Coast Guard Beach Makes 2009 Best Beach List
Cape Cod can feel proud about making it into the prestigious Top Ten Beach List which was just released over Memorial weekend. The much anticipated list is released each year by “Dr. Beach” Stephen P. Leatherman, director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research. Coming in at the exalted number one position is Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii. The other nine beaches ranged from Hamoa Beach in San Diego to the beautiful, Cape Cod in Massachusetts.
Coast Guard Beach – Eastham, came in at #9 on the beach list and offers prime swimming during the summer. The gorgeous beach is a part of the Cape Cod National Seashore and stretches for miles. The crowd pleasing beach will satisfy everyone with plenty of body-surfing, boogie-boarding, walking, relaxing or people watching. You pick. Just get out there.
Here are the Top 10 Beaches for 2009:
• Hanalei Bay – Kauai, Hawaii
• Siesta Key – Sarasota, Florida
• Coopers Beach – Southampton, New York
• Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
• Hamoa Beach -Maui, Hawaii
• Main Beach – East Hampton, New York
• Cape Hatteras – Outer Banks, North Carolina
• Cape Florida State Park – Key Biscayne, Florida
• Coast Guard Beach – Cape Cod, Massachusetts
• Beachwalker Park – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Cape Cod Maritime Days
The Cape’s calendar is chock full of exciting events for locals and tourists all year long and May is no exception. The 16th annual Cape Cod Maritime Days is this month and it celebrates the rich maritime history of the Cape and was touted in 2008 as one of the top 100 events in North America by the American Bus Association.
I found some events that I am dying to attend such as the guided tour called Thermometer Mania of the museum in Onset, Thermometer Capital of the World. How cool is that? It’s free, by the way. For water lovers, boat, lighthouse and kayak tours abound. If you are a water lover or like celebrating history, this festival is for you. Check it out. For ongoing events, click here.
The list of tours and things to see and do is endless, so take the time to find out what is happening here or by checking with the Cape Cod Chamber.
As always, let us know how we can help. If you are interested in learning about buying or selling a home in Cape Cod or finding an agent to put you in your dream home, give us a call at 508-362-1993. If you have other questions, let us know how we can be of service and one of our qualified agents will contact you. We are here for you!
It’s a Happy Day for Beth and John Ryan on Cape Cod
In the fast paced world we live in it is refreshing to talk to folks who are down-to-earth, enjoy life, family and all that goes with it. Usually, when talking to folks we get around to how they retreat from our modern world of insanity. Going out is great, but often people tell me that their home is a sanctuary. I know mine is a retreat away from a crazy day.
I hope you enjoy this story about a family who found a home-away-from-home in Cape Cod.
Happy Days on Cape Cod
Coldwell Banker: How does it feel to be living in the Cape?
Beth and John Ryan: Many of my best memories are of spending vacations with my grandparents in Cape Cod. I grew up in Connecticut but grandparents lived on the Cape. We visited them for Easter and every other holiday that we could, so this area has many great memories. The house we bought from Mary Anne Geary is on the same exit as my grandparent’s house; I think it is meant to be that we would have our second home on the Cape. We take our children to the same beaches on Bath River, West Dennis and others I went to as child. We are excited to continue the tradition and introduce our children to the wonders of the Cape. The kids love spending time here because there is so much to do and so much time to do nothing.
CB: How did you meet Mary Anne Geary?
Beth and John: Mary Anne is our beacon of light in this story. My parents who loved spending time on the Cape passed away within a few years of each other. Following my father’s memorial service, I decided that I wanted to have a second home here. My husband and I drove around looking at homes and saw a listing by Mary Anne. We grabbed a flyer with her contact information and gave her a call and she began helping us find listings. We really connected with Mary Anne’s wonderful demeanor, pleasant personality and her knowledge of the Cape was second to none.
CB: How was your home buying experience?
Beth and John: We know it was meant to be because everything fell into place, including how we found our house. Mary Anne knew exactly what would make us happy and showed us some great homes in the area. We didn’t get the first house we bid on but it worked out for the best. Mary Anne was able to show us a house that just came on the market and helped us to be in the right place at the right time. With gentle encouragement, she helped us buy our dream home. Also, the buyers were so helpful and we have stayed in touch after the purchase. The closing went well because both parties were happy; it made the process so easy. John was impressed by how helpful and accessible Mary Anne was. He mentioned to her after the closing that “although we didn’t purchase a million dollar home, she sure treated us like we did.
CB: How often do you get to the Cape and what’s it like to live here?
Beth and John: We come as often as we can, usually one weekend a month in the winter and more often in the summer. Of course, summer vacations are spent here. We keep the house running basically all year so we can come whenever we want. In the summer we spend as much time on the beach as possible. The first time we crossed the bridge to get to our new house, the kids asked us when we would be “home.” It is nice to know that we really are coming home again. We are creating great memories with our children, Ethan (8) and Samantha (6).
CCB: I was told that you have a special name for your new home. Can you tell us about it?
Beth and John: Beth’s maiden name is Day and since her memories of the Cape and her grandparents are happy ones, we have decided to call our home, “Happy Days” to celebrate her family. We are looking for a “Happy Days” sign for our house but we haven’t found it yet. We were married here on the Cape and now we are living here with our children creating many happy memories. We expect to have many, many happy days here.
If you are interested in learning about buying or selling a home in Cape Cod or finding an agent to put in your dream home, give us a call at 508-362-1993. If you have other questions, let us know how we can be of service and one of our qualified agents will contact you. We are here for you!
A View of the Cape on Nantucket Sound
Surf, Sand and Sun on Your Own Private Beach
If you want a retreat from the rat race, then look no further. The Cape Cod cottage listed below comes complete with beach front property on Nantucket Sound, and is close to West Dennis Beach with a view from all directions. Here you can sun on the sand, try out your Jet Ski’s, hit the water on a power boat, wind surf and much more. You can even sun on your own private deck if that suits your mood.
This cottage packs a big punch with a top rate location that you must see to appreciate. To view this property and its features, click here.To schedule an appointment to see the property, contact Mary Anne Geary at www.coldwellbankercapecodjmw.com.
As always, if you are interested in learning about buying or selling a home in Cape Cod or finding an agent to put you in your dream home, give us a call at 508-362-1993. If you have other questions, let us know how we can be of service and one of our qualified agents will contact you. We are here for you!
Chatting With Mary Anne Geary
You can learn a lot from talking to people and even more by listening. Recently, I had the chance to talk to Mary Anne Geary about her experiences with Coldwell Banker and like the other agents I have talked to, she had some interesting comments about real estate, working for Coldwell Banker and the great, Cape Cod.
Tell me a little about yourself and how you got into real estate.
Mary Anne: I was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts. I graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston. I married Coleman Geary and we have three children Sally, Sean and Molly. Sally works as an ICU nurse at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston; Sean is a sophomore at Westfield State College and Molly is a sophomore at Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School. We relocated here 10 years ago after spending my whole life vacationing at Cape Cod.
Real estate is a natural fit since I’m a people person and addicted to sales. I love to “meet and greet,” talk to people and answer questions about real estate. I have a very large sphere of influence which has always been helpful and have a lot of family members in real estate. My husband’s 82 year-old aunt is still licensed. I have been around the business my whole life.
Describe your territory and client base.
Mary Anne: My territory expands from Cape Cod Canal in the Chatham area. However, I’m not ever opposed to learning about new areas and expanding as far as Provincetown for any client. My client base is mostly personal referrals from family, friends, college and my home town of Worcester.
What has been one of your greatest moments in real estate?
Mary Anne: My greatest moments in real estate are always attending a closing with a new and excited second homeowner. The sparkle in their eyes and smile on the face is awesome. Having vacationed on the shores of Cape Cod prior to moving here 10 years ago I always remember the first smell of salt air and playing a game with our children “who sees the bridge first.” It’s an instant feeling of relaxation, sun, fun and surf here. I can relate so easily to the feeling of excitement you get from calling Cape Cod home.
How does technology help your business and which technologies do you rely on most?
Mary Anne: Technology and the Internet have changed the way we do business on a daily basis. However, there’s nothing like a personal touch, greeting or phone call to a client. It’s ever important to read a client and determine how they want to be contacted. Some client’s only want email while others are more traditional and prefer a phone call. I send listing on the Internet and use email for scanning documents. Clients contact me using online listings.
I have used virtual tours for listings but primarily for larger homes which are easily showcased. I take my own photographs but hire professionals to handle virtual tours. A listing can contain up to thirty pictures or more so photography plays a large role in real estate.
What types of houses do you sell?
Mary Anne: I sell the gamut of homes, including cottages from 800 to 1,000 square feet cottage homes to large homes. Price ranges vary from $255, 000 to 1.2 million. Most clients are second home owners/vacation homers and are primarily from New England.
Any tips for new realtors?
Mary Anne: Listen and take advantage of the education that’s offered. Join a large company like Coldwell Banker with its world-wide presence and wonderful training tools and programs. We have the Coldwell Banker University and its Coldwell Banker Works which offers great marketing tools and abundance of information.
Why did you choose to work for Coldwell Banker?
Mary Anne: I never considered working for another realtor because Coldwell Banker is a world-wide organization and covers a lot of geographic space. I wanted a franchise and name recognition which I got with Coldwell Banker. We have the global presence and the icing on the cake is to have knowledgeable, local owners for support.
Do you have any future plans or goals for your business?
Mary Anne: Yes, I have one elective to take for my buyer’s accreditation and plan to earn my second home designation this year to be more informed for my clients. This is a new designation and keeps real estate professionals current in the business.
Now to get a little personal – what do you like to do to relax?
Mary Anne: My greatest past-time over the past 10 years has been spent on the various athletic fields watching my children compete in sports. Cape Cod has some of the most tremendous fields and facilities I have seen. Watching a summertime baseball game alongside the Cape Cod Canal or under the lights on the Cape Code League baseball field is wonderful. An afternoon summer cruise on Bass River and in Nantucket Sound with family and friends is delightful.
My son is sailing instructor in Yarmouth so we get out on the water as much as we can. Our motto is “more beach, more sun, the better.” I grew up vacationing near the water so we get out on it as often as we can. We live in paradise.
Have you ever done business with a celebrity on the Cape?
Mary Anne: Yes. These people want strict confidentiality due to privacy issues so it’s a trust you must earn with them.
If you are interested in learning about buying or selling a home in Cape Cod or finding an agent to put you in your dream home, give us a call at 508-362-1993. If you have other questions, let us know how we can be of service and one of our qualified agents will contact you. We are here for you!
Do You Have What it Takes to Be a Realtor?
I often call myself the “Jane of all trades and these days, most of us are finding out that it pays to be able to juggle a lot of balls in the air or in “corporate speak” – multi-task. This is a good thing and a valued trait in most professions, particularly real estate. A 2005 Issues and Management Trend newsletter spoke about brokers, owners and managers as being Jacks- or Jill’s-of-all-trades. Meaning they have to be an expert in the local real estate market, the company’s ambassador, have superb sales skills and be able to teach these skills to other agents. Add to the list, a business strategist who understands legal issues and technology and you are wearing a lot of hats. This job description also applies to agents as well as brokers and owners.
The bottom line is finding a great agent who has the right skill sets, personality and drive who wants to make real estate a career and who will represent an owner in the best possible way. To find out if real estate could be a career for you, walk through the Coldwell Banker Cape Cod simulator. To contact us for more information about getting started in the U.S. and Canada, click here.
If you are interested in learning about buying or selling a home in Cape Cod or finding an agent to put you in your dream home, give us a call at 508-362-1993. If you have other questions, let us know how we can be of service and one of our qualified agents will contact you. We are here for you!
Step Ahead of the Crowd with a Pre-Approved Mortgage
The word mortgage scares some people. It’s a word can bring fear and trembling to an inexperienced home buyer but when all is said and done it will be music to your ears. In this thing called life we all want a great job, family and a home to come back to at the end of the day. The only way to get the true and lasting security that owning a home offers is by obtaining a mortgage.
Here’s the good news. Coldwell Banker makes it simple by offering a four-step Four to the Door™ program which walks you through everything you need to get a mortgage. And, better yet, a pre-approved mortgage which lessens your wait time dramatically.
I don’t know about you but I like any program that offers less paperwork and produces fast results, which is why I recommend checking out the Coldwell Banker pre-approved mortgage. To get the scoop, click here.
As always, if you are interested in learning about buying or selling a home in Cape Cod or finding an agent to put you in your dream home, give us a call at 508-362-1993. If you have other questions, let us know how we can be of service and one of our qualified agents will contact you. We are here for you!
Dennisport Cottage Offers Something for Everyone
Dennis Port Dream Cottage
I haven’t made it to Cape Cod yet, but it’s on my agenda for this summer so I can see what all the buzz is about. I know it has a cool factor going for it and it’s known for being a place to chill out and relax surrounded by views you only see in magazines. As I am learning about the Cape, I thought it would be neat to spotlight some cool properties along the way for you to check out. Just in case you get the urge to see for yourself and hopefully, you will.
My friend, Kim Terrio is a realtor in Yarmouth and has a property that she says is perfect for investment or for vacation to relax with family and friends. Either way it’s a deal. This Dennisport cottage is location, location, location at its finest with deeded access to the beautiful Swan Pond.
You outdoor types who like to fish and boat will love it. Be sure to bring rod and reel, canoes and kayak. If you are a nature lover check out the variety of wildlife as Swan Pond winds into Swan River and if you are a birder, you will see plenty of species. If you are a beach lover like I am, you will love being only two miles away from Sea St. Beach.
At night, forget cooking and walk to the local favorite Clancy’s, for a delicious meal. You can bring home local produce on the way back when you stop into Hart Farm for fresh veggies or flowers to brighten the house. This is purely good living in a laid-back environment. What’s not to like?
My goal is to give you as much information about Cape Cod as I can and as I learn new things about your area, I will pass them on to you. Email me with your thoughts and ideas to blog@coldwellbankerjmw.com.
To find out more about this cottage jewel, click here. To view specifics, enter MLS# 20901551.
If you are interested in learning more about buying and selling a home in Cape Cod or finding an agent to put you in your dream home, give us a call at 508-362-1993. If you have other questions, let us know how we can be of service and one of our qualified agents will contact you. We are here for you!
How to Have a Great First Home Buying Experience
Amanda and Rowland love their new home.
We all know about life events that psychologists list (maybe it should be psychiatrists) as the top ten stressors in life: starting a new job, losing a job, divorce, moving and other heart palpitating drama. If you are like most of us, you have experienced one or more of these life transitions, hopefully not simultaneously.
Moving ranks close to the top of the stress scale for most folks, even in the best of circumstances. I know this first-hand and reflected back on my first home buying experience, and how it was exciting and scary at the same time. Like all new homeowners, I needed a knowledgeable realtor that I could count on for direction and sometimes moral support.
In thinking about this topic, I thought it might be interesting to chat for a minute to a new Cape Cod home owner, Amanda Lavelle and get her thoughts about the experience. Amanda is still excited about her new home so it did not take much arm pulling to get her to chat for a minute.
Here’s what Amanda had to say.
“I grew up on the Cape and my boyfriend Rowland, was born in Florida, but moved here when he was younger,” Amanda said. “We decided that Yarmouth would be the safest place for a future family, convenient for our friends, family and also our jobs. A friend of mine introduced me to Kim Terrio because she thought we would be a great match. We started emailing and texting. I knew when I had a realtor that could text that this was indeed a great match for me!”
Amanda explains, “We started our search for a home online before we meet Kim. From the first property she showed us in Yarmouth we could tell that she knew her stuff. During our house hunting we had some doubts and a lot of questions. If Kim could not answer a question, she looked into it and got back to us.”
Their search took a year and the couple started to think that they might not find a house. “Kim kept sending us new listings and price reductions and she was so open to working on weekends and coming by to talk to us anytime we needed her,” said Amanda.Then one day we were looking online and saw a house that we thought might have potential but the pictures were not good quality. Kim convinced us to be open to seeing it, so we did and we loved it. And, now it is ours. Without Kim’s help I’m not sure I could honestly say that we would be where we are now, in a beautiful home and as happy as we can be.”
It’s not rocket science but the moral here is that a good realtor will work for you and will open your eyes to possibilities that you might not have considered before.
Eventually, you will find your dream home without settling for less.
Each week I hope to bring you information that helps you make a decision to buy property in Cape Cod. Or, you might have already bought a home and you are looking for information about schools for your children, where to shop and what to do on the weekend. Let me know what topics you want to read about by emailing me at blog@coldwellbankerjmw.com.
For more information about buying or selling a home in Cape Cod or finding an agent to put you in your dream home, give us a call at 508-362-1993. If you have other questions, let us know how we can be of service and one of our qualified agents will contact you. We are here for you!
Coldwell Banker Cape Cod Featured Agent
Kim Terrio
Coldwell Banker: How did you get into real estate?
Kim: I have been a professional Realtor for 4 1/2 years. I have loved looking at homes ever since I can remember. My mother and I used to spend weekends touring open houses around our area when I was much younger and she influenced me to try the business. I especially love interior design and architecture as well as working with people, so real estate was a natural way to put those two components together. Having children also impacted my work life and I needed a flexible schedule so I could be with my family. Real estate fit my lifestyle.
Coldwell Banker: Describe your territory and client base.
Kim: When I am working as a listing agent, I concentrate in the mid-Cape area which includes Yarmouth, Dennis and Barnstable. My office is in Yarmouth Port which is close to my home. When I am working as a buyer’s agent, I work the upper, mid and lower Cape. My clients are split 50/50 between first-time buyers and second-home buyers. Clients come primarily from New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Coldwell Banker: What has been among your greatest moment in real estate?
Kim: Honestly, my best moments in real estate do not have any relationship to the size of the sale. My favorite moments to date have been assisting first time homebuyers. Sitting at a closing table with a first time homebuyer knowing that you have helped them with one of the most important transactions of their lives is a wonderful feeling.
Two first-time buyers come to mind. I recently helped a couple buy their first home and they were so happy that they were beaming across the table. Another client was a single woman who had always dreamed of owning her own home. I worked with her for about six to seven months and finally, found her the right house. She had tears in her eyes during the closing. It is such an honor to help people buy their first home.
Coldwell Banker: Is there anything that you know now that you wish you had known starting out in real estate?
Kim: When I originally started out in real estate, I intended it to be a part-time position. I quickly found out that part-time does not exist when it comes to being a realtor. You have to be available 24/7 – whether or not you are on vacation, or even under the weather. This means being willing to give up your weekends and always being available by cell phone. I have worked on more than one real estate deal while on vacation. If you want to succeed in this business, you must be willing to give 110%.
Coldwell Banker: Do you have any special tips or strategies that you can share with potential clients?
Kim: I provide a checklist to help clients get ready to sell a house. I suggest to my clients to paint walls in neutral colors (if they have the time) and above all, to have their home clean, clean, clean, at all times. I mean as in “hotel” clean (especially bathrooms and kitchens) with zero clutter. To “stage” a home is a lot of work but necessary if you want to sell.
Coldwell Banker: Any tips for new realtors?
Kim: You have to learn to assess personalities quickly and adjust how you work with each individual because no two clients are alike. First time buyers need more hand holding than an experienced home buyer. Also, you need to like looking at houses and definitely enjoy people.
Coldwell Banker: What has been your biggest challenge to date?
Kim: Probably the current business environment we are in and that some sellers are not willing to accept our new market situation. These are folks who do not believe their home has depreciated and still want to get a top selling price that was possible several years ago. In these instances, I will recommend to a seller to reconsider listing their property if they are not willing to price it to the market we are in.
Coldwell Banker: Do you have any future plans for your business?
Kim: I plan on getting my Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) license this year as a way to elevate my skills in the eyes of homebuyers. It also helps me to keep learning and growing in this business.
Coldwell Banker: Now to get a little personal – what do you like to do to relax?
Kim: When I have downtime (which is close to never being a mother of two and a full time realtor), I enjoy reading, going to the movies and out to eat. When the weather is nice I enjoy spending time at the beach. I love to sit at Corporation Beach with a book, a good friend, and enjoy lunch from the Mercantile. That is my favorite way to pass the time during the warmer months.
Coldwell Banker: What is your favorite vacation spot?
Kim: My favorite vacation spot is the Outer Banks in North Carolina. My family and I have been vacationing there for the past 4 years and we are going again this year in April.
Coldwell Banker: Have you ever done business with a celebrity in the Cape?
Kim: I have bowled with Christian Slater and he promised me that I would be the first one he’d call when he is ready to buy on the Cape.
If you are interested in learning about buying or selling a home in Cape Cod or finding an agent to put you in your dream home, give us a call at 508-362-1993. If you have other questions, let us know how we can be of service and one of our qualified agents will contact you. We are here for you!