Heath's Blog

Cape Cod Statistics

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:04:12 -0600

Preliminary CC&IMLS Statistics for October 2009

Single Family | #Sales | Median | $Value | DOM

October 2009 | 330 | $336,700 | $154,029,292 | 150
October 2008 | 296 | $337,250 | $155,716,315 | 157

Condominiums

October 2009 | 79 | $260,000 | $20,972,155 | 224
October 2008 | 79 | $259,500 | $21,961,262 | 192

All Sales

October 2009 | 431 | $184,528,417
October 2008 | 393 | $183,596,997

The Information shows an uptick in volume!

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
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CNN Reviews The Newest Benefits For "People In The US"

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:48:09 -0600

Here is a concise explanation of the benefits, tax advantages, tuition gifts and other subsidies that are planned for people in the US without permission. I watched the video below and kept waiting for the "april fools" punchline or the saturday night live cast to break in. You can't make this list up. Here is the youtube of the CNN report about the new bill.

If you don't want to watch the video, here is what the bill includes:

No taxes for people who are in the US without permission
People who are in the US without permission would be able to claim an earned income tax credit from US taxpayers
English is not required for people who are in the US without permission, until nine years after an application for amnesty
In state tuition would be provided for people who are in the US without permission
All emigration procedings would be stopped and allow any people who are in the US without permission to apply for amnesty
If people were in the US without permission and got deported, they could now get amnesty
Temporary Visas will be renewable indefinitely
Priority given to Mexican citizens for admission to the US
Legal status 24 hours after applying for it, regardless of whether a background check is complete.
Imigration attorneys for imigrants to the US will be paid for by the US taxpayers
If a gang member says they aren't a member anymore, they will receive amnesty
Us will give money to the Mexican government so they can try to convince Mexicans to stay in Mexico
Top priority for eliminating borders between the US, Canada, and Mexico
Border fence shortened from 800 miles to 200

Of course, these benefits are all for people who are not US citizens. Am I missing something?

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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Unique ThanksGiving Cranberry Sauces!

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:32:55 -0600

If you need something different for Thanksgiving to spice up the usual cranberry sauce, take a look at the selection at Tihonet Market Village in Wareham, MA. They are actually the world's largest cranberry grower. I tried their cranberry vinaigrette salad dressing - very good!

During the growing and harvest season they have tours. I saw a few bogs still being harvested, but the tours have now ended for this year. They have some good pics on their site though.

The market area is open all day for food and cranberry specialties like the salad dressing I mentioned. I forgot to look but you can probably get cranrasins there too. It is a quite and peaceful place for soup and a sandwich if you're in the area.

The prices are reasonable, under $7.50 for the most expensive - 1/2 a sandwich and a cup of chowder! I'll be up there again today and might just have to stop again.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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Jury Duty Scam Verified By The FBI - Identity Thieves

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:07:25 -0500

The FBI has verified, on their web site, that there is a "Jury Duty Scam". This is a phone related scam, so if you know anyone who doesn't use the Internet, especially older people, you should make sure they do not become a victim. The caller claims to be a court officer, and then accuses the victim of missing a jury duty appointment. After the victim is sufficiently worried about failing to report for jury duty, the caller then suggests that they verify if they have the correct person. It is at that point that they ask for ss number, birth date, and sometimes even credit information.

The caller works the conversation into a threat of a fine that can be paid over the phone by a credit card. What is amazing is that this has been going on in some form since early 2005! If you have one of these calls, or know someone who has, one thing to do is *69 after you hang up. This will give you the phone number that the call was made from. Then contact the FBI and report the incident.

You can also use *57 which records the phone call at the phone company as a "call trace". One web site says: "When you activate the Call Trace code (*57) immediately following the harassing call, the caller's phone number is recorded by the phone company." But *57 doesn't give you the phone number. The phone company has to get an authorization form before the harasser's phone number can be turned over to law enforcement and there may be a fee. Some phone companies charge you each time you use Call Trace and others have a monthly charge for an unlimited number of traces.

If the phone number is blocked, tracing the call may help the FBI or other law enforcement agencies gather enough information to go after the schemers even from the perspective of "Do Not Call" fines and penalties, especially if your phone is on the DNC list. In any case, don't get your identity stolen this way. Tell someone who might be a victim to be careful, too.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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Should you get a septic inspection?

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:40:53 -0600

Should you get a septic inspection?
It is extremely important to have a proper, thorough, inspection of the septic system components if you are buying a home with a septic system. Unfortunately for many home buyers, the typical brief septic inspection tells you very little about the real state of the septic system. In my state, the tank is uncovered and viewed, and the scum level and depth is noted. A diagram is drawn indicating the location of the components. Septic inspections for the sale/purchase of a home is a limited visual inspection to determine the condition of the septic field and function of the sewage disposal system.

In some parts of the country, septic inspections are paid for by the sellers and in others, the buyers have to do their own inspections. As part of the home inspection process, in my part of the country sellers provide the septic certification. My state requires an inspection before a closing can occur. It does not require a functioning system, only a test. In other states, the inspection is optional. When the system is not functioning properly, the parties negotiate a correction acceptable to the parties involved.

The importance of a septic inspection.
If the house has a private septic system it should definitely be inspected by a professional septic contractor. An improperly functioning system can be a messy health hazard. If you are already working with an agent, ask the agent for names of local, dependable home and septic inspection companies, then contact several companies or visit their company websites to learn what services are offered and to ask about rates. Sometimes yu can arrange to have a septic inspection company present on the same day as the home inspection which makes it easy to attend both inspections. If the septic inspection is scheduled on a different day from the home inspection, you may want to be there. In my state, a records kept of past inspections and pumpings, so you can check on the history of the system before the inspection. Also, if you have a private well and a septic system it is be a good idea to have a water test as well as a septic inspection. In my state, most lenders will require a well test anyway.

The septic inspection should be completed and reported to the parties early in the negotiation process. Both the buyer and the lender have an interest in the operation of the existing system. Occasionally a repair or repacement is necessary. Banks usually won't lend unless the system is good or scheduled to be made good. In my state, a system can be repaired upto two years after title changes to a new owner. How the system is corrected and when is left up to the parties involved. My experience is that lenders will "hold back" an amount equal to one and a half times the estimate for the fix. Once it is fixed, the bill is paid from the held back funds and any excess is distributed according to the agreement between the parties.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

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Plymouth Rock Studios Moves Forward To Construction!

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:10:28 -0600

The Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs has issued an environmental certificateto Plymouth Rock Studios. This is another foundational part of the construction of Hollywood East in Plymouth, MA. The certification came on Friday.

The PRS press release (found here) includes the following information:

"This decision demonstrates that the project will create jobs and establish a clean new industry in the Commonwealth. The Secretary's certificate represents a comprehensive review of the environmental impacts related to the project," said Plymouth Rock Real Estate Investments, President and CEO, Bill Wynne. "This certificate not only allows us to move forward but also validates the measures we have taken to minimize environmental impacts and go the extra step to provide regional environmental benefits through our low impact design and off-site infrastructure improvements."

In the press release The MA Secretary of Energy is quoted as saying that there are over 3,100 jobs being created by PRS at Hollywood East - more than originally reported. Welcome news for Southeastern MA.

If you'd like to learn more about Bill Wynne, he is interviewed in the latest installment of The Series.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

REindex.com, The Site Engine®
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ACORN Could Be Regulating National Banks Soon. What?

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:53:14 -0600

There is a bill in Congress that appears to be intended to create more extensive power for the president. It would establish a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency under the executive branch, with the authority to oversee, review, and police consumer protection laws for financial products and institutions.

The agency's jurisdiction for reviewing financial matters would include mortgages, credit cards, student loans, auto loans, payday loans, and more. It is sponsored by, Mr. Fixit, Barney Frank. There's an interesting kicker in the amendments.

Some who keep a watch on bills in Congress have concluded that a recent ammendment would provide for the appointment of board members from groups like ACORN. The bill doesn't name the controversial group specifically, but this most recent amendment includes language that makes it easy for ACORN like groups to qualify as board members.

The bill is HR 3126 Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act of 2009. It can be read in a number of places, in its entirety, on the Internet. One site that Intrigued me is the Open Congress Site. The bill is linked, referenced, and discussed. Extra information is provided about those who support it and who oppose it.

Proponents comment that something needs to be done. They argue that toasters have to pass more scrutiny than financial products. Financial products can have more impact on families than toasters can. We probably could use more protection in the financial industry, but we already have a few agencies in place don't we?

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

REindex.com, The Site Engine®
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Hollywood East Suggests NEW Businesses for MA! (Joe DiLorenzo)

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:16:48 -0500

When asked what other businesses MA needs to support the studios at Plymouth Rock, he has more than a few suggestions. This is good news for the Massachusetts economy! There are about 2000 initial jobs being created by the construction of the studio. Other businesses have opportunity for growth and development similar to the growth and development of the studios themselves. (By the way, they use a question I contributed, in the interview!)

He mentions CGI, pre and post production companies, and even more sound stages in other parts of the state. The video below mentions Joe's background financial background with reputable organisations like the Boston Celtics (18 years) and his leadership of the 8,000+ member Financial executives international. The organizers and developers of Hollywood East all have very interesting backgrounds. The video below is just one of the videos in a group called "The Series" where the principles and the activities at the studios are being documented.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

REindex.com, The Site Engine®
508-495-1000 reindex@reindex.com
See our 2 Minute YouTube www.REindex.com/WhatIsREindex.html
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A GPS For Social Media Marketing!

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:56:20 -0500

You can buy an ebook for every social media site. You can take every course offered for each social media site. There are tons of social media specialists.

But this article, "10 Small Business Social Media Marketing Tips" by Ross Kimbarovsky is one of the most concise and complete quick lists I have seen. He goes through what the most well known concepts and sites are and how to use them. There is a section under each one for the novice and for the advanced user.

If you need to start a Social Media Map, then this article can be your GPS.

Happy listing and selling!

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

REindex.com, The Site Engine®
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@RealEstateIndex

If You're Planning To Work At Hollywood East, Get Your Waterfront Now

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:50:39 -0500

Now that Plymouth Rock Studios has their $550,000,000 to build the Hollywood East Studios in Plymouth MA, now is the time to secure your east coast privacy! Falmouth MA claims to have more waterfront than any other town in the United States. Private locations with waterfront, are desireable and will probably become moreso as interest grows in the Hollywood East complex.

Right now in Falmouth, there are some wonderful properties that provide views, beach, and privacy for the discerning buyer. Cape Cod has long been known as having some of the best weather in the world for vacationers. Those of us who get to live here in Falmouth year round, know that we actually have pretty good weather all year!

If you are planning to work at Hollywood East, you should get to know the Falmouth real estate market.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

REindex.com, The Site Engine®
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Wordless Wed: Vineyard View (Martha's Vineyard)

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:19:06 -0500

It was a peaceful morning on the Vineyard as I walked by this small fishing shack. It was a short trip to check on a house. There were a few ducks and birds still swimming around that had not gone south yet. The leaves on the Vineyard trees were still changing. They are probably peaking right now. I'll be back on the Vineyard for a class in the afternoon. It wil probably more busy.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

REindex.com, The Site Engine®
508-495-1000 reindex@reindex.com
See our 2 Minute YouTube www.REindex.com/WhatIsREindex.html
@RealEstateIndex

Humor: Republicans and Democrats/Major Media vs Fox

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:50:34 -0500

This is just a joke folks. If it makes you uneasy, ask yourself why.

A pretty little girl named Suzy was standing on the sidewalk in front of her home. Next to her was a basket containing a number of new kittens. In her hand was a sign announcing FREE KITTENS. Suddenly a line of big black cars pulled up beside her. Out of the lead car stepped a tall, grinning man.

"Hi there, little girl, I'm representing President Obama. What do you have in the basket?" he asked.

"Kittens." little Suzy said.

"How old are they?" asked the spokesman.

Suzy replied, "They're so young, their eyes aren't even open yet."

"And what kind of kittens are they?"

"Democrats," answered Suzy with a smile.

The Obama rep was delighted. As soon as he returned to his car, he called the PR chief and told him about the little girl and the kittens. Recognizing a photo op, the two Obama-ites agreed that the president should "appear" the next day, and, in front of an assembled media, have the girl talk about her special kittens. It would be cute and sure to raise any approval rating!

So the next day, Suzy was again standing on the sidewalk with her basket of "FREE KITTENS" when another motorcade pulled up, this time followed by vans from ABC, NBC, CBS and CNN. Cameras and audio equipment were quickly set up, then Obama got out of his limo and walked over to little Suzy.. "Hello, again," he said, "I'd love it if you would tell all my friends out there what kind of kittens you're giving away." "

Yes sir," Suzy said. "They're Republicans."

Taken by surprise, the president stammered, "But... but.... yesterday, you said they were Democrats."

Little Suzy smiled and said, "Yes, of course. But today, they have their eyes open."

That afternoon the story was reported on FOX.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

REindex.com, The Site Engine®
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@RealEstateIndex

Real Estate Is Not A Dirty Job, But These Jobs Are!

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:20:52 -0500

If you think real estate is not easy, watch this! The tv show Dirty Jobs has a YouTube that summarizes some of their episodes. When you're feeling overwhelmed, watch it and be grateful! Some people work in far more dificult jobs. I had a good laugh at some of them.

This is an amazing country. There are jobs that go on all the time that are beyond our imagination, until you see them on tv. Then you're kind of moved to comment like the guy on Dirty Jobs, "Well, I guess that does need to be done by someone." I am glad I do what I do though.

I have no affiliatiaon with nor have I benefitted from the producers, actors, reporters, cameramen, network, or workers in this video by placing this link in my blog. I just thought it was funny.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

REindex.com, The Site Engine®
508-495-1000 reindex@reindex.com
See our 2 Minute YouTube www.REindex.com/WhatIsREindex.html
@RealEstateIndex

You Could Be Fined For Endorsing A Product In Your Blog

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:10:49 -0500

Earlier this month, the FTC made a ruling that basically says, if you endorse something in your blog, and you don't disclose how you benefit from the endorsement, you could be fined. And the fine could be up to $11,000! If you don't believe me, here is an ABC story on it. http://www.abcnews.go.com/Business/mommy-bloggers-held-liable-product-reviews/story?id=8764885

So does that mean all Internet testimonials are now the subject of scrutiny? Celebrity endorsements have always been seen as paid for, but they don't have to disclose that in their ads. Does the Internet provide a higher level of trust than other advertising mediums? Or is it that Mr or Mrs Normal Public has become more believable than F. Amos Person endorsements?

Whether the ruling stands or not, if you are endorsing anything or anyone on the Internet, you might consider a statement describing your relationship with it or them just to avoid any problems. For the record - I have nothing to do with ABC, nor with their writers, nor have I received any compensation or reward or even a thank you for linking to the article above. None of my relatives works for ABC, and I thought ABC was just the first three letters of the alphabet. Oh yeah, it's the first three notes, in that song, too! I don't even know who wrote that either and I have no relationship with them, get no royalties, and I am telling my kids to stop singing it!

Whew, that was close.

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

REindex.com, The Site Engine®
508-495-1000 reindex@reindex.com
See our 2 Minute YouTube www.REindex.com/WhatIsREindex.html
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Hollywood (East) Calls For Zombie Videos!

Heath Coker, Real Estate Broker (REindex.com & Cape Group Real Estate) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:50:26 -0500

Halloween is on its way! Hollywood East was hired to make a new music video for a Boston band called the Longwalls. Their video will be published to the Internet on 10/31 to support the song Zombies, after it is shown as a fundraiser. In the video below from The Series on Hollywood East's web site, one of the Hollywood East staffers calls for your videos! "Zombies are the new vampires!"

Heath Coker, Owner of Cape Group Real Estate
www.CapeGroup.com / capegroup@capegroup.com
508-548-8888 Licensed in MA
Its a beautiful day on Cape Cod!
@CapeGroup

REindex.com, The Site Engine®
508-495-1000 reindex@reindex.com
See our 2 Minute YouTube www.REindex.com/WhatIsREindex.html
@RealEstateIndex