cape ann ma homes

I was thinking of this because right now I have TWO dogs with me in my little house and I'm tripping over them! Insurance companies don't like dogs. Well, they don't like dogs that bite. And some, according to statistics, are more apt to bite than others. There's a "bite list" and if you own a dog or a mix on the list, you could be denied home owner's insurance. Yup. Who knew. Here's the list:

• Husky
• Rottweiler
• Pit Bull aka American Terrier
• Doberman Pinscher
• German Shepherd
• Chow
• Akita

It's the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). For some (about 900,000 people nationwide) it's a way to stay in their homes and avoid foreclosure. Check out the site for info, guidelines, etc. The incentives for investors to become more involved (ie allow more borrowers to participate) have been increased so if you're having trouble making payments and you're upside down in your property, this could provide you some relief. Thanks to dsnews.com for the info.  

I'm a number cruncher. I love data and looking at it from as many directions as possible. (Some say I'm a nerd. Go figure.) I do know it's important to look at where we've been to get a feel for where we're going. 

Hence the table below. It compares the # and median price of single family houses that sold in 2011 vs. 2010 in Beverly, Essex, Gloucester, Ipswich, Manchester and Rockport MA. My conclusions are as follows:  

• Prices in Beverly, Ipswich and Manchester have stabilized.
• Ipswich units are down by 20%. Watch for prices to fall even more. 
• Essex prices and unit sales are very down. Watch for stabilization.
• Unit sales in Gloucester/Rockport are stabil but prices are up 6.6% and 24% respectively.
• Totals for all the communities = stabil stabil stabil. 

Good news I'd say. 

Ever been to the Cape Ann Museum? They have Winslow Homer, Fitz Henry Lane and Walker Hancock work right here in Gloucester. The CAM recently bought the old Moose Lodge property on Prospect St. and are turning it into parking and a park. What an improvement. Shows off city hall, too. 

Well, check out Art Haven on Main St. and the Gloucester YMCA Teen & Camp site on Center St. Both offer more events, projects, concerts, ski trips, art classes, etc. than you can shake a bored kid at.

PS- This Saturday it's annual Buoy Painting time at Art Haven for the Gloucester lobster trap tree, which happens to be across the street.   

As some know, I spent almost the month of October in Nepal hiking (photos at facebookkenny.com). This trip I bought a thanka. It's a spiritual type of painting that I've wanted for a long time. The "right one" spoke to me so I brought it home. Then I needed a framer and a frame. My friend and pro artist Melody Phaneuf recommended George's Frame Shop over on Pond St. Gloucester MA.