The real estate market has seen a surge in vacation home purchases, especially as more and more workers can be employed from any destination with internet access. As a result, typical coastal markets such as the South Shore, Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard are seeing an inventory deficit. In a conversation with South Shore Lead Agent, Katie Gerstel, we learned a bit more about the activity she’s seeing in her area.

Suz & Co: To help frame the conversation, what are the areas that you serve?

Katie: I’m based in Marshfield now and spent my childhood in Duxbury, so I am rooted in the South Shore market. Over the years, I’ve built up relationships with clients and partners on Cape Cod as well, so my territory has expanded south.

Suz & Co: What have you seen happening in that market, as summer and extended vacations approach?

Katie: We’re seeing lower inventory than in recent years, with high demand as people migrate away from other markets. The Cape has seen an influx of buyers from the mid-Atlantic states and southern New England, which is actually making it harder for permanent residents, such as infrastructure workers, to find new homes or even long-term rentals. It’s definitely a busy market on the South Shore as well, but homebuyers don’t always realize that the South Shore offers a similar feel and vibe as the Cape, without having to cross over a bridge. Waterfront property in Marshfield, Duxbury, Scituate, and Plymouth is just as beautiful and can be more convenient!

Suz & Co: Is this the case in the South Shore market also?

Katie: Like most places in New England, the South Shore market is still suffering from lower inventory, but we are starting to see more and more homes hit the market, which is encouraging for buyers. I'm finding that a lot of buyers are being told they can continue to work from home and not have to work in the city. This allows buyers to look in coastal towns further outside of Boston, resulting in finding larger homes and bigger yards while still living in a beautiful seaside community.

Suz & Co: We love the South Shore! Tell us about some of your favorite things to do, as a long-time resident.

Katie: There is so much to do here! This list could go on and on, but here are a few that come to mind first:

• We have seen a surge of outdoor dining options, which is so refreshing. A local brewery, Stellwagen in Marshfield has a fantastic outdoor space.

• The Levitate Music & Arts Festival at the Marshfield Fairgrounds in July has become a local tradition. And people come from miles and miles away to check out the Marshfield Fair in August. We also have a LobsterFest in September every year which is really fun.

• There are countless outdoor activities – everything from the beaches to hiking or taking a class in boating or ocean swimming. My daughter is attending a surfing camp this summer!

Suz & Co: A lot of people have heard of the South Shore’s famous bar pizza – and that Poopsie’s (yes, you read that right) is the best place to get it. What other hidden gems have you uncovered?

Katie: As I mentioned earlier, outdoor dining has evolved recently. The Levitate Backyard Rexicana is a great spot to enjoy cocktails, tacos and live music outside at picnic tables under string lights. At Liv, parents can enjoy eating while older kids play in the skatepark and playground that are located in the same parking lot. At The Point in Brant Rock, it’s nice to enjoy fresh fish while sitting outside and watching the boats coming in. A similar vacation-like immersive experience can be had at Roht Marine, watching boats come and go on the North and South Rivers. A great place to go for oysters and drinks is the Raw Bar at Island Creek Oyster Farm in Duxbury.

Suz & Co: We’ve heard that boating is a big activity, unsurprising since you’re on the water.

Katie: Yes! Boating and fishing are big industries in this area. There are a lot of marinas and opportunities to learn water sports and activities; there are even courses on how to swim in the ocean. The fishing industry is well-rooted here as well, with local fisherman supplying many of the area restaurants with their fresh catches.

Suz & Co: Do you have favorite outdoor leisure activities?

Katie: Harbor Park & Peter Igo Parks in Marshfield are two of our favorite places to go. Harbor Park, where you can grill dinner while watching the fishing boats return to harbor, features sidewalks that connect to Brant Rock. Peter Igo Park offers lots of outdoor activity options, from tennis and bocce courts to basketball and a fishing dock. Duxbury Beach is loved by all around here and you have to check out Scituate Harbor and Plymouth Center to experience the essence of the South Shore. Outdoor sports like sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding (and yoga on paddle boards!) are popular activities. We have beautiful golf courses down here that are home to a number of notable and charitable golf tournaments.

Suz & Co: On the business side again, what are the typical house styles you see in this region?

Katie: We have a wide range of architectural styles, so there is something for everyone! We have New England colonial style homes, Cape Cod styles, modern farmhouses, beach bungalows and cottages, and shingle style homes.

Suz & Co: For any of our readers who might be thinking about buying a beach vacation home, is there a “right” time to buy?

Katie: To be honest, the best time is now, in the spring and early summer, when you can see the property the way it’s intended to be used.

If you’re interested in learning more about the South Shore and Cape Cod or checking out some properties in the area, reach out to Katie at 781-589-2826 or katie@suzandco.com.