The high-end market on Cape Cod operates on its own timeline. Many of the waterfront homes priced above $2 million are sold prior to being listed on the MLS. Inventory remains tight from Falmouth all the way to Chatham regardless of the season. If a buyer is serious about purchasing in towns such as Osterville or Mashpee, the choice of agent becomes critical to the transaction.
Agents handling the majority of luxury sales
Robert Kinlin, of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, has achieved over $1.5 billion in career sales. His reputation is built upon waterfront estates in every Cape town.
Chuck Tuttle has moved more than $273 million while focusing on Osterville. He deals largely with golf properties and waterfront homes.
Linda Whitcomb was ranked number one in Osterville for 2025. She is currently in the top 1.5 percent of agents across the nation. Her primary work is in the Barnstable, Mashpee, and Chatham luxury markets.
| Agent/Team | Brokerage | Sales Volume | Markets | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Kinlin | Berkshire Hathaway | $1.5B+ career | Cape-wide | Waterfront estates |
| Chuck Tuttle | William Raveis | $273M+ | Osterville, Barnstable | Waterfront, golf properties |
| Linda Whitcomb | William Raveis | Top 1.5% nationally | Osterville, Chatham | Luxury residential |
| Freitas Monteforte | Compass | 7-figure closings | Falmouth, coastal Cape | Coastal, beach properties |
| Kerrie Marzot | Kinlin Grover Compass | 30+ years active | Falmouth, Woods Hole | Upscale buyers |
| Lisa Parenteau | Cape Cod Real Estate | 15+ years | Full Cape | High-end waterfront |
Barbara Corcoran finished 2024 as the top individual producer for Osterville. Her business relies on highly personal service.
Burton & Burton are working within the top one percent of Cape agents. Buyers appreciate their use of detailed data analysis when making seven-figure decisions.
The team at Freitas Monteforte Group pairs the personal feel of a boutique shop with the marketing platform provided by Compass. Livia Monteforte has held a license since 1999. She resides on the Cape throughout the year. This distinction is important for understanding how coastal properties perform in February as opposed to July.
We handle sales of beach homes and waterfronts in Falmouth and the surrounding areas.
Large sales figures appear impressive on paper. However, these numbers do not guarantee an agent knows a specific neighborhood or understands the needs of a client.
Attributes to seek in an agent
Ideally, a buyer finds someone with genuine knowledge of the local market. Connections to off-market listings are also key.
Asking about the number of homes sold in a specific neighborhood over the last 2 years is smart. The luxury market on the Cape is very localized.
A beachfront home in South Chatham attracts a different buyer than a golf estate in Mashpee. This remains true even if the prices are similar.
Waterfront complexities
Transactions involving waterfronts become complicated quickly. Navigating coastal zone regulations and erosion issues is part of the process.
These issues do not exist inland. Data from the Cape Cod Commission indicates that around 60 percent of luxury buyers desire water views. Yet fewer than 30 percent understand the regulatory aspect before submitting an offer. A competent agent explains velocity zones and septic limitations near wetlands while the client is shopping.
This should happen before a contract is signed.
Critical connections
Relationships with local contractors and architects are often overlooked. Such connections become critical when viewing a property that requires work.
Selling a home that needs updates before listing also requires these contacts. Insurance costs change drastically for properties in coastal velocity zones compared to homes located 200 feet inland.
An agent who identifies these factors early is valuable.
The way an agent runs their business affects the experience more than most people realize. This applies whether they are solo or part of a team.
Comparing solo agents and teams
Working with a solo top producer provides direct access to the decision-maker. However, reaching them during the peak buying season might be difficult.
Teams of 2 to 10 people often offer specialized skills. Verifying that the principal is involved is important. Being handed off to junior agents is a risk. Large teams can process transactions quickly. The experience may vary depending on the team member assigned.
| Setup | Works Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Solo agent | Buyers wanting one contact | Availability in July-August |
| Small team (2-10) | Expertise plus quick response | Being shuffled to new members |
| Large team | Speed and resources | Inconsistent service quality |
Kimberley Vitale has served as a top producer for William Raveis since 2003. She mixes solid relationships with current marketing tactics.
Lisa Parenteau has spent more than 15 years specializing in waterfront luxury across the Cape.
At Freitas Monteforte Group, the principals know every property being represented. The backing of Compass technology puts listings in front of qualified buyers from Boston to New York.
Current marketing tools have shifted the landscape of how luxury homes are sold. The process differs from even 5 years ago.
Changes in marketing technology
In 2025, tools such as 3D walkthroughs and drone footage for waterfront listings are standard. Stronger agents use predictive analytics to spot buyer trends. Weaker ones might only look backward at sales data from the previous year.
Properties priced over $2 million have remained robust from 2024 into 2025. Homes with direct beach access are particularly strong. Sale times for luxury homes have dropped nearly 15 percent compared to 2023. Well-priced properties with smart marketing sell quickly.
The connection to Compass gives Freitas Monteforte Group deep knowledge of the Cape. It also provides the reach to locate buyers anywhere.
Great technology and credentials are of little help if the agent does not serve the client's interests. Knowing the red flags is essential.
Warning signs and positive indicators
Red flags
Generic presentations that could describe any town on the Cape should be viewed with caution. An inability to discuss recent sales on a specific street is a warning sign. Pushing to list immediately without properly assessing the property is also concerning. A limited understanding of zoning or coastal regulations presents a problem. Promising unrealistic sale prices without supporting data is another red flag.
Positive indicators
A capable agent comprehends the micro-conditions in a neighborhood. They possess a specific marketing plan for the unique features of a property. Maintaining relationships with other luxury agents for referrals is a positive indicator. Honest discussions regarding both the strengths and challenges of a home are necessary. Evidence of closed sales in the relevant price range is also required.
Agents focusing exclusively on luxury and waterfront homes provide insight that generalists cannot match. Finding a specialist whose goals align with the client makes the process smoother. This applies whether the goal is a year-round home in Falmouth or a summer beach house in Chatham.
Work with Freitas Monteforte Group
We work strictly on coastal and waterfront luxury properties across Cape Cod. Livia Monteforte has been licensed since 1999. She lives here year-round. This provides local insight unavailable from seasonal agents.
We combine that Cape knowledge with international marketing reach through Compass. We understand this coastal market, from Falmouth beach homes to Mashpee waterfront estates.
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