Posted by Brian Sullivan on Sat, Aug 14, 2010
Summer 2010 on Nantucket has been spectacular! The weather has been best I can remember in 15 years on island. Making for happy vacationers and generating excitement with buyers of Nantucket Island Real Estate. The real estate market on island had bucked the trends that are taking place in other locations around the United States, it seems a pent up demand and historically low interest rates have motivated buyers in all price points to put deals together. After years of slow activity sellers have adjusted pricing to current market and people are seeing value.
At the time of writing this post there are 68 properties listed having accepted contracts, the number is higher then that because some sellers have instructed their agents to wait for fully executed purchase and sale agreements to mark the property as under contract. There are 495 single family homes listed for sale on Nantucket and 103 Parcels of land. Since the first of the year there have been 162 sales that have closed and are now under new ownership, the average price of these sales is $1,698,702. Compared to the same time period in 2009 there were 92 sales with an average price of $1,789,790. Activity is up significantly!
There have been 15 sales that have closed over $4,000,000 and another 10 that have accepted contracts with an average price of $12,266,700. To see the listings mentioned above that are under contract visit this page.
If you would like to watch the market here are links to all properites on Nantucket with accpeted offers or purchase and sale contracts.
Because the market is fluid and sellers are constantly looking to price correctly to market conditions, in the last 90 days there have been 128 properties that have made price adjustments, many resulting in accepted offers.
If you are interested in property by price you can visit our listings page were I have broken down the market by price point. If you are more interested in location I have also broken down the market by areas of interest.
If at any point you have questions about Nantucket Real Estate, Homes or Land for sale on island, or just things about the island please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to working with you.
Brian Sullivan
Posted by Brian Sullivan on Wed, Jul 28, 2010
Aug 14th Gates Open @ 4
Show starts at 7pm
Tickets Online
The Boston Pops event on Nantucket is one of the greatest events of the year. Almost 5,000 people attend this wonderful event located Jetties Beach a grand stage is set up, great music, last year in 2009 they had a laser show, and the fireworks finally can't be beat even by the 4th of July event.
There are many great ways to enjoy this event here are a few tips from my experience. 
If you want to attend the beach - get your tickets NOW! Remember this event is a fund raiser that supports Nantucket Cottage Hospital.
There are 2 types of tickets;
- General Admission - which means on the beach $30 for adults and $10 for children.
- Pops Reserved Seating - there are 3 levels, and all have reserved seatings. Friend - $600, Patron $1,500 and Benefactor $2,500
Getting to the beach early and setting up a spot is very important, I recommend a few things, drop off people and your heavy things early, send a delegate from your party who is willing to wait it out and hold your space. Things to bring - beach chairs, blankets, coolers with dinner, beverages (No Glass), bug spray, bring plastic ware and paper plates so at the end of the evening your cooler is empty and light to bring home. There is really no parking near Jetties the night of the event, but the NRTA does run special shuttles, here is a link to their website. Plan ahead, know that traffic is going to be bad, unexpected traffic delays can ruin a perfect evening.
There are a bunch of great caterers on Nantucket that do special menu's for the Pops event.
I like Lobster Dinner from Sayles Seafood - order and pick up around 5pm lobster is good cold, but the temp does hold for a long time.
The Dancing Pickle and Fresh Nantucket - both do a great job with food, wine and beer.
I have been enjoying the Pops for the last few years from a boat, this is a great way to avoid the crowds and be comfortable with your own group. If you have your own boat know that this year high tide will be at 4 pm and low is about 945, just as the event ends - Don't get to close and find yourself high and dry at the end of the show. If you don't have a boat, open the phone book and try and find a charter available, there are a handful of fishing boats that could take you to see the event. Its not the best way to enjoy the music but it does make the fireworks very intense.
So these are just a few tips for the Pops on Nantucket. I hope you enjoy the event as much as I have over the years.
If you have been and have tips for anyone reading please feel free to share in the comment section.
Brian
Posted by Brian Sullivan on Thu, Jul 15, 2010
See Nantucket Independent for full report written by Rob Ranney in July 14, 2010 edition.
"If you believed everything you read about real estate on Nantucket, it might certainly drive you mad, too! Generalizations about the ups and downs of any real estate cycle are difficult to make on Nantucket as there are too many “grey” areas. So-called normal real estate models usually do not apply to Nantucket real estate market. It can often take until September or October, or later, to get a feel for how things are shaping up for the year. With the first half of 2010 in the books, what are the numbers telling us about 2010 so far? Let’s take a look.
Looking back over recent years, we see that in the first half of 2009 there were a total of 96 real estate transactions on Nantucket island, as compared to 128 during the same period in 2008 and 193 in 2007. The total dollar amount of real estate changing hands for the first six months of 2009 was approximately $116 million, while in 2008 it was approximately $250 million and approximately $331 million in 2007. By comparison, the number of transactions for the first six months of 2010 was 163, up 70 percent, when compared to 2009. The total dollar volume of those transactions through June 2010 ($246 million), was up 111 percent versus 2009. 2009 seems to have formed the “bottom” at this point, with 2010 numbers, so far, well ahead of 2009’s.
During June 2010, there were a total of 42 transactions, as compared to only 10 in June 2009. In the first six months of 2010, of the 163 total transactions, there have been 96 homes sold on Nantucket, not counting foreclosures, as opposed to only 41 homes sold in the first half of 2009 – a whopping 134 percent increase! Foreclosures and foreclosure related transactions made up approximately 6 percent of the market in 2009, with approximately 25 – 30 foreclosures and foreclosure related sales taking place. This unfortunate statistic continues in 2010, with an estimated 20 foreclosures and foreclosure related transactions, almost double 2009’s numbers, making up about 19 percent of the market so far in 2010.
The average home sale on Nantucket in 2010, is $1.8 – $1.9 million, down 17 percent from the $2.236 million average home sale for 2009. The median home sale for on Nantucket in 2010 is $1.125 million, down 27 percent from the $1.538 million median home sale for 2009. Currently the average and median home sale prices are hovering near “pre-boom” levels, having erased substantial gains from 2005 through 2008.
There were 35 vacant lot sales in all of 2009 on Nantucket island, with an average lot price down 48 percent from 2008, which in turn was down 36 percent from 2007. Vacant land sales started to increase slightly at the end of 2009, a potentially positive sign. However, vacant land sales have slowed once again and as of the end of June 2010, are almost 50 percent less than in 2009. An increase in vacant land sales generally indicates a healthy economic environment, a sign that confidence has returned to the market. In our current market, we are getting strong pre-existing house sale numbers, but continuing weak vacant land sales – a mixed signal as far as market indicators go.
2009 is now the new record holder for the year with the fewest number of building permits being issued since 1972, with a total of 44. Early estimates for 2010, show a continuation of this slow building cycle trend, on par with 2009.
June 2010 was the busiest June since 2006 in terms of overall volume of real estate sales on Nantucket. May 2010 was the busiest May since 2007. On the surface, it appears that we are potentially beginning a “re-bound” of sorts. Foreclosures are still weighing heavily on the market though, and it will still take time for the market to work that out. Overall sales volume and the dollar volume of those sales are both currently up versus 2009, but the average and median sale prices of those sales are down. So, more sales are happening, but at lower prices. We’ve seen some encouraging market indicators of late and hopefully, as confidence returns and takes hold again, we will continue to see them as we go through the second half of the year. Stay tuned.
– A student of the current real estate market, and a licensed real estate salesperson since 1987, Rob Ranney performs real estate appraisals with Denby Real Estate, Inc."
Posted by Brian Sullivan on Fri, Jul 09, 2010
Nantucket has over 55 miles of spectacular beach and they all seem to be a little diffrent. Each has something special and unique, I'll do my best here and expalin some of the highlights as I see them (I'm not a local but I have lived her full time for 15 years, and I try and get to the beach everyday year round).
Nantucket has North shore and a South Shore (East & West too) the South Shore are Ocean beaches all of these have waves and strong current which can make it difficult for young children who are not strong swimmers, the sand on South Shore beaches of Nantucket is finer and softer then most of the North Shore. (See Google Map for locations and brief descriptions)
View Nantucket Beaches Part 1 in a larger map
The North shore beaches of Nantucket are on Nantucket Sound, and the depth change from beach to water is very gradual so these are excellent for children, the water temp here tends to be a little warmer throughout the summer too. Lets move across the North shore and touchbase on some highlights -
- Lets start with Kids - (cuz they are fun) My friend Colton who lives on Nantucket year round and is 4.5 says his favorite beach is Madaket Harbor - because it has baby shrimp, crabs with pinchers that he can catch, lots of cool shells,
- 40th Pole - is a favorite of mine for a full day at the beach, the sand is soft to touch and the setting is Spectacular, you can drive on this beach if you have the proper sticker from the Town, anyone can get a sticker you just need to visit our local police station and pay for one, I believe they are $100. I like to pack the car with everything including the BBQ and plan to stay at this beach for more then a half day, it is espeically nice for sunset, actually one of the only places on the East Coast of the United States you can watch the sunset into the ocean unobstructed by any land - pretty cool. It can be very busy here on a really nice summer day so plan to get there before 1pm to get set up.
- Dionis Beach - Very similar to 40th but no cars, there is parking close so this beach is easy to go to for just a few hours or a quick swim, often not too busy but will have some crowds on a hot summer day. There is a bicycle path that leads to Dinios Beach so a nice spot for an adventures family.
- Water Tower Beach - I can't tell you much becuase this one is my favorites and I don't want to see too many crowds there. If you buy property on Nantucket from me (I promise I will show you this beach in person!).
- Steps Beach just off Linclon Circle, just a few minutes out of Downtown, this beach is similar in sand, water and experience as the others mentioned great spot to watch sunset and one of the best locations on Nantucket to see the 4th of July fireworks, but go early and don't plan on parking close, best to park and walk.
- Jetties Beach - Jetties is very popular, it has one of the largest parking lots on island, it is the closest large beach to Historic downtown Nantucket, there is a restaurant serving lunch and dinner (great place for kids), very easy atmosphere. There are rest rooms, a "beach shop", and a childrens playground. The sand on this beach is course and there are lots of shells so its important to have your "summer feet".
- Hulbert Ave - Not a great place for hanging at the beach, but to watch boats com in the harbor or for the scalloping in the Fall in this location is excellent, fly fishing here at low tide for striped bass in low light (sunrise or sunset) is also excellent.
- Monomoy beach in the harbor, again not a great beach to hang for a day at the beach - but (BUT - thats a big but) its really nice at low tide to go exploring to see sea creatures, birds and more. At high tide in low light it is another great Nantucket fishing spot. (one last secret - shhhh - this is an excellent spot to watch the 4th of July and the Boston Pops fireworks from the distance without the crowds.
I wanted to get this blog post about the beaches on Nantucket up, I realize there is more to describe, so part two will come. Until then see the map and click the thumbnails for a breif bio on each Nantucket beach.
Hope to see you out there, and if you want to know which Nantucket beach is best for your family for a Nantucket vacation rental or which one to purchase your Nantucket home on or near, please contact me.
Brian
Posted by Brian Sullivan on Sun, Jun 27, 2010
The fourth of July is coming everywhere fast I'm so excited to be on Nantucket because it is so special here. There is nowhere in my
travels around the United State that I have found a place I enjoy the 4th of July more then on Nantucket! There area lot of things happening on Nantucket; from family BBQ's, day on island beaches, Town sponsered fireworks, and my personal favorite the Norman Rockwellesc waterfight on Main Street that includes dualing fire trucks, face painting, watermelon eating, kids bike parade and more. Below I am listing a calender of events for fun activities for you and your family on Nantucket over the 4th of July.
Looking at Real Estate on island with Brian Sullivan - 508 414 1878 (as of time of this blog post I have time on Fri 2nd, Sat. 3rd& Mon 5th; will be with client on 4th most of morning).
July 2 - Quarter Hour Organ Concert. 12:15 - 12:30 PM. Organist Marcia Hempel plays a historic 1831 Organ. Free! Unitarian Church, 11 Orange St. www.unitarianchurchnantucket.org. 508-228-5466.
July 2 - Summer Small Works Exhibition. 6 - 8 PM. Spotlight works by Tine Kirkland Graham. Artists Association of Nantucket, Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery, 19 Washington St. www.nantucketarts.org. 508-228-0294.
July 2 - The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit. 7:30 -9 PM. Lucette Lagnado, author & Wall Street Journal reporter will speak following services. Congregation Shirat HaYam, Unitarian Church, 11 Orange St. www.shirathayamnantucket.org. 508-228 6588.
July 3 - Saint Mary's Summer Fair. 9 AM - 2 PM. Children's activities, silent auction, white elephant, jewelry, raffles, food. Saint Mary's/Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church, corner of Federal & Cambridge Sts. 508-228-0100.
July 3 - Rafael Osona Estate Auction. 9:30 AM. See listing June 26.
July 3 - at 8 am Firecracker 5 K Road Race sponsered by Nantucket Health club takes place on - here is a link to entry form
July 3 - Farmers market takes place on Sat. morning and is located between the Post office and St. Marys church just of Federal Street these events take place every Sat and are sponsered by Sustainable Nantucket
July 3 - Independence Day Activities on Main Street. 10 AM - 12 PM. All activities are free! Dunk tank, watermelon & pie eating 
contests, face painting & puppets. Sponsored by Parks & Recreation Commission. 508-228-7213. Waterfight is the BEST - so much fun. Main Street is shut down a fire truck parks at each end of the street and the waterfight begins, bring dry clothes for after the fight there is NO 
avoiding getting wet! Other events like facepainting, watermelon eating, and bike parade begin at 10 am on Main Street - Waterfight starts at Noon.
July 3 - Win a Kite for 4th of July! 10 AM - 6 PM. Enter to win a Nantucket Kite! Nantucket Lite Candle & Soap Co., 14 So. Water St. www.nantucketlite.com. 508-228-8494.
July 3 - Movie Night. 8:30 - 10 PM. Movie: 
Where the Wild Things Are. Nantucket Dreamland Foundation, 17 So. Water St. www.nantucketdreamland.org. 508-332-4822.
July 3 & 4 - Summer Used Book Sale. 10 AM - 2 PM. Thousands of books, DVDs, CDs & audio books in all genres. $2 hardcover, $1 paperback. Nantucket Atheneum, Garden, 1 India St. www.nantucketatheneum.org. 508-228-1110.
July 3 - 10 Stone's Artifacts. Times TBA. Various events to be held during throughout the week! African Meeting House, 29 York St. www.maah.org. 508-228-9833.
July 4 - Fourth of July Fireworks. 9 PM. www.nantucket-ma.gov/visitor. 508-228-0925.
Fireworks at Jetties a classic event everywhere in America, but no better place then on the beach on Nantucket!
I suggest that you get there early, parking is difficult and setup is tuff. Pack a dinner and have a picnic, my personal favorite is 2lbs lobster dinner from Sayles Seafood - Call early like (10am) and set a pick up time they get incredibly busy!
July 5 - Free Concert. 5 - 6 PM. Free Summer Concert Series! Nantucket Dreamland Foundation, 17 So. Water St. www.nantucketdreamland.org. 508-332-4822.
July 5 - Author Talk: Linda Greenlaw - Seaworthy: A Sword Boat Captain Returns To The Sea. 8 - 9:30 PM. A narrative about setting your own terms & finding true self between land & water. Nantucket Atheneum, Great Hall, 1 India St. www.nantucketatheneum.org. 508-228-1110.
Also stay tuned and check out whats on PlumTV they are always listing activites and events you can see them when you are on Nantucket on Channel 22 or by visiting PlumTV.com
And I can't finish this post without a quick note on fishing around Nantucket. The action is great for all speices; Bass, Blues, Scup, Tuna, Fluke and more can all be caught off Nantucket. If your with small kids check out the Critter Cruise (GREAT time for Kids! - Well done Josh!) or go headout for a longer trip on Monomoy Charters, check out his websites and call to book!
Thanks for checking in with me at www.Nantucketrealestateagent.com and looking at things to do on Nantucket over the 4th of July, please leave your favorite things to do on Nantucket in the comments section and pass on to your friends.
- Brian
Posted by Brian Sullivan on Fri, Jun 18, 2010
Wonderful Nantucket Vacation Rental home that was originally built in 1887 this historic house was first renovated as a part of the PBS show "This Old House" in 1996. Is available for the first two weeks of July 2010.
First floor: formal parlor, formal dining room, guest bedroom with queen bed and full bath. Kitchen with granite counter tops, double oven, gas range and tiled backsplash. Family room with fireplace opening onto screened in porch overlooking private swimming pool,spa,waterfalls and beautifully landscaped yard. There is also a brick patio with picnic table dining for 16. The first floor has 1.5 bathrooms. 
Second floor: Exercise area with cathedral ceiling and sofa bed, ladder to loft, 2 bedrooms, spacious full bath. Master bedroom with dressing area which includes a home office area, cathedral ceiling, a full bath with jacuzzi and separate shower.
Third floor: Loft with children's sleeping area. There is fifth private bedroom just across the court yard above the garage with a full bath and kitchenette was added in 2004.
Contact Brian for more details, or to book this home for your Nantucket Summer vacation.