• How to Spot Hidden Maintenance Issues During a Late-Summer Home Tour

    How to Spot Hidden Maintenance Issues During a Late-Summer Home Tour,Monet Yarnell

    Late summer can be a great time to shop for a home — the weather is warm, the days are long, and properties are still showing their best. But those sunny afternoons can also mask underlying maintenance issues that could cost you down the road. Here’s what to watch for during your walkthrough. 1. Che

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  • Is It Better To Buy Now or Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates? Here’s the Tradeoff

    Is It Better To Buy Now or Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates? Here’s the Tradeoff,Monet Yarnell

    Mortgage rates are still a hot topic – and for good reason. After the most recent jobs report came out weaker than expected, the bond market reacted almost instantly. And, as a result, in early August mortgage rates dropped to their lowest point so far this year (6.55%). While that may not sound lik

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  • Are These Myths About Buying a Newly Built Home Holding You Back?

    Are These Myths About Buying a Newly Built Home Holding You Back?,Monet Yarnell

    If you’ve been skipping over newly built homes in your search, you might be doing so based on outdated assumptions. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths, so you don’t miss out on a solid opportunity. Myth 1: New Homes Are More Expensive It’s easy to assume a new build will cost more than an

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  • Making the Most of Your Outdoor Spaces to Attract Buyers

    Making the Most of Your Outdoor Spaces to Attract Buyers,Monet Yarnell

    In Maine, summer and early fall are prime seasons for showcasing a home’s outdoor spaces. Whether it’s a waterfront deck in Stockton Springs, a garden in Blue Hill, or a cozy fire pit in Union, the right outdoor features can make buyers instantly envision themselves living there. Your yard, porch, o

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  • Online Home-Buying Search Terms Recently Hit 2-Year High

    Online Home-Buying Search Terms Recently Hit 2-Year High,Monet Yarnell

    Believe it or not, there are clear signs buyer interest is heating up again. Let’s talk about what’s really going on behind the scenes, and why the housing market might not be as quiet out there as it seems.  Buyers Are Looking, and Search Trends Prove It One of the clearest ways to measure what peo

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  • Quick Fixes to Boost Your Home’s Appeal Before Labor Day

    Quick Fixes to Boost Your Home’s Appeal Before Labor Day,Monet Yarnell

    If you’re aiming to sell your home before the summer season winds down, now’s the time to act. With Labor Day marking the unofficial end of summer for many buyers, a few strategic upgrades can make your property stand out in the final weeks of the season. The good news? You don’t have to embark on a

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  • Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost You More Than You Think

    Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost You More Than You Think,Monet Yarnell

    Cutting out the agent might seem like a smart way to save when you sell your house. But here’s the hard truth. Last year, homes that sold with an agent went for almost 15% more than those that sold without one. That gap is pretty hard to ignore. And with more homes on the market to compete with righ

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  • A Second Home Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Retirement Plan

    A Second Home Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Retirement Plan,Monet Yarnell

    Are you wondering if you’re on track to retire someday? According to Intuit, 69% of people say today’s financial environment makes it tough to plan for the future, and 68% aren’t sure they’ll ever be able to retire. That’s why many people are exploring new ways to build stability and long-term incom

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  • How To Make the Most of Late Summer in Your New Maine Home

    How To Make the Most of Late Summer in Your New Maine Home,Monet Yarnell

    There’s something magical about late summer in Maine—long golden evenings, warm ocean breezes, and the peaceful rhythm of coastal living. If you’ve recently made a move or are settling into a new home, this is the perfect time to slow down and soak up the best of what Maine has to offer. Here’s how

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  • The Truth About Down Payments (It’s Not What You Think)

    The Truth About Down Payments (It’s Not What You Think),Monet Yarnell

    Buying a home is exciting… until you start thinking about the down payment. That’s when the worry can set in. “I’ll never save enough.” “I need a small fortune just to get started.” “I guess I’ll just rent forever.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And you’re definitely not out of luck. Here’s the

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  • Why Inventory Shifts in August and What It Means for You

    Why Inventory Shifts in August and What It Means for You,Monet Yarnell

    As summer winds down, the Maine real estate market begins to shift—and one of the clearest signs of that change is inventory. August often marks a turning point. Some sellers are eager to get their homes under contract before fall. Others are waiting until the school year starts or the holiday seaso

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  • The 3 Things You Risk by Pricing Too High

    The 3 Things You Risk by Pricing Too High,Monet Yarnell

    When selling your house, the price you choose isn’t just a number, it's a strategy. And in today’s market, that strategy needs to be sharp. The number of homes for sale is climbing. And that means buyers have more choices and can be more selective. If your price doesn’t line up with what else is out

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  • What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a Home?

    What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a Home?,Monet Yarnell

    According to Fannie Mae, 90% of buyers don’t actually know what credit score lenders are looking for, or they overestimate the minimum needed. Let that sink in. That means most homebuyers think they need better credit than they actually do – and maybe you’re one of them. And that could make you thin

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  • Relocation Buyers Peak During Late Summer

    Relocation Buyers Peak During Late Summer,Monet Yarnell

    The real estate market follows seasonal rhythms, and late summer brings a unique wave of motivated buyers—especially those relocating. If you're planning to sell your home in Maine, understanding this trend could help you make the most of the season. Why Relocation Buyers Peak in Late Summer Many pe

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  • Today’s Tale of Two Housing Markets

    Today’s Tale of Two Housing Markets,Monet Yarnell

    Depending on where you live, the housing market could feel red-hot or strangely quiet right now. The truth is, local markets are starting to move in different directions. In some places, buyers are calling the shots. In others, sellers still hold the power. It’s a tale of two markets. What’s a Buyer

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  • What to Expect From the Maine Market in Late Summer

    What to Expect From the Maine Market in Late Summer,Monet Yarnell

    As summer winds down in Maine, the real estate market takes on a different rhythm. While early summer brings a surge of activity, late summer offers unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Whether you're looking to make a move before the school year starts or you're hoping to catch the att

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  • Housing Market Forecasts for the Rest of 2025

    Housing Market Forecasts for the Rest of 2025,Monet Yarnell

    If you’ve been watching the market, you’ve likely noticed a few changes already this year. But what’s next? From home prices to mortgage rates, here’s what the latest expert forecasts suggest for the rest of 2025 – and what these shifts could mean for you. Will Home Prices Fall? Many buyers are hopi

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  • The U.S. Foreclosure Map You Need To See

    The U.S. Foreclosure Map You Need To See,Monet Yarnell

    Foreclosure headlines are making noise again – and they’re designed to stir up fear to get you to read them. But what the data shows is actually happening in the market tells a very different story than what you might be led to believe. So, before you jump to conclusions, it’s important to look at t

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  • Why Relocation Buyers Peak During Late Summer

    Why Relocation Buyers Peak During Late Summer,Monet Yarnell

    If you’ve noticed more out-of-state plates at open houses or higher inquiry volumes in July and August, you’re not imagining things. Late summer is often the busiest season for relocation buyers — especially here in Maine. But why do so many make their move now? Let’s explore what drives this season

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  • Don’t Make These Mistakes When Selling Your House

    Don’t Make These Mistakes When Selling Your House,Monet Yarnell

    Are you thinking about selling your house? Some common mistakes today can make the process more stressful or even cost you money. Fortunately, they’re easy to avoid, as long as you know what to watch for. Let’s break down the biggest seller slip-ups, and how an agent helps you steer clear of them. 1

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