Selling A House: 6 Things No Real Estate Agent Can Help You Out With

No home buyer likes a house that smells like a shanty. No matter which part of the neighborhood the property belongs to, there is always a high expectation from the listed Camden Maine Real Estate unit. 

But, there are 6 things that even top real estate agents can help you out with. Read on.

1. Creepy corridors

If your house looks like a recreation of the “Haunted” or “Scream” series, it may not cut the mark with top real estate agents. Poorly lit houses sell at 30% lower rates than the regular market rates. However, things can be improved if you manage to turn the creepiness out of the space.

2. Bathroom that stinks like sewer

Bathrooms require regular de-clogging and cleaning. If you can’t make out the color of the floor and the walls, it is obvious that the house is not ready to go under the hammer as yet. Flooded bathroom, algae growing in the corners and flaking walls reflect the condition of the house. Not good! 

3. Kitchen with oil and grease lined on the countertop

Kitchen countertop witnesses the most gruesome activities in the house. It is subjected to hot water spills, heavy droppings and knife scratches. While it is obvious that the kitchen is not a pretty sight to manage at the end of the day, but that’s exactly what top Bar Harbor ME Real estate agents want the home sellers to do.

4. Leaking sinks and faucets

Plumbing is a major issue that most home sellers find hard to tackle during their stay. Imagine the trouble the buyer has to face. That’s why best Camden ME real estate agents prefer to make a checklist of the plumbing issues riddling the house before listing the house on their website and portfolio. 

5. Old and smelly HVAC system 

To start with, Maine is one of the coldest states in the US. Buyers looking for new home in the region expect the house to feature high-quality HVAC installation with scope for maintenance and repair. However, there can’t be any major change to the wiring layouts, ductwork and outlet systems. This makes the real estate agents stay away from sellers with poor HVAC installations that smell bad.

6. Broken roof and garage 

Real estate agents stay away from the houses that have a broken roof. Depending on the age of the house, the roof may be fixed but it is a costly business. If the house seller intends to sell the house with a broken roof immediately, the margin of profit from the sale is highly very low. 

Top Camden ME real estate agencies help the sellers find the best buyers in the region looking for instant deals. However, the role of the real estate agencies is not limited to just finding you the buyers but goes way forward. One of the most important roles that agents play in Maine is turning your average property into a trendy saleable unit in a matter of weeks, if not days.

5 Things To Ask Your Agent Before Buying A Home in Augusta Maine

To deal with the ever-growing real estate market, buyers and sellers of the property have to be at their best when it comes to awareness and cunningness. How to gain massive traction in a sector where trends and reputation matter a lot? 

To make things easy for you, we bring you 5 ‘clever’ things to ask your Augusta Maine Real Estate agents before buying a house.

1. Why is the house owner selling?

Most prospective Augusta, Maine Real Estate buyers fail to ask this question due to fear of being embarrassed. However, you might always seek cues from the agent on what are the possible reasons for the current seller to come to a situation where he/she has to sell the property. If the real estate agent is reluctant to answer, don’t worry. You can do a little research yourself. The neighborhood around the property is the best place to start with.

2. Is there something the buyer would like to say about the house related to its history or background?

Ask the agent if the house was ever affected by a flood, earthquake, fire or any other calamity or instance in the past. It makes things easy to manage when the buyer actually starts living in the house.

Augusta ME Real Estate agents have to deal with many sellers who have properties in flood plains. Such properties attract buyers from all parts of the country as they are cheap and readily available. Ideal for the tourist vacation homes, these properties can be a ‘trouble’ as well, especially if the area has not submerged under water in last few years. 

3. Is the house/ neighborhood haunted?

Maine is a great place to live. However, many families stick to the city areas in Maine where houses are stacked close to each other. In distant parts of the country, the closest house around the property could be n a radius of 3 miles or more! 

Seek information on the neighborhood of the property. Are there any instances of crime or haunted experiences in the past? 

4. What are the parts of the house that are on sale?

Asking this question can save you from obvious trouble later on. The garden that you see in the front may look attractive to you. What if, the area is not for sale! And how about that lovely garage shed and the anchorage on the lake? Are they part of the sale? Sit with the Portland ME real estate agency and it to make a list of things that the buyer is offering on paper. 

5. How old is the house?

Know the facts and you will know how many owners the house had in the past. Make sure the names are mentioned in the land documents related to the property. Contact each of them to make thing clear before buying. 

Best thing to do is get a real estate agent do it for you. Not only is it effective but also time-saving and smart. However, it all depends on the kind of ‘clever’ questions you ask the agent.

Buying Maine Oceanfront Real Estate Property

Maine is a star-studded destination for new home buyers from different parts of the country and abroad. Thanks to its magical geography and long shoreline, the state greatly appeals to property buyers who are zeroed in on Maine’s waterfront real estate properties.

Here are some things to consider

For all the reasons, Maine oceanfront properties are generally the most expensive in the state.  Also generally, speaking the prices are more reasonable further down the east. You also need to look at the taxes.  Oceanfront property is often assessed at a higher rate.  Maine Companion can help you with the broader decisions before it seeks out an agent for you.

Some popular localities as you begin your search

Bar Harbor, Belfast, Camden, Rockport, Rockland, Boothbay, Freeport, Falmouth, Portland, South Portland, Ogunquit, Wells and Kittery.  There are, of course, countless others.   Indeed, with over150 different waterfront localities to choose from, buyers have a range of options and prices from a few hundred thousand dollars to prices in the millions.

Condos in Maine: The Growing Trend for Millenials

Millenials are helping to change the real estate landscape in Maine and elsewhere. Many see the cost advantages to purchasing these products, lower overhead, less maintenance and often the opportunity to live in a mini-community where kids can play and adults can interact.  Maine is also attractive to millennials by virtue of the outdoor life that can be lived here; the serene shorelines, unobstructed green trails, lakes, all suited to hiking, kayaking, biking, even skiing and lots more.

Many reasons why living in a condo or smaller home is ideal.

Maine condos are cost-effective.

They are economical and more energy efficient.  In managed communities, the maintenance and often some part of the insurance is covered by the homeowner fees, that means fewer homeowner obligations and more time for fun.  Often, those who make Maine a summer residence will lease their units during the winter to generate an income.

When you search Maine real estate on Maine Companion, you’ll find Condos available in picturesque localities in Augusta, Bangor, Bar Harbor, Camden, Portland offering the variety of choices, styles, and amenities. I am sure one  will fit your budget.

More connectivity.

Shared green space, pools, and community centers; all promote social interaction.  Whether its Portland, Augusta, Bar Harbor, Belfast, Camden, Bangor or other towns, mini-communities are   given within the residential complex.

Security

Most mini-communities tend to provide higher levels of security.  Neighbors are close-by.  Management is attuned.Turn your choice into a remarkably safe bet by considering a condo,  Maine Companion, and your agent will help you find the right one. 

Time-saving Tips on Buying Waterfront Real Estate in Maine

Rightly nicknamed as the “Vacation Land”, Maine is the most prolific holiday destination for many, particular the Eastern US. Loved for its rocky coastline, rich inland water ecosystem, green forests and bush pockets, owning Belfast Maine Real Estate is a dream come true. 

If you are considering waterfront real estate property in Maine around the ocean front, lakes, rivers or islands, here’s a quick guide to help you find your dream house in shortest time.

Get Geographically Oriented:

Get a map of Maine. That is the easiest thing to do in the home hunting and searching phase. Maine offers some of the best summertime weather anywhere in the US, especially on the coast. People have been coming here to vacation in those summers since the days of the Rockefellers.  Call us @ 207-218-4000.

Like most states. Maine has pockets of affordable homes and areas where ultra-spectacular estates perch on the rugged coast.

The proximity to air transportation is often a plus.  The cities in Maine supporting scheduled air service are Portland, August, Bangor, Rockland and Bar Harbor. Despite its largely rugged geography, all parts of Maine are fairly well connected by roads.  And the winter road crews are terrific at keeping the things moving.

Be specific as to your property type and budget:

Generally, the closer one gets to the water, the higher the prices and, generally, the higher the taxes.  If you’re working on a budget, we’ll work with you to find specific areas where you’re likely to benefit from the highest value, or where to find that singular piece of property with all the whistles and bells. Generally, but not always, the further East one goes in the state the more reasonable the costs.  That said, multi-million dollar estates abound up and down the coast.  Our affiliated agents will find you exactly the right home to fit your lifestyle and needs.  Call us @ 207-218-4000.

Whether it’s a standing home or a property to build a home to your specific needs, we’re there to help. Call or email us, and we’ll help assess your needs then put you together with exactly the right agent to help make living in Maine the best years of your life.

Top 5 Things To Keep In Mind Before Buying Lakeside House

Living by the lakeside in some of the most scenic locales is an enticing opportunity for buyers looking for a second home for vacation in Maine. It’s not only relaxing to live in a lakeside shoreline, it also gives you an alternative option to put up your house for rental as the vacation house for the tourists in the picturesque Maine. Not all lakeside properties could reap you the benefits you had imagined.

Keeping in mind your requirements, here are 5 never-miss pointers from Real Estate Portland Maine to help you make a decision on buying a lakeside house in Maine.

1. Location is everything 

Just like the coin, there are two sides of the lake property locations. Not all lakeside properties would offer the same level of connectivity and accessibility. Some might be even cut off from the mainland routes. Depending on your choice, you could look for a really isolated lakeside property on an island or between the forking rivers.

If you intend to turn the lakeside house into your vacation pad, opt for a location that is close to basic infrastructures like school, hospital, fire station and airport. 

2. Size and profitability 

The size of the property should not be the only thing buyers should focus on. Lakeside properties could be huge and sprawling over an area of 10,000 square, but still tagged at a price of US $ 100,000! Find the underlying reasons. It could be due to the tidal encroachment, corrosion from the neighbouring shorelines or infestation by swamps and animals. 

Your lakeside property should be big enough to hold your family and friends, but you should look out for elements that could turn your home into rubble in no time. 

3. Establish the foundation of the lakeside

It is best to buy a land or a lot from the lakeside associations who have listed the property on best Real Estate Portland Maine portals. Make a little effort in finding the base of your property. Is it on a muddy bottom or a rocky bottom? If you intend to have a dock or a boat house, check for options in the property for anchorage and fishing as well. 

4. Get quotation on insurance 

The biggest dilemma that most prospective lakeside buyers face is the part where they are left without any finance. The best lakeside communities also carry an undeniable risk of being struck by a catastrophe—landslide, floods, and leaching. 

Before getting a quotation on the lakeside house, insist on getting an inspection done by an escrow officer or an insurance provider. 

5. Maintenance is pricey and obvious 

Since you will be living in a persistently wet neighbourhood, the maintenance costs automatically add up. Only best-listed properties in Real Estate Portland Maine are ranked in the dry and low maintenance localities. Prices of fry properties overlooking quaint lakes and huge ponds are competitively high compared to those that are in the tidal zones. 

Make sure you have done your homework on the maintenance part that will arrive with the lakeside house.

Top 5 Tips on Finding the Best Real Estate Broker in Maine

The commercial and residential real estate markets in economic areas of Maine are fast catching up with the trends in the rest of the country. If you are planning to buy or lease a commercial or residential estate in Maine, finding a reliable agency or a brokerage firm can go a long way in safeguarding your interest in the financial decision.

Here are 5 tips on finding the best real estate brokers and agencies in Maine. 

1. Look for the insider news 

Best brokers are always the “Early birds” in the real estate market. With a limited number of properties going under sale in Maine, your chances of getting the best property in the Bar Harbor Maine Real Estate doubles up when you work with the broker who has the “insider news” on fresh properties, and yet to is listed plots. 

More information a broker has about the area and the listed property, higher are the chances of getting the best out of the real estate deal. 

2. Expertise in multiple housing types 

A real estate broker in Maine with reputable name works on multiple housing types ranging from the single room apartments to multi-storeyed bungalows and row houses. Larger the portfolio of the agent in Bar Harbor Maine Real Estate, greater the visibility of the property in the market. 

3. Look out for consistency in service and representation 

As a home buyer or a tenant in Maine, you should look out for agents or brokers who exclusively represent tenant and consistently work with them in searching the most affordable options. It could be difficult to locate such a broker in major cities in Maine, the best real estate brokerage firms offer exclusive tenancy and buyer representation, which is completely separated from the band representing the sellers.

4. Geographical reach

Size matters, and so does the span. Greater the span of the business of a particular real estate broker, higher is your chance of getting your dream house in time. Maine is a rather big state to be handled by a single broker alone. However, best real estate brokers in Maine have multiple bases and offices spread across the different parts of the city catering to the needs of the residents looking for the house in Augusta, Belfast, Camden, Bar Harbor, Islesboro, Lincolnville Slab City, and Tremont.

Whether you prefer a house in mainland Maine or in the island groups, a reputed Bar Harbor Maine Real Estate developer, and the broker will lead you exclusively to the projects that fit your lifestyle, budget, and comfort.

5. Online reputation and reviews

Best brokers and agencies have the wide-scale online presence, showcasing their listed property with pictures, buyer’s testimonials and other critical property-related info. As a buyer, you can easily narrow down your property search by adding filters on location, price, and type of house, without any manual intervention.

Longer the list of properties online, higher are your chances of finding your dream house in Maine. Make it a point to visit the broker online website to further connect with the sales team, and start your site inspection right away without wasting any time.

Source:   http://goo.gl/t69KkH

Top 5 Tips on Buying Maine Waterfront Real Estate Property

Maine is a star-studded destination for new home buyers from different parts of the country and abroad. Thanks to its magical geography and long shoreline, the state is blessed to have a long list of property buyers who are always willing to get their hands on the best Belfast Maine Real Estate properties.

Here are 5 undeniable smart questions to ask your Maine real estate broker.

1 Does the waterfront property fall in the purview of improvement and development plan of the local governing body? 

Most real estate localities located along the shores of the Maine’s rivers, lakes, wetlands and seas are recognised by the federal body’s Shoreland Zoning Act’1971 which prevents the development of the shoreline beyond a certain area.

In such cases, it is best to stick to Belfast Maine Real Estate properties in popular localities in Maine, as they are approved for both development and improvement. 

2 What are the conforming parameters to declare a property safe near waterfront?

Any land that is at least 250 feet away from the main shoreline is classified as waterfront property. In the case of the high water line, the tidal areas and marshes are also accounted for, which could push back the waterfront property by more than 10 acres. Check out the wash areas around the water bodies to verify if your interest lies in the safe zone. Call us @  207-218-4000.

3 What is the area under setbacks and the buffer zones

Buying a waterfront Belfast Maine Real Estate property has its own set of researchers. Set the pace with the best real estate companions in Maine who understand and follow the restrictive standards in Setbacks and Buffered zones for areas in close proximity to major water bodies. 

Setbacks protect the property from getting corroded or lynched by the coastal features and vegetation. In terms of coastal development, the larger the setback area, greater is the scope of redevelopment, in case the shoreline remains steady and does not change due to uncontrollable reasons.

4 Are their height restrictions in the property?

In case you wish to develop the waterfront property into a multi-storeyed building, you should always get it checked. For structures close to ponds, big lakes, and oceans, the maximum height allowed on the new or existing structure is 35 feet. It is measured from the downhill side of the building right up to the peak of the roof. 

In Maine, the first floor of any building is constructed at least 1 feet above the average flood line, measured for the last 100 years.  

Based on these questions, you can choose some of the best waterfront real estate localities in Maine listed as below:

* Most popular localities

# Bar Harbor      # Tremont        # Brooklin        # Lincolnville        # Camden          # Rockport 

# Rockland        # Ash Point      # Belfast         # Searsport           # Brunswick           # Freeport

* Less popular ones

# Sabattus        # Lewiston       # Raymond (Sebago Lake)                 # Bridgton        # Harrison 

# South Paris     # Sumner         # Canton 

With over 150 different waterfront localities to choose from, new home buyers can ensure both safety and profit by asking the right questions to the brokers. For more detail click here  http://mainecompanion.com/belfast-maine-real-estate/