Cape Cod: Selling High-End Homes in Vacation Markets with Tia Lilly

Tia Lilly – Cape Cod Waterfront & Luxury Property Specialist

Independent Broker/Owner | $279M+ in Sales | 20 Years Experience | 622 Families Helped
Recognized Thought Leader in Waterfront Real Estate Featured on 8+ National Real Estate Podcasts

ABOUT THIS PODCAST
Going independent in a market dominated by corporate brokerages sounds risky — but for Tia Lilly, it was the only way to deliver the service her clients deserved. In this episode, Ben Brady talks with Tia Lilly, Independent Broker/Owner of Property Cape Cod Real Estate, about building a business in one of America’s most iconic vacation destinations. From navigating the COVID buying frenzy to understanding why short-term rental income isn’t what it used to be, Tia shares what it really takes to succeed in a seasonal, second-home market — and why going independent gave her the freedom to put clients first.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Cape Cod market basics: A resort peninsula where micro-location and water access/usage (beach, pond, boating, deep-water) drive value more than “Cape Cod style,” and the market is heavily second-home/seasonal (Memorial Day–Labor Day).

Post-COVID shift: The frenzy (multiple offers, waived protections) is cooling into a more balanced market with more inventory and longer days on market—more of a recalibration than a price drop.

Rentals + regulation: Short-term rentals remain strong but competitive, with some owners missing projected numbers; Tia supports STVRs with clear guardrails and boundaries so neighborhoods (and agents) aren’t overrun.

Business model + independence: Property Cape Cod was built on buyer agency that turned into a referral-driven seller pipeline (~95% past clients/referrals); she left a big brokerage for marketing control, higher-end presentation, speed, and custom service—anchored by a community-first mission.

What to watch + advice: Expect opportunity in the $800k–$1.5M band; for agents, be clear on your “why,” audience, and plan (or join a like-minded brokerage), keep learning constantly, and for clients, local Cape-specific expertise is essential because every village has different rules and waterfront nuances.

CONTACT INFORMATION

TIA LILLY
Website: PropertyCapeCod.com
Free Resources: Living on the Water’s Edge Guide
Tia Lilly’s magazine
Podcast: Available on PropertyCapeCod.com

BEN BRADY (Host)
Podcast: Rethink Real Estate (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube)

Role: CEO, Harcourts Auctions

Website: harcourtsauctions.com

Facebook: facebook.com/Benbradyharcourts

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517

Instagram: instagram.com/harcourtsauctions

ABOUT THIS INTERVIEW
What an honor to be featured on RETHINK REAL ESTATE! Thank you to podcast host Ben Brady for the thoughtful questions and for giving Tia the platform to share practical insights about Cape Cod’s unique second-home market, the realities of short-term rentals, and why she chose to go independent in a market dominated by corporate brokerages. We hope this conversation provides real value to anyone considering buying or selling on Cape Cod—or any agent thinking about building their own brokerage.

Want more expert insights? Subscribe to Rethink Real Estate on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube for valuable real estate wisdom, or subscribe to be notified when Tia Lilly appears on future podcasts!

View Podcast Transcript Here: https://propertycapecod.com/cape-cod-...

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