Real Estate Information Archive
Blog
Displaying blog entries 141-149 of 149
August in Maine is tranquilizing!
August is Maine is a treat that many visit here for. Those of us who live here need to remember to enjoy it! We have gotten out on Casco Bay quite a bit this summer on our boat. Since we keep our boat moored right off our neighborhood dock in the Seabourne Association in Yarmouth it is only a short stroll down the street to our beautiful waterfront. Many of our neighbors have kayaks or dingey's right on the dock. We all enjoy immediate access to numerous small islands.
Last week we visited French's island. We pulled in to the little protected cove set out our anchor and rowed in in our dingey to explore. There is a lovely little sandy beach. Afterwards we picnicked on our boat before heading back cruising along between Little John island and Cheabeague island.It was quite choppy and we were glad to arrive back at our home dock and get our boat back on the mooring.
Several days before that we headed out to Jewell island which is the farthest island out in Casco Bay. It is rewarding to make the effort. When we reached the little protected cove we found an anchoring spot quickly. Swimming was delicious! There are 2 world war 2 lookout towers to climb on Jewell, and the views are stunning!
Real Estate Statistics
From January 1, 2006 - June 30, 2006 to January1,2007-June 30, 2007
County | #Units sold 2006 |
#Units Sold 2007 |
% Change | MSP 2006 |
MSP 2007 |
%Change |
Statewide | 6449 | 5637 | -12.59% | $194,500 | $195,000 | 0.26% |
Cumberland | 1618 | 1480 | -8.52% | $249,900 | $249,900 | 0.00% |
Existing home sales declined slightly from May to June, according to a recent report by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Even so, prices increased slightly during the month as inventory levels reduced. The overall national market for existing homes slowed 3.8 percent in June. NAR has revised its existing home sales forecast but still anticipates 5.75 million units to be sold in 2007.
The thirty year conventional, fixed rate mortgage has risen to a national average of 6.66 percent in June, compared to 6.26 percent in May. This is close to the 6.68 percent available in June 2006. Despite this increase, NAR president Pat Combs explains that today's buyer has a lot of opportunity. "You really need to consult with a knowledgeable real estate professional about local market conditions," she said. “Experience is one way REALTORS® add value to the real estate transaction, and a reputable agent is your best resource to navigate the current market, whether it's moving up or down."
|
June statistics for existing homes were lower across the country. Northeast home sales fell 7.3 percent while homes sales in the Midwest increased 2.8 percent. The Western region saw a decline of 6.8 percent during this time, and sales in the South eased 1.7 percent.
Coming soon New Portland real estate Feb. statistics
multiple offers yesterday
Yesterday we had multiple offers on 1 of our new listings.It proves that if a property is desirable and priced right then it will get action in this marketplace. There are 2 schools of thought on pricing. #1 price it just above market value so you can have some negotiating room and #2 price it right at market value and it could generate multiple offers that ultimately net you more in the end. That's it for now. Hope the storm in Maine today does not do any damage.
Realtor for "The Family"
Yesterday I showed an excellent property to the mother of some past clients. It is a very comfortable arrangement because the level of trust is already there and it is very easy to communicate when the client feels comfortable. I always appreciate these referrals. Last year I helped 3 individual members of the same family all in an 18 month period! My client loved the ranch I showed her, it was right around the corner from her daughter and in an excellent neighborhood. It had all updated systems:new furnace, new windows, new roof and hardwood floors and a fireplace. All it would need would be to spruce up the kitchen and baths. It is a "gem" in the rough. It's amazing the "good" buys that are popping up in this marketplace now.It would also make a perfect investment property. My client plans to rent it until she can move here in a couple years.
Deborah Barouch, Broker/Owner of Barouch & CO. announces Potential Commission Donation to Maine Green organizations.
Deborah Barouch attends World Affairs Councils of America Conference in DC
Last weekend I was fortunate to attend this conference on the middle east. Senator William Cohen was a keynote speaker and there were many other interesting topics and breakout sessions including a delightful evening at the Embassy of Tunisia. We were hosted by the ambassador himself. It is possible he will come to Maine this June to speak at the World Affairs council of Maine in Portland. As Vice-President of the World Affairs Council of Maine, I felt that it was important to attend this year. We also attended workshops that allowed for sharing tips from other WACA organizations about fund-raising and Board dynamics. I was surprised at how many of my fellow attendees at the conference were interested in Maine and retiring in Maine and interested in buying real estate in Maine. Portland, Maine is now in the national spotlight as a trendy new desirable city that is culturally rich with a diversity of offerings. Several weeks ago Portland was written up in USA Today and this generated even more interest.
When we boarded our flight home to Portland, we saw Susan Collins and I was reminded how hard our delegation in Congress works for us.As we flew over Peaks island, my breath was taken away about how beautiful it was with its white snowy edges contrasting to the brilliant blue sea. Home again at last!
Client from D.C. closes on "dream condo"
Yesterday was a happy event. I helped my client close on her dream piece of real estate in the Old Port. She lives and works in the D.C. area and is a scientist with the Smithsonian. She has children in college in Maine and so she fell in love with Portland while traveling through. It will provide a relaxing getaway spot where she can shop, eat in great restaurants and visit childhood friends. It is in a historic brick building and has some views of the harbor. A perfect "pied-a-Terre" in the city. It was very satisfying to experience her happiness.And to get to know her family. As usual we had a number of obstacles to overcome to get to closing and it took hard work and tenacity. But it makes it all Worth it when there is a happy ending.
Displaying blog entries 141-149 of 149