WHITE SHARK HOUSE JAN 2024

HOUSE WHITE SHARK

KATE CONWAY, REALTOR

Happy

Janaury 2024

NEW YEAR

4

FOUR

NEW YEAR TO HELP YOU BUY YOUR DREAM HOME IN 2024 SERVING CAPE COD, PLYMOUTH, & ISLANDS

VOLUME SOLD

$54,840,000+ VOLUME SOLD LAST YEAR

$13,200,000 LIST TO SOLD PRICE RATIO

99.895% AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

5 COVER PHOTO IS FROM AGENT KALLI CONWAY OF TREEHOUSE BREWING IN SANDWICH.

KATE.CONWAY@KW.COM

508.415.1295 WHITESHARKHOMES.COM 1600 FALMOUTH RD SUITE 2 CENTERVILLE MA 02632

AVOID SWITCHING JOBS Employment history and income are two of the most important factors considered by lenders when evaluating a mortgage application. A new job may be a good career move, but if you plan to buy a home in the new year, keep in mind that job hopping can be a red flag to some underwriters — especially if you're changing industries. If you get a new job while house hunting, notify your lender as soon as possible.

ESTABLISH A STRONG CREDIT HISTORY Your credit history is one of the first things a lender will look at.

Lenders prefer borrowers who have a track record of paying off credit cards and other debts on time because it shows that you're a responsible borrower who poses less of a risk. If you don't have credit, getting a home loan will be much more difficult and timeconsuming, but it's not impossible. Records of on-time rent and utility payments, as well as student loan debt or cell phone bills, can demonstrate to a potential lender that you have a track record of managing monthly payments.

CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORT Your credit score can have a large impact on your ability to purchase a home. A low credit score can reduce the amount of money a lender is willing to lend you as well as your interest rate. Several percentage point differences in interest rates can cost you thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. Monitor your credit carefully, especially for fraudulent activity, to avoid surprises that could cause the loan application process to be delayed.

REFRAIN FROM MAKING SIGNIFICANT PURCHASES Before purchasing a home, avoid incurring significant debt, whether it be for a car or a costly vacation. Even if you are already preapproved, you should still do this. The amount of money a lender is willing to loan you depends largely on your debt-to-income ratio, or how much money you make in comparison to your total debt. The process of buying a property can go much more smoothly if debts are kept to a minimum.

WHAT ARE THE

HORIZON BENJAMIN MOORE

SOFT CHAMOIS BENJAMIN MOORE

PALE OAK BENJAMIN MOORE

AGREEABLE GRAY SHERWIN WILLIAMS

LIGHT FRENCH GRAY SHERWIN WILLIAMS

According to one home painting company, painting the exterior of your home yields a 55% ROI in terms of value increase. This means that if you’re selling your home, you most definitely want to consider giving it a fresh coat of paint before putting it on the market.

First, these colors tend to be very neutral, making them a good choice for homes that are located in busy neighborhoods or areas with a lot of foot traffic. Additionally, beige and gray paint can help to hide dirt and stains, making it easier to keep the outside of the home looking clean. This can be a selling point when you speak to potential buyers.

TWO-TONED OLIVE

Is painting your house even necessary? Before thinking about the best colors to paint a house or browsing through some of the best house paint color boards on Pinterest, it pays to calculate the current value of your home. You might be surprised to find that your home’s current value is fine as is and you don’t need to paint it.

Two-toned olive paint can give a home’s exterior a sophisticated look.

The two colors can complement each other and create an elegant effect. The darker color can also make the house look more stately and regal. In addition, two-toned olive paint can be used to highlight architectural features or to downplay problem areas.

BEIGE & GRAY Beige and gray paint is a mixture that looks good on the exterior of a home for a number of reasons.

JANUARY HOME MAINTENANCE Clean under and behind any appliances, and in all closets. This will keep dust and bits of food to a minimum, which in turn can prevent bad odors and reduce the occurrence of pests and allergies.

Change Water and Icemaker Filters.

It is recommended that the water filter be replaced every 9 months, 2000 gallons of water use, when the indicator light comes on, or as needed.

Clean out the kitchen and pantry.

Remove everything from the pantry, toss out stale and expired foods and wipe down the shelves before putting everything back.

An Exclusive White Shark House Ongoing Series

Determined not to Rent If

WRITTEN BY

KATE CONWAY

there were ever a generation facing a mountainous climb in Real Estate, it’s the Millennials, aka Gen Z. Born into a world when terrorism suddenly was all around and graduating within a span of years that saw political unrest, a global pandemic, and a rapidly changing climate, this young generation often felt their options were limited to two paths when it came to housing: live with their parents or relatives far longer than they may want (the average first time homebuyer age is now 36), or pay someone else’s mortgage by renting at sky-high rates. It seemed that only in television and dreams was a 3rd option ever whispered: buying one’s own home.

Yet, as an agent, I saw MANY young people, even in the chaos of a pandemic, pursue and BUY their own homes. They understood one universal truth about money: owning a home is the single most critical aspect to protecting and growing wealth in the United States. According to NAR, a typical homeowner's net worth is 40 times higher than that of a renter.

Determined to NOT pay someone else’s wealth through renting, these young people braved the odds and the naysayers and in the end were handed keys to their own homes. These are their stories.

4

WHITE SHARK HOMES

first time I met Leo, I didn’t know what to expect. Having only spoken briefly on the phone, I couldn’t get a sense of his age, though he was well-spoken and knew his mind and his goals. It wasn’t until we met face-to-face, at a home in Bourne, that I realized he was one of the rare Gen Z that was braving the home-buying process and ignoring the negative opinions of the news that said he had no chance.

Mentally, I was giving him a standing ovation. I had seen people twice his age throw in the towel when it came to house hunting. But this man, with his towering truck, was on a mission. The money he had worked so hard to save was going to go into a home HE owned - not into the pockets of a landlord as so many others of his generation had done.

BRAVO! Through our time together, and his months at sea when we could only communicate through texts and ridiculous memes, he managed to snag a home - and not just any house, but a house that he and his girlfriend, Devon, wanted before, but had gone under contract too fast for them to bid. When it came back on the market, we were ready within hours, our accepted offer in the hands of the attorneys. Months later, with the help of Devon and his parents, Leo became a homeowner, placing the hard-earned money he had saved into a high yielding bank account that also shelters him - his own home. He never waivered, nor did Devon. They were BUYING a home, come hell or high water, and they did.

Recently, I was able to catch up with Leo, asking him if he’d be okay with being featured in this series about Gen Z and how they are still conquering the home buying process.

Ever one to be helpful and polite, he said yes.

“I always knew my goal was to buy a house. I didn’t want to throw money away on rent if I didn’t have to. And rent was just as much as a mortgage, so if that was the case, I should just buy a house,” says Leo. “There were things I did want in a house, but I was also willing to do some work on it. It didn’t have to be perfect, but there were some things I wasn’t willing to compromise, like location and extra land.”

One of the things I really enjoyed about Leo was that he always went into a home with an open mind. He and Devon were upbeat and truly tried to see the potential in each and every home. They had a clear vision of what they needed, versus an unreachable wishlist.

“My advice is save your money. Don’t spend it on that fancy car or boat or whatever. You have to set a goal of buying a house and stick to it,” says Leo. “And when you do look at houses, don’t expect them to be perfect. Be ready to do work like painting and landscaping. All those things are doable and make the home more valuable. It makes you equity.

Don’t get discouraged and have a team that can make sure you are doing what you need to do to find a house and finance the house.”

I asked Leo what his goals are going forward, now that he had the house.

“Honestly,” Leo replied, “I hope to keep this home and live in it for a few years and then, maybe rent this house out to someone else and go buy another home. That’s my goal own real estate - own multiple homes. I think it’s a smart, safe investment and I think, if you can do it and save and buy, it’s the best thing to do. Renting pays someone else’s bank account. I want to pay myself and so should everyone else.”

Way to go Leo and Devon!

Save your money.

Set a goal. Stick to it.

The

WHITE SHARK HOMES

5

Pumpkin soup

by Lea Ogawa / All Recipes

6 servings

1 hr

INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cups chopped yellow onion 10 whole black peppercorns

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high.

Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is browned and softened, about 10 minutes.

Add peppercorns, garlic, and thyme, and cook, stirring often, until fragrant and slightly browned, about 2 minutes.

2. Stir in pumpkin puree; cook, stirring occasionally, until puree turns a few shades darker, about 5

4 cloves garlic, minced

minutes. Stir in chicken stock, maple syrup, salt,

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

nutmeg, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer over

3 cups pumpkin puree

medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, and stirring

4 cups chicken stock

occasionally, until slightly reduced and flavors

3 tablespoons maple syrup 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ cup heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

meld, about 30 minutes.

3. Transfer soup to a blender in batches; secure lid on blender and remove center piece to allow steam to escape. Place a clean towel over opening; blend until smooth, about 30 seconds per batch.

Return soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream.

Cook over medium until heated through, about 4 minutes.

4. Return soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream.

NOTES Maple Syrup, Ground Nutmeg and Cinnamon are optional but add a depth and unique punch of flavor.

Cook over medium until heated through, about 4 minutes.

5. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

NEW LISTING OCEANVIEW NEW CONSTRUCTION

5

4300sq ft

5

3 ROCKHILL ROAD SANDWICH MA KATE CONWAY, REALTOR 508-415-1295 KELLER WILLIAMS CAPE COD & COLONIAL PARTNERS

THE ART OF STYLE

by Kate Conway

If history has ever documented one overarching theme, it was the simple fact the men almost universally held influence and power. Yet that didn’t stop a group of trailblazer female power players in the golden age of New York from crashing the proverbial glass ceiling and opening the first female-only club, known to this day as The Colony Club.

Located on the corner of glamorous Park Ave and East 62nd Street, the Colony Club was not to be triffled with, being helmed by such famed females as Astor, Morgan, Maybury and Finch among many others. But it was the the woman who designed the interior space, kicking the heavy dark Victoria style out the door and introducing a light, airy, never before seen garden style, who left a truly indelible mark on history: Elsie de Wolfe (pictures at left).

A FIRE CARRIED FORWARD De Wolfe can be considered the mother of interior design - a field previously never thought of or utilized. Thanks to her and a group of take-noprisoners women, homeowners and companies can now enjoy a livable beauty and function beyond architectural walls with the assurance of excellence thanks to degrees and governing bodies such as

the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).

To this day, women represent 79% of all interior designers, carrying forward a torch lit by a wild bunch of New Yorkers and trailblazing Elsie. One such local, Cape Cod Interior Designer Courtney Jensen, honors the seafaring past of the region in a modern twist which her clients adore.

“I truly feel like design is in my blood,” says Courtney. “My dad is a talented carpenter and my family grew up in the house he built. From a young age I would go to estate sales, auctions and flea markets with my creative mom.

She was always decorating and re-inventing our home with new treasures. She taught me the thrill of the hunt (there is nothing better than finding a great, one of a kind antique!) I went to school for graphic design, knowing I wanted to do something in the creative field. I should have known after winning ’best dorm room’ in a college contest, that I had the wrong major! About 8 years ago, I started working for a local design firm and knew I had found my niche! In 2019 I decided to branch out on my own and start my own company, Pearl & Wood Studio.

It was a scary decision, but I'm so happy I took the leap! It has been so rewarding and I feel so fortunate to be able to do what I love every day.”

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Through conversation and research, Courtney helps clients discover what styles they like/dislike and, in the end, form a style that suits their lifestyle and aesthetic. “Your space should not only look amazing, but it should be a reflection of your personality and style, and it should function in a way that works with how you live your life,” says Courtney. “Personally, I feel like I can get an idea of a client's style the first time I enter their home...or at least the look that they are going for. I do feel like a transitional style works for a large range of my clients because it is a balanced mix of traditional style with some more modern pieces thrown in. I would describe my design style as transitional. A mix of traditional and modern and a blend of masculine and feminine design. I like to layer in beautiful textures, materials and organic elements.”

My design style is most definitely inspired by our coastal surroundings here on the Cape.

When asked what the basic design process looks like, Courtney explains, “In an initial meeting with a new client, we get to know each other, learn about their wants and needs, talk through timing and budget making sure we’re a great fit for each other.

I like to know how they use their space and what will work for them personally. Then the fun part of dreaming, exploring and researching. I create design boards to give options of designs and the client will receive material selections along the way to help make decisions.”

Courtney then helps with selecting furnishings, paint, wallpaper, lighting, furniture, rugs, window treatments, accessories and more. “Once the design is approved, orders are placed. Finally the client will have a full service installation of all furniture, window treatments and accessories. My goal is to make this enjoyable and easy for the client and I do all the legwork!” says Courtney.

My goal is a seamless process and a thrilled client when it’s all said and done....and to make it fun along the way!

“If the design of your home is important to you and you're able to make the financial commitment, hiring a designer is a wise decision,” explains Courtney.

“A lot of people end up losing valuable time and money making mistakes on their own. Have you ever bought a piece of furniture that looked so good in the store, but was too big once you got it home? Have you ever painted three or four times trying to find the right color palette?”

While it may seem like an oxymoron because of the additional designer’s fee, hiring a designer can save time and money in the end. And most importantly, it can create a relaxing environment for you, and instant equity in your home. Indeed, NAR (The Nation Association of Realtors) found that homes sold up to 30 times faster if they were well designed or staged!

Courtney Jensen / designer | owner PearlandWoodStudio.com 508.737.1484 c.

1. IDENTIFY THE LIGHT To make your property stand out for winter home sales, open your shutters and raise the blinds. Additionally, you can pull the drapes back on each window to showcase any external scenery that might compel potential buyers to submit an offer. Additionally, you should think about turning on all of the lights in the house, including the ones in the closets and the appliances.

NEW LISTINGS

PROPERTIES SOLD

138

248

MEDIAN SALE PRICE

MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET

2. MAKE EVERYTHING GLISTEN The other most crucial tasks are removing all the cobwebs and dusting your furniture, light fixtures, and ceiling fan blades. If necessary, you should also re-caulk your sinks, showers, and tubs and bleach any stained grout. The next step is to polish your chrome faucets and mirrors. Even when someone else might not open the refrigerator, it still benefits to clear it out.

3. BRING SOME HEAT If you want to successfully sell your home during winter, you will need to turn up the heat. The best thing to do is to nudge up your thermostat a few notches to ensure that you provide a comfortable temperature inside.

$677K

18

(AVERAGE SALE PRICE $963K)

(AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET 42)

4. HOME STAGING An important part of staging a home is depersonalizing every room, which can be tough if you’re not aware of how to appeal to other buyers. It can be hard for homeowners to look at their property objectively, but luckily, a home stager can do just that. Your home stager will know how to depersonalize each room and redecorate it to appeal to potential buyers.

5. CREATE AMBIENCE When trying to sell a house, the atmosphere is crucial.

Your rooms should be warm, comfortable, and inviting.

DECEMBER MARKET UPDATE BARNSTABLE COUNTY (CAPE COD)

Feature Neighborhood: ROCKHILL ESTATES

Offering stunning ocean views of famed Cape Cod Bay and located close to beloved Historic Town Center and nationally recognized Scenic Byway, Old Kings Highway, Rockhill Estates is one of the finest examples of classic New England shingle-style architecture in the region. With each home reflecting a graceful, windswept reverence for Cape Cod’s history and effortless living in light-filled spaces, owners can enjoy a life by the Atlantic in a town steeped in American history and seafaring legends.

School District: SANDWICH

Close To: HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

C

IS FOR CAPE COD If you're fond of sand dunes and salty air Quaint little villages here and there You're sure to fall in love with old Cape Cod Winding roads that seem to beckon you Miles of green beneath the skies of blue Church bells chimin' on a Sunday morn' Remind you of the town where you were born ~Patti Page, Old Cape Cod