Sandpiper Realty of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Affordable Housing Comment - Martha's Vineyard - 5/8/09

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 16 May 2009 10:24:29 -0500

Sharon quoted in The Vineyard Gazette:

Sharon Purdy, owner of Sandpiper Realty in Edgartown and also a member of the Edgartown Affordable Housing Committee.... Mrs. Purdy searched her database and found 116 properties selling for under $550,000 on the Island. But she said many of these homes need repairs and some are not suitable for year-round occupancy.

She found 23 properties selling for under $400,000, and five selling for under $350,000.

Mrs. Purdy agreed there are less expensive homes available on the market for the first time in years, but she said buying one could result in added expenses. She too has heard rumblings about whether buying a home through an affordable housing group that sets a cap of four per cent equity on the resale of the property, was a good value. She said in fact the comparison is not that simple.

"A year ago you couldn't have posed the question of buying a home on the open market or going through [the housing trust], because you couldn't find anything for under $500,000, never mind $400,000. But people should be careful to put all the pieces together before answering that question . . . the buyer should be aware of all the costs - starting with the down payment," Mrs. Purdy said. As an example, she chose what she called a "nice little house" in Oak Bluffs currently on the market for $399,000. If a buyer came up with a $40,000 down payment, and received a 30-year mortgage at five per cent, they would need to secure a loan for around $360,000.

The monthly mortgage payment would be around $1,900, she estimated, with taxes bringing the average monthly cost to around $2,100, not including insurance. "And remember to make that work, you need to come up with a substantial down payment, and a lot of people have a hard time coming up with that out of pocket," she said.

Sharon is an affordable housing advocate, serving on the Edgartown Affordable Housing Committee, and is an avid supporter of Habitat for Humanity.

Martha's Vineyard Real Estate Market Information

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 16 May 2009 10:14:30 -0500

The LINK listing system reports that residential sales units were off 18 per cent in January and 33 percent in February while values were down more than 70 per cent that month.

Many sales that are occurring are at least 10 percent below list.

Thus far, there are only 8 recorded sales for March.

And inventory remains high with the expectation of additional availability as the summer season approaches.

Since a large percentage of island listings are second homes owned by people of some affluence, there are not a great many sellers who feel forced to sell.

Sharon is quoted in The Vineyard Gazette on 3/28/09:

"There's a big difference between now and the early '90s when the market went crazy, attracting highly leveraged speculative buyers who went down when the market fell," said Sharon Purdy of Sandpiper Realty in Edgartown.

"This time we have owner/sellers more vested in the Vineyard. They weren't just buying value appreciation, they were buying community living," she said.

Ms. Purdy recently sold a 10-year-old house for its original owner for $598,000. The house might have sold for five to 10 per cent more in 2005, she said, but the long-time owners "put a lot into it and got a lot out."

Watch for more current information as the spring market approaches.

February Market Statistics ~ Martha's Vineyard

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:12:42 -0500

Following is Sandpiper's standard Market Report for the month of February for the island of Martha's Vineyard.

Note that both sales volume and median have declined from January - 33% and 46% respectively.

The vast majority of the current buyer activity remains well under $1.0 with 23 of the 27 sales pending

in that lower price range. We attribute the activity in this area to the fact that listing prices have dropped

considerably; there have also been several foreclosures and short sales at this price point.

Current available inventory is well over 600 and we anticipate a substantial increase in this number as

spring listings are brought to the market.

Obviously, we are looking forward to the increased activity that the spring season will bring to the island.

PRICE # SOLD
Under $1.0M 10
$1.0M - $3.0M 1
Over $3.0M 1

TOWN	# SOLD
Aquinnah	0
Chilmark	1
Edgartown	3
Oak Bluffs	4
West Tisbury	2
Vineyard Haven	2

SOLD UNIT COMPARISON

	2009	2008
January	18	31
February	12	19

SOLD DOLLAR VOLUME COMPARISON

	2009	2008
January	778,000	773,000
February	419,000	580,000

January Real Estate Market Statistics - Martha's Vineyard Island

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:27:41 -0600

Following is Sandpiper Realty, Inc.'s monthly Martha's Vineyard Market Report providing a summary of the dollar and unit volume of sales for January 2009.

As the year progresses, the comparison charts will show you the month to month trend as well as the year to year trend.

The majority of the sales that occurred in January were under $1.0 (72%), while the dollar volume remains high. (This number is skewed by two high end sales - $7.5 and $11.75 - both Edgartown waterfront properties). It should be noted that there were no sales between $1.4 and $4.3. This is consistent with what we have been representing - most sales are under $750,000, nothing is selling in the middle range and a few multi-million dollar sales continue to be made. At this time, most buyer interest is under $1.0 and we expect this trend to continue for at least the next several months.

*PRICE*	*# SOLD*
Under $1.0M	13
$1.0M - $3.0M	2
Over $3.0M	3

*TOWN*	*# SOLD*
Aquinnah	1
Chilmark	0
Edgartown	7
Oak Bluffs	5
West Tisbury	1
Vineyard Haven	4

SOLD UNIT COMPARISON

	*2009*	*2008*
January	18	31

SOLD DOLLAR VOLUME COMPARISON

	*2009*	*2008*
January	1,848,000	773,000

Martha's Vineyard Real Estate ~ December 2008 Sales Review

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:39:30 -0600

Following is our standard monthly transaction summary for December 2008 along with a month to month unit comparison for sales from 2005 through 2008 for all property sales on Martha's Vineyard.

The year ended on a positive note as December 2008 sales were up from November 2008 as well as from December of the previous year. However, at year-end the decline from 2007 was dramatic - the number of sold properties on the Island was down approximately 17% and total dollar volume decreased approximately 30%.

As we end a year of great instability and move into a new year with a new administration, we hope that the change brings more positive results.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD SALES - DECEMBER 2008

DECEMBER 2008 TRANSFER INDEX
SUMMARY OF ARMS-LENGTH SALES

	Total # of Sales	# of Sales under $1.0	# of Sales $1.0-$3.0	# of Sales over $3.0

Aquinnah	1	1	0	0

Chilmark	0	0	0	0

Edgartown	11	5	4	2

Oak Bluffs	8	7	1	0

Vineyard Haven	4	4	0	0

West Tisbury	3	3	0	0

	27	20	5	2

November 2008	26

Increase/Decrease	+1

December 2007	24

Increase/Decrease	+3

MARTHA'S VINEYARD REAL ESTATE 2005 - 2008

	2005	2006	2007	2008
JANUARY	34	34	40	33
FEBRUARY	31	17	29	20
MARCH	38	33	33	24
APRIL	56	41	42	23
MAY	44	32	30	23
JUNE	57	46	29	36
JULY	45	22	20	23
AUGUST	45	37	33	24
SEPTEMBER	62	52	40	35
OCTOBER	63	38	33	32
NOVEMBER	48	38	41	26
DECEMBER	41	33	24	27
	564	423	394	326

The Reality of the Martha's Vineyard Real Estate Market

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:41:00 -0600

By Sharon Purdy
Published in The Martha's Vineyard Times: December 31, 2008

Galileo's Famous Falling Object Experiment applies even to real estate - what goes up, must come down. Every good run of appreciation is inevitably followed by a period of declining sales and values. The Martha's Vineyard real estate market has run in 10-year cycles since I entered the industry nearly 40 years ago.

Statistical data for the past 20 years clearly illustrates what has happened in the Island market in that time period. The graphs included here are an aid to understanding the trends.

Historical trends

In March 2002, The Martha's Vineyard Times published "A Year by Year Review of the Real Estate Industry on Martha's Vineyard" from 1989 through 2001.

The Times graphs showed the decline in values and sales from the late 1980s to the early 1990s, coinciding with the downturn in the economy at that time. They also showed the trend of the recovery that occurred from 1991 to 2001.

We have continued charting the real estate trends from 2001 to 2008 and the results are truly enlightening.

In the 1990s, the growth in dollar value and the number of transactions closely paralleled one another. Our Island economy, and our real estate values, followed the general growth in the national economy. Additionally, Martha's Vineyard gained international recognition when former President Clinton chose the Island as a summer retreat. The media attention brought us many new summer visitors and consequently a whole new pool of real estate buyers. We had a decade of continuous growth in sales and values from 1991 to 1998.

Popular opinion is that the real estate market continued to grow for yet another decade (1998 to 2008), but upon review of the actual numbers of sales, it's evident that the first decline began in 1999, when sales dropped from the all-time high of 1,000 in 1998 to 895 in 1999. And those numbers kept going down - as of November 30, there have been only 299 sales in 2008.

However, the perception of growth continued because the dollar volume continued to climb until 2005 - imagine, fewer sales, more dollars.

Many property owners feel that the market decline began this year. In fact, the decline began in 2006. The highest dollar volume in sales was reached in 2005 and there has been a 55-percent decline since then. Note that this decline began long before the stock market began to tumble.

Consequences

As wealth was accumulated in our economy, demand was created, and prices were driven up. And this wealth changed the face of Martha's Vineyard in many ways, but most evident to me was the loss of many potential buyers who were priced out of the market. An important segment of these lost buyers are the year-round residents of the Island. The enormous growth in the cost of even the smallest parcel of land or the most modest house removed forever the opportunity for many Islanders to purchase their own home.

A second result was the loss of jobs. As is most often the case, when a real estate market booms or busts, so too goes the number of real estate agents. In the 1980s, there were approximately 30 offices on Martha's Vineyard. Today there are more than 80. There has already been some attrition, and there will undoubtedly be more in the months to come.

Future options

While it is impossible to accurately predict what lies ahead, knowing the trends of the past two real estate cycles does provide a legitimate basis for making decisions on how to move forward.

Any property owner interested in selling within the first few years of the next 10-year cycle needs to be apprised of historical trends to understand that a dramatic shift has occurred in the Martha's Vineyard real estate market. We strongly urge all potential sellers to understand current market conditions and the changing values and to consult a professional, experienced realtor about how to best position themselves to accomplish their goals.

At the same time, a prospective buyer should be examining the same historical trends and understanding that they have been provided with a window of opportunity to invest on Martha's Vineyard. There are several conditions favoring the buyer:

There is more inventory available now than at any time since the market downturn in the late 1980s.
Price reductions/corrections are occurring with regular frequency.
Interest rates are lower than they have been in the past 40 years, and financing is readily available to qualified buyers.

An incredible opportunity presents itself to all those who have been waiting on the sidelines for the past decade, wishing they had gotten into the market in the early 1990s!

Sharon Purdy is the owner of Sandpiper Realty Inc. and Sandpiper Rentals Inc. in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. She has been a licensed and practicing agent since the early 1970s and has survived and thrived through several market downturns

Martha's Vineyard Real Estate Market

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:49:42 -0600

Recently, The Martha's Vineyard Times did an on-line Q&A Session with a several Vineyard real estate brokers regarding the state of our real estate market. Following are the questions they posed along with my response:

Martha's Vineyard real estate sales appear to have fallen a little in volume and a lot in price. Is that your office's experience? If not, what has been your experience? And, what is your office doing that's new to energize the real estate market on Martha's Vineyard?

Statistical data speaks volumes in this regard. We regularly track market activity so that we're able to properly counsel our clients. The stats that follow clearly show that the number of sales has fallen more than "a little"; Vineyard sales YTD have declined over 40% compared to 2005 and, given that very few sales are currently reported as pending, that percentage is likely to be higher by year end.

It is a little more difficult to precisely track how much prices have come down - we've estimated approximately 15%, and the state association recently came out saying that the statewide number is 15.3%. This will vary by price range, location and other factors so prospective buyers should not expect this type of reduction across the board.

Since the real estate market is, and always has been cyclical, it's important for buyers and sellers to be properly counseled to identify their goals and to act accordingly. Counseling is a major part of our client service.

This has, undoubtedly, been a year of change; our agency is well positioned with nearly 40 years of service as well as previous experience in down markets, giving us a distinct advantage in a market that is always competitive (more than 80 real estate offices on a 22-mile-wide Island).

The fall and the spring have traditionally been the big real estate sales periods on Martha's Vineyard. Are buyers adhering to that longstanding pattern, or is there another pattern developing?

During the recent boom period, the Island real estate industry became more or less a "year-round" business with one season blending into another in terms of productivity - still generating more on-site lookers in the summer months but ongoing activity at all other times of year. The seasonal aspect of real estate returned in full force in the winter of 2007-2008, and we anticipate that this trend will continue until the market turns up again. Remember that the Island never had a "year-round" real estate business until the boom in the 1980s.

What are you telling buyers and sellers about what they should expect in terms of pricing, volume of desirable listings, length of time a seller may expect to see his property on the market?

Location, Condition and Price - These are always the three factors that govern the marketability of a property, days on market etc. This age old adage continues to hold true. It is the duty of good real estate professionals to fully inform and counsel their clients on all three factors as they relate to a specific property.

Inventory has increased more than 40% in three years. Even worse, it's increased by 23% in this year alone - inventory numbers for the past three years are illustrated here:

200620072008

January	466	564	614
September	633	674	819

A bit more positive perspective can be maintained through this downturn by understanding the natural cycle of real estate and making certain that, as either an owner or a potential buyer, you're well informed:

As a PROPERTY OWNER, you should be properly positioned to meet your goals in the most advantageous way possible; seek all professional counsel available to assist you.

As a prospective BUYER, become a leader, not a follower - don't buy when the market is high and you're competing with everyone else, buy when the market is down and you stand out. Get educated and stay tuned....

Martha's Vineyard Real Estate Market - September Property Transfer and Inventory Summary

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:52:48 -0600

Below is our standard property transfer and inventory summary for the month of September for the island of Martha's Vineyard.

There were 35 sales in September, down just 5 from September 2007 but actually up by 11 over August. The increase can be attributed to activity generated during the summer months.

The increase also follows the state trend as reported by The Warren Group. They released numbers at the end of October, stating that "the Bay State housing market got a bounce in September... the first increase in monthly home sales, year-over-year, in 11 months."

That's the good news... the same article stated that median home prices fell 15.6 % across the state; approximately the same depreciation that we've tracked on the Island.

At this time, the LINKMV service is reporting only 41 sales pending. If all close, total sales for 2008 for the Vineyard will be down approximately 28% from 2007.

It should also be noted that the available inventory of properties for sale is 819, up 18% from 674 in September 2007. This number (819) exceeds that at any time during the last market drop from 1989 to 1991.

SEPTEMBER 2008 TRANSFER INDEX
SUMMARY OF ARMS-LENGTH SALES

	Inventory 9/30/08*	Total # of Sales	# of Sales under $1.0	# of Sales $1.0-$3.0	# of Sales over $3.0

Aquinnah	28	0	0	0	0

Chilmark	66	6	0	4	2

Edgartown	251	11	8	2	1

Oak Bluffs	195	9	8	1	0

Vineyard Haven	186	6	6	0	0

West Tisbury	95	3	3	0	0

	819	35	25	7	3

August 2008		24

Increase/Decrease		11

September 2007	674	40

Increase/Decrease		-5

Data compiled from the Dukes County Registry of Deed Transfer Index and LINKMV.

Martha's Vineyard Market Report

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:21:59 -0500

Below is a four year comparison for Martha's Vineyard Island total year to date sales. Note that, as of the end of August, there has been a 20% decline since 2007 and a 41% decline since the height of the market in 2005.

Buyer activity this summer on the Vineyard was strong but most, if not all, were looking for better values. Most buyers are waiting for price reductions and many owners are reducing their price evidenced by 93 reductions on the island during the month of September.

The year of a national election is typically one of some instability in the real estate market; we hope that the choice of a new president will bring some relief of the current economic climate and thus to the real estate market both on and off Martha's Vineyard. However, we are prepared for a long turn around time unless there is some substantial change in the financial markets.

Nora's Meadow, Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:46:50 -0500

NORA'S WAY, MARTHA'S VINEYARD ~ A new and exclusive residential area within six blocks of Main Street in Edgartown... a Village attitude has been maintained with paved roads and beautifully landscaped common areas. Yet a more tranquil character has been established with minimum density, each lot is approximately 1.5 acres.

The creation of two quite spectacular ponds provides waterfront for five of the six lots offered, while the sixth lot has a more substantial building envelope for additional privacy and offers a deeded view easement to the major pond.

Underground utilities and town water have been installed and plans completed for private septic systems. The lots are currently being prudently cleared to feature the views.

Thoughtful planning and carefully crafted association covenants will assure the future value of this superb property.

LOT PRICING

Lot 1 $850,000

Lot 2 $800,000

Lot 3 $900,000

Lot 4 $850,000

Lot 5 $850,000

Lot 6 $850,000

Lot 7 Not available

Lot 8 Not available

Chappaquiddick, Martha's Vineyard

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:45:45 -0500

CHAPPAQUIDDICK, MARTHA'S VINEYARD ~ miles of incredible beaches, acres of conservation and and numerous walking trails... an idyllic Vineyard retreat... this house was built in 2003, is in absolutely pristine condition and offers wonderful open living areas with high ceilings and lots of light... numerous extras and amenities, i.e. - great lawn and landscaping, over sized 2 car garage, alarm, irrigation, more... $799,000

TASHMOO FARM, MARTHA'S VINEYARD

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:23:04 -0500

TASHMOO FARM, MARTHA'S VINEAYRD - Circa 1769

An historically significant estate property affording exceptional privacy and located just over one mile from the center of Vineyard Haven and the Harbor.

The dwelling is situated discreetly off the road with magnificent, lush lawns and many ageless, towering trees - oaks and willows - shading the drive and framing the house, and creating the front outlook. Nearly 11 acres of rolling fields, bordered by stone walls and horse fencing, surround the stately homestead. Three separate parcels of land assure the ability to further develop a family compound.

The "Mansion House" as it was originally known, was built by Captain Samuel Look in 1769 and retained in the Look family for nearly 200 years... much of the main house remains very much in tact, including the rough, hand-hewn structural timbers in the corners of the rooms, now painted to complement the updated décor. In the attic, 150 year old bark still hangs on the heavy beams and five fireplaces remain in the original center chimney. Many of the hand-forged hinges and antique brass catches are preserved as is most of the wide pine board flooring and the narrow, steep stairway,

A number of additions have occurred through the years so that the dwelling now totals more than 5,500 square feet of living space. More recent renovations were completed in the late 1990's and includes a new kitchen, casual dining area, laundry facilities and pantry areas and again in 2007 to expand and open up the more casual living areas on the north side of the house facing the lawns and pool.

A har-tru tennis court, gunite pool and a delightful pool house were also added in the late 1990's. The tennis facility, with viewing stand, was slightly recessed into an adjacent hillside so that it is visually pleasing and blends with the landscape. The pool house is open and accessible to both tennis and pool - oversized doors allow a free flow from interior to pergola shaded area to pool deck. The interior has a charming cottage effect in the main sitting area with white paneled walls and stone floor and is well equipped for entertaining with grill area, wet bar and refrigeration. There are also bath and dressing rooms. The gunite pool is accented by a stone patio and surrounded by traditional white picket fencing and exquisite perennial gardens.

Significant and timeless....

Price upon request.

FOURWINDS

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:18:47 -0500

FOURWINDS, MARTHA'S VINEYARD... an elegant setting and view over open fields to Katama Bay... situated on Chappaquiddick in Green Pastures... a very private waterfront area offering lovely open spaces, association dock and beach... more than 3 acres provides a marvelous open setting while still affording enormous privacy.

The main house is a delightful contemporary design with a rambling, open floor plan planned so that all rooms take advantage of a tranquil view all the way to the south shore. Vaulted ceilings, wood floors, oversized brick fireplace all enhance the character of the living areas. A fabulous master suite with very generously proportioned bedroom, separate sitting room with fireplace, dressing room, walk-in closet and bath - all accessible to a deck that wraps the entire water side of the house.

The lower level of the main house provides three guest rooms, one with private bath, as well as a second living area for a game/play room.

The compound is completed by a separate carriage house with 2 oversized garage bays on the ground level and fantastic loft living accommodations on the second level including kitchenette with Mexican tile and full bath and a charming hideaway roof deck. A level lawn and north facing deck, protected for windy days join the two structures.

Lovely old oak trees compliment the unpretentious natural elegance of the property... a unique and rare offering... $2.5

Chappaquiddick Waterfront ~ Martha's Vineyard

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:17:15 -0500

Chappaquiddick, Martha's Vineyard ~ Unparalleled waterviews of Nantucket Sound from Edgartown lighthouse to Cape Poge and beyond to Cape Cod... high on a bluff, this setting affords serenity and privacy while providing an incredible venue for boat and bird watching. The main house was built in the 1930's and offers a pre-existing location (and thus 180 degree views)... the guest cottage sits dramatically on bluff's edge... neither able to be duplicated today. A truly spectacular site! $3,290,000

Hoot Hill, Martha's Vineyard

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:34:12 -0500

Chappaquiddick, Martha's Vineyard - A truly unique location, overlooking Brine's Pond with distant views of the Atlantic Ocean... protected by over 40 acres of adjacent conservation land... just a short distance to Chappy ferry... the house is 3 levels, designed for easy summer living... there have been a number of different renovations since the original construction and combine to give the house a delightful character... a great location and a super house - a truly winning combination! An owner interest in Caleb's Beach Association is available separately. $1,235,000

January Market Statistics for Martha's Vineyard

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:36:36 -0500

Following is our standard activity summary of the Martha's Vineyard real estate market for the month of January. Note that both inventory and the number of sales increased (5% and 27% respectively).

JANUARY 2008 TRANSFER INDEX
SUMMARY OF ARMS-LENGTH SALES



	Inventory 1/31/08*	Total # of Sales	# of Sales under $1.0	# of Sales $1.0-$3.0	# of Sales over $3.0

Aquinnah	23	0	0	0	0

Chilmark	64	2	0	1	1

Edgartown	179	8	6	1	1

Oak Bluffs	146	8	6	2	0

Vineyard Haven	139	10	8	1	1

West Tisbury	63	5	3	1	1

	614	33	23	6	4

December 2007	581	24

Increase/Decrease	33	9


* Inventory per LINK database

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts ~ Year End Statistics 2007

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:46:57 -0600

Below is a summary review of the Martha's Vineyard real estate market for the 2007 calendar year and our standard monthly statistics report for December 2007.

2007 Sales: Note that the total number of sales on Martha's Vineyard in 2007 was down approximately 7% from 2006 (394 versus 423). However, this was a significantly smaller decline than experienced between 2006 and 2005 (423 versus 564 or a 25% decrease). This change is a potential indicator that the market is stabilizing.

2007 Inventory: The 2007 inventory graph illustrates the typical increase in overall inventory on the island during the spring and summer months. What it does not show is the increase in inventory in 2007 over 2006. In January of 2007, the inventory was 17% greater than it was in January 2006. We expect the inventory to remain high until the overall market regains strength.

(The inventory numbers were calculated using the LINK (local island listing service) database while the sales numbers were obtained from the monthly Transfer Index for Dukes County.)

Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard - Contemporary with pool and hot tub

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:26:36 -0600

Dodger's Hole - A tastefully designed contemporary set at the end of a cul-de-sac abutting the State Forest... the house is impeccably maintained and features a second floor master with over sized bathroom, large eat-in kitchen with center island, gas fireplace and brand new heated Owens Corning finished basement... exterior amenities include outdoor shower, fenced yard with irrigation, large wrap around mahogany deck, blue stone patios AND pool and hot tub... excellent location with easy access to all down island towns and short distance to the bike path... $643,000

December Market Statistics for Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:17:58 -0600

Following is our standard summary of sales and inventory for the month of November on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.

It is interesting to note that the inventory and sales in November 2007 differ very little from November 2006 - 2% and 7% respectively.

2007 2006

Inventory 638 622

Sales 41 38

However, inventory has declined since October which, as previously stated, is expected at this time of year due largely to owners removing properties for the winter and/or being counseled not to list until spring, thus it's not a real market indicator.

The (41) sales in November is the second most productive month in 2007 (there were 42 closed in April) and reflects the consummation of much of the summer sales activity.

We will provide you with a full analysis of the year when the December statistics are available.

NOVEMBER 2007 TRANSFER INDEX
SUMMARY OF ARMS-LENGTH SALES


	Inventory 11/30/07*	Total # of Sales	# of Sales under $1.0	# of Sales $1.0-$3.0	# of Sales over $3.0

Aquinnah	24	3	2	1	0

Chilmark	67	6	0	3	3

Edgartown	177	13	7	6	0

Oak Bluffs	166	3	2	1	0

Vineyard Haven	139	10	6	3	1

West Tisbury	65	6	5	1	0

	638	41	22	15	4

October	667	33

Increase/Decrease	-29	8

* Inventory per LINK database

Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:25:32 -0600

BOLD MEADOW ~ Elegant, yet casual, ideal for the island lifestyle. A Greek Revival with contemporary flair - an open floor plan with a bank of french windows and transoms facing south, french doors, wood floors, granite, so much more... all in absolutely pristine condition. Carriage house was designed for multiple autos and boats. Outdoor living areas and simple, enjoyable landscaping. $1,350,000

Chilmark, Massachusetts (MA) Real Estate and Vacation Rentals on Martha's Vineyard

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:20:28 -0600

Chilmark on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Beautiful homes set on rolling land. Rambling stone walls. Grazing sheep. One of the most beautiful of all Vineyard drives: Middle Road.

These are the trademarks of Chilmark – along with Chilmark Chocolates, made and sold in a small building just down from Beetlebung Corner. It is not unusual to encounter lines of customers spilling out into the parking lot, while those inside press their noses against the glass counters to make selections of their personal favorites (milk or dark? Nuts, or fruit?).

But Chilmark is about the sea as well as the land, even land as compelling as this.

At Menemsha, the last remnants of a fabled fishing fleet are tied up at the dock behind two fish markets where you can find the catch of the day. Here you can catch a bike ferry across to Lobsterville, take a catamaran trip to Cuttyhunk Island about an hour away, or climb out on the jetty to watch a spectacular sunset. Families bring folding chairs, and wine and cheese, and sit on the shore to do the same. The two fish markets pack up boiled lobsters for you to take down to the beach, complete with melted butter. An ice cream from The Galley, a tiny walk-up restaurant, completes the meal, if not the day.

Chilmark's small, rural community is located toward the western end of Martha's Vineyard. Most of its 10,639 (34 square miles) are devoted to residential and agricultural use – you can get fresh flowers at a Beetlebung Corner self-serve stand, Island-raised lamb at the Allen Farm and wool items knit from their own sheep, eggs from really free range chickens and bacon from local pigs.

The center of town houses a small elementary schoolhouse, originally a one-room school built circa 1850 and still in use for the 55 pre-kindergarten through Grade 5 students. There is also a tiny post office and a public library with a collection of videos and DVDs that would rival a small video store and a Vineyard room with a wonderful collection of everything Vineyard. In winter, the comfortable, bright seating areas in the library are favorite gathering spot for some of Chilmark's 650 people residents. Interesting adult and children's programs are scheduled year-round. The village also has a town hall built circa 1897, and a handsome church built in 1843.

Lest all that history weigh you down, the citizens of Chilmark have supported the Chilmark Community Center since 1956. It is the social epicenter of Chilmark. In July and August the Center hosts a program for children and families which offers a play school, a morning program with a full range of indoor and outdoor activities, and an evening program of movies, lectures, dancing and music for children and adults of all ages. Off-season, it provides the setting for a variety of events, including pre-school classes, wedding receptions, clambakes and the Fire Department's annual Christmas party. It's the site for cultural and social events through much of the year; choir and social performers particularly like its cozy welcoming atmosphere.

The Chilmark Store, just down the road and past Beetlebung Corner (named for the tupelo trees that dot the Island) is its own epicenter. Open only during the season, its porch is a hotspot that unites summer people who've not seen each other since the year before – many of them celebrities who fly in from Los Angeles or New York for relaxation. The porch, with its selection of rocking chairs and benches, is a great place to eat the breakfast foods, pizza and sandwiches prepared in the store – just bring a pencil and paper, in case you see someone from whom you might work up your nerve to collect an autograph.

If collecting autographs isn't your style (and most Vineyarders would disdain doing this), you might be able to rub elbows with the rich and famous (or the poor and fit) at the annual Chilmark Road Race. Now in its 31st year, the race takes place the second Saturday of August each year and attracts hundreds willing to make the beautiful 5K run along Middle Road. The celebrity watching may quickly get old while you struggle along the oh-so-hilly course, but the views of sprawling farmland, bucolic ponds and glimpses of the sea never do.

Beaches

Menemsha Public Beach, next to the colorful Menemsha harbor. Safe for kids, with a lifeguard on duty and a roped off area.
Chilmark Pond Preserve. Small, dramatic and isolated, with parking for a few vehicles.
Great Rock Bight Preserve off North Road. The trail to the beach is long and steep and has stairs – but is worth it.

Also located in Chilmark is The Yard, a performing artists' colony tucked between hills and meadows in Chilmark. When The Yard was founded in 1973 by dancer and choreographer, Patricia N. Nanon, her vision was to create a space for contemporary dance artists to develop new works. The setting, three houses and a barn, now converted to a studio and a theater, surrounded by grass, woods and stone walls, is inspiring to both dancers and those who love to watch. The Yard has become a major cultural force on the Vineyard, bringing in diverse acts to the tiny theatre as well as widening their presence through performances around the Island.

Food, culture and social life just wouldn't be the same in Chilmark without the beaches. Many of them are private, including the much-admired Lucy Vincent Beach, but one that is not is accessible through Land Bank property at Chilmark Pond Preserve. If you bring your own kayak or canoe, you can park and paddle across the pond to an isolated Atlantic beach. Another, more accessible, swimming beach is at Menemsha, adjacent to the harbor.

The Menemsha Hills Reservation of the Trustees of Reservations also gives access, through a half-hour hike, to a spectacular overlook and rock-strewn beach – not for swimming -- on Vineyard Sound.

Martha's Vineyard Regional Transit buses link up-Island Chilmark and Aquinnah with the down-Island towns.

Farm Neck Golf Course, Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 10:53:29 -0600

A rare opportunity to purchase a building lot on the 7^th tee at Farm Neck Golf Course... 2.38 acres provides privacy as well as a lovely view down the fairway to Sengekontackey Pond. Setting in an upscale residential area and including full membership in the golf club with stock ownership. Enjoy all club amenities including golf, tennis and dining... a rare opportunity. $2,100,000

Katama, Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 14:32:16 -0600

A truly delightful option! A three bedroom contemporary Cape with high ceilings and open floor plan... fireplace, wood floors and everything in great condition... great location and easy access to both Edgartown Village and South Beach... excellent rental history... $699,000

Katama Land, Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:24:28 -0600

MILL HILL FARM, KATAMA ~ Protected views of and adjacent to old farm fields... an intimate (4) lot subdivision specifically designed to ensure value and privacy through conserved lands and protective covenants... so close to all Edgartown Village amenities, just off the new bike path to South Beach, and yet offering up island seclusion... $1.2/lot.

North Street, Edgartown Village, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Sharon Smith Purdy (Sandpiper Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:18:29 -0600

Just blocks to all Edgartown Village amenities yet affording, unusual privacy on nearly an acre of lovely land... the home is a single story, rambling design that is truly gracious with older character and presence - wood floors, crown molding, multiple fireplaces... expansive living room and master suite all spilling to excellent outdoor living with covered porch, expansive brick patio and grounds.