• The Mid-Year Housing Market Update: Why Forecasts Changed in 2026

    The Mid-Year Housing Market Update: Why Forecasts Changed in 2026,Monet Yarnell

    If the housing market feels confusing right now, you’re not alone. Mortgage rates have risen. Home sales haven't picked up like expected. And many buyers and sellers are wondering when things are going to feel easier or be more affordable. The truth is: a lot changed over the first half of this year

    Read More
  • Less House, More Home: Why Smaller Homes Are Paying Off for Today’s Buyers

    Less House, More Home: Why Smaller Homes Are Paying Off for Today’s Buyers,Monet Yarnell

    You started shopping with a specific mental image of your future home in your mind. Then the houses in your budget came in smaller than you pictured. That’s the reality for a lot of buyers right now. Affordability is tight. But don’t let that discourage you. Going smaller might actually be a smart p

    Read More
  • What Buyers Are Prioritizing This Summer

    What Buyers Are Prioritizing This Summer,Monet Yarnell

    As summer begins in coastal Maine, buyer priorities start to shift. In communities like Belfast and across the Midcoast, many buyers are no longer focused solely on square footage or price — they’re thinking about lifestyle, flexibility, and long-term value. Understanding what buyers are looking for

    Read More
  • The Real Reason Some People Are Still Moving Right Now

    The Real Reason Some People Are Still Moving Right Now,Monet Yarnell

    You may be telling yourself you’re going to wait to move – maybe you’re hoping mortgage rates will come down, prices will fall, or the market will feel a little easier. And honestly? A lot of people feel that way right now. But here’s what some are starting to realize. Waiting doesn’t usually fix th

    Read More
  • The Truth About Affordability Today

    The Truth About Affordability Today,Monet Yarnell

    Let's be real with each other for a second about affordability. Because you deserve someone who will be honest and transparent about what’s going on, especially if you’ve got a move on your mind. Here’s the full picture of what’s happening and why. The good – and the bad. So, you know what it truly

    Read More
  • How to Stand Out as Competition Builds Heading Into June

    How to Stand Out as Competition Builds Heading Into June,Monet Yarnell

    As May comes to a close, the coastal Maine real estate market begins to shift into its next phase. In places like Belfast and across the Midcoast, more homes are preparing to hit the market, and buyer activity is starting to spread across a wider pool of listings. Heading into June, one thing become

    Read More
  • What Most Veterans Don't Know About Their VA Home Loan Benefit

    What Most Veterans Don't Know About Their VA Home Loan Benefit,Monet Yarnell

    Nearly half of Veterans (49%) feel homeownership is currently out of reach, according to a recent survey from NewDay USA. But many are closer than they think. And you might be, too. If you’re a Veteran, you probably know the Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan benefit exists – it's been around for over

    Read More
  • Newly Built Home Prices Hit a 5-Year Low

    Newly Built Home Prices Hit a 5-Year Low,Monet Yarnell

    If you’ve always assumed a newly built home is just not in your budget, you should know the math just got a little friendlier. The median sale price of a newly built home is now at its lowest level since 2021, according to the latest data from the Census. And on top of that, builders are still rolli

    Read More
  • Record High Mortgage Debt Sounds Scary. Here’s What the Headlines Leave Out.

    Record High Mortgage Debt Sounds Scary. Here’s What the Headlines Leave Out.,Monet Yarnell

    You may have seen the headlines lately about mortgage debt in America hitting a record high. And maybe your brother-in-law brought it up at the dinner table like he’s been waiting all week to spark a debate. Here's the thing. He's not wrong. But he only has half the story. And the half he's missing?

    Read More
  • Are Home Prices Going To Fall?

    Are Home Prices Going To Fall?,Monet Yarnell

    It’s one of the biggest hold ups some buyers have right now: “What if I buy, and home prices go down?” With everything in the news, that concern makes some sense. No one wants to make a big financial decision at the wrong time. But here’s what’s important to know. You don’t want to get hung up on th

    Read More
  • How to Turn Seasonal Interest Into Serious Offers

    How to Turn Seasonal Interest Into Serious Offers,Monet Yarnell

    As the weather warms up in coastal Maine, buyer activity naturally increases. Waterfront towns like Belfast and communities across the Midcoast begin attracting more attention from buyers looking for a lifestyle change, summer home, or permanent move near the coast. But increased interest alone does

    Read More
  • Is Late May the Best Time To List Your House?

    Is Late May the Best Time To List Your House?,Monet Yarnell

    You may have heard April 12-18 was the “best week” to list your house. That’s based on a report from Realtor.com. But now that it’s passed, you may be wondering if you missed your moment. Here's the good news – you didn’t.  Because the reality is, there isn’t just one perfect week to sell your house

    Read More
  • The Pricing Mistake That Could Cost You Your Sale

    The Pricing Mistake That Could Cost You Your Sale,Monet Yarnell

    Most sellers come into the market with one number in mind. And it’s often the one that costs them the most. That's their asking price.  A survey from Realtor.com shows about 8 in 10 (80%) of sellers expect to sell at or above their asking price today. But here’s where things get interesting. In real

    Read More
  • What the Foreclosure Headlines Aren’t Telling You

    What the Foreclosure Headlines Aren’t Telling You,Monet Yarnell

    You've probably seen the headlines saying, "foreclosures are on the rise,” and maybe your mind jumped straight to 2008. That’s understandable. A lot of people remember that crash and all the foreclosures that happened during that window, and they’re hoping something like that never happens again.  B

    Read More
  • Why Waterfront Living Becomes More Desirable This Time of Year

    Why Waterfront Living Becomes More Desirable This Time of Year,Monet Yarnell

    As Maine moves deeper into spring and closer to summer, waterfront living begins to feel even more appealing. The weather warms up, the coast becomes more active, and communities like Belfast and the Midcoast come alive with energy and activity. For many buyers, this is the time of year when the dre

    Read More
  • Why Staging Your House Could Pay Off This Spring

    Why Staging Your House Could Pay Off This Spring,Monet Yarnell

    Selling your house this season? You’ve probably heard you should stage it before it hits the market. But what does that really mean – and is it worth the effort? The short answer is “yes,” especially right now. With more houses for sale this year, you’re likely wondering how to make the most money p

    Read More
  • How Early Summer Enhances the Coastal Living Experience

    How Early Summer Enhances the Coastal Living Experience,Monet Yarnell

    There’s something special about coastal Maine as spring transitions into early summer. The days grow longer, the waterfront becomes more active, and communities like Belfast and the Midcoast begin to fully come alive. For buyers exploring homes near the coast, this season offers more than beautiful

    Read More
  • Could Co-Buying Be the Answer for Some First-Time Buyers?

    Could Co-Buying Be the Answer for Some First-Time Buyers?,Monet Yarnell

    For a lot of would-be first-time buyers, affordability is the thing that’s standing in the way. But some buyers are getting creative and finding a way to still make the numbers work – and that’s through co-buying. The Dream Is Still Alive. The Math Just Isn’t Working for Everyone. Young people haven

    Read More
  • The Secret To Selling Fast, No Matter the Market

    The Secret To Selling Fast, No Matter the Market,Monet Yarnell

    When you put your house on the market, you don’t just want it to sell. You want it to sell fast. But the thing is, nationally, it’s taking a little longer to sell lately. And that slowdown can feel frustrating if you want a fast process. Here’s what you need to realize. In every market right now, th

    Read More
  • Why Early May Is the Perfect Time to Reposition Your Listing

    Why Early May Is the Perfect Time to Reposition Your Listing,Monet Yarnell

    If your home didn’t quite get the attention you expected during the peak of the spring market, early May is not a setback — it’s a second chance. In coastal Maine markets like Belfast and the Midcoast, early May marks a natural transition. The initial spring rush starts to settle, buyers become more

    Read More