With five months in the books, let's take a look at how the Nantucket real estate market is shaping up so far in 2009:

- There have been a total of 84 real estate transactions in 2009 for a total of $106m (there were 102 transactions at this point last year, for a total of $203m)

- Approximately 20% of the home sold in 2009 were foreclosures, representing about 10% of the total market dollar value (foreclosure sales in 2008 made up about 1% of the total market dollar value)

- The average home sale is about $2m (last year, the average was $2.561m)

- The median home value in 2009 stands at $1.415m (in 2008, the median was $1.775m)

- There have been 9 vacant lot sales this far in 2009, with the average lot price down about 28%

What we are seeing, though, is an up-tick in buyer interest and showings, as real estate investors and savvy home buyers are beginning to re-enter the market looking for deals and taking advantage of still historically low interest rates.

Feel free to contact any Coffin/Sconset Real Estate agent to show you any property on island!

The Daffodil weekend brought an abundance of daffodils and visitors Nantucket Island. The weather cooperated and the festivities were well attended.

The Children’s Parade was Sat morning at Children’s Beach.

Bicycles, wagons, and carriages were directed with a daffodil theme. There also was a Daffy Hat Pageant in the morning. A Daffy Dog Parade followed on Main Street after the car parade. Store windows were decorated and the daffodils were prolific all over the island- blooming everywhere!

The annual Antique Car Parade was well attended and we hope you enjoy some of the pictures on our blog to show off a few! The antique cars line up on Main Street for viewers to enjoy and dream about owning and enjoy the Daffodil decorating and themes. The fire truck leads the cars up Main Street and onto Centre Street and then out to ‘Sconset. Mark Donato, a long time judge, said that the cars and tailgating this year had some of the best showings. Cars line up Main Street in ‘Sconset for viewing and picnicking. Sconset Real Estate was open and the Square was filled with visitors enjoying the day and celebrating the beginning of Spring.  Summer is almost here!

DON’T MISS THE BOAT TO NANTUCKET ISLAND!

Coffin & ‘Sconset Real Estate’s two office locations provide Vacation Rentals from shore to shore on the Island. We can show you any property listing for Sale on the island.

Visit www.coffinrealestate.com to view Rentals & Sales.

More photos…

Although we specialize in Nantucket vacation homes and other property rentals, we have access to and can help you select a stay at any of the wonderful properties owned by Nantucket Island Resorts (”NIR”).  If you are looking to come out for less than a week during peak season (July - August), we can guide your search process.  Just get in touch with any of our agents and we’ll be more than happy to help!   Read more about the lovely properties below:

White Elephant & White Elephant Loft

Unforgettably Nantucket

Located alongside Nantucket’s magnificent harbor, this premier Nantucket hotel offers an unexpected blend of island charm and sophisticated amenities. Accommodations include guest rooms, suites, cottages and our signature Loft with 3,000 square feet of space to welcome you, your family and your friends in luxurious comfort. Enjoy award-winning dining at Brant Point Grill, and spa services at White Elephant Spa.

- Condé Nast Traveler Gold List & Readers’ Choice Top 100 U.S. Hotels

White Elephant Hotel Residences
A new style of stay at the White Elephant

A natural extension of the White Elephant hotel, providing a private residential experience. The premier guest rooms and one-, two-, or
three-bedroom Hotel Residences are perfect for a family vacation or an escape with friends. The Hotel Residences’ features include: custom designed pantry with Sub-Zero refrigerator and Bosch dishwasher, a dedicated dining area, gas fireplace, large HD flat screen TVs, and master bath in most with double vanity and soaking tub. All White Elephant amenities and services are available to guests.

The Wauwinet
An Inn by the Sea

Frontage on both the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Bay make The Wauwinet an unmatched vantage point from which to explore Nantucket. Or relax and enjoy the serenity of the island’s only Relais & Châteaux property with its internationally-acclaimed
service and cuisine at TOPPER’S restaurant, and ocean-inspired
spa treatments at The Wauwinet’s exclusive Spa by the Sea.

- Condé Nast Traveler Gold List & Readers’ Choice Top 100 U.S Hotels
- Wine Spectator Award of Excellence

Jared Coffin House
A Charming Historic Inn

The true essence of Nantucket lodging, the Jared Coffin House is a stately three-story 1845 brick mansion in the heart of Nantucket Town. You’ll find the charm of the past complemented by modern day comforts at this historic inn along with Harbor Wok, the island’s only authentic Chinese restaurant. The Jared Coffin House offers a range of room types, many with air-conditioning, so there are accommodations here to meet the needs of virtually any party, large or small.

The Cottages and Lofts at the Boat Basin
Nantucket’s Waterfront Escape

The Cottages and Lofts at the Boat Basin are a unique way to experience Nantucket. Set within Nantucket Island’s magnificent waterfront and
just steps from historic downtown, accommodations include 24 cottages with one, two and three bedrooms, studio cottages–including the new Crow’s Nest overlooking the entire Boat Basin–and five newly renovated lofts. Guests with pets may stay in specially designated Woof Cottages.

Nantucket Boat Basin
Where Sea Meets Land

This 240-slip, full-service marina caters to some of the world’s most discerning travelers. The Boat Basin is just two blocks from Nantucket
Town, a charming, historic seaport with fascinating shops, unique galleries and world class restaurants. Guests at the Boat Basin will enjoy concierge service, 15% off at sister hotel restaurants and spas, and two new programs to reward our special guests: Preferred Guest and Yacht Club Regatta Programs.

Wauwinet is the northern most area of Nantucket (besides Great Point which is only accessible with a permitted, over the sand vehicle) and residents and guests enjoy the privacy and remoteness. 

With access to both the Atlantic Ocean as well as Wauwinet Harbor, when you’re in Wauwinet, you can choose from a myriad of ocean or harbor activities.

Also located in Wauwinet, Topper’s restaurant has been recognized by Zagat’s Survey as being the best hotel restaurant in Massachusetts and has been the recipient of Wine Spectator’s Grand Award since 1996.   

There are a few rental homes in Wauwinet, and the homes for sale start at about $2m (2009).  

Homes and Land for sale	Vacation and Summer Rentals

Tuckernuck and Muskeget Islands, although islands and not technically on Nantucket, are two island off the west coast of Nantucket. 

Tuckernuck is privately owned by the residents and has no paved roads or public utilities.

Unless you know somebody that owns one of the 35 homes on the island, trying to rent on Tuckernuck will be quite challenging.

Muskeget is a low sandy island off the western coast of Tuckernuck.  There are two unoccupied buildings on the island and it is seldom visited as the island is inhabited by an indigenous rodent (Muskeget Vole) and breeding grey seals.

Rarely do properties on Tuckernuck come on the market, but there currently is one property available, which consists of a five bedroom home on seven acres.  It is listed for $3.5m (2009).

Tuckernuck Property for Sale

Downtown is where the hustle and bustle (if you can call it that) occurs on Nantucket.  Home to world class restaurants, shops, galleries and other hidden gems, Town is where the most activity happens. 

You can stop by the newly renovated whaling museum and learn more about the fact that Nantucket used to be the whaling capital of the world.

You can stroll though the Historic District and other downtown streets and marvel at the architectural details that have carried on through the centuries. 

You can venture out on the wharfs and browse the unique and eclectic shops with wares for just about everyone.

We have an enormous selection of rental homes in Town, ranging anywhere from a studio/pied a terre to historic whaling captains mansions and everything in between.

Homes for sale in Town can be purchase for about $1m (2009).

Homes and Land for sale	Vacation and Summer Rentals

Tom Nevers, one of the few area names on Nantucket that did not come from the original Native American inhabitants, is located on the south shore and is well known around Nantucket for outstanding fishing.

Most of Tom Nevers is rather flat, so the views of the rolling meadowlands and natural vegetation delight most who live and rent in the area. 

While there are about a dozen oceanfront homes, most of the homes are inland and are upside-down (living areas on the second floor) to take in the distant water views.

We have simple and rustic rental homes as well as oceanfront compounds.  Homes for sale in Tom Nevers begin under $1m (2009).

Homes and Land for sale	Vacation and Summer Rentals

With a name like “Surfside“, you know it must be fun!  The Surfside area, on the south shore, is one of the most popular areas on Nantucket for beach goers.  More likely than not, if you get to Nantucket, you will at some point get out to Surfside.

Consisting of a few paved roads and many dirt roads, Surfside is a casual and relaxed area with many places to access the beaches. 

There are three main beaches in Surfside:

- Surfside Beach:  At the end of the bike path, Surfside Beach has a parking lot, snack bar, restrooms and is easily accessible to the public.  The seasonal NRTA bus service stops here as well.

- Fisherman’s Beach: Off of Nonantum Ave, Fisherman’s Beach shares the same beach qualities as Surfside Beach, but without the public facilities. 

- Nobadeer Beach:  The one beach in Surfside that allows vehicle access, Nobadeer tends to draw the college aged crowds (with all that entails) along with families that want the convenience of bringing all their gear to the beach.  Located underneath the flight path of the airport, many revel in watching the planes and jets coming and going from Nantucket.

We have a large variety of rental homes with rental rates suitable for just about everyone.  Homes for sale in Surfside begin under $1m (2009).

Homes and Land for sale	Vacation and Summer Rentals

Consisting entirely of the homes on both the water and non-water side of Squam Road, the area of Squam is known for immense privacy and miles of never crowded beaches.  While there is no public parking, if you can make you way out here, you will be rewarded with some of the most serene and spotless beaches on Nantucket.

Many of the old cottages and houses have recently been replaced with sprawling oceanfront compounds with multiple dwellings, pools and tennis courts.

Rentals are scarce in Squam and homes for sale do not come cheap - starting prices are about $4m (2009).

Homes and Land for sale	Vacation and Summer Rentals

There’s a saying on Nantucket that goes: “Twenty is plenty in Sconset“.  While also referring to the speed limit, the saying just about sums up the feeling in Sconset - slow down and enjoy yourself.

Sconset Village is the other ‘town’ on Nantucket, the furthest east you can go.  With a post office, general market, cafe, bistro, package store and a few restaurants, it is entirely possible to spend your entire summer in Sconset without having to travel to downtown, and many people do just that.

Originally settled about three centuries ago as a whaling outpost, most of the 17th and 18th century fishing shanties and cottages remain in their historic delight.  Of course many have been altered and added on to over the years, but the scale and style live on. 

Earlier in this century, seeking privacy and refuge, Sconset was considered an ‘actors colony’ for many of Broadway’s top stars.

Unpretentious and adorable rose covered cottages invoke the sense of other-worldness or a place where time stops…not a bad way to enjoy the summer!

We have many Sconset rental and vacation homes from which you can choose - from quaint cottages to oceanfront estates.

Homes for sale in Sconset can begin at around a $1m, but can quickly escalate to the $1.5m level and above (2009).

Homes and Land for sale	Vacation and Summer Rentals