Dear Cape Friends,
If you’re new here - welcome! If you’ve been with me awhile, you already know: Christmas on Cape Cod hits different. Each week I share Cape Cod real estate with a side of humor, common sense, and a splash of salt air – This week its slightly more personal…
Every Christmas, without fail, I look forward to watching It’s a Wonderful Life. A timeless holiday tradition, and a personal favorite of mine. (If you haven’t seen it in a while, take the time to sit down and watch it again. I can promise that it won’t disappoint. More importantly, it has a way of quietly reinforcing some of life’s most important lessons).
I’ve loved this movie for as long as I can remember: Jimmy Stewart, black-and-white film, that slower, more thoughtful era. And a message that seems to resonate a little more each year.
At its core, the film isn’t about money, success, or even owning a home. It’s about people. About community. About realizing- sometimes only after life throws a curveball (or two)- that what really matters are the relationships we build and the way we show up for one another. How even ordinary lives can have an extraordinary impact.
As I mentioned recently in an earlier newsletter (before Thanksgiving), that message has felt especially close to home. Like George Bailey, many people quietly carry more weight on their shoulders than the world ever sees. The film is a reminder that even in difficult times, there’s a greater “purpose” at work - even if it’s not immediately clear.
As many of you know, (and without going into detail), my wife is facing a very serious health challenge which unexpectedly came out of nowhere. It’s been humbling -and a powerful reminder of just how much we should be thankful for in our lives: family, friends, faith, and the kindness of others.
I spent a lot of time talking about homes, values, market conditions and more... But moments like this remind me that a home is never just square footage or a price per foot. It’s where life unfolds. Where holidays are celebrated, and memories quietly accumulate over time.
Here on the Cape, homes aren’t just assets. They’re anchors. Places that hold stories, generations, and community together- especially during the quieter winter months, when the Cape feels most like itself. Places where neighbors still wave, conversations still happen, and community still means something real.
So as Christmas approaches, I’m choosing to pause and give thanks - for this wonderful community, for meaningful work, and for the simple things that matter most.
From my family to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, a peaceful holiday, and health and hope in the year ahead.
On Friday – Yes, the day after Christmas – I will be at my favorite weekly spot – the Chatham Perk. Please swing by and enjoy what I believe is the very BEST coffee in town. As always, it’s on me (I’ll have some eggnog and some Baileys Irish Cream on hand – but keep that between us) 😅
See you around the elbow,
Paul
P.S. If you ever want a thoughtful, no-pressure conversation about what this evolving market means for your home, I’m always here - just common sense and a local perspective. And if you’re starting to think about buying or selling, PaulBorde.com is always a good place to browse listings, catch past newsletters, and stay current on the market (and - if I may say so - revisit a few Pulitzer Prize–level past updates).