With the arrival of another Thanksgiving holiday, it is important to remember to keep the "Thanks" in the holiday! Just as Christmas has become far removed from the celebration of Christ's birth, as a society we have lost the meaning of giving thanks, or recognizing the upside of life, as we rush frantically from task to task every day.
When one takes the time to slow down for even a few minutes every day and look at all that is right with their world, they will soon find that good things start to happen. Look at the sky, take in your surroundings, find something that makes you heart sing, even if only for a minute. Add this routine to your life every day, gradually expanding the minute to a few minutes then to an hour then........you are the only one who can limit the possibilities!!
So....go forth, eat your turkey, ....... and be thankful!!! Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
First Time Homebuyers??
There is no time like the present to start the process of purchasing your first home. Put aside all you think you have learned from HGTV and the possibility of making a bundle on the sale( which is down the line, by the way) and think about how nice it will be to NOT be paying the landlord, how cool to be able to paint the walls any color you like, have any pet you want, plant flowers if that's your thing, have a pool, sit on your own patio......the list goes on.
With the LOW interest rates and HUGE number of properties from which to choose, a buyer can take their time and really choose the house or condo which makes the most sense.
There are two people who will be critical to your success. They are a REALTOR who specializes in first time home buyers and a lender who is familiar with all of the loan options out there for those buyers.
So.... sit down with a lender you trust and find out what you need to do to get qualified for a loan. Late making payments? Owe on that student loan? New to the job? It's all OK. You can begin a process that allows you to charge up that credit score and sock some bucks in the bank.
The next person to whom you should talk is a REALTOR who knows your needs. Please make sure this professional is geared towards working with the first time buyer. That means familiarity with loan programs, knowledge of affordable housing options where YOU want to live, and the ability and desire to TEACH you about this process. Oh yea.....patience is a good thing, too!
How do you find these folks? Ask friends, family, others who they would use. Go to Open Houses and interview the agents. Go on line and check out websites and blogs. (www.wesellmaine.com) Ask your lender who they use. You can use the same process to find a lender. Your bank or credit union might be an option, too.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to go with your gut. And, for Pete's Sake, don't sign any contracts that "marry" you to anyone until you have "dated"!!
That's it for now. Get going! Your future is out there. All that is missing is YOU!!!
With the LOW interest rates and HUGE number of properties from which to choose, a buyer can take their time and really choose the house or condo which makes the most sense.
There are two people who will be critical to your success. They are a REALTOR who specializes in first time home buyers and a lender who is familiar with all of the loan options out there for those buyers.
So.... sit down with a lender you trust and find out what you need to do to get qualified for a loan. Late making payments? Owe on that student loan? New to the job? It's all OK. You can begin a process that allows you to charge up that credit score and sock some bucks in the bank.
The next person to whom you should talk is a REALTOR who knows your needs. Please make sure this professional is geared towards working with the first time buyer. That means familiarity with loan programs, knowledge of affordable housing options where YOU want to live, and the ability and desire to TEACH you about this process. Oh yea.....patience is a good thing, too!
How do you find these folks? Ask friends, family, others who they would use. Go to Open Houses and interview the agents. Go on line and check out websites and blogs. (www.wesellmaine.com) Ask your lender who they use. You can use the same process to find a lender. Your bank or credit union might be an option, too.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to go with your gut. And, for Pete's Sake, don't sign any contracts that "marry" you to anyone until you have "dated"!!
That's it for now. Get going! Your future is out there. All that is missing is YOU!!!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Real Estate Market Keeps Tanking!!
THE REAL ESTATE MARKET KEEPS TANKING !!!
Posted by Jean-Marie Caterina under For Buyers, For Sellers
Or does it? The last few weeks have seen gloom and doom all around according to the market gurus. But has the same happened in Maine? While properties above $250,000 seem to take longer to sell there is a decided pent up demand in lower ranges.
Buyers need to take advantage of the LOW rates and HIGH inventory! It is a candy store out there, folks! Sure, you may have a house to sell, but if you bought more than five years ago and have not pulled your equity….NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY!!! You have money to spend and deals are there to be made.
First time homebuyer?? Don’t sweat. If you have decent credit, there are programs out there. Buy your house to live in and if you make money …..and you will if you are there long enough….super!! Quit paying the landlord!!
The only day you have is today! Get on it!! Cat
Posted by Jean-Marie Caterina under For Buyers, For Sellers
Or does it? The last few weeks have seen gloom and doom all around according to the market gurus. But has the same happened in Maine? While properties above $250,000 seem to take longer to sell there is a decided pent up demand in lower ranges.
Buyers need to take advantage of the LOW rates and HIGH inventory! It is a candy store out there, folks! Sure, you may have a house to sell, but if you bought more than five years ago and have not pulled your equity….NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY!!! You have money to spend and deals are there to be made.
First time homebuyer?? Don’t sweat. If you have decent credit, there are programs out there. Buy your house to live in and if you make money …..and you will if you are there long enough….super!! Quit paying the landlord!!
The only day you have is today! Get on it!! Cat
Who Says Real Estate Sales Are Down?
WHO SAYS SALES ARE DOWN???
Posted by Jean-Marie Caterina under For Buyers, For Realty Professionals, For Sellers
The headlines screamed ” Sales in Maine Drop 16% in September” Yikes! Well did they also tell you this?
Cumberland County - Rolling Month- 7/1/2006 to 9/30/2006 compared to the same period 2007 (7/1/2007 to 9/30/2007)
# Units sold - 2006 - 812 2007 - 876 INCREASE 7.88%
Median sales price $255,000 in 2006 - $255,000 in 2007 NO DECREASE IN VALUE
Hmmmmm………..what tanked market?? Cat Thanks to MREIS for the figures!
For info on any listing in Maine go to www.wesellmaine.com . On the left sidebar choose Search Maine Properties.
Posted by Jean-Marie Caterina under For Buyers, For Realty Professionals, For Sellers
The headlines screamed ” Sales in Maine Drop 16% in September” Yikes! Well did they also tell you this?
Cumberland County - Rolling Month- 7/1/2006 to 9/30/2006 compared to the same period 2007 (7/1/2007 to 9/30/2007)
# Units sold - 2006 - 812 2007 - 876 INCREASE 7.88%
Median sales price $255,000 in 2006 - $255,000 in 2007 NO DECREASE IN VALUE
Hmmmmm………..what tanked market?? Cat Thanks to MREIS for the figures!
For info on any listing in Maine go to www.wesellmaine.com . On the left sidebar choose Search Maine Properties.
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