York, ME

The general feeling among York, Maine real estate agents during the month of November was that this was a very slow month. Results prove them right.

There were 8 sales of single family homes in York, Maine closed during November 2008. Median prices tend to be more representative since a single high end home can distort the average in such a small sample. Median sales price November 2008 was $384,000, median days on market was 101 days, and median sales price was 96% of list price.

November 2008 sales of 8 single family homes is just over half of the total November 2007 sales, which was 15 single family homes. Median sales November 2007 price was $409,000, median days on market was 81 days, and median sales price was 95% of list price.

What's the forecast? Most agents believe that December 2008 sales will be light relative to the year before also. However, the recent steep drop in mortgage interest rates, from 6.5% on 30 year fixed just a few weeks ago to 5.5% today, coupled with some true bargain pricing, may lure buyers back into the Seacoast real estate waters. York, Maine, with its beautiful beaches, friendly folks, and quaint small town feeling, remains a sought after Seacoast location.

We predict an early Spring and we're not talking weather.

Have you been to Harvestfest? If you have, then I know you will be back this year. If not, this is your chance! The York Chamber of Commerce carries the full schedule.

Saturday's events center around both York Village and York Beach. Those in the know skip the parking issue and take the free trolley from Short Sands beach or either the elementary, middle or high schools. The opening parade is conducted in colonial dress. From 10 to 4, there is a juried craft fair and a fabulous food festival. Please stop by the Coldwell Banker Yorke Realty table and sample some of our chili. Tell them Margaret Mitchell sent you!

Local musician, but widely known, Tim Janis will offer his uplifting music with a message. A Fife and Drum Band also complements the colonial theme.

Children will be greatly entertained by the Kidsfest section offering crafts, games and face painting.

Not to be outdone, York Beach participates with a full day of events located at the Ballpark. Crafters and Food Vendors will offer their wares in an Old Fashioned Marketplace. There will be numerous community and non-profit raffles as well as (drum roll please) a corn toss challenge.

The day will conclude with Fireworks on Short Sands Beach!

On Sunday October 19, Short Sands Beach is also home to an Antique Car Show. The Marketplace will continue and horse drawn carriage rides will also be offered. Under the big tent, a Native American POW-WOW will include live entertainment and storytelling. Harvestfest will conclude with the T-shirt raffle. No, you don't win a T-shirt - your raffle ticket includes a free T-shirt or poster. Local vendors have donated a variety of great prizes.

Please join us this weekend in York, Maine for Harvestfest.

Forecast calls for great weather in York, Maine this weekend. Coldwell Banker Yorke Realty has scheduled four open houses this weekend. We hope to see you there!

SATURDAY OPEN HOUSES

YORK - Sat 10/11 12 to 3 PM at 26 Plaisted Road Great in town 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch at a great price of $287,000. Lovely landscaped lot of almost 2 acres, with built ins, garage and family room. Hosted by Don Langille.

Directions: Rt 1 to Plaisted Road in York. House on the left.

YORK HARBOR - Sat 10/11 12 to 4 PM at 42 Godfrey Cove. Extraordinary Craftsman manor home on three manicured acres overlooking the ocean. This home is participating in the Coldwell Banker 10 day sale at a price of $2,370,000. www.42GodfreyCove.com Hosted by Margaret Mitchell.

Directions: Rt 1A to Rt 103. Left onto Braveboat Harbor. Bear right at Western Point. Left onto Raynes Neck. Left onto Godfrey Cove.

SUNDAY OPEN HOUSES

YORK BEACH - Sun 10/12 12 to 4 PM at 42 Beacon Street Extension.

Fabulous fieldstone fireplace in this all season vacation home. Short walk to Long Sands beach down a country road. Offered at $299,900. Hosted by Steve Dunne.

Directions: Old Post Road to Bluestone, Left on Graystone, right onto Beacon Street Ext. House is 3rd on the right.

YORK BEACH - Sun 10/12 12 to 4 PM at 12 Gingerbread Lane. Exceptional craftsman cape on an acre lot in a quiet, private neighborhood. Quality rarely seen at a price of $579,900.

www.12GingerbreadLane.com Hosted by Margaret Mitchell.

UPDATE: UNDER CONTRACT Buyer attended the open house.

Directions: RT 1 to Old Post Rd. Left on Bluestone, left on Graystone, straight on Trafton. Left on Buck, right on Harry. 3rd house on left.

LAST OF THE BEST - Final Phase of Whippoorwill, York's Premier Subdivision

Please join me this Saturday September 20 from 12 to 3 PM at 4 Heron Drive, York, Maine. Just three homes and three lots left. Homes from $569,000 and lots from $219,000.

This executive 4 bedroom colonial enjoys an open kitchen with a center island and built in desk. The granite counters complement the cinnamon stain of the maple cabinetry. The kitchen includes a breakfast area which on one side overlooks a brick patio outside a sliding patio door and a formal dining room on the other. The kitchen opens up to a family room with vaulted ceiling and gas fireplace.

A formal living room, powder room and first floor laundry complete the first floor. Tile and hardwood run through out the first floor, and the walls are nicely painted in neutral colors. The hardwood continues up the gracious staircase, where the bedrooms await the Buyer's choice of carpet.

The sunfilled Master Suite includes an en suite bath with tiled walk in shower with rope molding. Two more bedrooms and a second full bath complete the second floor. The kids will fight over the enormous third floor bedroom. A spacious attic, which can be easily finished if more living space is desired, completes the third floor.

Walkout basement, attached garage and lovely landscaping complete this home. Enjoy the walking trails of the conservation land and the proximity to York's beaches, restaurants, country clubs and I 95.

Want to Preview?

One Minute Video of Open Home: www.propertypreviews.com/realestate/2124/4_heron_drive_york_maine_me

Photo Tour of the Neighborhood: www.WhippoorwillHomes.com

Broker interest. Hope to see you Saturday.

CURRENT UPDATE: October 11 & 12 open houses

Let me preface this blog with stating: IT WOULD SHOCK YOU WHAT I BUY ON THE WEB. I have worked as a builder for 10 years. We are renowned for the detail in our homes. People see the detail and totally flip: "Where did you get that??? " Web, web, web.

Sometimes I find creative peeps on the web and email them an idea. We go back and forth, and then they build it for me. Prices are usually nice for the quality, and true custom work, because most people like to go good work and appreciate someone who recognizes quality and will pay for it.

Chiseled granite sinks, period mahogany lights, detailed floor medallions. Web, web, web.

I buy not only my car but my husband's work trucks on the web. OK, no clue really after V6 vs. V8, but I ask him the buzz words. And then I browse the web and see who has what we are looking for on the lot. We usually buy on December 30. You have a VERY motivated dealership, looking to move vehicles off their lot and we get a potential tax deduction. My first conversation with the car salesman is when we arrive to pick up the truck. Everything has been done and agreed on the web.

An automobile is an automobile. Once you specify the make, model and options, THEY ARE ALL ALIKE. There ya go. Drive it off the lot.

Two things I will never buy on the web: First, my dog. I can't even "pre-order" my dog from a breeder. I just have to see her, look at her little face, to know if she is the one for me. Second: my home. I have to see her face, too, to know if she is the one for me.

A HOUSE IS NOT AN AUTOMOBILE. A photo will never tell me if I can smell the salt sea spray, if I hear the buzz of Route One, what the light looks like at dawn. The floor plan does not tell me if the builder is an artisan with old world craftsmanship and well deserved pride in his work. I can't drive it off the lot. I can only hope that the builder/journeyman intuitively knew the most important aspect: how to join it to the earth.

NO TWO ARE ALIKE.

I preview every new listing in my town and look at every photo. But at the first broker open, off I go to see it. If there is no broker open, I go to the public open house which must be unusual judging from the listing agents' reactions.

It doesn't matter what time of day I go, nor the weather. I have this bizarre builder's compass in me that knows which way the house faces and what the light will look like at dawn or dusk. I never see what the house is, just what it could be. I am flawed: I like all houses.

Here's an exciting secret: I have a talent for knowing if a house is the home for my buyers. I preview it on the web and then in person. Then I send a web preview to my buyers and set up a showing. I can't wait to see their faces, when they actually see the house that will become their home!

The web, my ally, my best friend, will not be replacing me, the real estate agent, soon. A house is not an automobile and no two are alike.