Maine Real Estate Talk: January 2008

So you've decided to visit Maine's Best Kept Secret?  Well, you're in for a treat!  Welcome Back to the Phippsburg, Maine Community Profile Series!  So far we've covered Phippsburg's ideal location as well as awesome places to eat while you're in town.  You've driven down our gorgeous peninsula....you've sampled the local cuisine, and now you're looking for a place to lay your head for the night.  So you head on over to the Holiday Inn, right?  Nope!  Best Western?  Can't help you! Motel6?  Sorry!  You won't find any hotels or motels in Phippsburg.  What you will find are a wide variety of options when it comes to lodging...and they range from a night out under the stars  to an elegant oceanfront room.  You can choose camping at Hermit Island, a room in one of several historical Bed and Breakfasts, or a private cottage on the beach! 

CAMPING:  Ahhh...one of my favorite activities! Luckily there are several campgrounds to choose from where the scenery is so beautiful I guarantee you that you won't want to stay in your tent!

1. Hermit Island Campground:  Incredible Views!  Ocean camping at it's best for vacationers using tents, small-medium tent trailers and pickups. Features include a camper's store, gift shop, snack bar, saltwater fishing, clamming, and did I mention it has it's own beach?  Visit http://www.hermitisland.com/ for rates, activities, and reservations.  And yes. it really is named after a hermit!

2. Meadowbrook Campground:  An extremely popular campground for tents, campers, and motor homes. Amenities include a swimming pool. store, snack bar, and free mini golf! This place has it's own lobster pound and will cook lobsters and clams every evening in the summer for campers and non-campers. Ice cream, bread, milk, propane, hospitality..it's got everything! Visit http://www.meadowbrookme.com/ . 

3. Oceanview Park Campground: When you stay at this facility, you can spend your day on Popham Beach picking up sand-dollars, taking pictures of the lighthouses, and walking out to Wood Island at low tide.  Then it's a short walk to your camp!  (207) 389-2564 (Summer)  (207) 443-1000 (Winter)

BED AND BREAKFAST: Another fabulous way to spend your vacation! Bed down in a historic inn that has been restored to it's former splendor and enjoy warm hospitality and incredible food!  A few to choose from...

1.Edgewater Farm Bed and Breakfast:  Enjoy your stay in a circa 1800 restored farmhouse!  Features include warm family/dining area with unique stone and shell fireplace, full breakfast, comfy, breezy rooms, 12' x 38' indoor pool and spa. Stroll through expansive organic gardens or visit nearby beaches! Call (207) 389-1322

2. Popham Beach Bed and Breakfast:  This is my number one pick for a Phippsburg Bed and Breakfast! This historic building  is located on the sandy shore of Popham Beach in the Old Coast Guard Station. We have referred many clients there, and they always rave about the experience! The rooms are incredible, the people are wonderful, and the food is unbelievable. There are lots of opportunities to read about the history of the building and the Popham Beach Area. They are one of the few places that offer year-round accommodations. And, of course, it's right on Popham Beach! Visit http://www.pophambeachbandb.com/ .

3. The 1774 Inn:  This Georgian Colonial is perched on the banks of the Kennebec River and offers incredible water views and is listed on the Register of Historic Places! Run by the nicest couple you'll ever meet, this home features period furnishings, queen size beds, private baths, water views and fireplaces. Visit http://www.1774inn.com/ for more info!

COTTAGES:  If you'd like your own private cottage from which to enjoy Phippsburg, there are certainly plenty to choose from!  A few places to start your search are....

1. Belle's House: This three bedroom house with ocean frontage is overlooking Round Cove and is located between Sebasco Harbor Resort and Rock Gardens Inn.  It is minutes away from Popham Beach State Park and the historic city of Bath.  Visit  http://www.maine-coast-vacation-rental.com/ .

2. Classic Harbor Cottage: First year offered.  This renovated traditional 1900 cottage, on pristine eastern Casco Bay, sleeps 5.  April 15 - Oct 31.  Experience the call of the sea and all its natural glory. Visit www.vrbo.com/86517

3. Hidden Mountain Cottages and Gift Shop:  Clean, cozy and restful 2 bedroom cottages with dining / living / kitchenette combination. Located on the way to Popham Beach, Hermit Island, Morse's Mountain and Sebasco Harbor Resort. Ideal for families with children. Visit http://www.hiddenmtn.com/ .

4. Sebasco Wharf Cottages: Seasonal restaurant and cottages. Family owned and operated since 1973. For rates and reservations contact sebasco@midcoast.com.

5. Spinney's Restaurant, Guest House and Cottages: Spinney's Oceanfront Restaurant and Guest House is family-owned and operated, priding itself on serving up the freshest native seafood and hospitality, plus clean, comfy accommodations. Mid-April - end of October. Come visit! Call (207) 389-2052 (Guest house)

As you can see, once you experience the beauty, charm, and history of Phippsburg Lodging, you won't miss the chain hotels!  And should you decide you'd like to stay longer, contact The Hershey Home Team! As Maine Real Estate Experts, we can find you a home of your very own in Phippsburg!  So when vacation  time rolls around again you can make memories instead of reservations!

If you haven't read my post on the DOD Homeowners Assistance Program, take a minute to look it over!  I've gotten so many questions from military families curious about HAP that I've decided to create a FAQ section in my blog!  Feel free to contact The Hershey Home Team for any questions you have about the HAP program whether you're in Brunswick, Maine or at another base where this program will assist you!

HAP Question of the Week:  "How do I know when to put my house on the market?"

Answer: A qualifying homeowner should begin the process of selling their home as soon as they find out they are relocating. Two eligibility requirements are that the applicant must have made a bona-fide effort to sell their home and that they must relocate beyond a reasonable commuting distance of the current home.

You will do better selling your home without using HAP, so if you need to sell you should get it on the market as soon as you find out you're relocating! The HAP program is designed to be a safety net should you not be able to sell your home the traditional way!   If you need assistance with selling Maine Real Estate, call The Hershey Home Team today!

For any of you who don't know, Brunswick Naval Air Station, or BNAS, is scheduled to close beginning in 2009.  I could get into a very long discussion of my feelings regarding the closure, but that won't help anything. So rather than grumbling, I've started looking for ways to help those who are going to be affected by the closure. Keep in mind that these are military people who aren't easily upset. As military families they have been through the fire! As the wife of a former Army guy, I've been through that same fire! We're moving in 2 weeks?  Okay...  Our children will be in a new school for the 3rd time this year? Been there....  You're going first and I have to stay here and sell the house?  Done that..  My point is that these families are very resilient, but this base closure has them worried.  In talking with the many military families who bought homes when they were assigned to BNAS,  I've noticed that the common theme seem to be concerns that they're not going to be able to sell their homes when the big "pullout" begins.  I do reassure them that the closure is going to happen gradually over several years, that we have people moving into the area all the time, and that houses that are priced at market value are selling quickly. But, understandably, people still have concerns. So for those of you who are concerned, let me introduce you to HAP!

HAP stands for "Homeowners Assistance Program"... you know how the military loves it's acronyms! HAP is a program created by the Department of Defense and run by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. It is designed to help people who face a financial loss in selling their homes due to a base realignment or closure.  How does it help? Well, if you try everything and your house does not sell, the government will acquire your house. Basically you must first place your home on the market and try to sell it. You can use a Realtor, try to sell it yourself, whatever makes you happy.  But you must try to sell it for the best price possible! If you can't sell it, then HAP steps in. Now as with any government program, there are certain requirements to meet, forms to have with you, and papers to fill out. My recommendation is that you visit their website http://hap.usace.army.mil/.  This will give you a general idea of what the program is about and how to make sure you follow the proper steps in order to take advantage of it.  Once you have a general idea, give The Hershey Home Team a call!  We'd be more than happy to explain the program, go over the required paperwork, and help you get the ball rolling. We don't want to see you leave...you are a valued member of our community. But if you must go, give us a call and we'll make it as painless as possible!  And aways remember, we'll manage your rental too!  HAP HAP HOORAY!

As a Maine Realtor, I find myself constantly being asked "So..how's the market?"  It seems to happen no matter where I go...the grocery store, the library, my son's basketball games...it seems to come up all the time!  Now I don't mind a bit, because if there's one thing I love to talk about it's Real Estate!  But I can always tell when people have been listening to the news, because they get this astonished look on their faces when I tell them that we're doing great!  So I was ecstatic to see a headline in the paper on Friday that said "Maine's Housing prices remain stable in 2007".  Aha!  Just as I suspected!  Despite the doom and gloom reports that you're hearing from other areas in the nation, Maine has not fallen victim to declining home values!  Are there as many home sales as there were 5 years ago?  No...in fact the number of homes sold has declined every month.  There's a lot of inventory out there, but the median price continues to edge up! During the first 9 months of 2007, home values in Portland rose 2% and homes in Lewiston/Auburn and Bangor rose 5%!  So you see, the sky is not falling in Maine.  When you watch the scary newscasts about the national real estate market, keep in mind that real estate markets are very local. So I send a big thank you out to The Times Record, for backing up what I've been saying for months!  My prediction is that as interest rates fall and the weather warms, we're going to see a huge spike in sales.  So when you ask me how the market is and I tell you it's great...believe it!  If you're considering Buying or Selling Maine Real Estate, give The Hershey Home Team a call!  We'll be happy to prepare a Market Report for the area you're interested in...and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

You'll see a lot of things while driving down the Phippsburg peninsula...Eagles and Ospreyskimming the water, seals playing in the waves, lobstermen hauling their traps, and fisherman telling tall tales over coffee of the one that got away. What you won't see are McDonald's, Burger King, or any type of fast food franchise.  People often ask me "Where can we eat?".  It is a little known fact that Phippsburg actually has some of the best restaurants in MidCoast Maine! So get comfortable...food is my favorite topic!

You can satisfy just about any craving without ever leaving Phippsburg!  Are you looking for something quick to grab and go on your way to Popham Beach? No problem! Swing by Bisson's Center Store. You can't miss it...it's on the main road and is one of only 2 convenience stores in Phippsburg. But it has everything you need! Pick up burgers, sandwiches, pizza, ice cream, coffee...all homemade and perfect for picnics! Grab ice for the cooler, your beverage of choice, and head for the beaches! If you're heading to Fort Popham, make sure you stop by Percy's...our second convenience store!  They also have a varied menu and the best ice cream around!

Are you looking for a place to sit down...with the kids...and watch the sun set over the water?  Once again, there are several to choose from! My favorite is Anna's Water's Edge, a fantastic spot with excellent food! They carry everything from burgers, steak, and pasta to fresh fish, lobster, and clams brought up from the adjoining wharf. Located quite literally at the water's edge, there are picnic tables right by the water, a large deck to dine outside, and plenty of seating inside if you want to get out of the sun. Owned and run by a family that has been fishing Maine waters for years...they know how to prepare fresh seafood!  Make sure you don't leave without trying the chowder!  If you're out on your boat, idle on up to the wharf, walk up the dock, and place your order at the take-out window.

Another option is Spinney's Restaurant! After a long day at Popham Beach, take a short drive down to Fort Popham. There you can dine at Spinneys while looking out over Popham waters. The food here is excellent as well! I would recommend arriving early..there is very limited parking!

Looking for fancy?  Well..we have that too!  Head on down to Sebasco Harbor Resort and enjoy dinner at The Pilot House or The Ledges. Excellent food, upscale decor, and beautiful views over Sebasco Harbor!

If you've rented a cottage or are staying at Hermit Island Campground, you might get a hankering to buy lobster right off the dock and steam it yourself! The first place I'd stop is SeaHorse Lobster in the West Point Community. Watch the boats unload their catch and then have your choice of the freshest Maine Lobster around! You might get lucky and arrive when they're having the auction....then you can watch dealers from all over the world bid on 800lb tuna fish.  That's always a sight to behold!  If you're heading back towards Bath, there are several roadside stands that sell fresh lobster as well.

As you can see, there are a wide range of dining opportunities available in Phippsburg!  If you have any questions about the community of Phippsburg or Maine Real Estate feel free to call The Hershey Home Team! 

You are so close to owning a Home in Maine!  You've read Step 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, and your dream is almost a reality!  The title is clear, the inspection items have been handled, you've obtained homeowner's insurance, and the home appraised at what it needed to! You've received loan commitment and now there's only one thing left to do....go to the closing!

Prior to closing, you will want to do a walk-through of the property with your Realtor. This is to make sure that everything is to your satisfaction! Did they fix the leak they had agreed to? Have any new leaks appeared? Did they get the handrail put on the basement stairs? Have they moved out yet? Yes...even that.  It's good to make sure that everything has been taking care of prior to signing the paperwork!

Also, you will have received a Settlement Statement prior to closing. This paper will explain all the costs involved in buying your home. It will list your loan amount, down-payment amount, points, escrowed taxes...all predetermined costs. Most importantly, it will give you the amount of money you will need to bring to the closing table. You will need to get these funds in the form of a bank check...or certified check...you cannot use cash or a personal check. So be sure you allow for time to take of this before the closing! Also, don't forget to bring a photo ID!

In Maine, the buyer can request to have a title company or an attorney handle the closing.  Whichever you choose, do your hand/wrist exercises and bring 2 pens! You will be signing a multitude of documents! The closing agent will briefly summarize each document as they place it in front of you This is a time when it's a good idea to trust the professionals. If you read every single document, you'll be there a long time!  Can you read every single line of every single form? Absolutely!  But you can trust the professionals as to what the documents are, what they mean, and that they are correct. Do what makes you comfortable! When the paperwork is done and the loan is funded you will be given the keys! Congratulations...you are a homeowner!

It is very normal to face bumps and challenges during the home-buying process! But as your Maine Real Estate Agents, we will be there to help you every step of the way. And, as always, if you have any questions regarding Buying Real Estate in Maine, call The Hershey Home Team! 

I've decided to embark on a series of posts dealing with the various communities in MidCoast Maine! If you are planning a move to Maine, these should give you valuable information on Maine Restaurants, Lodging, Attractions, Activities, and more! Be sure to check back often as I will be adding information on various aspects regularly! 

Let's start our tour in Phippsburg. Why Phippsburg? Well, it could be because I happen to live in Phippsburg and think it is the best kept secret in Maine!  Or at least, it WAS a secret! I moved here 5 years ago, the last stop in Brent's military career before he retired. Little did I know we would quickly grow to love this little community so much that now we plan on spending the rest of our days on this gorgeous peninsula!  So what's so special about Phippsburg? Let's start with it's location...

Phippsburg is located on a picturesque peninsula stretching south from Bath twelve miles to the island studded Atlantic Ocean.  With the mighty Kennebec River to the East and the New Meadows River and Casco Bay to the west, Phippsburg is one of the best kept secrets in Maine.  It is home to gorgeous beaches, deep coves, rocky islands, and  some of the best sailing, boating, kayaking, and fishing opportunities in New England. The sea breezes keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than our inland neighbors!

Phippsburg is quiet and peaceful with large tracts of undeveloped land. In fact, over 50% of the land in Phippsburg is either conserved or preserved in an effort to retain the rural character that draws hikers and nature lovers from all over.  But if you ever desire the hustle and bustle of the city, it's an easy drive to Bath, Brunswick, Topsham and Portland.  Convenient to shopping, cultural, medical and transportation centers, yet far enough away to escape the crowds! 

Please check back regularly as I let you in on the best place to get lobster, find a sand dollar, or just enjoy the view!  Also, I hope you'll join me in the coming year as I introduce you to the colorful towns that make up MidCoast Maine. And, as always, if you need any assistance Buying or Selling Real Estate in Maine call The Hershey Home Team!

Hello Again! So...you're buying a home in Maine? That's great! You must be here because you've already read Step 1, Step 2, Step 3, and Step 4, and you have a house in Maine under contract! Perhaps your offer was accepted immediately...maybe it took quite a bit of negotiating...but either way you're under contract and ready for the next phase of the Home Buying Process!

More than likely, you're offer was "contingent" on any number of things.  These "contingencies" are your way of saying that you are serious about buying the home as long as certain issues are resolved to your satisfaction. There are all sorts of contingencies, the most common being investigations (inspections) and financing. When you wrote your offer, your Maine Buyer's Agent went into detail with you regarding the contingencies that are present in the contract. The most important thing is to get started right away on removing the contingencies. The Sellers will more than likely give you a time frame in which things have to be done....for example, inspection within 14 days, or loan commitment within 25 days.  Your Maine Real Estate Agent is invaluable during this time..he/she will help you through all the stages of dealing with the contingencies. If for any reason you cannot come to a resolution with any of the contingencies, you are able to back out of the contract and get your earnest money back.  For example, if the Seller refuses to fix any inspection issues, or if the property boundary is in dispute, or if the home does not appraise, you have the option of withdrawing from the contract and getting your earnest money back.  Although it is rare, these things sometimes cannot be resolved.

So get going!  Schedule your inspection...get the paperwork to your lender so they can schedule the appraisal...contact your insurance company to make sure you can get insurance on the property...there's so much to do!  Then meet me back here so we can talk about the closing process! And, as always, if you have any questions regarding Buying or Selling Maine Real Estate, contact The Hershey Home Team!

The importance of Home Inspections  and Owners Title Insurance are things that I feel so strongly about that they warrant their own post! Check back with Maine Real Estate Central for more info on these topics!