MEET OUR TEAM
WE CAN'T WAIT TO WORK WITH YOU
JULIE ROSENTHAL KELSEY MOORE
ACCREDITED BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE, REALTOR®
As a top performing Associate Broker at Portside, I love working with home buyers as they navigate the Maine real estate market I’m a proud southern Maine native, and I bring both a passion for my home state and extensive knowledge of its communities to every transaction. Capitalizing on that passion and knowledge, while putting to work the structure, discipline, and analytical skills I gained over many years working in large multinational companies, allows me to guide my home buying clients through some of the biggest personal and financial decisions they will ever make Building relationships is at the core of what I do. I’m looking forward to helping you!
Kelsey is a behind the scenes power house. As my dedicated real estate transaction coordinator, she is committed to ensuring the smooth and efficient processing of every detail involved in buying a property. With a keen eye for organization, attention to detail, and a passion for facilitating seamless transactions, she plays a pivotal role in coordinating the various elements of each transaction from start to finish. Kelsey’s main objective is to help streamline the home buying process, alleviate stress, and get clients to the closing table with confidence and ease.
We believe in going above and beyond to provide top-tier service and an exceptional home buying experience.
We’re Julie & Kelsey, your dedicated partners in navigating the exciting journey to homeownership. Whether this is your first home or your next dream property, we ’ re here to guide you every step of the way with commitment to your goals and a passion for Maine real estate.
Our mission is simple: to help you find the perfect home while ensuring a smooth, enjoyable process from start to finish. We’ll use our local market knowledge, industry relationships, honed negotiation skills, and commitment to make your dreams a reality.
No matter where you are in your home buying journey, we’ll tailor our services to your needs. Together, we’ll explore communities that align with your wish list, refine your search criteria as needed, and uncover and secure the ideal place for you to call home.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be by your side from helping you understand financing options, to scheduling showings and viewing homes, to writing compelling offers, navigating inspections and, finally, signing on closing day. You can count on us to provide expert guidance and unwavering support at every stage of the process.
Let’s make your homeownership dreams a reality. Ready to get started?
Julie Rosenthal
Associate Broker
207.329.5521
julie@portsidereg com
Meet Some of Our Happy Clients CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“Julie is incredibly experienced and knows the local market really well. I cannot recommend her enough.”
She is responsive to questions and inquiries and is honest and upfront. Julie made the home buying process so much easier and less stressful. We closed on our house in 2 weeks! This is unheard of and incredibly difficult to do and we could only have done it with Julie as our Realtor. We heard from multiple people independently (i e our loan officer, the seller’s Realtor, etc ) that they were impressed with Julie and thought she was an amazing Realtor who represented us really well
STEPHEN P BUYER, SOUTH PORTLAND
“As a first time home buyer, entering the market felt incredibly stressful and high pressure. I almost immediately felt better after I sat down with Julie and started to hear her perspective and learn from her extensive knowledge of the local landscape ”
It is hard for me to overstate just how excellent my home buying experience with Julie was She and I then went through a months-long journey of viewing, considering, offering, and finally (!!) buying my first home Throughout the entire process, I never once doubted her genuine interest in my success, never doubted her trustworthiness, and I truly enjoyed her company, good humor, and wisdom. Julie is a one-in-a-million Realtor, and anyone should count themselves lucky for the opportunity to work with her.
WINSLOW D. BUYER, PORTLAND
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS
ABOUT PORTSIDE
We’re proud to be a part of Portside Real Estate Group since 2020. Founded in 2012, Portside is a locally- and woman-owned, residential real estate agency with offices throughout Coastal Maine & New Hampshire. Portside’s mission is to bring a more personalized approach to the home buying and selling process – with a high level of commitment.
MORE BUYERS
In the last 12 months, Portside has represented more buyers in Maine than any other company with the exception of one large franchise.
MORE CONNECTIONS
As the second highest producing brokerage in Maine, Portside agents have access to more off-market listings and often receive advanced notice on upcoming listings - offering an advantage to buyers in a competitive market.
1% BACK TO MAINE
INVESTING IN MAINE’S TOMORROW
Portside is committed to supporting Maine’s future by donating 1% of top line revenue to Maine-based nonprofits. I have also chosen to donate 1% of my top line revenue to Maine-based non-profits. That means by choosing to work with me, you will help make a difference in our communities!
1% Back to Maine focuses on the next generation, Maine’s youth, by supporting and addressing systemic Maine problems including generational poverty, substance abuse, and limited access to medical care, education, and food.
$1,000,000+ 50+ RAISED FOR LOCAL NON-PROFITS GRANTS FUNDED
THE BUYER ROADMAP
WHY WORK WITH A BUYER AGENT?
Buying a home is one of life’s most significant financial decisions, and working with a buyer agent ensures you have an expert in your corner every step of the way. While the seller’s agent is committed to securing the best outcome for their client, a buyer agent’s fiduciary responsibility is to protect your interests as a buyer. As your advocate, I provide valuable market insights, navigate complex situations, and offer timely and objective advice, empowering you to make informed decisions With my expertise and commitment, you can feel confident that your best interests are always represented, ensuring a successful and satisfying home purchase.
What I offer
Access to Active Listings & the Ability to Move Quickly and Get You In the Door
Strong Broker Connections Offering Exposure to Upcoming & Off-Market Listings
Pulse on the Local Market
Objective Advice, Always With Your Best Interest In Mind
Expert Market Analysis & Tools To Understand Value
Paperwork Explanation & Management
Strong Negotiation & Problem Solving Skills
Ability to Craft Strategic & Compelling Offers & Navigate Competitive Situations
Relationships with Industry Professionals
OBTAIN YOUR LOAN
PRE-APPRPOVAL
The next step in your home buying journey is to obtain a loan pre-approval letter from a local lender. Aligning yourself with a local lender is key in a competitive market. While each lender may require different documentation, at a minimum you will want to provide copies of the following:
Tax returns & W2s from the past 2 years
Paystubs & bank statements from the past 3 months
Recent financial statements
Monthly payment information such as auto or student loans
PRE-QUALIFIED PRE-APPROVED
A prequalification generally means that a mortgage lender has collected some basic financial information from you to estimate how much house you can afford
VS.
Once your lender has reviewed all of your information, they will work with you to determine the best type of loan for your home purchase and how much home you can afford They will also help you estimate closing costs, and understand your down payment amounts and how they will impact your loan.
Once you ’ ve been pre-qualified, you can then take the next step to obtain pre-approval You can do this by providing additional documentation so your income and assets can be verified and a preliminary approval for a specific loan amount can be given.
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN INTERVIEWING POTENTIAL LENDERS
What is the best type of loan for me?
Do I qualify for any special discounts or loan programs?
What interest rate can you offer?
When can you lock in my rate?
What fees can I expect from you?
What are my estimated closing costs?
START YOUR HOME SEARCH
Before you start touring homes, it's important to determine where you want to live and what type of amenities you are looking for. Many buyers find it helpful to start by creating a wish list. Take some time to think about what type of home you want, the locations you prefer, and any “must haves” in a home...just to name a few. This will help ensure we are showing you homes that meet your needs and wants!
As you create your wish list, consider things like a neighborhood setting versus a private setting with more land, commute time, proximity to friends, family & leisure activities. Are schools important to you? Do some digging and learn more about the areas of interest to you.
Don't forget, we are experts in the local real estate market and are a great resource for information about various communities and local amenities ASK AROUND
HOUSE HUNTING TIPS
4
MAKE AN OFFER
You've found a home you love!
Now it's time to make an offer.
We will provide you with a comparative market analysis on the property to gauge the value of the home you are interested in. Together, we will develop a strategic offer that includes the terms you wish to present. We will consider the competitive landscape and complete the purchase and sale agreement line by line. Every term counts! Remember, we represent your best interest!
NO. 5
UNDER CONTRACT
Congrats, your offer was accepted!
We will reach out to you immediately and let you know the contract timeline with key dates. Typically, you will need to submit the earnest money deposit and apply for your loan right away. We will provide a list of next steps and will be in constant communication to keep you on track.
DUE DILIGENCE + NEGOTIATIONS
Types of Due Diligence
General Building Inspection
Radon Test
Public Document Review
Water Test
Sewer Line or Septic Inspection
If your contract includes a due diligence period, we will work with you to complete your investigations in the time allowed. The cost of inspections are covered by you as the buyer. You will choose an inspector or multiple inspectors who will go through the house to identify undisclosed defects and any areas of concern as it relates to health and safety. Based on the results, we will obtain any necessary additional information and/or repair quotes. From there, you may choose to move forward with the home as is, renegotiate with the seller based on your findings, or - and this happens rarely - terminate the contract.
After going under contract, your lender will hire an appraiser to visit the property to determine its market value. The appraisal is a cost you will incur as the buyer. This assessment is typically required by the lender to ensure the property value is sufficient to support the lending decision. The appraiser considers various factors such as condition, location, comparable sales in the area, and any relevant market trends. The results of the appraisal influence the final approval of the loan and can sometimes impact negotiations between the buyer and seller regarding the sale price.
8
TITLE SEARCH NO.
A title search is conducted by a title company or a real estate attorney to examine public records and verify the legal ownership of the property. This search aims to uncover any existing liens, judgments, unpaid taxes, easements, restrictions, or other issues that could affect the title's validity and will ensure that you obtain clear ownership of the property at closing.
At the closing, you will receive a title insurance policy, which provides protection against any future claims on the property's title. The buyer can then take possession of the property with the assurance that they have clear and marketable title. Fees for the title search and insurance policy will be included in your closing costs.
PRE-CLOSING
In addition to working with your lender there are a few other details you will need to coordinate in the days leading up to closing.
We will provide you with a list of utility companies to contact to ensure service remains on at the house after closing and so that accounts are transferred into your name. You should arrange this transfer a few days prior to closing and ask for it to take effect on the closing day.
Homeowner’s Insurance
You will need to obtain a Homeowner's Insurance Policy that will begin on the day of closing on your home. A good Insurance Agent will spend the time to help you determine the appropriate amount of coverage on your home. Frequently bundling your other insurances (ie. auto insurance) will get you a better rate!
Movers Utilities
You will obtain possession of the home at closing. When scheduling movers, make sure they are not scheduled to start unloading until after the closing is complete - or even the next day.
FINAL STEPS
Clear to Close
These words are music to our ears, and yours too! This means that the mortgage underwriter has approved your loan documents and we can confirm your closing date with the title company.
Walk Through
We will schedule a final walk through - a time for you to go through the house within one day of the actual closing - to make sure the house is in substantially the same condition as it was when you went under contract, and to make certain any home inspection items have been properly handled. Usually, we will do the walk through just prior to the closing.
Closing Day
It’s finally here! After the final walk through, we will go to the title company to sign all necessary documents. These include the mortgage documents, deed, closing disclosure, and any other legal paperwork related to your purchase. You will need to bring a cashier's check or arrange for a wire transfer to cover the amount due A personal check will not be accepted. After the closing, the deed and mortgage documents are submitted for recording with the appropriate government office. This officially registers the transfer of ownership and establishes the lender's lien on the property
Congratulations on the purchase of your new home!
ADDITIONAL NOTES
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Appraisal
An informed estimate of a home’s value, done by an independent, professional licensed appraiser and typically required and ordered by the lender in conjunction with the mortgage application.
Backup offer
If a buyer wants a home that is already under contract, they may request to be “next in line” by submitting a backup offer. Backup offers must still be negotiated like any other offer
Closing
The last step of homebuying, also called the settlement You will sign all of the necessary documents to finalize the sale and take responsibility for the mortgage loan
Closing Costs
Also known as settlement costs, these are the costs incurred when taking out a mortgage or buying a home They may include attorney, appraisal and title search fees, discount points, title insurance premium and credit report charges.
Closing Disclosures
A closing document that provides key information about your loan, such as the interest rate, monthly payments and closing costs The lender must give you this document at least three business days before you close on the loan and the information should substantially match the Loan Estimate you received when you applied.
Comps/Comparables
These are recently sold properties similar to the home you want, with approximately the same size, location and amenities. They help an agent and an appraiser determine a property’s fair market value
Contingencies
Conditions in a sales contract that must be satisfied before the home sale can occur Some common contingencies: The appraised value must support the sales price, the house must pass inspection, and the borrower must be approved for a loan.
A document that legally transfers ownership of real estate. As the buyer, your deed is signed by the seller and delivered to you at closing.
Down Payment
The amount of money you put down toward the purchase price of a home Down payments often range from 3 to greater than 20 percent of the home price
Due Diligence
The period of time when a buyer examines a home’s condition and contract terms before becoming legally obligated to purchase. Due diligence is your time to discover and consider any financial risks associated with investing in a home
Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)
Earnest money is part of your down payment that is paid before closing to show you are serious about purchasing a home. It is also known as a good faith deposit.
Escalation Clause
An escalation clause, or “escalator,” is a section in a real estate contract that states that a prospective buyer is willing to raise their offer on a home should the seller receive a higher competing offer. The clause will state how much more the buyer is willing to pay than the highest offer and their spending limit.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS + TRANSACTION TEAM
Homeowner’s Insurance
Insurance that protects your home from damages covered in your policy. Homeowner’s insurance is required by mortgage lenders before closing on your home.
Inspection
A visual and mechanical examination of a home to identify defects and assess the home’s condition, typically performed by a home inspector.
PITI
PITI is an acronym used to show the four elements of your monthly mortgage payment: principal, interest, tax and insurance
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Underwriting Title
Private mortgage insurance is a policy that protects your lender in case you default on your loan. Usually, if your down payment is less than 20% on a conventional loan, you will also need to pay for PMI
Pre-approval
A lender’s conditional agreement to lend you a specific amount of money, made after confirming your financial information such as income and assets. Conditions may include a home appraisal and that there are no significant changes to your finances
Pre-qualification
An estimate from a lender on how much you can borrow to buy a home based on financial information that you provide The prequalification is not a commitment to lend and you will need to submit additional information for review and approval
Purchase & Sale Agreement
A purchase and sale agreement is a contract between a buyer and seller stating the terms of the sale. It may stipulate conditions such as sale price, what appliances will stay in the home, when the buyer will move in, and more.
A type of insurance that protects against issues, such as tax liens or other legal claims, that would affect ownership of the property
A lender review process to verify the borrower’s finances and other factors related to the home, such as the title search and appraisal, that is used to make a decision about loan approval
THE TRANSACTION TEAM
Here is a general list of professional titles you may encounter throughout the process
Lender, Loan Officer, Processor, Underwriter, Appraiser
TITLE:
Attorney, Paralegal, Processor, Closer, Closing Agent
Listing Agent or Broker, Buyer's Agent (that's me!), Transaction Coordinator
General Building or Special Inspectors (i.e. chimney, sewer line, water quality)
