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6 To-Do’s Before You Move Into Your Ocean Edge Condo

6 To-Do's Before You Move Into Your Ocean Edge Condo

Buying your very own Ocean Edge condo is an exciting experience. All of the time and effort you put into preparing yourself to buy a property of your own has finally paid off. So celebrate your accomplishment, but before you relax and settle into your new space, there are some things that you need to do first. Here is our list of the 6 to-do’s when you move into your Ocean Edge condo.

Change Those Locks

Your first stop before you arrive at your new home should be the hardware store to pick up new locks for your doors. Before you spend the night and move into your Ocean Edge condo, you should change the locks. The former owner of your home brought their keys for you, but there could be more copies of your key out there. If the property was used as a seasonal rental, who knows how many people have a copy of the key to your new home in their possession. Instead of taking the risk, give yourself piece of mind and change the locks on the doors. Changing the locks is easy enough that almost anyone could do it themselves. Check the package of the locks you are purchasing to make sure that you have the tools necessary to do the job so you do not have to make multiple trips to the hardware store (without a lock on your door!).

Ditch the Popcorn

Popcorn is great for movie nights, but it should never be on your ceiling. Popcorn ceilings got their start in the 1950’s hiding imperfect ceilings in homes throughout the country. Fortunately, popcorn ceilings are easy enough to fix that most people are able to fix on their own without hiring a handyman (or woman). Here are the three easy steps you need to do in order to remove that terrible popcorn ceiling and bring it up to date. Always remember to wear safety masks and eye wear when performing this do it yourself project! First, scrape the popcorn off of the ceiling. Next you need to cover the ceiling with drywall. Once the drywall is up, use plaster to create a new and smoother texture. For more tips on how to update your property, check out our blog “Find Your Bargain Ocean Edge Condo By Looking Beyond The Seller’s Odd Choices.”

popcorn

Give the Walls a Makeover

When you first laid eyes on your home during the open house or private showing, you may have visualized painting the rooms in the home different colors to make it feel more your own. Before you move into your Ocean Edge condo, do yourself a favor and tackle the painting projects ahead of time. So often home owners have a vision of what they want their home to look like, have every intention of doing it in a reasonable amount of time, but then life gets in the way. If you have the ability to make your home exactly the way you want it before moving in, do it! Give the walls a makeover and make yourself at home. If you are planning to replace the flooring, remember to do the painting before you replace the floors. This is key because if you splatter paint on the old floors, it is not a problem. If you wait until after replacing the floors, you will have to be extra careful to not spill and ruin the new floor.

Check the Flooring

Replace the flooring before you move into your Ocean Edge condo to save yourself the trouble of moving your furniture in and then out down the road. Completing big projects, such as replacing the flooring while the house is empty saves yourself the headache of trying to figure out how to make it happen once you have already moved in. Even if the floors do not need a total overhaul or replacement, it is a good idea to have any floor work done before moving in. Whether you plan on resealing your floors, buffing them or even just steam cleaning your carpets, it is easier to do so before you are settled in your new home.

If It’s Broke, Fix It

Before you move into your Ocean Edge condo, you might have an idea of certain things that need your attention and repair. Make a list of things that need to be fixed in your home and prioritize what needs your attention right away and what can wait a little while. For example, a leak in your plumbing should be addressed sooner than later. A leak does not get better with time, it can only get worse and more costly to fix. A cracked baseboard would be lower on the list of necessary repairs, but should be on a to do list so that it is addressed at some point once the other necessary repairs have been completed. Storage problem in your Ocean Edge condo? Check out our blog, “5 Ways to Maximize Your Storage Space.”

fix it

Kid Friendly

If you have children or a small furry dog child, make sure that your new home is safe for them before you move into your Ocean Edge condo. Childproofing your home before you and your little ones move in is so important because you are all learning your new property. There could be an electrical outlet you were not aware of, or sharp corner that could hurt your little ones. If your little one is of the four legged furry variety, make sure that any carpeting you have in the home is not coming up in a corner. A carpet coming undone in the corner could be appealing to them, and could cause some digestive problems, and destruction to your new home. Before you settle your family into your Ocean Edge condo, do a run through with a sharp eye to make sure that it is ready for your family.

Move Into Your Ocean Edge Condo

Before you move into your Ocean Edge condo, make sure it is ready for you! Buying a home of your own is a huge accomplishment and a milestone that many Americans strive for. Make sure that your home is ready for your lifestyle so that you can begin your life in your new place on the right foot. Moving in to your new home is an exciting time, so take it in and celebrate your accomplishment, then get to work!

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Ocean Edge Brewster Condo Appraisals: What to Expect

Ocean Edge Brewster Condo Appraisals

An Ocean Edge condo’s selling price is determined by the seller’s real estate agent after doing his/her research on the condo itself and the price of comparable properties that had recently sold. Your real estate agent did their research when you decided to make the offer on the condo by checking the same stats, and determined a number you both were comfortable with offering. The mortgage lender does their own research to determine how much the home is worth by sending an assessor to find the value of the condo. Your idea of what the Ocean Edge condo is worth and the seller’s idea of what the condo is worth have nothing to do with the amount that the assessor finds the home is worth. The number the assessor comes up with is the only number your lender is concerned with, and will determine your loan. So who does Ocean Edge Brewster condo appraisals and what do they look for? Here is what you can expect when the condominium you are interested in purchasing goes through a home appraisal.

Who’s does Ocean Edge Brewster condo appraisals?

The appraiser is a non biased individual who has the task of determining the value of a piece of property. Not all home appraisers have to be licensed by the state, the law mandates that federally funded lenders only use home appraisers that have their state license to do appraisals for their properties. The majority of home appraisers belong to a national association of appraisers that requires them to act ethically, just as many real estate agents belong to national associations requiring them to act with a high ethical standard. Are the home appraisals always accurate? Typically home evaluations conducted by professional appraisers are pretty accurate. However, the accuracy of the appraisal is only as good as the information that the appraiser has regarding the property. If a home owner is on hand for the appraiser to answer questions, such as age of plumbing or flooring, the appraisal will be more accurate and complete. If the home owner is not available for the appraisal, the appraiser is still trained to make estimated guesses on the questions they are given to assess the property.

Who does the Ocean Edge Brewster condo appraisals

What Can Affect the Home Appraisal?

There are a number of factors that go into determining the worth of an Ocean Edge condo. The appraiser is trained to take all of these factors into consideration when coming up with the amount of money the home is worth. The local and national economy, foreclosures in the area along with where the home is located are some of the factors that have nothing to do with the actual property itself. The home is compared with other properties in the area to see how the condo stacks up to them, as well as the overall condition of the home and recent upgrades that have been done to the Ocean Edge home.

What Does the Appraiser Do?

Once the appraiser has gone to the property, they must inspect the condo completely from floor to ceiling, including the exterior. The home appraiser even takes a measurement of the home itself to make sure that they have the most complete information for their Ocean Edge Brewster condo appraisals. The appraiser then takes the assessment to their office to compare it with recently sold properties in the area, along with the other factors such as national and local economy, foreclosures and how this condo compares in condition to other similar properties. The appraiser goes a step further to check to see if there are any plans for development that might affect the home’s worth in the near future (such as a other large building developments coming down the road). All of this information is taken to the lender for them to make their determination. The best case scenario for both the seller and the buyer is that the appraisal comes in at the same price (or close to) as the sale price.

What does the Ocean Edge Brewster appraiser do

What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

The worst case scenario in regards to Ocean Edge Brewster condo appraisals for everyone involved is if the appraisal comes in below the selling price. At that point, the buyer has four options. The buyer could dispute the appraisal, ask the seller to come down in price, meet the seller half way in the price difference so they are approved for the loan, or the buyer comes up with a bigger down payment to decrease the loan amount. If you choose to dispute the appraisal and you feel it is not true to the home value, work with your real estate agent to find issues with the appraisal report. Double check the comps in the area to make sure that the appraiser did not make a mistake and see if the home’s upgrades are mentioned in the report. If you and your real estate agent feel that you have enough proof that the appraisal was not true to the home, the real estate agent can contact the lender to have a second Ocean Edge appraisal conducted. Typically appraisals are true, but mistakes do happen.

Ocean Edge Brewster Condo Appraisals: What to Expect

A lot goes into buying an Ocean Edge condo once you find the condo of your dreams. Appraisals are just one piece of the puzzle. Make sure you are ahead of the curve and know what to expect when buying your home by checking out our “Top 5 Home Buying Questions – Answered” blog. If you’re uncertain as to what to expect at the closing of your property, see “Hidden Costs of Buying a Home.” The best way to prepare yourself for buying a home is to go into the process knowing what to expect. Take the extra step and hire a real estate agent that is an expert in the area where you are buying property. Michael Leighton has been the #1 Agent at Ocean Edge since 2004 and the #1 Agent in the town of Brewster since 2007. Call Michael and his team today so they can find your dream condo at Ocean Edge.

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Cape Cod Farmers Markets 2016

Cape Cod Farmers Markets 2016

Summer is here so it is the perfect time to take advantage of all of the local Cape Cod farmers markets! Local produce from area farms, fresh caught seafood and locally raised meats are just a few of the items you can find at our Cape Cod Farmers Markets. Many markets have live music playing while you shop, making your weekly food shopping experience a lot more fun than your typical grocery super store. Browse locally made honey, natural bath products, plants and even art from local vendors as you pick up your food items for the week. Cape Cod Farmers Markets are a great place to do your food shopping because you know where your food is coming from and any questions you have regarding your purchase can be answered before you buy it by the people who grew it or made it. Many vendors provide the opportunity to participate in a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture at their farm where you pick up a box of products from their farm on a weekly basis for a standard fee over a set amount of time. Have fun and explore these Cape Cod Farmers Markets around the Cape! For more ideas of what to do during your summer on Cape Cod, check out our Leighton Realty blog page. There, you will find the Cape Cod Fireworks Schedule 2016 and our Cape Cod Playgrounds – Lower Cape blogs. Cape Cod has so much to offer during the summer, don’t miss a thing!  Here is a schedule of the farmers markets around Cape Cod:

Saturday

Orleans Farmers Market

Location: 21 Old Colony Way, Orleans

Google Map Location

2016 Dates & Hours: May 28 – November 26; 8 am – 12 pm

Details: This Cape Cod farmers market typically has live music playing as you stroll through the different vendors offering fresh produce, locally caught seafood, plants, honey, breads and worms among other things. Right next door to this farmers market is a small set of artist shacks to browse through. During the winter months, the Orleans farmers market is held inside the Nauset Middle School so you can purchase seasonal product from local vendors year round.

 

Provincetown Farmers Market

Location: Ryder Street, Provincetown (in municipal lot next to town hall off Ryder St.)

Google Map Location

2016 Dates & Hours: mid-May to mid-October; 11 am – 4 pm

Details: While strolling Commercial Street, stop on Ryder Street to check out Provincetown’s farmers market. Shoppers will find artisan cheeses, greens, olive oil, organic vegetables and fruits strolling through this open air farmers market.

 

Bass River Farmers Market

Location: 311 Old Main Street, South Yarmouth

Google Map Location

2016 Dates & Hours: June 18 – September 17; 9 am – 1:30 pm

Details: This open-air Cape Cod farmers market is open rain or shine, so you will never miss out on the goods due to weather. Baked goods, local fruits and vegetables are just a few of the offerings that vendors at this farmers market bring weekly. Located in Yarmouth off of Route 28, it is located in the middle of the Cape, making it easy to access from almost any part of Cape Cod.

Bass River Farmers Market

Sunday

Mashpee Commons Farmers Market

Location: Intersection of Market Street & Fountain Street (Next to Organic Market)

Google Map Location

2016 Dates & Hours: June 29 – October 12; 10 am – 2 pm

Details: This farmers market always has live music playing and a variety of vendors offering fresh local produce, crafts, and prepared foods. On occasion, this Cape Cod farmers market offers nutritional classes for kids.

Monday

Truro Farmers Market

Location: Veteran’s Field: off Truro Center Road

Google Map Location

2016 Dates & Hours: June 13 – August 29; 8 am – 12 pm

Details: Wine from the local vineyard located in town, seafood, locally raised meats and fresh produce are among the offerings at this Cape Cod farmer’s market. This farmers market is focused on making fresh locally made products accessible to all year round and visitors of Cape Cod. Local vendors are offered the opportunity to sell their products and educate the public on their goods.

Tuesday

Historic Rt 6A Sandwich Farmers Market

Location: Village Green: 164 Rt 6A, East Sandwich

Google Map Location

2016 Dates & Hours: May – October; 9 am – 1 pm

Details: Some of the vendors at this Cape Cod farmers market include: Oakdale Farms, Honey I’m Home, Thyme After Thyme, and J.H. Beaulieu meats. At this Cape Cod farmers market, you can purchase fresh caught Atlantic lobster, flowers and locally crafted goods.

 

Chatham Farmers Market

Location: 1652 Main Street, Chatham (parking lot next to Ocean State Job Lot)

Google Map Location

2016 Dates & Hours: May 17 – mid-October; 3 pm – 6:30 pm

Details: This Cape Cod farmers market may be small in size, but it has a large variety of products and vendors to make up for it! Organic produce and prepared foods, ice cream products, cheese, locally caught seafood, honey, jams, wine and flower arrangements are just some of the products you will find at this afternoon farmers market. Located on Route 28 next to the parking lot of Ocean State Job lot just outside of downtown Chatham, this market draws a large local following from the day it opens to the end of the season.

Chatham Farmers Market

Wednesday

Wellfleet Farmers Market

Location: Wellfleet Preservation Hall: 335 Main Street, Wellfleet (Back Garden)

Google Map Location

2016 Dates & Hours: mid-May – mid-October; 8am-12pm

Details: This Cape Cod farmers market located in the heart of downtown Wellfleet. The farmers market offers a variety of spices, dairy products, gardening materials, coffee, and hand made crafts to purchase.

Thursday

Bass River Farmers Market

Location: 311 Old Main Street, South Yarmouth

Google Map Location

2016 Dates & Hours: June 16 – September 15; 9 am – 1:30 pm

Details: This open-air Cape Cod farmers market is open rain or shine, so you will never miss out on the goods due to weather. Baked goods, local fruits and vegetables are just a few of the offerings that vendors at this farmer’s market bring weekly. Located in Yarmouth off of Route 28, it is located in the middle of the Cape, making it easy to access from almost any part of Cape Cod.

 

Falmouth Farmers Market

Location: Marine Park: Scranton Ave, Falmouth

Google Map Location

2016 Dates & Hours: May 26 – October 6; 12 pm – 6 pm

Details: This Cape Cod farmers market overlooks the water while you shop. Mushrooms, eggs, baked goods, pasta, preserves and locally grown fruits and vegetables are among the many offerings at this market. This farmers market also offers community composting.

 

Harwich Farmers Market

Location: Brooks Academy Museum: 80 Parallel Street, Harwich

Google Map Location 

2016 Dates & Hours: mid-June – mid-October; 3 pm – 6 pm

Details: This open air Cape Cod farmers market is located on the green in historic Harwich center. At this farmer’s market you will find a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, herbs, meats and cheeses.

Falmouth Farmers Markets

Friday

Osterville Farmers Market

Location: Osterville Historical Museum: 155 West Bay Road, Osterville

Google Map Location

2016 Dates & Hours: June 24 – September 18; 9 am – 1 pm

Details: This farmers market has a variety of handmade soaps, fresh organic produce, pasta, fudge and baked goods. Shoppers can also purchase fresh caught seafood, jams, jellies and baked goods.

 

Cape Cod Beer Farmers Market Meets Happy Hour

Location: Cape Cod Beer: 1336 Phinney’s Lane, Hyannis

Google Map Location

2016 Dates & Hours: June – September; 3 pm – 6 pm

Details: In addition to their amazing locally brewed beer selection which you could purchase at the farmers market, they have a variety of vendors bringing organic meats & produce, breads & baked goods, eggs, ice cream products and cold pressed juices.

 

Cape Cod Farmers Markets

Checking out one of  the Cape Cod Farmers Markets is a great way to spend a lazy morning or afternoon before hitting the beach. Buying local products with live music in the background is a relaxing and fun way to spend a couple hours. Instead of going to the local grocery super store, check the Cape Cod Farmers Markets calendar and see if there is one open near you. Buying area produce, locally raised meats and fresh caught seafood isn’t only good for the local economy but it is also good for your health.

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Cape Cod Vacation Homes – 3 Things To Consider Before You Buy

Cape Cod Vacation Homes - 3 Things To Consider Before You Buy

How many of us dream of driving off for the weekend to spend time in our Cape Cod vacation homes. A second home in a favorite spot to escape the every day is a dream come true. While so many of us dream of owning a second home, very few actually take the plunge and make their wish a reality. Are you able to make the leap and purchase a Cape Cod vacation home? Here are a few things to consider before making the leap and purchasing your vacation getaway.

Can You Afford It?

Before getting swept up in the romanticism of owning a second home, take a look at your finances. Remember that taking on the financial responsibility associated with purchasing a home goes beyond just adding a second mortgage. In addition to paying for a mortgage and taxes on the property, you need to pay for insurance and all of the utilities of the home even when you are not there. Although you will not need to heat the home year round to a level of comfort for you and your family, it will need to stay heated to prevent pipes from freezing in the winter months. However what many owners of Cape Cod vacation homes do is just have their property winterized by a professional. Winterization typically includes turning off the water, draining the plumbing system and blowing the lines clear of any water to prevent freezing damage during the cold months. It also includes treatment of toilets and drains with anti-freeze.

Another thing to consider is that life is unpredictable, and so is your home. Problems pop up all of the time. One good rain storm could uncover a leak in the roof of your current home that needs to be addressed immediately. This unforeseen expense is one of many that could pop up in your primary residence or even your second home. Make sure you have a nest egg to draw from if and when unforeseen circumstances pop up. Buying however a condominium within a well run association is an option, so you’re not left alone with those unforeseen problems.

Since your second home is not your primary residence, and most likely a bit of a distance from where you live, you probably won’t get to visit every week. If you have children, they are likely involved in activities that keep you from enjoying your holiday home. A property that is not inhabited or watched over for periods of time could be a target for burglary. The good news is that you can just hire a property manager to check in on your property. It’s a wise expense if you can’t check in on your property a couple times per month. If the mail is picked up daily, lights are on occasionally and the property is maintained, it is less likely to be targeted. Another option is buying within a condominium complex which can reduce this risk in the 1st place.

Can You Afford It

Location Location Location…

Picking the location of your second home can be tricky. Your second home is your escape from the day to day, so you want to be removed from your everyday reality to truly relax and enjoy yourself. However, if you choose a spot that is too far from home, how frequently will you be able to get there to make it worth the upkeep of a second home? If you’re only going to be able to enjoy your second home a couple times per year, is it worth the money spent on the mortgage, taxes and utilities? Buying a second home far removed from your primary residence means that in addition to accounting for household expenses associated with the home, you need to figure in travel expenses to get to the holiday home. That’s why Cape Cod vacation homes are a great option for New Englanders. You’re on the Cape within a few hours of driving, so vacationing for a week,  just a few days or the weekend is possible. No need for spending hours of planning trips and expensive plane tickets.

Location, Location, Location

Can You Offset The Cost Of Cape Cod Vacation Homes?

One of the great advantages of Cape Cod vacation homes is that you can fairly easy rent them out as summer rentals. Since most likely you won’t be vacationing all summer long at your Cape Cod summer home, it’s a good idea to just rent any summer weeks you’re not able to be here. This will help offset some of the expenses associated with your second home. There are plenty of real estate agencies, especially in seasonal communities such as Cape Cod that can help owners rent their Cape Cod vacation homes. Our rental division helps property owners from Orleans to Barnstable get their vacation homes rented. See for yourself all the Cape Cod Vacation Homes we currently have in our inventory. We make sure your property gets booked on dates that you decide you won’t be able to be at your property. Take a look at condos currently for sale at Ocean Edge. These condos typically have a great rental potential which is outlined on our Ocean Edge Investment page.

Enjoy Your Cape Cod Vacation Home

Now Relax and Enjoy Your Second Home!

Purchasing a second home is a big financial commitment that you want to make sure is worth the money and upkeep before making the leap. The trick is to find a place that allows you to relax and escape the every day without breaking the bank. Now that you’ve done your homework, and took advantage of what Cape Cod vacation homes have to offer, it is time to enjoy the fruit of your labor! Thinking about buying a second home at Ocean Edge? Here are 5 Reasons to Buy an Ocean Edge condo. Contact Michael Leighton and his team at Leighton Realty today. Michael has been the #1 Agent at Ocean Edge since 2004. Check out our testimonials to see what current and past customers have to say about their experience with Leighton Realty.

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