Jeff's Blog

Spacious and bright 4 bedroom Colonial in desirable neighborhood. Features a 2-car attached garage, eat-in kitchen, large deck with hot tub, big back and front yards, and more!

Click here for a full virtual tour of the property!

Check out this amazing photo of Back Cove in Portland, Maine during the Super Moon last Saturday. Portland is a beautiful place to live! Check out more photos from local photographer Corey Templeton at portlanddailyphoto.com.

If you're a first time home buyer or seller, you may have questions about what a home appraisal is and what it can mean to your deal.

Appraisals are important because they determine if homes are 'worth' what the mortgage companies will give for loans. If an appraised home is valued at less than the contract price, the mortgage company will usually allow a loan for the lesser value. This can be stressful and frustrating for buyers and sellers, but it makes sense for mortgage companies who may be concerned about borrowers defaulting on loans.

Your local market conditions play a big role in your home's appraisal, so be prepared. If there are a lot of homes in your area being foreclosed on, you run the risk that they can be purchased for much less than your home, which will bring your value down as well. The reverse can also happen - if your home is valued at less than other homes in the area on the market, you may be able to find buyers quicker.

Appraisals are important but tricky because of how variable they can be depending on the local market conditions. Try not to get discouraged if your home's appraisal isn't what you expect, because as the market improves, so will your home's value.

With summer approaching, many homeowners are beginning to think about investing in swimming pools - is this the right decision for you?

It's important to consider pros and cons, especially if you plan to sell your home in the future. Not every buyer will love the idea of a pool, but some will.

Ask yourself how much space you'll lose in your yard by adding a pool. If you're on a small lot already, consider how much ground you can afford to use.

What are other homes in the area selling for if they have swimming pools? Will your home compare to those?

How much can you afford to put into a pool? Swimming pools are not cheap - you'll need to put money into it, and risk getting it back during a sale.

The bottom line is that a swimming pool can make an excellent addition to your property, but there are some cons to consider if you plan to sell. As warm weather approaches, it may be tempting to invest in one, but weigh out your options before taking the dive.

According to a recent study by HomeGain, do-it-yourself home upgrades can come in very handy when it's time to sell.

The survey said the #1 way to boost your home's worth while not spending a fortune is to declutter and clean the home as best you can.

The second most important thing you should do to help your home's appeal is to lighten it up. Freshen the walls with a light color, open your shades, and let sunlight in. No one is going to see all the beautiful details your home has to offer if the interior is full of shadows.

Other important tips include updating electrical and plumbing issues, maintaining great landscaping, home staging, shampooing carpets, updating the kitchen and bathrooms, and painting the exterior.

Many of these projects are inexpensive and give a high return on investment, so give them a try before listing to see what they can do for your home's value.

1009 Washington Street, Bath
Stunning classic Victorian featuring 6 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, hardwood floors, fireplaces, a double parlor, original woodwork, stained glass, a modern kitchen, and more!
Click Here For Virtual Tour!


17 Heritage Lane, Bowdoinham
Cozy and adorable 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom ranch with hardwood floors, French doors, fireplace, large front and back yards, and storage shed!
Click Here For a Virtual Tour!


23 Daniel Street, Gorham
Spacious and sunny single-level ranch with 3 bedrooms, an eat-in kitchen with skylight, a large yard, deck, and more!
Click Here For Virtual Tour!

Fantastic 4 bedroom Colonial with hardwood floors, a spacious layout, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a finished basement perfect for entertaining, and more. This place is a gem!

Check out the full virtual tour here!

What do you need at the grocery store? Bread, eggs, crackers...a mortgage?

Costco has announced it will offer a mortgage lending service on its website, partnering with eleven lenders to help customers explore their options.

The next step for Costo - student and auto loans!