
This is the view from the site of a new construction project in South Dennis that overlooks the Bass River. |
|
|
|
Here, at the same waterfront location, demolition of the existing house has been completed, ground cleared and prepped, and forms for the foundation are being set. |
|
|
|
|
This progress photo captures a freshly painted blue front door (Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue) and newly installed granite stairs at this classic Cape Cod-style home in Windward East designed by McPhee Associates. |
|
|
|
The same home, with a bright green lawn on a clear April day, was ready for move-in day. Welcome to the Windward East neighborhood! |
|
|
|
We recently completed an interior photo shoot of this beautiful home in Brewster that was designed and built by McPhee Associates. Shown below is the bright kitchen with windows that peer out to the back yard; and below, details of the fireplace trim and built-in shelves in the living room. Exterior photos will be coming soon.
|
|
Follow us on social media to see progress photos and more McPhee projects. |
|
WINDWARD EAST & WINDWARD VILLAGE
Located on the north side of East Dennis, Windward East and Windward Village are exclusive McPhee Associates neighborhoods. The homes in both neighborhoods are set on pristine, wooded lots and are protected by special covenants that ensure new homes are designed and built to be compatible with Cape Cod and New England styles.
As many of you know by now, Windward East has sold out and construction is near completion on the final homes in the community. We hope to share gallery photos of these in the coming months. To see our Windward East gallery of completed homes, click here.
In Windward Village, two lots are still available for custom-built homes, as well as the model home on 38 Winding Oaks Lane. Visit the Windward Village web page for more details.
|
|
38 WINDING OAKS LANE, EAST DENNIS
OPEN HOUSE
SATURDAY, MAY 13th
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Windward Village new construction home (Model Home) is move-in ready and available for purchase. This custom-built, two level luxury home sits on a prime cul-de-sac lot and offers 2615 square feet of living space with a walk-out lower level and spacious 2-car garage.
|
|
|
|
Spring Clean Up for Your Seasonal Home |
Preparing your home for the summer months involves clean-ups of both the interior and exterior of a property. From pruning to irrigation to minor repairs, here are some tips and recommendations for getting it done before summer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Essential Cape Cod Outdoor Shower |
We’ve hand picked a few of our favorite Cape Cod outdoor showers from recent home builds or renovation projects by McPhee Associates. These coastal homes range in home style but all have this essential add on as a functional design feature.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home Remodels: Before & After Photo Gallery |
Take a look at our updated Home Remodeling and Design page with 'before' and 'after' images of some major home remodeling projects. It is astonishing to see the transformations that these side-by-side photo comparisons provide.
|
|
|
|
TOWN WATERING STATUS
Unlike last year at this time, Cape Cod is not in drought status so there have been no water ban announcements to report for the local towns of Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Chatham and Orleans. The town of Orleans, however, has posted an announcement asking that customers conserve water voluntarily from May 1st to September 30th, and limit all outdoor watering to two days per week and only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m.
This is a good recommendation for all to follow. In the summer, between irrigation and natural rainfall, grass only needs between 1 and 1.5 inches of water each week, or about 1/2 an inch of water every two or three days, in order to maintain deeper roots. This will help protect against potential drought. The exception would be irrigation to establish a new lawn and new plantings during the months of May and September, or for food gardens.
GETTING READY FOR SUMMER
Our blog on Spring Clean Ups (above) covers what our Property Management team has been recommending and doing in preparation for summer. But, here are a few more tips for getting your home ready for the upcoming season:
- It's already starting off as a heavy pollen season. Consider having your home power washed after (early June) to prevent staining.
- Make sure your gutters are clear. Leaves and debris can accumulate throughout the winter and spring with storms and heavy wind so consider a late spring cleaning.
- Summer storms can lead to power outages. Make sure your generators have been serviced or you have gas for portable generators.
- Be sure to turn off home humidifiers for the summer.
- During the dry summer months, it's a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand, especially if you have wood-burning fire pit or outdoor fireplace.
Your home means everything.
Let us help you protect it.
|
|
|
|
Sue Contonio featured in Cape Cod Life Magazine
|
Sue Contonio, Vice President, Senior Estimator and Project Coordinator at McPhee Associates, was featured in a special segment called "Building Women Strong" in the April issue of Cape Cod Life, along with other female professionals in the building industry.
|
|
|
|
REAL ESTATE MARKET NEWS
In the latest National Association of Realtors (NAR) report, existing-home sales were down by 2.4% in March (compared to February) and sales declined 22.0% compared to March of 2022 (YoY). Both the Median Sales Price and New Inventory were up, but just slightly, indicating a predicted national slow down. (See NAR chart below.)
Here in Barnstable County, the real estate market remains unique. Following national trends, Home Sales are down (-20%) but the Median Sales Price is still significantly up and New Listings (inventory) is significantly down in comparison to the early Spring market of 2022. It's hard to predict what the future will bring in these conditions as there is still a greater demand than there is inventory.
Real Estate Report Highlights for Barnstable County
(January to April 2023 in comparison to same period in 2022)
- Closed Home Sales: 1015 (-20%)
- Median Sales Price: $650,000 (+7.44%)
- Cumulative Days on the Market: 52 (+30.77%)
- New Listings: 1288 (-17.7%)
(Note: highlights are combined Single Family and Condominium home sales)
National Report Highlight Graph - March 2023
|
|
DENNIS VILLAGE CONDO FOR SALE
McPhee Realty, the real estate division of McPhee Associates, has a new listing on the market. This 2 level, end-unit condominium is located in the Cranberry Knoll community off of Route 6A in Dennis and is close to Dennis Village and Bay beaches. Offered at $449,000, it has 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, a wood-burning fireplace, finished basement and a private fenced patio.
If you, or anyone you know is looking for low-maintenance condo living or a second summer home in beautiful Dennis, this property is ideal. This spacious home has great potential for updates and renovations and McPhee Associates would be happy to work with you.
|
|
One of our favorite spots in Dennis is the Harvest Wine Bar and Gallery located in Dennis Village. In an intimate setting, the Harvest provides a unique blend of small-plate nibbles like charcuterie boards, a curated wine selection, local artwork, and live music year round. Shown above is recording artist Monica Rizzio, a talented Americana singer/songwriter, shown with a guest performer earlier this Spring. Monica will be back on June 17th, but if you miss her, there is a full calendar of performers and events to catch this spring and summer.
|
|
Does your house have a name? When traveling through the residential neighborhoods of Cape Cod, you can't miss the clever name plaques displayed over garage doors or other visible locations on houses. Many of these come from Chatham Sign Shop, located off of Main Street in Chatham. Since 1989, the folks at the Sign Shop have been designing and hand painting carved signs, which come in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles --from small oval street number signs to elaborate name plaques. All you have to do is provide the perfect name.
|
|
The Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival is an annual cape-wide celebration of the region's blue, pink, and white signature flowers and gardens on Cape Cod. Tentatively scheduled for July 7th through July 16th, this ten-day festival's main attractions are the daily tours of private homeowner gardens, which support a variety of local nonprofits that will benefit from the proceeds of each tour. You'll also find local shops and restaurants participating in the festivities with themed products and signature "blue" cocktails.
|
|
At McPhee, we truly believe that our clients are the heart of our business. Our goal is to consistently provide the best service possible, and in doing so, we would love to receive feedback from our clients.
We would be incredibly grateful if you would take a moment to leave us a Google review. This will help us let others learn of the value of our service.
|
|
WE LOVE TO SHARE OUR WORK |
|
|
|
|
|
|
