Real Estate Column
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How to Style an At-Home Bar: From Clubrooms and Cocktail Lounges to Taprooms and Taverns
This story was originally published in Reside by Sotheby’s International Realty By Iyna Bort Caruso As if we need another reason to love life at home, the home bar is enjoying a renaissance. Haute happy hours are the new splurge. For decades, home bars have routinely taken over basements, displaced spare bedrooms, and usurped garages. But they’ve evolved, says Deirdre O’Connell, chief executive for Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty in Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. Bars are enjoying greater prominence in our homes. “They’ve moved from the basement to the main level,” she says. They’re now front and center in living rooms, family rooms, and busy hallways. Imbibing in style starts…
- From Sotheby's International Realty, Interior Design, Listings We Love, Real Estate Column, Real Estate News
Natural Wonder: Unique Stone Varieties for a Durable & Beautiful Touch
This story was originally published in Reside by Sotheby’s International Realty. The innate character, the unique graining, the colors that take their cue from the earth—there’s so much to love about natural stone. Using it throughout your home, whether iterated for countertops, walls, flooring, or accents adds a singular beauty that can’t be replicated. “No two pieces of stone will ever match completely, as veining and color are all made by Mother Nature,” says Gioi Tran, founder and principal designer of San Francisco-based design firm Applegate Tran Interiors.
- From Sotheby's International Realty, Interior Design, Listings We Love, Maine Real Estate, Real Estate Column, Spring in Maine
Creating Curb Appeal: Tips for Paint, Trim & Doors that Wow
This story was originally published in Reside by Sotheby’s International Realty. When it comes to first impressions, the paint you choose for your home’s facade matters. “Refreshing, changing, or brightening up the exterior can make a huge difference,” says Cara Woodhouse of Cara Woodhouse Interiors in Roslyn Harbor, N.Y.
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May Home Sales Increase 6.32 Percent
AUGUSTA (June 21, 2019)— The single-family existing home market in Maine remains healthy as the summer sales season is in full-swing. According to Maine Listings, Realtors reported selling 6.32 percent more homes in May 2019 compared to May 2018. The Median Sales Price (MSP) for the state also jumped 4.59 percent to $230,000. The MSP indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less. “May was a strong month for residential real estate sales in Maine and, after a slow start to 2019, we’re pulling even to 2018 levels,” says Peter Harrington, 2019 President of the Maine Association of REALTORS and Broker/Partner with Malone Commercial Brokers in Portland. “Sustained job security…
- Kennebunk Maine Real Estate, Kennebunkport Maine Real Estate, Maine Real Estate, Real Estate Column, Simon Says
Simon Says – Strategies To Buy For-Sale-By-Owner Properties
Strategies To Buy For-Sale-By-Owner Properties Question: We have been looking for property for quite a while and have found a “for-sale-by-owner” that might be right for us. We are a bit lost as to how to begin the process. Every other time that we have bought a house it has been listed with a Broker. Any suggestions that you could make would truly be appreciated. BL Answer: You have a couple of different options. There are two different approaches that you can take: 1. You can hire a knowledgeable, experienced, smart, broker to represent you in the transaction. Establish a signed contract with this broker spelling out exactly what he/she…
- Kennebunk Maine Real Estate, Kennebunkport Maine Real Estate, Maine Real Estate, Real Estate Column, Simon Says
Simon Says – Is An Inspection Really Necessary?
Is An Inspection Really Necessary? Question: We are buying our next-door neighbors’ condo. We’ve been neighbors and friends for years and I know that they have taken really good care of their unit; I am not at all concerned that there are any issues that will make a problem for us. My adult son says that I am really goofy and should have an inspection. Is it really necessary? I do not want to offend them by having it appear that we do not trust them. Opinion, please. AH Answer: I am with your son on this one. Without question, buying any piece of real estate is a significant investment.…
- Kennebunk Maine Real Estate, Kennebunkport Maine Real Estate, Maine Real Estate, Real Estate Column, Simon Says
Simon Says – Say ‘Yes’ To Loan Shopping And Home Inspection
Say ‘Yes’ To Loan Shopping And Home Inspection Question: We’ve recently put a house under agreement and will be closing in the next few weeks. When I was searching for a lender, I called a friend of a friend and we are moving forward with the loan with his company. Recently, I read something about shopping for loans, which is something that I have never done. Did I make a big mistake? Is it too late to make a change? Answer: Actually, you did make an error. I always recommend that my clients shop their loans to at least three different lenders. This way they ensure that they are getting…
- Kennebunk Maine Real Estate, Kennebunkport Maine Real Estate, Maine Real Estate, Real Estate Column, Simon Says
Simon Says – Just How Much Do I Have To Do?
Just How Much Do I Have To Do? Question: Having read a lot of home-selling information online and in the newspapers, I am wondering: Just how much do I have to do? I am reading now about paying someone to come and stage my house. Stage it? Come on, this is not a Broadway show! Where does all this foolishness stop? NP Answer: I certainly do have clients who have paid a professional to come and stage their homes: without question, it definitely makes the house more appealing. In this market, anything that you can do to make your home look better is a plus and can help with the…
- Kennebunk Maine Real Estate, Kennebunkport Maine Real Estate, Maine Real Estate, Real Estate Column, Simon Says
Simon Says – Find A Broker Who Understands The Local Market
Find A Broker Who Understands The Local Market Question: We’ve been searching for a house in the Portland market for a while. One of us works here and the other works in Portsmouth. We have decided to find a house between the two cities, to reduce commuting time and expense. Anyway, we have been working with my cousin, who is a broker, and doing a very nice job for us. But now that we are heading down the coast I’m wondering if we should be using a a broker from that area. My cousin, while a great broker, says that he has never sold a house in that part of the state,…
- Kennebunk Maine Real Estate, Kennebunkport Maine Real Estate, Maine Real Estate, Real Estate Column, Simon Says
Simon Says – Neighbor’s House On The Market For Years
Neighbor’s House On The Market For Years Question: We have a neighbor whose house has been for sale for over four years. It really is kind of a joke around here and no one can understand why it is still for sale. From the outside, it appears to be in good condition. What could it be? JP Answer: Without question, if the house was on the market during one of the best selling cycles we have ever had and it still did not sell, there is only one reason. That reason has to be the asking price. There are some sellers out there who believe that their house is worth whatever number…