Let's Talk Real Estate

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