May/June 2026 The Cape Cod Anchor
- Meredyth Thomas, Cape Cod
- May 1
- 2 min read
Chatham Lighthouse: The Chatham Lighthouse is an active U.S. Coast Guard station in Chatham, Massachusetts, established in 1808 to guide mariners through dangerous shoals. The 48-foot tower, which is attached to a lighthouse keeper’s house, is managed by the U.S. Coast Guard and always a treasured lookout spot to the ocean for visitors and residents.
MARKET UPDATE
Spring is here! U.S. existing-home sales unexpectedly rose 1.7% month-over-month to a Closed Sales seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.09 million, as lower mortgage rates helped boost buyer activity, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). The Cape continues to be in demand. Average home values in Barnstable County have topped $729,000—a 4% rise. While inventory is slowly improving, it remains low, with homes spending an average of 51 days on the market. Move-in-ready homes are highly sought after, commanding a 20-30% premium over homes requiring renovations.
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just want to understand what these trends mean for your specific neighborhood, I’m always happy to help.
CAPE COD SHOPS
BUOYS ON MAIN
Buoys on Main is a seaside boutique in Harwich Port offering stylish coastal clothing, home decor, and gifts. The shop features curated items including children’s clothing and accessories, with online shopping options available. Every time I visit, I am greeted warmly and find more than I was looking for! Parking in the nearby town lot makes it a very convenient stop even during peak season.
LOCAL EVENTS
May 15-25 Rhododendron Festival—Sandwich, MA
Thousands of world-famous rhododendrons in over 100 varieties offer spectacular blooms to enjoy throughout Heritage. Experience this annual phenomenon, where you’ll find fabulous photo opportunities and special daily activities.
June 2-Oct 6 Nobska Lighthouse Tours
The Friends of Nobska Light open the Museum and Gift Shop and provide tours of the tower. One of my favorite Cape spots! It marks mile one of the Falmouth Road Race. https://friendsofnobska.org
June 13 Cape Cod Baseball League Opening Day
The Cape Cod Baseball League is one of the nation’s premier summer leagues for elite college players, showcasing top talent from across the country. Founded in 1885, the league has become a celebrated Cape Cod tradition offering a glimpse of future Major League stars.
Did you know?
My alma mater, Boston University, is home to Nickerson Field—and there’s a Cape Cod connection! The field is named after William Emery Nickerson, an engineer and inventor known for his work with Gillette and a trustee of BU who helped fund its early athletic facilities. Even more locally meaningful, he was born in Provincetown and was a descendant of William Nickerson, the early settler credited with founding Chatham, Massachusetts. A great reminder of how Cape Cod history reaches far beyond the shoreline! Nickerson's hobby was genealogy, and The Nickerson Family Association he founded in 1897 remains active today.
Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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