Home matters

Virtual tours offer a way to continue looking for your dream home

By Nicole Foster, Broker/ REALTOR®

People will now have some time to focus on those nagging home improvement projects like organizing & decluttering, fresh paint or flooring upgrades. It would appear that homeowners may even have a few weeks to get a head start on exterior or lawn and garden tasks as well. Homes have never been cleaner than now, with the majority of people taking extra efforts to thoroughly disinfect in addition to spring cleaning. With more people wanting to move to Maine than ever before, we are seeing that in spite of all that is happening our real estate market is still strong and moving.

Is now the time to buy or sell a house? If you are one whose income will not be affected by the pandemic, then now could be a great time to buy. Some of the intense competition may finally ease up a bit, even if only temporarily. Buying real estate during a time when “money is on sale for cheap” is a still a good investment. First time home buyers will have the advantage of no home to sell during uncertain times as a contingency.

Certain sellers have decided to delay putting their home on the market, but we are absolutely seeing a steady stream of newly listed homes both coming to the market each day as well as swiftly going under contract. The technology available today is remarkable and makes virtually touring homes incredibly detailed and accurate. We are now able to provide additional marketing programs as a
courtesy to our seller clients so buyers can feel they are able to “walk into” the home.

Most agencies have been able to quickly implement important changes to the ways we practice real estate. Every aspect of the buying and selling process from how showings and viewings of homes for sale are handled to the building inspection, appraisal process and closing have been significantly modified. The tenacity and creativity of all parties to work together has never been greater and has been awe inspiring to witness in motion. We, as REALTORS® are mindful to screen all clients and customers in the same manner to determine the extent of travel and exposure while being conscious of potential Fair Housing Act violations prohibiting us from discriminating against any segment of the population in regard to ethnicity.

Mortgage rates have increased over the past few weeks as many continue to scramble to refinance but rates still remain significantly lower than they were one year ago at this time. Some lenders feel they may come down again slightly.  If you are considering making an application for a loan in the coming weeks, taking steps such as getting verification of your income or if you are self-employed obtaining verification of any tax returns could be helpful. You do not need to currently be under contract to gather this type of information and there may be temporary waivers or exemptions for certain
requirements.

Nicole Foster is local real estate Broker in the trenches of the spring market while helping three at home students who is thinking about you all each day and knows that we will get through this.

Facts about the present Maine real estate housing market

By Lisa DiBiase

According to the Maine Association of REALTORS® sales of Maine’s single-family existing homes increased dramatically last month. Maine Listings reported a 26.76% rise in sales this January when compared to statistics from January 2019. The statewide median sales price (MSP) jumped 10.45% to $220,900. Specifically, Cumberland County MSP has reached an all-time high to $325,000.

“After a record-breaking 2019, the new year 2020 continued that strong momentum with the highest number of January sales (1,061) since we began keeping statistics 20 years ago,” says Tom Cole, 2020 President of the Maine Association of REALTORS®. “We’re continuing to experience low supply and high demand, with buyers ready to purchase—and waiting for homes to come onto the market.”

Some more interesting facts for Cumberland County based on information provided by Maine listings:

• Highest median sold price and number of sales 2005-2019.
• Approximately one in four sales are in Cumberland county (23%).
• More sales occur in Cumberland County than in Franklin, Knox, Lincoln, Piscataquis, Sagadahoc,
Somerset, Waldo and Washington counties combined.
• The number of sales peaked in 2016 at 4,252.
• Median sold price in 2019 is 44% higher than statewide median price.

As we embark on another fast and furious year in real estate, it is important to understand how it affects you. Dependent upon whether you are looking for a new home or considering selling your home, will determine your position. Whether you find

yourself in a seller's market when demand exceeds supply, or there are more buyers seeking to purchase homes than there are available homes on the market or if other buyers are interested in the same property you're making an offer on, or if you are trying to get a lower sale price you will likely pay over asking price.

The Federal Reserve has indicated that it plans to keep rates steady in 2020 and recently cut interest rates to near zero. This affects the interest rates banks use to lend money to each other, which in turn lowers short-term interest rates (credit cards, car loans, home equity loans etc)

While Fed rate decisions don't directly affect current mortgage rates, they can create economic trends that lead to mortgage rates trending up or down. Recently, mortgage rates have remained extremely low. These are all very key ingredients to keep a strong healthy market.

And, as of today – this is the most recent Maine real estate facts as you proceed to purchase a new or sale your existing home. Good luck.

This article was written by Lisa DiBiase Broker/Owner/Realtor®, Landing Real Estate 207-653-0823

What you should know when selling your home

By Mel Oldakowski

Selling a home certainly comes with its share of challenges, but there are plenty of people who have been in your shoes before. Leaning on the advice of an experienced real estate agent is a great way to simplify the process. Here are some proven selling tips.

Price to sell

Trying to squeeze every last dollar out of the deal by starting with a high asking price may ultimately lead to a lower final sale price for your home. A home that's priced too high is likely to sit on the market, and homes that linger on the market ultimately tend to sell for less. You don't need to offer a bargain basement price, but you may want to go a bit lower than other similar homes in the area, especially if you're hoping for a quick sale.

Clean and de-clutter

Prepare your home for potential buyers. Get ready to clean your home from top to bottom, including those hidden corners that you haven't thought about in years. Now is also the time to start clearing out clutter and storing personal items, so buyers will be able to imagine their lives in the home.

Prioritize fixes and improvements 
While you want to make your home as appealing as possible for buyers, upgrading every last little thing is unrealistic and likely to result in lost money. Instead, focus on upgrading the important stuff, with special attention given to kitchen and bathroom areas because buyers tend to look at those spaces first. Look for upgrades that cost little but make a big difference in appearance.

Smart, simple staging

Once you've cleaned your home top to bottom and made the most cost-effective upgrades, you'll be ready to start thinking about how to stage your home for open houses. An experienced agent can help you with staging tips that will allow you to showcase the most important areas of your home. Open spaces, ample lighting, and attractively arranged furniture are great places to start.

Consider curb appeal

You want buyers to be impressed from the moment they arrive at the curb, so it's important to make sure that your yard is clean, your landscaping is well-maintained, and the entrance to your home is looking its absolute best when selling a home.  If you’re selling in winter months, be sure to give your agent some spring and summer photos to showcase in addition to your new photos.

Be ready for anything

Selling a home is a complex process, so there may naturally be some ups and downs while your home is on the market. Financing can fall through, buyers can have second thoughts and appraisals may not always match the value you expect to get for your home. Stay focused on your goals, work closely with your agent and you'll be ready to overcome any obstacle.

The Bangin’ first quarter of 2020 - What just happened?

By Nicole Foster Broker/ REALTOR®

We have all been predicting an early spring market, but I do not think that any of us were prepared for what we have been seeing each day so far this year. January sales of single family already existing homes is up statewide 26.76% over January of 2019 with an increase of 8.33% in the median sale price for Cumberland County to $325,000.

The Maine Association of REALTORS® (MAR) reported that this January had the highest number of sales of any since they began keeping records twenty years ago! That momentum has only continued through the leap month of February and March is definitely “in like a lion” but no signs of it closing “out like a lamb” with the number of days on the market dwindling and inventory continuing to be tight.

In November of 2019 the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) passed the Clear Cooperation Policy dramatically changing the ways real estate agents are able to market new listings limiting “pocket listings” and restricting “coming soon” property marketing. This is an important change that has already taken effect in January of 2020 that we as professionals are learning to adopt and integrate the new policy passed by our trade organization into our practice, so as a consumer you may be noticing some changes in how marketing is conducted both locally and nationally. (Not all real estate agents are REALTORS® or members of MAR or NAR).

On Tuesday the Federal Reserve announced the first unscheduled rate cut in response to the economic impact of Coronovirus. It is the largest one time cut in twelve years at one-half a percent point which will cause mortgage interest rates, which were already hovering around the lowest we

have seen since 2016, to drop even lower with some speculating they could reach 3%.  We will absolutely see this entice even more buyers to the growing buyer pool and for those of you who are staying put: You really need to call you lender this week to discuss a refinance.

Lastly, it’s easy to forget that you are paying property taxes each month when they are included in your monthly mortgage payment. Take a moment to complete the very simple one page application for the Maine Homestead Property Tax Exemption available online or at the Town Hall (or text me your address, I will be happy to mail you one!) and send to the Tax Assessor prior to April 1^st to have your property’s taxable valuation reduced by $20,000 next year. If you have moved this year and were receiving the Homestead Exemption at your previous address you do not need to wait 12 months at your new home to be eligible, just complete the application for the new address and submit to that municipality Tax Assessor for the uninterrupted reduction.

Don’t forget to spring your clocks ahead this weekend and change the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors!

Nicole Foster is a Broker/ REALTOR with Locations Real Estate Group and is a Windham resident who loves people and real estate.