A McPhee Associates of Cape Cod Quarterly Newsletter |
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Greetings!
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer so far. It’s certainly been a busy one here, but it is that time of year. One thing that’s always been gratifying for us – any time of the year – is handing over the keys to a new construction home or signing off on a remodel. Over the past three months we did just that for 9 new homeowners, and 5 home remodel clients. And a few more are almost ready. If any of you are reading this, we sincerely hope you are enjoying your new space during the summer here on Cape Cod!
In this issue are some project highlights and recent news bits. In Team News, we just said goodbye to an outstanding architectural design summer intern, Chloe Craig, from the Clemson School of Architecture. Chloe is a talented and ambitious student, and we wish her the very best. On that note, I’d like to mention that we are currently seeking a full time Architectural Designer to join our team. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please direct them to our Careers page.
If you’re on the Cape or the Islands, you may have seen the Annual Cape & Islands Design Guide (published by Boston Design Guide) on newsstands. We are excited to say that one of our recent home builds – Buzzards Bay Overlook – is featured on the cover! Read about it in this issue.
In real estate news, national home sale prices are still declining. However, the Median Sales Price of homes on Cape Cod is still up, but only slightly compared to recent reports. So, there is clearly a cooling off here too. In this section, we also include recent data on U.S. Housing Starts, which is the start of new construction projects. This data provides a good economic indicator of the building industry. The graphic curve slopes downward slightly since the peak during the first half of 2022, so our industry seems to be slowing on a national level as well.
I will say that here on the Cape, we are still getting inquiries for new business at steady pace – from new construction to remodels to property management. And our team is doing a great job keeping up with the demand. Our recent blog ‘Remodel or Rebuild?’ may be helpful to anyone weighing the difference between rebuilding or remodeling an older home. Some of our recent new business inquiries are facing this dilemma.
In closing, I want to thank our clients (past and present) for your business, your referrals and trust in McPhee Associates. Also, a thank you to our partners, associates and team members for your commitment and dedication. We wouldn’t be here without you all.
Wishing you all a wonderful summer and safe and relaxing Labor Day holiday.
Sincerely,
Rob McPhee
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Earlier this summer, we photographed this beautiful home in our Windward East community in East Dennis. It was both designed and built by McPhee Associates.
Shown below is a view from the yard looking at the back of the house, with the built-in fire pit and pool in the foreground. The second photo is from the kitchen looking out to the pool area. This year-round Cape home features a main level primary suite, a bar/recreation room and bedroom above the garage, and a magnificent outdoor living space with built-in grilling station.
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We recently had the opportunity to collaborate with the Patrick Ahearn Architect marketing team for a photoshoot of this classic, shingle-style Cape house in West Harwich designed by Ahearn and built by McPhee. We had a guest prop for some of the exterior shots – a 1960-ish classic Corvette convertible. Photos are coming soon to our project portfolio.
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Interior designer, and owner of Delicious Designs in Hingham, Roberta Sobran takes credit for the interiors of the entire house. She was on site to help with styling. Roberta is shown below in the front sitting room designed to combine clean white furnishings with coastal navy accents and natural fibers. The vintage flags represent the homeowners residences.
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A bold bathroom tile selection in the primary bath of this Chatham remodel displays hexagon patterns working together harmoniously. The back wall on the shower is Soho Aires Azul Hex Starburst pattern against an Aires Blanco (white) on the side walls. |
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Here, at the same Chatham remodel, a painter from Brothers Enterprises poses for a pic while painting the window trim in the lower level shower – which is nicely enclosed in horizontal stacked Wayne Tile Colori Acqua tile. Selections are by McPhee Associates.
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The custom interior trim and millwork of this Harwich Port new construction by McPhee is taking shape. Here, the front entrance peers through two arched doorways into the family room, which overlooks the harbor.
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In the family room of the same harbor-front house, navy blue cabinets in the soon-to-be wet bar really pop with these custom-made, gold-plated decorative mesh grille insets.
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This progress photo captures the wet bar – designed with a modern farmhouse vibe – in the lower level of a recently completed design and build new construction home in Dennis by McPhee Associates.
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The primary bathroom of the same Dennis home centers a soaking tub between two oak vanities with quartz farmhouse-style sinks. The shiplap wall panel, white subway tile and herringbone floor tile add drama to the symmetry.
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For the Summer issue, we've selected a couple of proposed architectural design renderings for two of the few remaining homes to be built in Windward Village of East Dennis. |
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BELOW: Proposed designs show the front (one option of two) and rear elevation a classic, two level double Gambrel. An open floor plan would include a private office (bump out in front); a main level primary suite (bump out back right); and a pentagon-style bump out for the dining room (back left). |
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BELOW: This proposed design is a ranch-style Cape with main level living space, which as shown in the floor plan below, includes a primary suite with two additional bedrooms, a small office and laundry. Finished space is offered on the lower level for a recreation room with wet bar, as well as unfinished storage space. |
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Follow us on social media to see progress photos and more McPhee projects. |
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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.
Windward East has sold out and we hope to share gallery photos of more of the newer homes in the coming months. To see our Windward East gallery of completed homes so far, click here.
In Windward Village, the model home on Lot 8 has sold and there are just two lots remaining for custom-built homes: Lot 1 and Lot 5. Visit Windward Village for more details.
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Shown below is a sample rendering of a house design for Lot 5. This lot is available and this proposed design – which would be a 2-level with walk-out lower level – is helpful for envisioning a home on this property. However, it could be customized or changed in any way. Note, in this design, there is room for a built-in pool in the landscape. Learn more about Lot 5
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We were fortunate to have Chloe Craig (pictured on right) join our architectural design team as an intern this summer. Chloe is from New Hampshire and is an architectural design student at Clemson School of Architecture. Described as "super smart and motivated", she is putting herself through school with jobs, scholarships and financial aid. This coming semester, she will be studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain.
Chloe's goal is to own her own small design/build company one day. We wish you the very best Chloe! (Also pictured are architectural designers Diana Zaglio (left) and Kendra Seifert.)
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10 Waterfront Homes with Amazing Views |
Over the years, McPhee Associates has had the privilege of building and remodeling some amazing waterfront homes. Whether it’s on the ocean, by the bay or overlooking one of Cape Cod’s many harbors or ponds, the benefit of a water view is a priceless home feature.
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Remodel or Rebuild? Which is better for your home? |
For anyone considering a choice between remodeling or rebuilding an older Cape Cod home from scratch, this decision is significant and can be challenging. This blog explores each option, with examples, to help determine which approach may be a better fit.
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Best Kitchen Appliance Brands 2023 (updated) |
Kitchen appliances are an important consideration when building a new home or remodeling an existing one. With so many brands on the market, how do you choose? This popular blog has been recently updated.
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Buzzards Bay Overlook featured on the Cover |
On newsstands now! We are thrilled to have one of our new construction projects done in collaboration with architect John Dvorsack – Buzzards Bay Overlook – featured in Boston Design Guide's annual Cape & Islands Design Guide. AND, featured on the cover! This photo by Dan Cutrona really captures the essence of the property with the reflection of the Bay so clearly present in the windows.
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Simplicity on the Sound featured in Cape Cod & The Islands |
Also on newsstands now ... a recent design and build in Harwich by McPhee, that overlooks Nantucket Sound, is featured in the Summer 2023 issue of Cape Cod & the Islands. This sentimental story talks about a 100-year-old family cottage that was rebuilt on the same footprint. Photographed by Amber Jane Barricman,
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Now this is one heck of a charcuterie board! Last month, the editorial team of Cape Cod & the Islands magazine held their first ever "reveal party" for the Summer 2023 issue. It was hosted by Dunn & Sons wine shop – a specialty wine shop located in the heart of Yarmouth Port. It was a lovely event with wine tastings and nibbles. There were several photo ops but this one stole the show – a pic of the sprawling charcuterie board by Cape Cod Charcuterie.
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Summer is here and the high temperatures and dryer weather have finally caught up. Here are a few tips and maintenance suggestions from our Property Management Team to consider during these warmer months.
Whole House Humidifiers
Many central air systems go into the summer cooling season with the humidifier still on. An air conditioning system will not cool or dehumidify properly if the humidifier is still running. If you haven’t done so already, make sure your humidifier is turned off.
Wood & Trim Rot Repair
Homes with shingles and wood trim should be inspected annually for rot. While it would be nice to get this done in the spring, the wet weather often interferes. It is a good time to schedule maintenance when things are dryer in the summer and early fall.
Driveway Heaves
In New England, the change in weather brings with it frost heaves. These occur when the ground constricts from freezing and then expands from warming, causing cracks. These appear in driveways and other paved areas, but they can be difficult to fix during a wet spring, so it's good to address in the summer or early fall.
Dock and Pier Repair
If you have waterfront property with a dock, you may notice dock and pier damage or areas that need to be repaired. Because the work has to be done partially in water, summer is a good time to address it. Summer is also a good time for setting up a system to deter seagulls – who can take over your dock or lawn and make a mess!
Clean or replace AC filters
An important summer project is cleaning or replacing the filters on your HVAC unit. Filters get dirty, especially if they haven't been changed in over six months. Dirty filters can cause allergies by circulating dust, mold, and other allergens throughout your home when the AC is on during the summer.
Plan Ahead
The Property Management Team is already scheduling Fall services including HVAC and irrigation for our clients. If you have an additional “fix-it” project or any other service that you'd like done this Fall – please let us know as soon as possible so we can get it scheduled. It’s always best to plan ahead.
Thank you and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Your home means everything.
Let us help you protect it.
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REAL ESTATE MARKET NEWS
In the latest National Association of Realtors (NAR) report, national Home Sales (YoY) were down by 18.9% in June (compared to June of 2022) and the Median Sales Price declined by 0.9% compared to June of 2022. See data.
Here in Barnstable County, the real estate market remains unique. Following national trends, Home Sales are still down (-15.6%) but the Median Sales Price is up, but much less than in previous reports (+1.5%). Inventory is low everywhere, but especially on Cape Cod, which is likely the reason we are still seeing an increase in sales prices.
Real Estate Report Highlights for Barnstable County (YTD)
(January to June 2023 in comparison to same 6 month period in 2022)
- Closed Home Sales: 1281 (-17.6%)
- Median Sales Price: $700,500 (+1.5%)
- Cumulative Days on the Market: 43 (+38.7%)
- New Listings: 1582 (-23.1%)
(Note: highlights are combined Single Family home sales)
Shown below is data (with graphs for visuals) of the Residential Construction Housing Starts for the whole country. A housing start is a new residential construction project. They are registered once construction begins on a new building for residential use and can provide valuable information about the economy.
You will see slowing trend in the curve with a surge in May. But overall, it looks like the industry is settling down since post-Covid (2020 - 2022).
New Residential Construction - U.S. Housing Starts & Permits
(June 2023 compared to June 2022)
- Building Permits Authorized: 1,440,000 (-15.3%)
- Housing Starts (graphs below): 1,434,000 (-8.1%)
(Note: highlights are for privately-owned housing units in the U.S. Source: US Census Bureau)
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U.S. Housing Starts - July 2022 to June 2023 (1 year) |
U.S. Housing Starts - 2018 to 2023 (5 years) |
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As one of Yarmouth’s biggest attractions, the Sand Sculpture Trail held by the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce, features 31 family-friendly sand sculptures. It's available for viewing through mid-October at various business locations throughout Yarmouth and Yarmouth Port. These installations are created by Fitzysnowman Sculpting, a Massachusetts-based but nationally recognized creative group. Download the Map for all the locations.
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ACK Gioia (Joy-ahh) is a retail cafe located in Brewster (on Underpass Road) that is owned and operated by a mother/daughter team. They specialize in producing fresh, handmade artisan mozzarella, burrata, and stracciatella cheese. The mother, Elizabeth, is originally from Italy and settled on Nantucket over 30 years ago. Her daughter Alex joined the business, and they recently moved to the Cape to open their shop here. They also offer a curated selection of outsourced cheeses, sandwiches, fresh pasta, sauces, olive oils, charcuterie boxes to-go, and to-die-for freshly baked focaccia.
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The Addison Art Gallery in Orleans features riveting talent by emerging artists and established masters. This fine art gallery represents artists from across the US, Canada and France, and is home to many of the most sought-after Cape Cod artists. Located in a charming Cape home overlooking Orleans Town Cove, the ever-changing exhibitions include oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, photography, sculpture and mixed media. Summer events include receptions for new exhibitions. Pictured is Laughing Gull on Sand by represented artist, Cynthia Reid.
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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.
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WE LOVE TO SHARE OUR WORK |
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