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The low inventory of homes for sale and the high demand for Maine’s lifestyle continues to drive real estate sales and values into the double digits.  According to Maine Listings, 1,965 single-family existing homes were sold in November, which is an increase of 31.17% compared to November 2019.  Home values also increased 20% to a median sales price (MSP) of $270,000.  Residential real estate activity in Maine is strong.  In most markets across Maine, Realtors are reporting multiple offer situations for move-in ready listings. The increased competition for historically low inventory of available homes is resulting in price appreciation.   Year-to-date sales are 7.9% ahead of the comparable time period of January through November for 2019— Maine’s best year ever.  One-third of November’s sales involved out-of-state buyers, compared to one-fourth during November of 2019.

Maine’s real estate sales were up 26.88 %  in October 2020 compared to October 2019.  According to the Maine Association of Realtors, 2,341 single-family existing homes were sold by Realtors last month and the median sales price for homes sold reached $280,000, a 24.50 %  increase over October 2019.  January through October 2020 sales are 5.6 %  ahead of the comparable time period for 2019—Maine’s best year ever.  Buyers are plentiful across Maine and they are facing a sustained tight supply of for-sale inventory.  This supply/demand imbalance, combined with historically-low mortgage interest rates, is resulting in increased competition and price appreciation. Maine’s lower incidence of COVID compared to the rest of the country, plus the increase in tele-working, has resulted in out-of-state buyers adding to the demand for Maine homes.  Historically, about 25 %  of monthly home purchases in Maine are by out-of-state buyers; during October, that number was 36 % . 

With the holidays  coming at you fast and furious, you want to be sure your home is cozy, but with that  fresh-as-spring feel  — as opposed to that musty-damp-winter feel. Here's how to make that happen (along with a few other timely tips): #1 Wash Bed Pillows You love your trusty, old, perfectly-snugged-to-your-head pillow. But guess what's also snug against your head?  Fungus — 4 to 16 species to be precise. Yuck! W ith fall being the height of guest season, you'll want your pillows fresh, too.  Toss them in the washing machine and dryer for an all-over clean feeling. (But check manufacturer advice, too. Some pillows shouldn't be washed, but replaced instead. #2 Clean the Mattress, Too Sleeping soundly gets even better when you know you're lying on a clean and fresh mattress. The yuck factor: Skin cells and sweat get into the mattress, then dust mites show up for a dinner party featuring those tasty skin cell morsels. You'll want your mattress to be at it'

The temps are starting to drop; the smell of wood smoke is in the air.   Temps are more chilly than warm. That's when veteran homeowners know it's time to do these six things if they want to avoid grief or overspending: #1 Buy Appliances Do whatever it takes to get your old appliances to wait until fall to go on the fritz. Manufacturers bring out their latest models during the fall, and store owners offer big sales on appliances they want to move out — like last year's most popular dishwasher. So September, October, and November are great months to buy. But October is right in the middle — when there's still plenty of selection, and retailers might be more willing to haggle. Refrigerators are the exception since new models don't come out until spring. #2 Switch the Direction of Ceiling Fans Most have a switch to allow the  ceiling fan blades  to rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise — one way pushes air down to create a nice breeze and the other sucks air up,

Sales of single-family existing homes increased 22.78% in September 2020 compared to September 2019. According to Maine Listings, the median sales price for homes sold in September 2020 rose 19.56% to $273,500, compared to September 2019.  January through September 2020 sales increased 2.6% compared to January through September 2019 — Maine’s best year ever!   Demand is strongly affected by historically-low mortgage interest rates combined with the allure of Maine’s quality of life and response to COVID-19, resulting in historically lows in the supply of for-sale properties. With more buyers than sellers, most markets are experiencing strong competition, faster sales, and increased pricing.  Typically, about 25% of home purchases in Maine are made by out-of-state buyers, and that percentage has increased to around 33%.  In September of 2020, 735 single family homes were purchased by out-of-state buyers, compared to 445 in September 2019. Buyers are anxiously ready and waiting for homes

When the last of summer's heat is a faint memory, and you're pulling out your hoodies more than your shorts, it's time to tackle a few simple chores that'll make winter more pleasant and prevent some nasty surprises next spring. This fall checklist will help: #1 Clean and Stow Your Mower If you’re not familiar with fuel stabilizer, get to know it. If your mower sits for months with gas in its tank, the gas will slowly deteriorate, which can damage internal engine parts. Fuel stabilizer ($10 for a 10-ounce bottle) prevents gas from degrading.Add stabilizer to your gasoline can to keep spare gas in good condition over the winter, and top off your mower tank with stabilized gas before you put it away for the winter. Run the mower for five minutes to make sure the stabilizer reaches the carburetor. Another lawn mower care method is to run your mower dry before stowing it. 1. When the mower is cool, remove the spark plug and pour a capful of engine oil into the spark plug ho

By doing your homework before you buy, you’ll feel more content about your new home.  Most potential home buyers are a smidge daunted by the fact that they’re about to agree to a hefty mortgage that they’ll be paying for the next few decades. The best way to relieve that anxiety is to be confident you’re purchasing the best home at a price you can afford with the most favorable financing. These seven steps will help you make smart decisions about your biggest purchase. 1. Decide How Much Home You Can Afford Generally, you can afford a home priced two to three times your gross income. Remember to consider costs every homeowner must cover: property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and community association fees, if applicable, as well as costs specific to your family, such as day care if you plan to have children. 2. Develop Your Home Wish List Be honest about which features you must have and which you’d like to have. Handicap accessibility for an aging parent or spe

Did you know that most land uses within 250 feet of Maine's rivers, wetlands, lakes, the ocean, and within 75 feet of certain streams are subject to the regulation of Maine's Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act.?  The law protects water quality, limits erosion, conserves wildlife and vegetation, and preserves the natural beauty of Maine's shoreland areas. What are considered shoreland areas? All land within 250 feet of the high-water line of any pond over 10 acres, any river that drains at least 25 square miles, and all tidal waters and saltwater marshes. All land within 250 feet of a freshwater wetland over 10 acres. All land within 75 feet of streams that are an outlet of great ponds or streams below the confluence of 2 perennial streams. The municipalities must map these areas and establish districts or zones within these areas for protected districts and residential, commercial or mixed-use districts. Responsible Development  Development that is too close to the shor

Real estate sales in Maine continue on a healthy, highly-positive direction. According to Maine Listings, the value of single-family existing homes jumped 17.39% comparing August 2020 to August 2019, reaching a median sales price of $270,000. The MSP indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less. Home sales increased 1.31% from last August. Maine is experiencing an historically low supply of homes for sale, 40% below a year ago. Demand is being fueled by all-time low mortgage interest rates, Maine households moving within the state, and an increase in out-of-state buyers seeking Maine’s quality of life and safety.  In August of 2020, Maine had 707 single family homes purchased by out-of-state buyers. In August 2019, that number was 482.

An insurance score is a credit-based statistical analysis that helps predict a consumer’s likelihood of filing an insurance claim in the future. It is not a measure of a consumer’s ability to borrow money.The insurance score is one of the primary determinants in how much monthly premium a consumer will be assessed. Why do insurers use credit?  Scores help streamline the decision process, so policies can be issued faster and at an appropriate price to the consumer. What variables are used to create an insurance score?  It is calculated based on your credit score, your accident history, and your insurance history. When you apply for auto insurance, insurers will calculate your rates based on a number of factors — including your age, ZIP code and the make and model of your car.  Some credit variables that are used include: outstanding debt ratio, new credit activity, types of loans, payment patterns, public records and past due amounts.  How are insurance scores used?  Decisions