The National Association of Realtors recently released their 2011 3rd Quarter Housing Report. In the report, they showed that combined sales of single family homes, condos and co-ops increased in EVERY state as compared to the 3rd quarter of 2010. Is this a good sign for the future of the real estate industry? We sure hope so! Here are the state-by-state numbers. …Continue Reading

You may ask “How can we show respect to our Veterans?” Just 2 words would be a good place to start. THANK YOU!

PAUSE TO REMEMBER: The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month refers to Veteran’s day. It was also when World War 1 ended (November 11, 1918). Veteran’s day moment of silence is at the that very hour, saluting all veterans.

honor \Hon”or\, n. [OE. honor, honour, onour, onur, OF. honor, onor, honur, onur, honour, onour, F. honneur, fr. L. honor, honos.] [Written also honour.] …continue reading

Most people get it backwards. They shop for a home, THEN, they try to structure the financing for it. They make the emotional decision of buying the home of their dreams, THEN, try to apply logic in how they pay for it. Many even go “online” and play with what is affordable by underwriting standards without TRULY considering their future.

I am always fascinated by mortgage underwriting “standards” when they don’t even take into account some very large variables that affect an applicant’s cash flow, and thereby, their ability to repay the loan or maintain a lifestyle they want: …continue reading

13,780 Homes Sold Yesterday

To all of you that have declared the real estate market dead…YOU’RE 100% WRONG! We all know that home sales are down considerably from where they were at their peak in the mid 2000’s, but it’s certainly not dead. Unfortunately, the media preaches every day about how bad the real estate market is and they’ve brainwashed some of us into believing it’s true… continue reading

GREAT NEWS for Maine homeowners and renters. There’s no question that many Mainer’s are enduring difficult financial times. A little relief is on its way. Many Maine homeowners and renters are now able to take advantage of the Maine Circuit Breaker program, which allows a refund of up to $1,600.

To qualify for the refund, taxpayers without a spouse or dependents must have a 2010 income of $64,950 or less. Taxpayers with a spouse or dependents must have a 2010 income of $86,600 or less to qualify. …continue reading

“I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.”

I’ve compiled a list of fireworks schedules for southern Maine! I thought it might save you time searching the web!

Wishing all our friends and family a safe and happy holiday weekend! …continue reading

We attempt to keep you abreast of the housing market. When will demand for housing return to historic averages? What impact will foreclosures continue to have? Where are interest rates headed? There are no simple answers to any of these questions. However, the most difficult question to answer seems to be: Where are home prices headed? Yesterday, we read two vastly different opinions on this issue… continue reading

In 1996, a humanitarian organization based in Washington, D.C., known as ‘No Greater Love’ conducted a survey on children and asked them why do they think there is a holiday on Memorial Day. It was agonizing to hear their remarks that were all associated with barbecues and extended weekend parties and celebration, while they hadn’t the vaguest idea about the sacrifices of the soldiers in whose honor it is celebrated. One of the children was even quoted as saying that this was the day when swimming pools open!

Thus, the organization came up with the idea of ‘National Moment of Remembrance’ to remind and especially, let the future generations know about the real meaning of the holiday. … continue reading

For those of you who are curious about the latest housing trends throughout Maine. Here are some interesting statistics as of April 11, 2011. Maine Association of REALTORS® Regional Sales and Price Activity Maine Association of REALTORS® Median Price Percent Change in Price from Prior Month Percent Change in Price from Prior Year Total # [...]

Home prices have receded to those prior to the boom, most sellers are highly motivated to sell and interest rates are nearly the lowest we’ve seen in over 40 years. Unfortunately, buyers seem to be holding back, hoping that prices will continue to drop and they’ll be able to catch prices when they hit the bottom

People tend to want to buy based on “price” when they should be buying based on the overall “cost”. I’ll explain…The other major factor that folks must take into consideration when determining when to buy, are the interest rates at the time of purchase. A small hike in mortgage interest rates can have a dramatic impact on your monthly “cost” of homeownership, even if home prices dipped. continue reading