Falmouth, MA

Have you ever wondered where the 40B (low income) developments are in Falmouth. The list below was provided to real estate professionals recently. The list includes the developer/applicant, acreage, zoning information, number of units, etc.

Some people don't want to be in or near a 40B subdivision. Their perception is that a 40B development is like the infamous "projects" so many cities have. But, this is not correct.

A 40B project is known as a "low income" development. This is not the same as Section 8 income assistance. In a 40B development, 25% of the properties for sale are made available to buyers who have an income below the average for the area. Those buyers still have to qualify for a loan, with good credit, an income, etc., but they are given a "break" on the purchase price of their property. Often, the discounted properties also have deed restrictions relative to when the buyer can re-sell and sometimes even what profit they can make.

If you have questions about 40Bs and how they affect your property in Falmouth, send us an email capegroup@capegroup.com.

Here's the list.

Best wishes, Heath

(While this information is specific to Falmouth, MA, a smart investor will take note and include the information as they research property in other locations.)

In the town of Falmouth, we occasionally have property for sale with "Accessory Apartments". This means that besides the main residence there is an attached or detached "other" residence on the same property. While there are many Falmouth residences being used as accessory apartments, not all of them are approved by the town.

What does approved have to do with anything? Approved is a protection for tenants, owners, and even lenders. Without town approval, a property may not be able to be insured correctly. This could be a problem for the owner if they need to repair something, it could also be a problem for a tenant if they have a health or safety issue on the property. Lenders want to keep the property in it's best condition, and they don't want complications with insuring a property they are lending on.

The following lists were provided to real estate professionals at a recent meeting with the Town of Falmouth Board of AppealsZoning Administrator, Sari Budrow. This list is from 2007, and it is apparently the most recent completed list that the Board of Appeals has.

If you believe you have an accessory apartment on your property in Falmouth, MA, and you do not see your address on this list, I'd call the Board of appeals and see what you need to do to bring the property into compliance. It could save you some headaches in the future. You can also look at your tax bill to see how your property is described, although the tax department and the other departments do not always communicate well.

Best wishes, Heath

Monday November 23rd 7PM the Falmouth High School faculty and staff will exchange their good reputations for your contributions for to the Falmouth Juniors' Class Fund. It will be held in the FHS Auditorium and all seats are genera admission. Get there early to avoid standing in the back!

Tickets will be available at the door. Admission is either $5 or $4 and a canned good for the Falmouth Service Center. While the Juniors like to support the Falmouth Service Center, they also hope you'll contribute to their class fund which helps with prom and graduation costs. Come see teachers and staff dance, sing and generally make fools of themselves.

All funds collected will go to support the Class of 2011. Donations of food will go to the Falmouth Service Center.

The traditional Powder Puff Football Game between the Junior and Senior girls will be held on Tuesday, November 24th. It will begin at 6:30 PM at the FHS soccer field. There will also be a rally for the Clipper football team at half time of the traditional Senior Junior girls flag football game.

Some students are planning a Tailgate Party to begin at 5PM in the faculty parking lot. In order to hold this event, parent assistance will be needed. Parent volunteers are needed to cook and to oversee student set up and clean up.

Donations of hamburgers, hot dogs, rolls, chips, soda, water, condiments and paper goods are being sought from parents of the kids involved. Gas grills will be needed as well. There will be a sign up in the field house lobby in the main entrance during the FHS Open House on Thursday, October 22 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.

You may also volunteer by calling Deb Werner in the Student Activities Office at 508-540-2200 x3037.

Mercury is a naturally occurring element. It is used in many common items today. Proper disposal of mercury can help us all stay healthier. While mercury is an element, our bodies don't break it down so it can build up and slowly poison humans.

When you replace an old thermostat with a new, more efficient digital one, make sure that the mercury in the old thermostat goes to the proper recycler. When you replace the fluorescent bulbs in your home or office, whether the long tubes or the newer compact versions, make sure that the bulb goes to the proper recycler. Some batteries contain mercury, so put on your glasses and read the fine print before you just throw it in the trash can.

Here in Falmouth, MA, our local recycling center (the dump) has a special place for things that contain hazardous materials. There is a special place for fluorescent bulbs and other things. Proper disposal will help those who come after us. If each of us pays attention on an individual level, the whole of us will benefit.

Some other common items to check for mercury are: thermostats, old switches, old toys, electric organs, pesticides, old cleaning supplies, old laptop computer parts, older car security systems...

Happy listing and selling!