Maine’s Real Estate Market Update: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know This Summer

By The Libby Starnes Team, Signature Homes Real Estate Group

The real estate market in Maine continues to move at a steady pace as we approach the heart of summer. With increasing buyer interest, a steady flow of new listings, and evolving mortgage rates, understanding the current trends can give both buyers and sellers a competitive edge.

A Shift Toward Balance

After a few years of extreme seller dominance, the Maine real estate market is gradually shifting toward a more balanced dynamic. While inventory remains lower than historical average, more homes are coming onto the market compared to last summer. This is giving buyers slightly more breathing room, while still allowing sellers to see strong returns – especially when homes are priced and presented well.

Continued Demand in Desirable Areas

Southern Maine, particularly Cumberland and York counties, continues to see high demand. Towns like Windham, Gorham, and Standish remain hotspots for buyers seeking the ideal blend of convenience and lifestyle. Proximity to Portland, access to lakes and outdoor recreation, and strong school systems make these areas especially attractive to both families and retirees.

Waterfront and seasonal properties in the Lakes Region are also commanding significant attention. Properties on Sebago Lake, Little Sebago, and surrounding waterways are seeing robust showing activity, especially if they’re move-in ready or recently updated.

What’s Driving Buyer Behavior?

While interest rates remain higher than they were during the peak pandemic years, many buyers have adjusted their expectations. The ongoing low inventory of rental properties, combined with Maine’s lifestyle appeal, is motivating people to buy despite higher borrowing costs.

We’re also seeing a continued influx of out-of-state buyers who are relocating for a change of pace, the rise of remote work, or simply the chance to own a slice of Maine. These buyers are often well-qualified and prepared to move quickly when the right home hits the market.

Tips for Today’s Sellers

If you’re thinking of selling, timing is everything. Homes that are priced strategically and marketed effectively are still moving quickly—especially if they’re in move-in condition. Professional staging, photography, and a strong digital presence across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Zillow can make a dramatic difference in buyer engagement.

Another important factor? Transparency. Buyers are savvy and are more likely to compete for homes with pre-listing inspections, detailed disclosures, and updated systems. It’s no longer just about location—it’s about value and peace of mind.

Advice for Active Buyers

For buyers, this market still requires speed and preparation. Having a trusted local agent, pre-approval in hand, and a clear understanding of your must-haves will put you in the best position to compete. While we are seeing some price adjustments and more days on the market in certain segments, multiple offer situations are still common – especially for well-priced homes under $500,000.

Being open to slightly expanding your search area or considering homes that may need light cosmetic updates can also help you get into the right home at the right price.

Looking Ahead

The remainder of the summer is expected to remain active. If the interest rates dip even slightly, buyer activity could spike once again. At the same time, homeowners who’ve been on the fence about listing are beginning to enter the market—especially if they’re ready to upsize, downsize, or relocate.

At The Libby Starnes Team, we’re not just watching the market – we’re in it every day. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling your tenth, or simply exploring your options, we’re here to provide expert advice, personalized service, and real results.

For more updates, listings, or to schedule a consultation, visit www.libbystarnesteamhomes.com or follow The Libby Starnes Team on social media. <

Selling a Home: How to Manage the Stress of a Major Life Transition

By Carrie Colby

Selling a home is one of life’s biggest transitions. It can be exciting but also overwhelming, uncertain, and emotionally draining. 

Whether you’re relocating due to a major life change or chasing a new opportunity, the process involves far more than paperwork. It’s a deeply personal journey. Letting go of a place filled with memories isn’t easy. Managing stress during the home-selling process doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

A few key strategies can help keep your emotions in check and your focus on what matters most.

Set a Flexible Timeline

Start by mapping out your ideal timeline—from when you plan to list your home to your target closing date. Keep in mind, though, that some aspects of the process will be beyond your control. A flexible mindset helps reduce frustration when things don’t go exactly as planned.

Create a To-Do Checklist

Selling a home involves dozens of moving parts. A checklist will keep you organized and on track. Include everything from home repairs and deep cleaning to hiring a real estate agent and staging the property.

Hire a Trustworthy Real Estate Agent

Your agent should know your local market inside and out, have a strong track record, and communicate effectively. A skilled agent will guide you through pricing, negotiations, showings, and paperwork—freeing you up to focus on your own move and emotional well-being. Talk to your agent about current trends in your area. Understanding whether you’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market helps you set realistic expectations and price your home competitively from the start.

Prepare Your Home for Success

A well-prepared home not only attracts more buyers – it can lead to a quicker sale, which means less stress. Remove personal items and excess belongings to create a neutral, inviting space. Consider scheduling a free donation pickup for unwanted items. Fresh paint, modern fixtures, and minor repairs can boost your home’s appeal without breaking the bank.

Stay Flexible and Open-Minded

Things won’t always go as planned – and that’s okay. Showings might be rescheduled, offers may fall through, or closing might take longer than expected. The more adaptable you are, the less overwhelmed you’ll feel.

Keep Your Emotions in Check

Selling a home is emotional, especially if you’ve lived there for years. But remember, it’s a business transaction. Try to approach decisions – like pricing and negotiations – with a clear, rational mindset. Remind yourself why you’re selling and what you’re looking forward to next.

Gain Financial Clarity

Money worries are a common source of stress. Get clear on your financial situation early in the process. Consult a financial advisor if needed to understand how selling your home fits into your larger financial picture.

Communicate Openly with Your Family

If you’re selling a family home, keep the lines of communication open. A move can stir up anxiety or sadness – especially for kids or longtime residents. Talk through the reasons for selling and invite them to help with packing, organizing, and decisions about the new home.

Keep the Big Picture in Mind

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day stress of selling a home. But remember, this is a temporary season. Soon, you’ll be on your way to the next chapter – whether that’s a new city, a bigger home, or a fresh start. Selling a home is never just about real estate – it’s about change, growth, and new beginnings. With the right mindset, support system, and planning, you can move through the process with more confidence and less stress.

Carrie Colby is a Broker with Allied Real Estate, 909 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. She can be reached at 207-232-5497. <

Seagulls and Sandwiches

By Warren O’Shea

Many of you experienced an uncomfortable burning sensation in your eyes on Sunday. Especially if you were outside with your chin slightly elevated toward the sky. It wasn’t the smoke from the Canadian wildfires; it wasn’t the excessive use of DEET in your black fly deterrent. It was the sun (yes, we still have one under contract). Within hours of the eye burn began what shall for now on be referred to as “The Great Mowing.”

Like the start of a marathon signaled by a blank pistol shot in the air, Maine’s outdoor season began.

Lounge in the yard, swim in the lake, or have your Bao bun sandwich ripped from your hands by seagulls at the seaside, outdoor season in Maine means different things to different people but here are some stats from Fixr.com’s “Outdoor Living Trends 2025”.

Fixr.com sent a survey to 52 top experts in the home construction industry, including architects, home builders, home remodelers, and landscaping specialists from across the U.S.

Yours truly was one of the 52 contributors to the survey, and the only contributor from the Pine Tree State. I’m a bit at odds with the expert moniker feeling the only thing I’m expert at is finishing my Bao bun Sammie.

Each of the professionals who responded has a wealth of experience and currently works in the industry. The contributors to this report were selected due to their extensive expertise, as well as their success in the industry and reputable designs. Their responses are based on their first-hand experience with homeowners, therefore representing a clear picture of current trends in 2025.

 
Homeowners are more willing to invest in outdoor spaces in 2025 than in 2024, say 56 percent of experts. More and more homeowners are turning to creating functional outdoor spaces for living and entertaining 98 percent of experts agree that an updated outdoor space has a big impact on home value. Real estate experts report that investing in upgrading outdoor features can provide a return on investment (ROI) of 50 percent or more, depending on the project. 

   
Indoor-outdoor coherent design is the biggest outdoor living trend this year, according to 56 percent of pros. Unified design is dominating outdoor living trends. 

 
Pocket sliding doors for indoor-outdoor living are the newest emerging trend, say 46 percent. The experts polled agree that pocket sliding doors leading to the outside help create a more coherent indoor-outdoor space.

 
Earthy tones take center stage, with 56 percent of respondents naming them the most popular color for outdoor spaces.

 
Nearly 40 percent of experts say that outdoor kitchens have been a key part of exterior design for years and aren’t going out of style anytime soon. You can keep your space simple by building some permanent shelving and countertops around your grill, or you can go all out and install a full suite of outdoor appliances and plumbing fixtures to bring the entire kitchen outside, but the pizza oven stands out as the most desired outdoor kitchen feature, with 50 percent of experts selecting it as their top choice.

 
What screams luxury and outdoor living like a full-scale living room in your yard? Answer: nothing. Just under 25 percent of professionals agree that full outdoor living rooms are an upcoming trend in 2025. We’re talking comfortable sofas, throw pillows, an outdoor TV or projector, and even artwork to bring the design together.

 
Composite decking is the top patio flooring pick for 2025, favored by 46 percent of experts.
Swimming pools lead outdoor entertainment, with 40 percent of experts naming them the most desirable amenity.

 
Experts agree that drought-tolerant, water-wise planting leads landscaping trends in 2025, with 62 percent marking it as the top trend.

 
A third of exterior design experts can, and they agree that fire pits are sought-after additions to backyard oases. Consider a smaller fire feature, like a portable propane fire table, to bring the luxury without the commitment.

 
Water features in landscaping are nothing new, but 17 percent of experts are recognizing a new trend: minimalist fountains and small, natural-looking streams. Your wallet will thank you for not investing in a giant koi pond, and so will the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife because that is super illegal in Maine. You’ll still get the tranquility that only trickling water sounds can provide and avoid getting a ride in those cool green state trucks.

Warren O'Shea is the owner of O’Shea Builders LLC, Maine’s most award-winning remodeling contractor. He has 35-plus years of residential remodeling experience. He is a certified home inspector and has been featured on HGTV, Food Network, and Maine Cabin Masters. He is a recipient of the Portland Police Department’s “Citizen Award,” and is a staunch consumer advocate. Warren has, and continues to, co-author articles for nationally distributed trade magazines. <

Understanding Home Insurance and the Importance of Regular Reviews

By Tricia Zwirner

Owning a home in the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine is a unique privilege, offering stunning natural beauty and abundant recreational activities. As homeowners in this picturesque area, we invest considerable time, effort, and resources into maintaining and enhancing our properties.

One of the most critical aspects of homeownership is ensuring that our home insurance adequately covers the replacement cost of our homes, especially in light of current building materials and labor market trends. 

This article will explore whether you should increase your home insurance and the implications of raising or lowering your deductibles.

The Importance of Updating Home Insurance

Home insurance is designed to protect your property against various risks, including damage from natural disasters, theft, and liability claims. In our region, homeowners face unique challenges such as winter storms, tree damage from high winds, and potential damage from ice and snow accumulation. Having adequate insurance coverage is critical to ensuring your home is protected from these risks.

For example, many homeowners in the Sebago Lakes Region invest in improvements such as new roofs, upgraded kitchens, and additional living spaces. These renovations can significantly impact the replacement cost of your home. If you were to face a loss, being underinsured could lead to substantial financial burdens when it comes to rebuilding or repairing your home. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly update your home insurance coverage to reflect the current costs associated with rebuilding your property.

When reassessing your home insurance, it’s crucial to evaluate the specific types of coverage you need. Here are two critical components to consider:
Dwelling Coverage: This component covers the cost of repairs or rebuilding your home in the event of a covered loss. As you undertake renovations or improvements—such as adding a new deck or upgrading your kitchen—it’s essential to ensure that your dwelling coverage is sufficient to cover the full cost of rebuilding, including current material and labor costs. With prices for materials like lumber, shingles and insulation fluctuating, understanding these trends will help you maintain appropriate coverage. This assessment should be part of your regular review of your insurance policy, particularly if you've made significant upgrades to your home or if building materials have become more expensive.
Personal Property Coverage: This protects your belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and outdoor gear. Given the recreational lifestyle in the Sebago Lakes Region, many homeowners own valuable equipment for boating, fishing, and skiing. Assessing whether your personal property coverage limit is adequate is crucial, as is ensuring that recreational items like boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, and golf carts are properly insured. Many companies exclude these items from your home policy, so it's important to confirm that your toys are covered.

The Role of Deductibles

When adjusting your home insurance, another critical aspect to consider is your deductible—the amount you are responsible for paying out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. If you decide to increase your coverage to reflect the current replacement costs, you might contemplate raising your deductible to lower your premium. While this can be a financially sound strategy, it comes with risks, particularly in our area where winter storms can lead to costly repairs.

A higher deductible means more out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a claim. After severe weather events, such as heavy snowfall or spring thaw leading to flooding, the cost of repairs can quickly accumulate. If you have a higher deductible, you may find it challenging to cover that amount before your insurance provides assistance. Conversely, lowering your deductible can provide peace of mind and reduce immediate costs in the event of a claim, but this will likely result in higher premiums.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as you reassess your home insurance coverage and deductible choices, it is essential to focus on the replacement cost of your home and the current trends in building materials and labor, as well as your financial position. Increasing your insurance to match the necessary coverage is crucial for protecting your investment against the unique risks that homeowners face in this beautiful area while also ensuring it fits your budget. Regularly reviewing your policy not only safeguards your financial future but also provides peace of mind.

Tricia Zwirner is a State Farm agent celebrating her 22nd year in Windham. She and her team would love to hear from you and can be reached via phone and text at 207-892-2864 or via email at tricia@TRICIAZWIRNER.com. <