Sue Paige

Well, I told you I would take a couple of photos. Standing outside my office by my car I took this one which is across the causeway in Naples, Maine. It is looking down Long Lake

These are ice fishing houses/shacks.Inside they might have a little fire going and a hole in the ice for fishing out of. There are holes bored into the ice around the houses also. This is facing west.

This one is of our miniture golf course behind our ERA Today Realty parking lot.

There really is a mini golf course under that snow.

If you want to see more photos of Naples and other area towns just let me know. Take care and stay warm.

Sue from Maine

Today I have been trying to figure how much snow we will actually have by the time I wake in the morning. I went to work this morning only to find about six inches of snow covering my car. The drive home wasn't bad, till I turned onto the secondary roads. Then I realized they weren't plowed and it would be the true test of my little Ford Focus. Well, I made it home. Then I twittered, listened to a radiotalk feed and then twitted back and forth.

I would say even though it snowed I have been a busy person with my production. I have made a referral, made an appointment for a prospect for Friday, signed up for a "Green" course, and shoveled in front of my door so my dogs could get out.

I look forward to tomorrow and take my camera with me. I will come back here with some photos of what I see.

Love Maine

I thought I would look up Naples, Fl and see if we had some sisterhood between the two places. Well, both sell waterfront, both have shops, both have golf courses and both have fine dining. The differences? Well, one is very cold in the winter while the other is the escape from the northern area of the East Coast. Naples, Fl. has the gulf of Mexico to enjoy the world of water sports. We in Naples, Me. have several lakes and ponds to enjoy the world of water sports.

Naples, Me. is my mecca. We have a pet friendly camp ground, a great cruise on the River Queen, fine dining looking out over the water. We have views of mountains along with the views of the water. The population in 2005 was around 3589. We are a vacation town, so many homes are vacant during the winter. The jobs are mainly in the service, sales and office employment. This is a great place to retire, raise children, play in the snow or the sand.

What else would you like to know about Naples, Maine? Let me know what you want to know and I can find the answer.

susan.paige@era.com

So what has happened six onths past here in my neck of the woods? I find more bank owned and short sales on our mls. It will be interesting if this continues

Here are the stats for a few of our local towns.

current listings high price low price avg. price dom

Casco 72 $1,250,000 $49,900 $287,157 10 - 207
Gray 74 $2,950,000 $79,900 $312,535 35 - 360
Raymond 55 $1,395,000 $119,900 $329,504 193 - 343
Naples 81 $2,390,000 $57,700 $390,899 0 - 103

sold listings high price low price avg. price dom

Casco 35 $650,000 $20,500 $211,022 5 -697
Gray 48 $695,000 $52,000 $211,314 0 -446
Raymond 34 $810,000 $88,000 $275,560 6 -415
Naples 33 $775,000 $32,000 $214,996 1 -695

When I look at these statistics I really look at the days on market. The solds marketing times are getting longer. Is it because the seller feels he/she can get more than the market will bear and then comes to decide to lower the price. There are those that sell rather quickly so that tells me if it is priced properly then it will sell.

Still a buyers market. We are rural here in this area with lakes around to enjoy.

Let me know if I can be of any assistance to you for your Maine Real Estate needs.

Here is the second part of my blogging for those who might be considering moving into a new property. The time is right, but you need to make sure you have your ducks in a row. It isn't like go find the home and buy it. Now things have to be done before you even make an offer. It is due to all the economic strife we have all been experiencing. There are some basics to consider and this blog is to discuss having a letter from the company you hope to use for aquiring a mortgage.

1.) Get that pre approval letter from the lender so when you present an offer this letter will let the seller know you are already in the process of getting a loan and that you would qualify for the offer you are presenting. Your agent will know better what homes will be choice for you.

2.) Finding the right home isn't as difficult as it was several years ago. The inventory is high and your agent will be able to inform you of those properties that come onto the market and fit your needs. Let your realtor work for you.

3.)When you are searching for a home, know that your agent should be able to help you with those who are attempting to sell their home on their own. Most for sale by owners will honor your agent with a commission payment. They want to sell. Searching for sale by owners

4.) Remember your agent can not offer you information regarding school systems, where churches are located, or information regarding certain neighborhoods. You, the buyer, have responsibilities to ensure the home you are interested in will work for you regarding the surrounding neighborhood, schools, the local government, etc.

So, go find that agent who can work for you and go find that home, put in an offer, go to closing, and receive the keys to your new residence.

Good Luck

When it comes to working with clients and knowing how to listen and respond in a timely manner, I am there. Find me and let me know how I can better serve you.