Annie Hart Cool's... The Coolest Realtor on Cape Cod

"Can I help by removing your Late Charge?" Credit Card Fraud

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:21:52 -0500

Warning. My husband got a call from LOWES credit services saying that our bill was late in payment and if he would pay with a different credit card the woman on the other end of the phone would be happy to excuse the late fee.

My husband, now thinking that I had been remiss in paying the bill, started asking questions about the bill. He decided he would not pay the bill with his credit card but call the bank about the automatic payment. He still was not sure I had paid the bill.

Sure enough, $1000 had been sent on the 4th to Lowes. When He called Lowe's back to follow up... they said no one will ever call you from this company and ask for a credit card payment on a credit card. This is a scam to get your credit card number for extortion and identity fraud.

I am glad he was suspect even of me and my timely payment of our debt because it saved us a boat load of trouble. Beware! Scammers are everywhere!

I listed a squirrel today!

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:45:39 -0500

Today I had an appointment to list a home in Hyannis at 11:30. Our first meeting. Complete strangers, she and I. Brought together by her attorney.

When I arrived no one answered the door. I walked around the house... thinking that the elderly woman may still be sleeping... When I got back to the front door... she was there... waiting. Hunched from age and illness she attempted to open the door... I let my self in and told her to take her time backing away from the door. Aside from the lovely entrance into an open floor plan ranch with sky lights and lovely antiques... I couldn't help but notice the smell of decay. Flys darted back and forth between the home owner and I like they were playing space hockey.
I asked "what is that smell?"
She replied "poor dear, got stuck in the fireplace and died'
Naturally, "when? and what are your plans for the "poor dear"?" I asked.

My eyes now watering, my breathing altered and my mind now on to her health. I opened the slider with screen to the porch...to which she replied "close the screen, dear you don't want the bugs to come in..." Quite right, I replied...I want the flys to go out tho.... let's just leave it open for a few minutes, shall we?

This can't be good for her? She says she can't smell it because of all the medicine she is on but the flys she agrees, are annoying. Huh...?

Sean was the 5th "wildlife removal specialist" I called out of the phone book who had the time and the empathy. He will be there at 6pm to remove the "poor dear" and do a fly treatment. (Whatever that means?) Then to call the Sweep, because Prevention is what it is all about, right?
Sandwich Chimney sweep will be there Friday to put a cap on the chimney so no more "poor dear's" get stuck.

To the home owner... I wasn't just her Real Estate Professional but Super Woman. I went to Home Depot for Fly strips and Moth Balls... went into the home and found her sleeping soundly in her recliner with the TV loud and the clicker about to fall from her lap onto the floor. I hung the fly strips... and said a quiet good bye while she slept... I left Saint Joseph on her kitchen table. She needs out of this house.

I called her brother (92 years of age) to let him know the status of the "poor dear" as he had attempted to get the varmint out of the chimney over the weekend. Ever grateful, he said "I am glad she is in good hands."

So I listed a Squirrel today. Because Today... you wouldn't have noticed the hardwood, the sky lights, corner lot or finished basement...

Today ...all you would have noticed was the "poor dear" squirrel.

AARP 5 Top Places to Retire....Boston at the Top of the List....

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:42:42 -0500

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Lifestyle vibe: Historically genteel, especially in Beacon Hill
Fitness fix: Strolling on the Boston Common
Retirees love: Abundance of culture and restaurants
Retirees hate: High housing costs
Median housing price: $402,200
Average temperature: 29°F (January) and 74°F (July)

AARP's Sarah Mahoney wrote a great article on 5 Great Places to Live. Boston made the list. Sure, Boston is not Cape Cod but we are so close...Why not venture south and find your Retirement Home by the Shore? Loads of inventory, great prices, wonderful mortgage options. Come to Cape Cod.

Ready for the MOVE? Here are some things to Remember!

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:24:56 -0500

I always forget something when I am planning a trip, a party or a move... I find that check lists are the way to go if you want to make sure all your bases are covered. So are you about to change addresses ...here are a few things that need to be considered.

Send Change of Address To:
	Post Office: give forwarding address.
	Charge accounts, credit cards.
	Subscriptions: requires several weeks notice.
	Friends and relatives.
	Bank: transfer funds, arrange check-cashing in new city.
	Insurance: Notify new location for coverage: Life, health, fire, auto.
	Automobile registrations: transfer of car title registration if necessary; also driver's license; city windshield sticker; motor club membership.
	Utility Companies: gas, light, water, telephone, perhaps fuel; get refund of any deposits made; arrange in new town for immediate service.
	Route men: laundry, paper boy, milk man; changeover services.
	School records: ask for copies or transfer of children's records.
	Medical, dental, prescription histories: ask doctor and dentist for referrals; transfer needed prescriptions; eyeglasses, x-rays.
	Church, club, civic organizations: transfer memberships; get letter of introduction.
	Pets: ask about any regulations for licenses, vaccinations, tags, etc.

Why Pre Qualify? Buying a Home and Getting a Mortgage...

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:15:01 -0500

It's a good idea to get prequalified for your mortgage before shopping for a Cape Cod home. Prequalification involves supplying a lender with basic information regarding your debt, income and assets. From this information, lenders can get an idea of the mortgage amount for which you qualify, and it can usually be done at no cost.

Being prequalified can help you narrow the range of homes in which you are interested, as it's another way of knowing what you can afford. It can also help you act fast if a home you're interested in has a lot of interest. Prequalification shows you are a serious shopper, and your offer will be taken more seriously than an offer from someone who has not spoken with a lender.

The initial pre-qualification stage also allows you to discuss with your lender any goals or needs you may have regarding your mortgage. He or she can then explain your mortgage options and recommend the type that might be best suited to your particular requirements.

Diagnose your Financial Health before starting the Home search. This will allow you to move forward without disappointment when buying your Cape Cod Home.

Celebrate the 4th in Style...Falmouth Rocks the Skies with Great Fireworks

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:02:01 -0500

So when you raise your American Flag to celebrate the 4th of July... I hope you are enjoying the Falmouth Fire Works in Falmouth Mass... this Cape Cod treat has been well attended and supported for years. Recently Named on to the top annula Fireworks Celebrations. Just one more reason to live in Falmouth and consider your summer Residence in this amazing village of Cape Cod.

Travel & Leisure has named Falmouth's annual fireworks display as one of the 10 best in the country. The patriotic fireworks show is watched by 50,000 people each summer and was chosen because of the musical choreography and the quality of fireworks, said Dutch Drolette, chairman of the Falmouth Fireworks Committee.

"To be in the top 10 is quite an honor," Drolette said yesterday. "Our fireworks are programmed so tight with the music, so when the red rockets are glaring you really get red rockets."

Falmouth is ranked among some heavy hitters and perennial pyrotechnic favorites.

30th Annual Arts & Crafts Street Fair

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:52:50 -0500

Wonderfully Fun day planned on Main STreet in Falmouth on July 9th. Wildly well attended and popular. Just another reason to Move to Falmouth and take in all The Cape has to offer...

Here is the rest of the details....Come, enjoy and buy your Summer House.

Main Street, Main Street, Falmouth Village. 10:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.
Falmouth Village Association 508-548-9888
Falmouthvillageassociation@gmail.com

Description:The 30th Annual Professional
Falmouth Village
Arts and Crafts Street Festival
WED. JULY 9TH
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Location: Main Street, Falmouth Village

Come join us for the Annual Falmouth Village Arts and Crafts Street Festival, where historic Cape Cod provides the setting for traditional arts and crafts.

Considered the most popular one-day show on Cape Cod, more than 40,000 people attended last year's festival. Purchase hand-made products from hundreds of displays while taking advantage of the restaurants, shopping in the beautiful setting of historic downtown Falmouth. Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity to shop for unique hand-crafted pieces that you simply can't get anywhere else.

Sponsored by The Falmouth Village Association.

Rain date is the following day*
The decision to call off the show due to inclement weather will be decided the morning of the 9th.

Great Contemporary in wonderful Area on Cape Cod

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:39:33 -0500

Lovely Lochstead! Contemporary free-standing oversized ranch-style home, on nearly 2/3 acre. Open floor plan and beautiful Armstrong Brazilin Cherry Laminate floors welcome you to this 1st floor living floor plan. The fireplace/mantle is highlighted with beaded panels of stained pineTile in Kitchen and foyer. New gas heating and A/C units, wide crown molding throughout, new quartz countertops in kitchen equipped with all new S/S appliances, windows are Vinyl-clad Andersen - Casement type, sliders, comfortable screened porch, attached garage and excellent attic storage. Back Yard has lawn, planting beds, garden shed and has dog/child fence with 2 gates

First Floor Living close to Jenkins Pond, Cape Cod Paradise

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:29:53 -0500

Cape Cod Paradise. Ranch with easy first floor living. This is perfect for the Cape Cod enthusiast or the soon to be transplanted Cape Codder. $389,000.

Walk to Jenkin's Pond from this oversized ranch with two car garage. Central fire place easy floor plan, Oversized windows, high ceilings, pergo flooring, Kitchen with breakfast bar and family room leading to deck with fenced in back yard. Dog Kennel attached to the house. Extra drive way for friends and family. Air conditioned, unfinished expansive basement and dead end street. Ceiling fans,dining room and privacy.

Opportunity is Knocking, hello... open the door to the Cape Cod Winery!

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:20:21 -0500

Opportunity to own a ranch,on a farm with a barn and acres of Vineyard. Be a Winery or bring back the horses? Enjoy the privacy of the land and of the Conservation which now abutts the property. The land alone just appraised for $900,000. Wake in the Vineyard. Also valid in law apartment over the garage. Planted,to date, are the grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Grigio, together with Seyval and Vidal. Wine,Grapes and your own Vineyard here on Cape Cod..This fully operational Vineyard is a unique property here in Falmouth. An opportunity to live in and have a home based profitable business. There's a lot to see and to discuss..

$1,728,000 Down $500,000. Great time to get into owning a profitable buisness and have a place to live...In law apartment, established business, Tourism Trade has not yet been capitolized on.

Fabulous Cape Retreat in Falmouth on Cape Cod

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:10:59 -0500

Wonderful open Cape with cathedraled living room and fireplace, dining room with sliders to deck that overlooks manicured gardens. Oversized yard. Hardwood recently installed. Tiled baths. This story book home offers many upgrades, new sky lights, new floors, new appliances, new fireplace sleeve and waterproofing ready for gas insert. Enjoy the land with gardens and room for a touch foot ball game... Large shed for beach toys and much more. Great starter home ...with room to grow.

$269,000 with half acre of land and beautiful Gardens. Close to beaches and Mashpee Commons with Main Brand Stores and luxury shopping. This is a wonderful opportunity for the first time home buyer or the 2nd home Cape enthusiast.

Falmouth Air Park... Live in Luxury and house your Plane!

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:19:48 -0500

Wonderful Contemporary Cape in Private Setting at Falmouth Air Park. Custom designed for entertaining, Cape Cod luxury and personal enjoyment. Red Oak flooring, Kitchen furniture grade solid cherry cabinets with inset beaded doors custom brass pulls and granite 2 level island counter with soap stone Farmers sink, Thermador gas Cooktop with tumble stone back splash. Mahogany decks on both levels, Media room with 6 leather seats, Triad speaker system, Para sound 7.1 Sound System, 100 inch Stewart Screen. Heated Hangar( 40'x 12' door) for plane or car collection, workshop and more. (40 x 36) with 240/120 volt outlets and potting area for the gardener in the family... Deep sink and spigot. Master Suite on first floor with walk in closet, built in storage, master bath with multi jet shower and 9 jet therapeutic tub, Tile floor, sky light. Gorgeous!Wonderful opportunity for the private plane owner or the Collector of Cars or Antiques. Large Hangar for easy storage or display. Cooks Kitchen, entertaining floor plan, media room with bells and whistles. Custom Cape with farmers porch and martini deck! Taxi up to your own private hangar.

Taking the mystery out of getting a Mortgage...

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Sun, 10 May 2009 09:34:36 -0500

This is addressed to my new first time home buyers who have been worrying about the mortgage process... there is not a lot of mystery to it...but you do have some homework to take care of before you can apply for a mortgage. Time to get organized ... and HAVE YOUR PAPERWORK READY:

W2 (2 YEARS) AND ONE MONTHS PAY STUBS.

LANDLORD NAME /ADDRESS-PAST TWO YEARS

EMPLOYER NAME AND ADDRESS- 2 YEAR HISTORY

If you have a PURCHASE AND SALES AGREEMENT, they will need it...

COPY OF DEED

BANK STATEMENT- LASTEST 3 MONTHS. ALL ACCOUNTS AND PASSBOOKS

NAME AND ADDRESS/ ACCOUNT # , MONTHLY PAYMENT BALANCE FOR ALL OPEN MORTGAGE, AUTO, PERSONAL, STUDENT, AND CREDIT CARD LOANS.

CHECK FOR APPRAISAL AND CREDIT FEES

SELF EMPLOYED- LAST TWO YEARS TAX RETURNS WITH ALL SCHEDULES, YEAR TO DATE PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT.

Contacts make Contracts...Keep in touch!

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Sat, 09 May 2009 07:29:26 -0500

This week I wrote Mother's Day Cards to many women who I have worked with in the last 10 years. Why Not? I am certain my cards were unexpected. I know from the response they were well received. Even the women who are not Mother's by Biology were thrilled to hear from me and to be acknowledged.

You see, I am not a Mother. I believe Mother's Day is for Women everywhere. Women MOTHER others all the time. I sent a card to a Client who is a former NUN and she said... "you are so right, I have been a Mother to thousands".

So Celebrate Women on Mother's Day. I heard from one woman called and said she is considering moving and would like me to come look at her house to list. She enjoyed the card.

Contacts mean Contracts. Reach out. Let your people know you are still in Real Estate. Sometimes a hand written note ....goes a long way!

The power of the Pre-list package

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:15:45 -0500

I have found that pre listing packages and a request for information prior to the actual appointment engages the home owner and starts our partnership out on the right foot. I usually include information about my company and me. I also ask for them to prepare some home work items prior to our appt.

1. Gas and electric bills for the past 12 months;

2. Any warranties and guarantees that you have of any items that you plan to leave in the house;

3. A copy of the floor plan if you have one;

4. A survey or plat of the property if you have one;

5. An extra front door key;

7. A list of people that may be interested in buying the property.

Enclosed you will find some additional information about my company

Cape Associates Century 21 and me.

I have found that inviting the sellers in to the process immediately sets me apart from my competition. Sellers want to be involved in the process... Invite them in!

Mistakes Buyers Almost Make...

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:57:30 -0500

1. Too Low an Offer

You would be surprised at how many dream homes are lost because of the buyer's inability to move a little on price, terms, or concessions. Remember that $5000 in today's loan market increases your monthly investment $35.82 per month - the cost of an average dinner out and hardly a price worthy of giving up a lifetime of satisfaction. Follow your professional advice if you really want the property!

2. Not Using a Real Estate Professional

Lenders, Abstract/Title, Inspectors, and Facilitators are all important members of the purchasing process. They must be the best and they must work together. Remember, your agent is the best coach in assembling the team!

3. Bypassing a Professional Inspection

Your real estate agent can point out obvious defects; the appraiser, whether FHA, VA or Conventional can also point out some defects. Therefore, we recommend a professional inspection (structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, etc.), who puts on the overalls and crawls below, in and above your future investment to write up a complete report.

4. Not understanding Needs, Wants, and Dreams

Write down your minimum needs, then the "what would be nice" items, then the "in my dreams" items. A great agent always fulfills your need without exceeding your financial capabilities, and usually surprises you with many of your wants and dreams.

5. Match Financing toYour Ownership

When counseling with your agent regarding your purchase, your financing terms have to be consistent with your ownership. For instance, if you are not going to stay in the property long, then get a variable resistant financing so you have the lowest interest rate during your time of ownership, plus an assumable loan (probably) when you sell. Long Term ownership? Go for a fixed loan so you can lock in a market rate for 30 years.

WWW.AnnieHartCool.com

DECLARATIONS OF HOMESTEAD

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:53:02 -0500

The property values, and thus the equity, which homeowners possess in their properties across Cape Cod and the Commonwealth have in the last few years reached new heights. This newfound wealth can be advantageous for parties seeking home equity loans or selling their property. However, equity is also a valuable asset upon which creditors may levy to satisfy judgments secured against property owning defendants. Luckily, Massachusetts' residents may avail themselves of the Declaration of Homestead to protect that equity. In addition, the Massachusetts Legislature has recently made this tool even better.

Prior to November 2, 2000, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 188, Section 1 provided a homeowner who occupied or intended to occupy the home as a principal residence with a one hundred thousand ($100,000.00) dollar protection of the equity in the home. The homestead "estate" is exempt from the laws of attachment, levy on execution and sale for payment of debts or legacies. However, there are certain circumstances when the Declaration of Homestead would be ineffective, such as, when the property is sold for taxes, for any debts contracted prior to the acquisition of the estate of homestead, for a debt contracted for the purchase of the home, or for spousal support or child support obligations. Only one owner of the property may acquire the estate of homestead for the benefit of his/her family, and it may only be acquired on one principal residence. Massachusetts General Laws also provided a homestead "estate" for elderly or disabled persons. An elderly person is defined as anyone sixty-two (62) years of age or older. This "elder" homestead provided two hundred thousand dollars for each individual having an ownership interest in the property.

Effective November 2, 2000 the Massachusetts Legislature increased the protection of the homestead estate to three hundred thousand dollars of equity based on the same rules as above. Additionally, each elder of disabled joint homeowners can protect up to three hundred thousand dollars of equity in the home, which amounts may be aggregated. If a Declaration of Homestead was filed prior to the November 2, 2000 deadline, the increased amounts indicated above automatically apply and there is no need to file a new declaration.

The Declaration of Homestead is a simple document to produce and is recorded at the Registry of Deeds in the county where the property is located. An increasing practice for conveyance attorneys is to recommend the creation and filing of the homestead in conjunction with the execution of documents at the closing. Although the Declaration of Homestead may be done at any time, the sooner it is filed, the more subsequent creditors may be avoided. With this new increase in protected equity, the Declaration of Homestead is more of an attractive estate-planning tool than ever.

End of Quarter Stats for Cape Cod

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:31:46 -0500

First Quarter Results show median prices are down 18%

Single Family Homes

2008 2009

Total sales Cape Cod 1155 846

Upper Cape Sales 211 121

Average price $259,000 $200,000

What you should expect to pay to sell your home...

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Thu, 07 May 2009 07:24:25 -0500

Sellers Costs:

Barnstable County Costs to Selling your HOME!

Taxes: The State, County and Town take a total $5.70 per $1,000.00 /sale price

Legal Fees: $500- $1,000 Depending on the nature of the transaction.

Deed prep and recording, discharging of the mortgage, paying any betterments on the property.

Smoke Detector Test: Each Town charges a different amount. Between $35-50 dollars plus a penalty if the smoke detectors do not work at the time of inspection.

Septic Inspection/ Repair: New Title V regulations require that the seller have the septic tank approved by Title V standards prior to transferring ownership. The inspection can cost between $250-$350. The repair can cost $250-$30,000.

If you must repair or replace your septic, the State offers a tax credit for a percentage of the cost of repair.

Stamps increase again! Click on link below!~

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:25:03 -0500

U.S. Postage Rate Increase

I know this has been posted before... but just in case you missed it!

Did you hear.... Rates are going up May 11th on postage!

Click for: New Postal Rates

This is a sign of the times... with every one using on line billing and payment...the USPS has lost money. Stamps are becoming a thing of the past ...but employees still need to be paid.

Here's a heads up!

Mother's Day... just around the corner!

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Tue, 05 May 2009 07:54:39 -0500

Women Celebrate... Mother's Day is your day to rule... Here are some priceless quotes about women and mothers... Celebrate... this sunday is your day!

The real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men - from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness. ~Honoré de Balzac

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts." -Washington Irving

All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his. ~Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

Closing ... a state of mind

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:06:21 -0500

"If you build it, they will come" reminds me of the baseball movie, Field of Dreams. I use that way of thinking when I work with buyers and sellers.... "if you want it, we will close".

I believe in attracting closings. Closing is my state of mind. From closing on negotiating with my husband over which restaurant to eat at or on which house to buy... I am a closer. I like it. I like being decisive. I get a thrill out of the narrowing down process. I lose myself in the discovery. I attract people who aren't so good at it... and need my help.

I find myself at the pharmacy helping perfect strangers decide on the lipstick color...or in the dressing room at TJMax decide on the jeans they love but look awful on them... ooops... I really like closing.

This week I have 3 closings in Real Estate. This week I have 3 really psyched and energized clients who are so grateful to be packing and dreaming about the keys to their new home. Today I spoke with everyone and today I heard how valuable my services are.

It's true. Closing is a state of mind. Be there and be helpful. Be closing and help someone's dreams come true. Recognize this as a gift... and just close already...

Title 5 Septics a must for Home Sales...and for peaceful enjoyment of your home...

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Mon, 04 May 2009 07:44:20 -0500

On Cape Cod there is very little town sewer. Most properties have private septics which need to be pumped, repaired or in the case of Title 5 rules, replaced. In the State of Massachusetts, you must have a title 5 compliance for the transfer of ownership or an agreement to hold funds to replace the septic in two years after a failure. This is pretty straight forward. Some cash sales can get away with replacing their septic until the 2 years is up...then the town will step in and require an upgrade. All septic tests are filed with the Health Department...

My husband and I have enjoyed our home for 15 years... Our septic has been a functioning part of our home for 30... 10 years longer than most....

I was not surprised when the snow melted and the flowers started to emerge that my husband delivered the news of a soft and soggy back yard. He was puzzeled? I said ...let's have the septic pumped and see if that is the issue. To his surprise... the leach field needs replacing... !

We are not intending to sell. We did not have a test so the town will never know .... We could band aid this septic for a long time. Afterall, the kids don't live here anymore. The showers and washing is just for my husband and I... We have guests but never for more than a week at a time... We could be septic cautious...

And save $10,000 dollars during this economic crunch... We could.

But in my head... I am thinking that it will be the time I have a fund raiser in the gardens on a hot July day that the smell of the septic will gurgle up from the garden's and make my life a living hell. It will be the time that the Theater company is visiting from NEw YORk and they are entertaining on the deck that their eyes will water from the odor not unlike that which comes from the City sewer.

No... We are not risking it. We are investing in a new Septic. My husband ever frugal, didn't like this plan. Until I reminded him... that having the back yard dug up in the spring is far better than the fall... because the grass will grow and we won't live in mud for months on end...

Sadly, we just sold our house in New Hampshire and invested in a new septic there too.... We are becoming quite savy as to septic installs.

Now when we sell in 5 years... we won't have to worry about the septic ... It's a good thing.

The Book of Life...Lines between 16 years old and 50 years...

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Sun, 03 May 2009 13:07:52 -0500

My god daughter and I are writing the book of Life. No, really we are. You see, she and I took the Mules into the Grand Canyon when she was 10 years old and spent the night on the side of the Colorado River... What an adventure! During that trip we started the "Book of Life". Every page has a different lesson. We pass this book back and forth between each other at our Birthdays. It then becomes our gift to each other and hopefully we have added some words of wisdom to it when we pass it on. She is 16 now and you can imagine the entry's are getting more thoughtful then the first ones when she was 10. Here is one of the entries in our book...

The Man in the Glass

Author unknown

When you get what you want in your struggle for self

And the world makes you king for aday.

Just go to a mirror and look at yourself

and see what that man has to say.

For it isn't your father or mother or wife

whose judgment upon you must pass;

the fellow whose verdict counts most in your life

is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people may think you a straight shootin chum

And call you a wonderful guy,

but the man in the glass says you're only a bum

if you can't look him straight in the eye.

He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest

For he's with you clear up to the end

And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test

If the man in the glass is your friend

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years and get pats on the back as you pass

but your final reward will be heartaches and tears

if you've cheated the man in the glass

Write your own "Book of Life", share it with another Author... it's a lot of fun.

Smart Partnership make for busy OPEN HOUSE!!!!

Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21) — Sun, 03 May 2009 12:29:52 -0500

I have seen this condo in many different stages. When it was first listed I showed it ... Empty, with every imperfection showing... the dings in the paint, scratches on the hard wood, marks where paintings used to hang...

Today as I sit here ...none of those things are apparent. The listing agent, Steve Clay, struck a brilliant partnership with Barbo's, a local Furniture Store, and had the place staged.

What was an empty loney condo with imperfections is now a brightly decorated summer beach side get away with Sailboats and seashell fabrics, blue and mocha colors and almond painted furniture.
Neighbors have commented on "this place never looked so good" and asked if they could buy the furniture when the property sells.

Now this is working together in a difficult economy. Barbo's makes an impression with every person that comes thru this door. The seller presents a warm and inviting property... it is a win win.

From what I gather, the seller pays a rental for the furniture and the buyer has the option to purchase the furniture with the condo at a reduced rate. Not a bad idea given that a large degree of homeowners in this Condo complex are second home owners. This is a value added partnership that helps this condo stand out against the competitors.

I am enjoying the comments. The little ladies who want to rip the tags off the furniture... NO DON"T DO IT.... Unless you want to buy the condo... then rip all the tags you want!...
I have an offer form right here....<