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Food, Entertainment, and Arts
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Friday, July 29, 2016
What does Brexit mean to Maine and the Real Estate Market?
What does Brexit mean to Maine
and the Real Estate Market?
It may seem odd that a political decision in the U.K.
could have any impact on American housing prices,
let alone Maine specifically, but that is the nature of
our increasingly intertwined global economy.
The Brexit vote is pushing interest rates to record
lows. Investors in safer U.S. mortgage-backed
securities will be plentiful, which will lower the
interest rates and allow the rates to remain low. The U.S government debt has tumbled, the
yield on the 10-year Treasury falling from 1.75 % to a low of 1.43%.
Currently Maine existing home sales have increased by 25.2 percent in May of 2016 verse
May of 2015. According to the Maine Association of Realtors, the median sale price rose
by 2.8% or $5,250. Mainers’ personal income has also dramatically risen in the first
quarter of 2016. This 1.4 percent increase is the second highest growth in the country.
Combining the low mortgage rates and the increase of Mainers’ personal income will
continue to increase the number of home sales as well as home values. Do not let this
information alarm you; with the strict guidelines and restrictions today’s lenders have to
abide by, it is highly unlikely for a purchaser to buy above their means.
For the people who have been procrastinating all that paperwork for a much-needed
refinance now is the time. Interest rates are at an all time low and not likely to rise,
therefore giving you plenty of time for the process.
The United States may seem more appealing to investors from all over the world for real
estate purchases and start up companies. These wealthy investors have to put their money
somewhere and the low interest rates should guide them to the states.
During all of this Brexit voting Britain officially appointed a new prime minister, Theresa
May who originally was a part of the Remain camp in the run-up to the referendum will
push ahead with UK’s divorce from Europe. The new conservative Prime Minister will
face huge challenges on Brexit and the economy. May has already formed her cabinet and
seems ready to begin discussions on Britain’s trade market.
It seems the Brexit vote combined with the already increase in home sales and Mainers’
personal income could have a very positive effect on our economy and real estate market.
Weather a home purchase or sale, refinance, and investment or start up company the time is
now!
From: By Katie Else of Landing Real Estate
and the Real Estate Market?
It may seem odd that a political decision in the U.K.
could have any impact on American housing prices,
let alone Maine specifically, but that is the nature of
our increasingly intertwined global economy.
The Brexit vote is pushing interest rates to record
lows. Investors in safer U.S. mortgage-backed
securities will be plentiful, which will lower the
interest rates and allow the rates to remain low. The U.S government debt has tumbled, the
yield on the 10-year Treasury falling from 1.75 % to a low of 1.43%.
Currently Maine existing home sales have increased by 25.2 percent in May of 2016 verse
May of 2015. According to the Maine Association of Realtors, the median sale price rose
by 2.8% or $5,250. Mainers’ personal income has also dramatically risen in the first
quarter of 2016. This 1.4 percent increase is the second highest growth in the country.
Combining the low mortgage rates and the increase of Mainers’ personal income will
continue to increase the number of home sales as well as home values. Do not let this
information alarm you; with the strict guidelines and restrictions today’s lenders have to
abide by, it is highly unlikely for a purchaser to buy above their means.
For the people who have been procrastinating all that paperwork for a much-needed
refinance now is the time. Interest rates are at an all time low and not likely to rise,
therefore giving you plenty of time for the process.
The United States may seem more appealing to investors from all over the world for real
estate purchases and start up companies. These wealthy investors have to put their money
somewhere and the low interest rates should guide them to the states.
During all of this Brexit voting Britain officially appointed a new prime minister, Theresa
May who originally was a part of the Remain camp in the run-up to the referendum will
push ahead with UK’s divorce from Europe. The new conservative Prime Minister will
face huge challenges on Brexit and the economy. May has already formed her cabinet and
seems ready to begin discussions on Britain’s trade market.
It seems the Brexit vote combined with the already increase in home sales and Mainers’
personal income could have a very positive effect on our economy and real estate market.
Weather a home purchase or sale, refinance, and investment or start up company the time is
now!
From: By Katie Else of Landing Real Estate
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Mint Salon Block in Falmouth!
Just opened in Falmouth Maine:
Hair, nails, makeup and massage
https://www.facebook.com/mintsalonblock/
Hair, nails, makeup and massage
https://www.facebook.com/mintsalonblock/
101 Things I Love about Maine
Blue Rooster
Deep fried dogs and tater tots--golden crunchy!!
http://www.blueroosterfoodcompany.com/
Deep fried dogs and tater tots--golden crunchy!!
http://www.blueroosterfoodcompany.com/
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
101 Things I Love about Maine
The Cow Bell in Biddeford: Delicious made to order burgers and sweet tater tots!
https://www.facebook.com/eatatcowbell/
https://www.facebook.com/eatatcowbell/
Monday, July 25, 2016
101 Things I Love about Maine
Books, Coffee and Beer
Relaxing spot for light plate or pastry
Loads of books
101 Things I Love about Maine
A breakfast joint with good home style food: Topsham Fairground Cafe
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fairground-Cafe/171887246204096
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fairground-Cafe/171887246204096
Saturday, July 23, 2016
101 Things I Love about Portland Maine
Great breakfast/brunch spot: The Sinful Kitchen whips up fab omelets and Benedicts!
https://www.facebook.com/thesinfulkitchen
https://www.facebook.com/thesinfulkitchen
Friday, July 22, 2016
101 Things I Love about Portland Maine
https://www.facebook.com/EDGE-Bar-1385196288468949/
Monday, July 18, 2016
101 Things I Love about Portland Maine
The Taste of Maine for Maine seafood including sweet and tender fried clams.
Full of bric a brac but with nice water views.
http://tasteofmaine.com/
Full of bric a brac but with nice water views.
http://tasteofmaine.com/
101 Things I Love about Portland Maine
Quarry Tap House~~Hallowell
Loads of beers to choose from and good food selection.
http://tasteofmaine.com/
Loads of beers to choose from and good food selection.
http://tasteofmaine.com/
Sunday, July 10, 2016
New Home Buyers
A Helpful Punch List for New Home Buyers
Your newly constructed dream house is almost ready and it's time for the all-important walk-through with your builder. Do you know what you should be looking for?
Some problems may not be readily visible, even if you hire a professional inspector. Fortunately, most builders offer a warranty to cover problems in the workmanship of a home -- they do not, however, cover problems resulting from owner neglect or faulty maintenance. Still, knowing what to look for in your pre-settlement walk-through is a good way to catch potential problems. Here's a helpful "punch list" to use from the National Association of Homebuilders:
Outside
- Grading: Does the ground around the foundation slope away from the house? Make sure the water does not pond or pool in large puddles, especially near the foundation. To check, water the areas with a hose, if possible. Are there signs of erosion? Is the shrubbery placed at least 2-3 feet from the foundation
- Roof and Gutters: Are the shingles flat and tight? Is the flashing securely in place? Do the gutters, downspouts and splash blocks drain away from the house?
- Exterior Appearance: Are the windows and doors sealed and protected by weather stripping? Are the trim and fittings tight? Are there any cracks? Does the paint cover the surface and trim smoothly? Has landscaping been installed according to the terms of your contract?
Inside
- Doors and Windows: Are all doors and windows sealed? Do they open and close easily? Is the glass properly in place? Are any windows loose or cracked?
- Finishes: Is the painting satisfactory in all rooms, closets and stairways? Did the painters miss any spots? Are the trims and molding in place?
- Floors: Is the carpet tight? Do the seams match? Are there any ridges or seam gaps in vinyl tile or linoleum? Are wooden floors properly finished?
- Appliances, Fixtures, Surfaces, Etc.: Do all of the appliances operate properly? Are all of the appliances the model and color you ordered? Check all faucets and plumbing fixtures, including toilets and showers, to make sure they operate properly. Are there any nicks, scratches, cracks or burns on any surfaces, including cabinets and countertops? If you have tile counters or floors, was the tile and grout sealed by the builder or will you need to handle?
- Electrical, Heating and Air: Check all electrical fixtures and outlets. Bring a hair dryer to test the outlets. Do the heating, cooling and water-heating units operate properly? Test them to make sure. If the home has a fireplace, do the draft and damper work? Test the doorbell. Also test the intercom system, garage door opener and any other electrical items.
- Basement and Attic: Are there indications of dampness or leaks? Is there significant cracking in the floors or foundation walls? Are there any obvious defects in exposed components, such as floor joists, I-beams, support columns, insulation, heating ducts, plumbing, electrical, etc.?
Certificate of Occupancy: Has your local municipality signed off on your house?
As your real estate agent, I will be available to assist during all phases of your home purchase, including your walk-through. Please call me for more information on what you should look for and how I can help.
New or resale: hiring a professional inspector is a smart approach
Buying a home, whether a new or resale property, is one of the biggest investments you're likely to make. That's why hiring a professional inspector to check out your home's basic systems and structural integrity is so important. An inspector looks for and recommends changes that can make the difference in how much money you will spend for future repairs and maintenance. Even if you have a good eye for detail or are buying a brand new home, a thorough inspection by an experienced professional is a wise choice that can save you a lot of time, money and frustration in the future. Please call me for more information on how a professional inspector can make a difference in your home's purchase
Saturday, July 9, 2016
101 Things I Love about Portland Maine
Maine Wicked Whoopies: Delicious Maine treats in lots of flavor combos
http://www.wickedwhoopies.com/
http://www.wickedwhoopies.com/
Thursday, July 7, 2016
101 Things I Love about Portland Maine
Hot Suppa Restaurant serves a delicious breakfast and now you can sit at their outdoor patio!
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
101 Things I Love about Portland Maine
Salty Sally's formerly Dogfish
Fun and reasonable spot with $3 chili dogs!
Happy Hour from 4 to 7 pm!
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