News

Volume Flat, Value Down in The Town of Barnstable

04.22.09 Barnstable County Register of Deeds, John F. Meade, reports that for the Town of Barnstable the volume of real estate sales in March 2009 was unchanged from March 2008 volume and the total value of sales was down 21% from the previous year. The median individual property sale value was down 23.2% from the previous year. There was a 19.5% increase in the volume of mortgage activity from March 2008 levels.

Year to Date: Sales Volume is down 7.9%; Total Sales Value is down 33.1%; Median Individual Sales Value is down 25.4% and Mortgage Volume is up 20.6%.

Register Meade reports that there were 83 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Barnstable in March 2009 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $25,080,851.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Barnstable in March was $209,000.00.

There were 342 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in March with a total value of $82,433,971.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $207,076.00.

By way of comparison, in March 2008, there were 83 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Barnstable with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $31,921,784.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Barnstable in March was $272,000.00.

There were 286 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in March with a total value of $87,261,803.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $226,730.00.

Volume Off, Value Ticks Up in Bourne

04.22.09 Barnstable County Register of Deeds, John F. Meade, reports that for the Town of Bourne the volume of real estate sales in March 2009 was down 32.1% from March 2008 volume and the total value of sales was down 44.3% from the previous year. The median individual property sale value was up 1.2% from the previous year. There was a 52.1% increase in the volume of mortgage activity from March 2008 levels.

Year to Date: Sales Volume is down 29%; Total Sales Value is down 61.8%; Median Individual Sales Value is down 2.1% and Mortgage Volume is up 11.8%.

Register Meade reports that there were 19 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Bourne in March 2009 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $5,129,000.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Bourne in March was $263,000.00.

There were 146 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in March with a total value of $35,307,979.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $224,000.00.

By way of comparison, in March 2008, there were 28 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Bourne in March 2008 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $9,206,065.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Bourne in January was $260,000.00.

There were 96 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in March with a total value of $23,346,805.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $241,500.00.

Volume Dips & Value Sees Modest Gain in Falmouth

04.22.09 Barnstable County Register of Deeds, John F. Meade, reports that for the Town of Falmouth the volume of real estate sales in March 2009 was down 5.8% from March 2008 volume and the total value of sales was up 5.3% from the previous year. The median individual property sale value was up 4.8% from the previous year. There was a 5.3% increase in the volume of mortgage activity from March 2008 levels.

Year to Date: Sales Volume is down 37.1%; Total Sales Value is down 47.3%; Sales Value is down 2.3%; Mortgage Volume is up 6.9%.

Register Meade reports that there were 49 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Falmouth in March 2009 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $20,150,438.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Falmouth in March was $325,000.00.

There were 238 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in March with a total value of $75,673,437.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $239,418.00.

By way of comparison, in March 2008, there were 52 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Falmouth with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $19,131,052.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Falmouth in March was $310,000.00.

There were 226 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in March with a total value of $69,622,185.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $235,625.00.

Volume & Value Continue to Slide in Mashpee

04.22.09 Barnstable County Register of Deeds, John F. Meade, reports that for the Town of Mashpee the volume of real estate sales in March 2009 was down 57.1% from March 2008 volume and the total value of sales was down 71.7% from the previous year. The median individual property sale value was down 29% from the previous year. There was an 11.6% decrease in the volume of mortgage activity from March 2008 levels.

Year to Date: Sales Volume is down 35.4%; Total Sales Value is down 41.6%; Sales Value is down 23.4%; Mortgage Volume is up 6.9%.

Register Meade reports that there were 18 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Mashpee in March 2009 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $6,723,044.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Mashpee in March was $248,384.00.

There were 122 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in March with a total value of $34,618,380.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $258,260.00.

By way of comparison, there were 42 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Mashpee in March 2008 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $23,732,364.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Mashpee in March was $350,000.00.

There were 138 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in March with a total value of $42,392,501.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $258,500.00.

Volume & Value Continue to Drop in Sandwich

04.22.09 Barnstable County Register of Deeds, John F. Meade, reports that for the Town of Mashpee the volume of real estate sales in March 2009 was down 57.1% from March 2008 volume and the total value of sales was down 71.7% from the previous year. The median individual property sale value was down 29% from the previous year. There was an 11.6% decrease in the volume of mortgage activity from March 2008 levels.

Year to Date: Sales Volume is down 35.4%; Total Sales Value is down 41.6%; Sales Value is down 23.4%; Mortgage Volume is up 6.9%.

Register Meade reports that there were 18 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Mashpee in March 2009 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $6,723,044.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Mashpee in March was $248,384.00.

There were 122 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in March with a total value of $34,618,380.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $258,260.00.

By way of comparison, there were 42 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Mashpee in March 2008 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $23,732,364.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Mashpee in March was $350,000.00.

There were 138 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in March with a total value of $42,392,501.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $258,500.00.

Volume & Value Continue to Drop; Foreclosures Dip in Barnstable County

04.22.09 Barnstable County Register of Deeds, John F. Meade, reports that the volume of real estate sales in March 2009 was down 16.8% from March 2008 volume and the total value of sales was down 34.5% from the previous year. The median individual property sale value was down 14.5% from the previous year. There was a 12.2% increase in the volume of mortgage activity from March 2008 levels.

Year to Date: Volume of Sales is down 26.1%; Total Value of Sales is down 46.7%; Individual Sales Value is down 17.2%; Mortgage Volume is up 15.1%.

Register Meade reports that there were 381 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds in March 2009 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $136,189,326.00 in county-wide real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Barnstable County in March was $265,000.00.

There were 1,868 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in March with a total value of $508,402,021.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $226,698.00.

By way of comparison, there were 458 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds in March 2008 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $208,008,745.00 in county-wide real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Barnstable County in March was $310,000.00.

There were 1,665 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in March with a total value of $518,545,241.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $231,000.00.

Volume And Value See Drop; Mortgages See Jump In Barnstable County

03.16.09 Barnstable County Register of Deeds, John F. Meade, reports that the volume of real estate sales in February 2009 was down 21.8% from February 2008 volume and the total value of sales was down 28.4% from the previous year. The median individual property sale value was down 24.3% from the previous year. There was a 28.4% increase in the volume of mortgage activity from February 2008 levels.

Year to Date: Volume of Sales is down 24.9%; Total Value of Sales is down 47.3%; Individual Sales Value is down 19.7%; Mortgage Volume is up 24.4%.

Register Meade reports that there were 266 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds in February 2009 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $113,314,798.00 in county-wide real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Barnstable County in February was $249,900.00.

There were 1,684 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in February with a total value of $458,531,934.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $240,000.00.

By way of comparison, in February 2008, there were 340 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $158,161,316.00 in county-wide real estate sales.

Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Barnstable County in February was $329,950.00.

There were 1,312 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in February with a total value of $455,871,657.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $247,825.00.

Volume And Value See Steep Declines In Falmouth

03.16.09 Barnstable County Register of Deeds, John F. Meade, reports that for the Town of Falmouth the volume of real estate sales in February 2009 was down 41.8% from February 2008 volume and the total value of sales was down 41.5% from the previous year. The median individual property sale value was down 23.2% from the previous year. There was a 30.1% increase in the volume of mortgage activity from February 2008 levels.

Year to Date: Sales Volume is down 48%; Total Sales Value is down 58%; Sales Value is down 9.7%; Mortgage Volume is up 13.9%.

Register Meade reports that there were 25 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Falmouth in February 2009 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $13,354,650.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Falmouth in February was $330,000.00.

There were 216 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in February with a total value of $60,778,004.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $250,000.00.

By way of comparison, in February 2008, there were 43 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Falmouth with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $22,860,066.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Falmouth in February was $430,000.00.

There were 166 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in February with a total value of $49,295,384.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $275,203.00.

Volume And Value Continue To Slide In Mashpee

03.16.09 Barnstable County Register of Deeds, John F. Meade, reports that for the Town of Mashpee the volume of real estate sales in February 2009 was down 25.8% from February 2008 volume and the total value of sales was down 42.6% from the previous year. The median individual property sale value was down 20.4% from the previous year. There was a 21.4% increase in the volume of mortgage activity from February 2008 levels.

Year to Date: Sales Volume is down 16.4%; Total Sales Value is down 10.4%; Sales Value is down 14.4%; Mortgage Volume is up 24.4%.

Register Meade reports that there were 23 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Mashpee in February 2009 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $9,785,822.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Mashpee in February was $285,000.00.

There were 119 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in February with a total value of $36,604,733.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $224,250.00.

By way of comparison, there were 31 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Mashpee in February 2008 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $17,036,227.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Mashpee in February was $358,000.00.

There were 98 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in February with a total value of $38,318,129.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $267,617.00.

Volume Off, Value Sees A Rebound In Bourne

03.16.09 Barnstable County Register of Deeds, John F. Meade, reports that for the Town of Bourne the volume of real estate sales in February 2009 was down 23.8% from February 2008 volume and the total value of sales was down 13% from the previous year. The median individual property sale value was up 12.4% from the previous year. There was a 1.1% increase in the volume of mortgage activity from February 2008 levels.

Year to Date: Sales Volume is down 23.1%; Total Sales Value is down 64%; Median Individual Sales Value is down 5.6% and Mortgage Volume is up 1%.

Register Meade reports that there were 16 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Bourne in February 2009 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $4,994,150.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Bourne in February was $281,325.00.

There were 95 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in February with a total value of $22,690,198.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $204,081.00.

By way of comparison, in February 2008, there were 21 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Bourne in February 2008 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $5,740,462.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Bourne in January was $250,200.00.

There were 94 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in January with a total value of $30,568,462.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $218,375.00.

Volume And Value Fall In Sandwich

03.16.09 Barnstable County Register of Deeds, John F. Meade, reports that for the Town of Sandwich the volume of real estate sales in February 2009 was down 26.3% from February 2008 volume and the total value of sales was down 29% from the previous year. The median individual property sale value was down 30.7% from the previous year. The volume of mortgage activity was up 41% from February 2008 levels.

Year to Date: Sales Volume is unchanged; Total Sales Value is down 12.7%; Sales Value is down 29.7%; Mortgage Volume is up 41.5%.

Register Meade reports that there were 14 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Sandwich in February 2009 with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $3,964,250.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Sandwich in February was $208,000.00.

There were 141 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in February with a total value of $32,658,693.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $228,000.00.

By way of comparison, in February 2008, there were 19 deeds recorded at the Barnstable Registry of Deeds for the Town of Sandwich with stated sales values above $50,000.00 representing a stated value of $5,580,775.00 in real estate sales. Based on all property sales valued above $50,000.00, the median sale price of property in Sandwich in February was $300,000.00.

There were 100 mortgages recorded with values above $50,000.00 in February with a total value of $23,381,801.00. The median mortgage amount, commercial, residential or other, was $217,950.00.

William Raveis Reflects on the Marketplace

03.11.09 In the longest lasting recession on record, with waves of foreclosures increasing, housing sales plummeting, Wall Street exploding and real estate firms closing their doors, there is one major company that continues to expand… William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance, a firm led by 35-year real estate veteran William M. Raveis, Jr.

The privately-owned company, in operation since 1974, has launched eleven new offices within the last year and according to Chairman and CEO William Raveis, the company plans to broaden their reach into New York in 2009.

Why is the Raveis Company growing while major companies, owned by Wall Street and the national franchises, are cutting back, consolidating and/or closing their doors?

"We're growing for several reasons…partly because we're a family-run company with a passion to deliver the highest level of service not only to our customers but to our agents & employees as well," said Raveis, who sports cufflinks that say, 'Go Team'.

"Another is that we're a well-managed company, in great shape financially. We remember the downturn in the 1980's and I made a promise to myself that I would never be caught again and to always be prepared for the worst. We all know that real estate is traditionally cyclical," he added. "What has happened today is that we hit a reset button - the market naturally adjusted itself back to 2003-04 prices, resetting all the excess that followed through 2007, where you saw home values rising sometimes as much as 10% a year. And if you calculate that price adjustment over time, it isn't that bad."

Whereas reports are touting all doom and gloom for the real estate industry, Raveis sees a bright spot in the marketplace. "Customers will benefit because those agents who are surviving in this market are more dedicated, more tech-savvy and much more customer-oriented. With challenges come opportunities. Interest rates are at record lows in the mortgage market and there will be many buyers out there that can get great deals. We will slowly start seeing the buyers come back into the market."

"In my experience, I've seen 35 years of ups and downs. Everyone talks about this recession as being the worst economy since the Great Depression. I can't agree with that. I will, however, say that it is the worst since the late 1980's and in 1990 we had the S&L crisis and thousands of banks folded. It is upsetting to see families losing their jobs and foreclosing on their homes. Most recessions in real estate last 2-3 years. This is going on our third year - the downturn really began in first quarter 2007. So the marketplace may bottom out in maybe 4-5 months. We'll know a lot more based on what happens in March, which will be a telling month in terms of whether it will rebound this summer."

"For us," he continued, "the down market is a time for opportunities. The next six months will be a period of growth… a flight to quality. So far, in 2009, we have purchased three mortgage companies, three offices in Cape Cod plus the largest summer rental office on the Cape and acquired the staff from a major relocation group in Massachusetts. We're expanding smartly by buying great, long-term companies headed by industry veterans."

The customer-centric raveis.com is a key element to the success of the company. It continues to grow in popularity with more than one Billion hits in 2008, and rising.

According to Raveis, the company is working to make raveis.com be the one source for all real estate-related information in the Northeast from Maine to Manhattan. By year's end, the website will have all MLS listings in New England and New York. "Our commitment to home buyers does not end with the purchase," he stated, "and our support of home sellers does not end with the sale. Where else can a homebuyer preview all open houses (even competitors') in the state, receive a monthly newsletter with real estate trends in their area, conduct their home search by cell phone, or by "seeing" it from a bird's eye view, receive new listings as they appear on the market, be approved for a mortgage, receive an insurance quote, coordinate everything from phone hookups to invisible fence installation, receive benefits on additional home services -from just one website?"

"Raveis.com is a one-stop website that offers extensive real estate services in one location so that the customer does not have to go from place to place," Raveis continued. "We will continue to invest in raveis.com in 2009 by relentlessly upgrading the site to provide the latest technological advancements to our customers to help them find their home quicker and easier."

Traditional Skills Drive Real Estate Success in Challenging Times

03.05.09 Defying trends in a difficult year for real estate, the top 25 agents at Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. each closed an average of $94.5 million in property sales in 2008. The top 10 agents on the list achieved an average sales volume of over $149 million. Nearly half, 12 of the 25, even increased their sales volume more than 50 percent over 2007.

An internal survey, conducted by the firm to assess how agents increased their sales at a time when market activity in general decreased, revealed a surprising consistency of response - as well as a triumph of traditional business skills.

"Our firm is known for the sophisticated marketing and global reach we provide, but it takes more than that to achieve this level of success," said Joseph J. Markiewicz, manager of Sotheby's International Realty's Cape Cod offices. "Over and over, our agents prove that doing the right things well - hard work, integrity, attention to detail, and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction - throughout a career pays dividends."

The agents surveyed cited the following attributes as critical to success in a challenging market: credibility, quality over quantity, consistency of service, loyalty, a strong work ethic, and placing customer needs first. One agent referenced cancelling vacations repeatedly in order to serve last minute customer needs and requests. Flexibility and resiliency were also credited as key performance skills.

Even the annual sending of holiday cards can contribute to the success dynamic, according to Sotheby's International Realty broker Suzanne Perkins, who is based in Santa Barbara, California. Perkins was named the top sales volume agent nationally in America's Top 200 Real Estate Professionals for 2007, an annual ranking sponsored by The Wall Street Journal, REAL Trends and lore Magazine. Perkins has been known to rent helicopters and pack gourmet picnics to assist in showing her listings, but she credits the simple act of consistent contact with those on a holiday card database compiled over two decades as her most valuable customer relations tool.

"Markets like the one we're experiencing now create a flight to quality," said Markiewicz. "We're no longer in a market where multiple buyers are common. Today it's often just one buyer that makes the difference between a sale happening or not happening - a buyer that, in many cases, an agent has known and worked well with for years."

Another key to success for these agents was the professional background and entrepreneurial skills of their local office manager. The agents surveyed said that a manager who monitors and understands market dynamics, talks regularly with customers, and is active in the community is an important competitive advantage.

"Sotheby's International Realty has a decentralized business model - we encourage our managers to regard the offices they manage as their own local businesses," said Kathy Korte, New York-based president and CEO of Sotheby's International Realty. "As a result, when the market began to shift, our management team was already attuned to changing times, and could adapt quickly and effectively to emerging conditions."

William Raveis Real Estate Expands into Falmouth Market

02.16.09 Chris Raveis, executive vice president and managing partner of William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance, LLC Massachusetts is pleased to announce the company's newest office in Falmouth located at 634 Rte. 28A.

The real estate company, which now maintains 17 Massachusetts offices, is the largest family-owned real estate Company in New England, and the third largest real estate company in the Bay State with a 2007 Massachusetts sales volume of $1 billion.

"Our merger with Falmouth Realty Assoc. LTD, owned by Nick Fish represents an exciting expansion opportunity to us in this vibrant community," commented Mr. Raveis. "Since the company's inception on the Cape in 2007, we have developed a strong presence in the Falmouth real estate market and it became clear there was a significant opportunity for us to launch an office in the town. The new Falmouth office further endorses our commitment to become Cape Cod's premier real estate company," he added.

According to Sales Manager Wendy Beaulieu, who oversees the office, clients and associates were continually inquiring when William Raveis would open an office in the area. "We opened in Falmouth because we already had many clients here," she said. "We feel that our exceptional marketing and innovative technology sets us apart from our competitors."

The office is conveniently located next to the N. Falmouth Post Office and currently has eight experienced Realtor® professionals, who together average 70 years of industry experience. The office team presently includes: Nick Fish, Barbara Lunn, Russ Pelletier, Dane Kimmerle, Heidi Wright, Maggie Cenzalli, Dianne Splaine and Betsy Lyons

Since first entering the Massachusetts marketplace in 2003, William Raveis has experienced phenomenal growth. In 2007, the company opened three new offices in Marblehead, Orleans and Osterville, with statewide sales volume jumping 48% from the previous year. In 2008, the company launched three additional offices in Scituate, Marblehead and Hingham.

William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance is one of the top companies in the nation. It is rated as the #1 family-owned real estate firm in New England, the #2 family-owned real estate company in the United States and #12 out of 100,000 real estate firms nationwide. With a 2008 sales volume of $4.5 billion, the innovative company is nationally recognized as an industry leader and is dedicated to providing an unparalleled real estate experience to its customers. Since 1974, the firm's 2,000 highly trained sales professionals have been dedicated to strengthening their position as industry leaders in technology, marketing and REALTOR® education. The company has 63 offices, including two affiliates, in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Future plans entail expansion into New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Kerrie Marzot and Cathy Bearce Tops in Falmouth Sales

02.16.09 Real Estate Associates is proud to announce that Kerrie Marzot, Broker with the company's Falmouth Office, was the leader in Falmouth real estate sales for January 2009. She had sales totaling $3,603,630, and was ranked #5 for all of Barnstable County.

Second in sales for the same area was Cathy Bearce, with Real Estate Associates' West Falmouth office. Ms. Bearce's sales were $2,225,000. Both agents list and sell property throughout Cape Cod, but concentrate on the Upper Cape towns of Falmouth, Bourne, Mashpee and Sandwich. Ms. Marzot can be contacted in the Falmouth office at 508-548-0200, by cell at 508-274-2236, or by email at kmarzot@capecodhouses.com and Ms. Bearce can be reached in the West Falmouth office at 508-540-3005, by cell at 508-274-7200 or by email at cbearce@capecodhouses.com.

William Raveis Acquires 27-Year-Old Boutique on the Cape

02.16.09 Chris Raveis, executive vice president and managing partner of William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance, LLC, Massachusetts, announced today the acquisition of The Real Estate Company, Inc. on Cape Cod.

The Real Estate Company, Inc., which includes four offices and 30 sales associates with a combined 2008 sales volume of $61 Million dollars, has serviced Cape Cod for more than 27 years.

"I am fortunate and proud to be associated with such a talented and respected professional as Trisha Daly-Karlson, owner of The Real Estate Company, Inc.," commented Mr. Raveis. "The Real Estate Company, Inc. is a family business with family values. Their belief that people come first, along with their roots in the community and high level of professionalism, were important to us and run parallel with the principles of William Raveis Real Estate. They are the perfect match for us."

According to Mr. Raveis, the purchase augments the Raveis Company's premier position in the marketplace. "The addition of The Real Estate Company, Inc. to the Raveis family of companies places our firm in the position as one of the largest real estate companies in the Cape," he noted. "Since our expansion to the Cape in September, 2007, we have significantly increased our presence establishing two offices initially, then Falmouth, and now adding four new offices in Chatham, Eastham and Orleans through the acquisition of The Real Estate Company, Inc."

"We thought long and hard about the decision to sell our company," stated Ms. Daly-Karlson. "It was not an easy decision. We've had other opportunities, but my overriding desire was to find a company for our agents that have the same values as ours. Our agents are our family and, like family, we wanted the best for them. William Raveis is a company that cares for its agents and considers each as a customer. They support their agents and provide them with the tools necessary to grow their business. William Raveis is an industry leader in technology, marketing and education and will offer our agents and our customers the highest standards of service."

The Real Estate Company, founded in 1981 by Trisha Daly-Karlson, is the largest independently-owned agency on the Lower Cape with three sales offices and one rental office. The rental branch is the largest rental operation on the Cape.

A real estate veteran for more than 30 years, Daly-Karlson has been involved in the local and Massachusetts Board of Realtors in many capacities. She is the former Director of the MA Association of Realtors, Director of the Cape & Islands Board of Realtors and Director & VP of the Cape & Islands Multiple Listing Service. She has chaired the following committees for the Boards of Realtors: Computer Design Committee, Multiple Listing Service Committee, and a member of the "Realtor Image Committee". Additionally, Trisha has been involved in the Town of Orleans, having been a Past President and a Director of the Orleans Board of Trade, and a Director of the Orleans Chamber of Commerce.

Her designations include: the Graduate Realtors' Institute, Certified Buyer's Agent Designation, and EPro 500 Agent. She is also certified in Realtor Arbitration and Ethics.

Since first entering the Massachusetts marketplace in 2003, William Raveis has experienced phenomenal growth. In 2007, the company opened three new offices in Marblehead, Orleans and Osterville, with statewide sales volume jumping 48% from the previous year. In 2008, the company launched four additional offices in Falmouth, Scituate, Marblehead and Hingham. In addition to the 3 new offices in Chatham, Eastham and Orleans, plans for 2009 include the launching of more offices in Massachusetts.

William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance is one of the top companies in the nation. It is rated as the #1 family-owned real estate firms in New England, the #2 family-owned real estate company in the United States and #12 out of 100,000 real estate firms nationwide. With a 2008 sales volume of $4.5 billion, the innovative company is nationally recognized as an industry leader and is dedicated to providing an unparalleled real estate experience to its customers. Since 1974, the firm's 2,000 highly trained sales professionals have been dedicated to strengthening their position as industry leaders in technology, marketing and REALTOR® education. The company has 63 offices, including two affiliates, in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Future plans entail expansion into New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Falmouth-based Century 21 Dream Homes joins Kinlin Grover GMAC

02.10.09 Kinlin Grover GMAC Real Estate, now with 12 offices from Provincetown to Sandwich, has extended its No. 1 market share on Cape Cod by welcoming Falmouth-based former Century 21 Dream Homes into the company.

"Not only are we excited about growing deeper roots in the Falmouth community, but we also are very gratified to have Century 21 Dream Home's talented Realtors and its owner Doug Azarian join our organization. This will strengthen us across the entire Cape," said Bett McCarthy, Kinlin Grover GMAC's regional vice president. "Doug, who was recently president of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, possesses extraordinary experience and knowledge at a time when home buyers and sellers demand unprecedented professional partnership in these very challenging times."

Kinlin Grover GMAC once again was the top-selling real estate company on the Cape in 2008, closing on nearly 900 single-family homes valued at more than half a billion dollars. Its market share, based on sales value, was nearly three times greater than any other real estate firm, according to the Cape & Islands MLS.

Dream Homes had been part of the Century 21 network before they decided to combine forces with Kinlin Grover.

"I am very excited," said Azarian. "The Kinlin Grover Real Estate Group expands our exposure across all of Cape Cod. The company has local ownership and management with more than 250 sales associates. Kinlin Grover has consistently been Cape Cod's leading company in real estate sales for units and volume focusing on all aspects of the market including the luxury, commercial, and vacation rental segments," he added.

Azarian also pointed to Kinlin Grover's extensive marketing resources that include local, national, and international exposure in print, Internet, radio, and television.

Azarian, who has been in the real estate industry for 22 years, twice was honored as the Cape & Islands Realtor of the Year. In addition to leading the state association of Realtors in 2007, he served as president of the Cape & Islands Association of Realtors in 2001 and as its treasurer twice.

An expert in building, zoning and conservation, Azarian holds a masters degree in business administration and finance. He also brings a strong background in technology, an increasingly critical area for the real estate industry as it gravitates to the Internet not only to market properties, but also to manage operations.

Azarian specializes in waterfront, water view, golf, second home, condominium, resort, and luxury home communities. He holds the Accredited Buyer Representative, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, and Seller Representative Specialist designations

He will work directly with McCarthy, who oversees the entire Cape for Kinlin Grover. Before her appointment as regional vice president, she was executive director of the 5,000-member Greater Boston Association of Realtors.

Kinlin Grover was founded in 1992 before becoming part of GMAC's international network seven years later. "From the very beginning, the Kinlin Grover mission has remained constant: To help our clients make the best real estate decisions and to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism," said McCarthy.

The company provides a comprehensive suite of homeownership services, including mortgage, homeowner insurance, home warranty and relocation. In addition, the company has a vacation rental division that represents more than 600 properties, and a commercial division led by Nat Santoro, CCIM.

Sotheby's International Realty Awards Top Agents

02.5.09 Sotheby's International Realty Cape Cod Brokerages recently named their 2008 Salesperson of the Year and recognized sales associates for top performance during its annual awards breakfast at the Dan'l Webster Inn and Spa in Sandwich.

Susan Gill of the Osterville Brokerage was recognized as Top Revenue Performer of the Year 2008 for achieving the highest revenue volume within the company's Cape Cod Brokerages. Susan's long term record of outstanding achievement is an inspiration to her peers. Joan Witter was awarded the Top Transaction Broker for the Osterville Brokerage.

For the Sandwich Brokerage, Paula Markiewicz was awarded the 2008 Top Revenue Performer award and Mary Ellen Randall was recognized as the Top Transaction Performer for 2008.

The Falmouth Brokerage was pleased to award John Weyand both the Top Revenue Performer and Top Transaction Performer recognitions for 2008.

Joan Witter of the Osterville Brokerage, Terri Morris of the Sandwich Brokerage and Terri Monroe of the Falmouth Brokerage were also recognized with awards for their Team Spirit.

By inviting only the most experienced and knowledgeable real estate professionals to join the firm, Sotheby's International Realty has maintained its reputation for providing discreet, concierge-level service to each of its customers and clients. It's a level of service reflective of the Cape itself - dignified, understated and world class in every respect.

For further information, visit sothebyshomes.com/capecod Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. is Owned and Operated by NRT LLC. Sotheby's International Realty® is a registered trademark.

Free Real Estate Seminar to be Held: Career Opportunities in Real Estate for 2009

02.03.09 MASHPEE - Today's Opportunities in Real Estate, a free, in-depth seminar covering career opportunities in the real estate industry, is the title of the session to be presented by Century 21 Regan Realtors on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in their office at 18 Steeple Street, in Mashpee Commons. It is located across from Talbots, upstairs over the bookstore. Please call 508-539-6310 by February 11, 2009 to RSVP.

The session, which will feature Jamie Regan, Certified Residential Broker and Certified Residential Specialist, who has been listing and selling Real Estate on Cape Cod for the past 29 years! He will be covering the ins and outs of the business, in addition to outlining where the "hidden opportunities" are today.

The free seminar is being sponsored by Century 21 Regan Realtors, a firm that has been specializing in residential real estate on Cape Cod for the past 29 years.

Century 21 Regan Realtors is independently owned and operated, and a member of The Century 21 Real Estate Affiliates network, the most successful real estate network in the country.

Conway Remains Top Independent Firm

02.03.09 BOSTON - At the recent "Book of Lists" party at the Renaissance Hotel in Boston, the Jack Conway Co. was again posted as the largest independently-owned real estate firm in Massachusetts, by the Boston Business Journal.

The gathering of the eagles was organized by BBJ Publisher Mike Olivieri to honor leaders in Massachusetts who appear in their famous book, regarded as the source for business information in the Boston area.

"Jack Conway Co. has been the No.1 independent on the real estate company 'list' for the past 10 years and, in spite of a bad climate for real estate sales, has held its top position," said Olivieri.

Chairman and CEO Jack Conway of Scituate, and Corporate Counsel Jay Chaisson of Marshfield represented the firm among the 400 CEOs who attended from top Massachusetts companies.

Jack Conway Co. was founded in 1956 in Hingham and now operates 41 residential/commercial offices in Eastern Massachusetts. The company also operates CFS - Conway Financial Services, Conway Properties, a relocation company and a real estate and computer school and a referral network. The firm has 761 associates and does business from Boston, South Shore, Southwest, South Coast and Cape Cod.

Absolute Auction for Cape Cod Home Draws 28 Bidders

01.27.09 JJManning Auctioneers, a leader in the accelerated marketing and disposition of quality real estate, is pleased to announce the sale at Absolute Auction of 136 Racing Beach Ave., Falmouth, MA on Saturday, January 17, 2009 for $748,000.

After two years of marketing their property through traditional brokerage and FSBO listings without a sale, the owners of this updated 1984 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath raised ranch set on the upland portion of a 1.5+/- acre site within the Racing Beach Association with elevated views across protected marsh to Buzzards Bay turned to JJManning Auctioneers.

To generate the highest level of interest and participation among potential buyers, the owners opted to sell the home at Absolute Auction, where the high bidder is the winning bidder, regardless of price. The strategy proved effective, drawing more than 50 groups to view the home during the 32-day marketing period between contract and auction, including over 30 groups who attended the 2-hour open house on January 11 despite a winter storm which dropped 3-5" of snow over much of the state.

On auction day, it was standing room only as 28 bidders--each with a certified deposit of $25,000, participated in the auction. Auctioneer and company President, Justin Manning, quickly ran through opening bids provided by 6 bidders who were pre-registered by real estate brokers participating in the 2% Buyer's Broker Incentive Program and then turned to the floor for an advance on $550,000. Spirited bidding narrowed the field to two combatants with a bidder from Pennsylvania finally taking the day and qualifying his Buyer's Broker for a $13,600 commission.

JJManning Auctioneers is now accepting consignments for the Winter/Spring Auction Calendar. Please visit www.JJManning.com or call 800-521-0111 for further information.

ERA Cape Real Estate Celebrates Annual Award Night

01.27.09 ERA Cape Real Estate celebrated its annual Award Night with dinner and dancing at Albertos' in Hyannis on Friday, January 9. Million Dollar Club recipients and special recognition award recipients, along with the two top award winners, all enjoyed the evening. Eva Morgan, of the West Dennis office, and Will Raye, of the Harwich Port office, will each take a guest on a 7 night Caribbean Cruise of their choice.

ERA Cape Real Estate is part of the Presidents Circle in ERA for sales productivity and is proud of their 98% customer satisfaction rating.

Janet Sweeney

Janet Sweeney Joins Real Estate Associates

01.27.09 Real Estate Associates is proud to announce that Janet Sweeney has joined their West Falmouth Office. An integral part of Real Estate Associates Realtors' dedication to excellence is the collaboration of high caliber, capable professionals. Janet certainly fits that profile. A real estate and marketing professional with a career spanning 20 years, she brings the experience and knowledge to help anyone looking to buy or sell a home. She is a highly referred realtor with a loyal client following. Previously working for Century 21 and ReMax, she achieved a multimillion dollar sale production, won numerous awards and was ranked in the top 5 percent of ReMax agents. Recently she made the move to full-time resident of Cape Cod and can now combine her love of real estate with her love of the Cape. Janet specializes in finding your dream home and working with first time as well as million dollar buyers. She also has extensive experience working with investment buyers and relocation clients. Janet has a design background and stages all her listings. Before her career in real estate Janet was a marketing executive for Gap Inc. She has a solid business background and brings the latest technology to help with all real estate needs. She is a strong believer in giving back to the community, as evidenced by her active involvement in the Falmouth schools, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and a member of the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce. Janet lives in North Falmouth with her husband Jim and 2 children Riley and Jack.

Janet Sweeney can be reached at the West Falmouth office of Real Estate Associates at 508-540-3005, on her cell at 508-274-8736 or by email at jssweeney@capecodhouses.com. -- "From Cottage to Castle, let her make your dreams come true."

ERA Cape Real Estate in East Falmouth Announces National Sponsorship with 'Ask This Old House'

Campaign will provide community with greater access to exclusive home how-to information

01.14.09 (Grassroots Newswire) ? ERA Cape Real Estate in East Falmouth is pleased to announce that it is part of a year-long national sponsorship campaign with "do-it-yourself," home improvement icon, Ask This Old House. This sponsorship gives ERA Cape Real Estate in East Falmouth the ability to provide their consumers with information to guide them through all the stages of homeownership, from buying and maintaining to selling.

"This sponsorship brings two powerful brands together to provide consumers with the most trusted home improvement information out there," said Richard Martin, local ERA® representative. "We are proud to be associated with such a respected, well-known name in the home improvement industry, and we believe this relationship will help raise awareness of both ERA Real Estate and Ask This Old House as trustworthy, dependable resources for homebuyers, homesellers and homeowners. ERA Cape Real Estate in East Falmouth is in a unique position to use this relationship to benefit our community with special initiatives throughout the year."

Through this sponsorship, ERA Cape Real Estate in East Falmouth will help support the national broadcast portion of Ask This Old House programming on PBS. In addition, ERA Cape Real Estate in East Falmouth will have the ability to offer the community unique and specialized content by leveraging the print and online outlets of Ask This Old House, including This Old House magazine and ThisOldHouse.com.

Broadcast programming began airing on PBS in October 2008. Check local listings for show broadcast dates and times in your area or visit www.thisoldhouse.com/tvschedule. To find out more information about the sponsorship, visit www.ERA.com/ask or contact ERA Cape Real Estate in East Falmouth, located at 767 East Falmouth Highway, at 508-495-6900.