When you hire a Dwelling in Maine REALTOR® to represent you, you will soon recognize that we do so much more than average agents:
All real estate agents are not alike, and your choice of agent should be a good fit for you. After all, your agent is the person you're entrusting with what may be the most important purchase of your life. Home ownership is an emotional investment as well as a financial one, one that lasts for years to come
I value getting to know my clients, so that I can provide personal guidance
I'm ready when you are; there is no rushing or pushing from me.
I communicate promptly to provide needed updates.
I make it my priority to show properties of interest as soon as possible.
I preview homes for you, virtually showing you properties of interest if your schedule doesn't permit you to be there yourself
I work closely with lenders, home inspectors, and other professionals needed for your home purchase and future maintenance.
I look out for your interests in negotiations, and work to ensure a smooth transaction and closing
As a REALTOR®, I adhere to the code of ethics of the National Association of Realtors.
I'MIt's fun to look and to dream. Coast or mountain? Ocean or lake? Maine has it all.
Location will be key whether you're looking to get away from it all or longing to be part of a community, whether buying a home or a seasonal camp
Your location considerations should include:
Consider how far you are willing to drive to work in fair weather and in foul. If teleworking is an option, consider internet availability. Look into local school districts: public, private. and homeschooling options.
Do you or others in your family have hobbies, activities, or sports you'd like to continue: hiking, skiing, kayaking, sailing? Are you active in the visual, musical, or theatrical arts? Consider what's important to you, and be sure to incorporate proximity to what makes you and yours happy into your search
you need or want to be to grocery stores, the dentist, the veterinarian's office, shopping, and other amenities.
Allow everyone involved in or affected by the home purchasing decision to make a "wish list," and then compare notes Rank your needs and nonnegotiables against the "nice to haves." This becomes your shopping list for your new home
Belfast Harbor, Maine, photo by Deneen StamboneThe way real estate "works" in each state varies, and you may not be familiar with or used to Maine's real property laws and conventions versus those in your own state
Nearly all states require that sellers provide information about the conditions of the property being sold in particular, conditions that can affect health and safety but laws vary from state to state with regard to what must legally be disclosed and to what extent. If you are browsing listings and a property catches your eye, reach out to request the disclosures, which will provide more information about the property's condition.
Maine camps can vary in style and appearance from rustic hunting or fishing cabins to resort-style homes. If a property is listed as "seasonal," it is typically not insulated or adequately heated for the winter; the water supply may be limited to warmer months (for example, if it is lake drawn); the septic system may not have been designed or approved for year-round use; and access roads may not be plowed. It may be possible to convert a camp to your forever home with needed updates and code enforcement approval
Not all listings may be immediately available to see Some sellers will ask for 24 hours notice before showings or restrict showings to certain days due to tenants being in place It may be possible to get in to see a property with less notice, but that is not guaranteed
About half of Maine falls under the regulatory authority of the Maine Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) with regard to zoning and planning. Any home and camp construction or renovation in the unorganized territories falls under LUPC's jurisdiction.
Yes, it's a lot more fun to dive right into looking at properties, but it is to your advantage to begin with a lender, even if you might be a bit intimidated to do so. Your lender — like your Realtor® — is your ally: we are here to help you find your just right home under terms that work for you.
Determine how much house you can afford
Educate you about different kinds of loan options (including a Maine first-time buyer program, which can add $5,000 to your down payment and closing costs, and special programs for teachers, nurses, and first responders)
Advise you on how to repair any errors or issues in your credit reports
Guide you with strategies to increase your credit score before you buy
Work with you and your Realtor® to review information for a home you are considering purchasing to identify and resolve potential issues
Enable you to move quickly to submit your home offer
Know the neighborhood in which you plan to buy and likely also know your Realtor®
Have an understanding of the local market, which means they are more likely to make a loan work for you, especially if you are considering a land purchase or a seasonal property ("camp")
Likely have lower fees, lower rates, and more types of loan products to offer, including programs specific to Maine
More likely to add your loan to its portfolio rather than sell it — along with hundreds of others — to a servicer
Reinvesting your money in the community it serves, the one you are moving to
Likely to become the source for all of your banking needs
PLEASE REACH OUT IF YOU'D LIKE REFERRALS TO SOME LOCAL LENDERS IN MAINE.
