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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'