If you are a Lewiston Auburn Maine property owner who is seriously considering whether to sell your house, you know there are many practical details that bear careful consideration. One of the first is the decision regarding whether or not -- and if so, to what extent - refurbishing or upgrading the property will be a sound financial strategy.  The first and most obvious advantage of making home improvements before you sell your house is that it will be more marketable in a highly competive market! You can be sure that it will become more attractive to potential Lewiston Auburn Maine buyers. A house that clearly signals the need for after-purchase repairs can be expected to below market offers, which may be exaggerated (or even wildly exaggerated due to ‘fear of the unknown’).  On the o... 01/06/2012

Even Cowgirls Get The Property Blues … or Not Back in the ‘90s, Tom Robbins’ imaginative novel was repurposed into a forgettable movie – but the ‘Cowgirls’ theme was revived a few years ago in articles about the glum side of skyrocketing property value appraisals: excessive tax bills whose rise was the source of much gloom and doom. At least today’s property owners don’t need to complain about rising property values – but they can (and do) worry about the slide in appraised value. Since no one who owns real estate in central Maine bought it so that they could lose sleep over it, how do you (and the cowgirls) make the best of the residential deep six? The first thing you can do is to take a reality-based look at whether the property value situation has any actual impact on your personal ... 11/30/2011

The office parking lot started to fill today as our agents filed in for a meeting and celebration.  Balloons, new faces, and a flurry of activity greeted us all as we rushed to make it in for the 11am meeting on 11-11-11.   We were told to be sure to be there "on time" and not on "Realtor time." The purpose for the guests, the balloons, the food, and gathering?  Today, our office (formerly Keller Williams Realty Mid Maine) officially joined the Maine Real Estate Network. There was a lot of murmuring going on before the meeting, and it grew quiet as it all started.  However, a few minutes into the presentation I could see the faces of my colleagues easing and the initial apprehension starting to give way to thoughts of the opportunities possible with this change.  By the end of the meeti... 11/11/2011

With a population of about 23,000, Auburn is considered a "big city" here in Maine. True, we do have city amenities such as jobs, paved roads, shopping, and a professional fire department, but I guess we are also lacking in other areas like crime, pollution, and noise.  This morning was such a lovely cool damp morning with the birds trying to fill all of the sound space that I thought I'd capture a snippet of life in the "big city" on video. If would like to enjoy Maine Big City Life here in Auburn, give me a call.  207-240-2250.   05/28/2011

Weekly Real Estate Report: Auburn, ME 04210 (12/05/2010 - 12/12/2010) 1:  Home Sold3:  Homes went under contract2:  Homes were listed for sale203:  Homes currently listed for sale Homes for sale in Auburn Maine currently have an average list price of $173,667 and an average days on market of 257.   If you are considering selling your Auburn Maine home and need my help, please feel free to call me at 207-240-2250 or visit my website at www.mainehomeseller.me. I would be happy to meet with you for a no-pressure free consultation and provide a detailed market evaluation and marketing strategy for your home. Data taken from the Maine Real Estate Information System, Inc. (MREIS) for the period of 12/05/2010 - 12/12/2010 for single family homes and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 12/12/2010

What will happen in the Auburn Maine housing market in the coming year?     Will prices will go up, go down, or stay the same?     These are questions that many Auburn residents have on their minds.  Anyone who tells you they have the answer is simply guessing.   I put my crystal ball away a long time ago.  OK, I admit, I never had one to begin with, but it might have come in handy. As a local Auburn Realtor, I have the same questions. Fortunately, I also have access to real time data to help me keep my finger on the pulse of the CURRENT market.   We hear real estate predictions all the time from national media outlets and self-proclaimed experts.  However, our real estate realities are driven by local factors and change constantly.  Only daily monitoring of the results can produce an ... 10/26/2010

October 25, 2010 We just received this update from Deb Simpson, our state legislator about the repairs to route 136 (River Road) in Auburn.  As many of you know, a large section of the road gave way (crane and all) while a crane was being used to finish repairs from last year's damage.  Fortunately the crane operator was unharmed, but the city has been grappling with the best way to fix the road while residents have been enduring detours with no idea of when/if it could be repaired. Wonder no more!  The always clever and industrious Mainers have figured out how to make the needed repairs and prevent future problems.  Here is Deb's update:   "Construction is set to begin today on the repairs to the damaged section of Route 136 in Auburn, and the plan is to re-open Route 136 to thru-traff... 10/25/2010

Auburn Maine leaf collection has begun! Pine Tree Waste will collect bagged leaves from Auburn Maine homes along with the regular trash pick up from now until December 1, 2010.  Please keep in mind: No more than 10 bags per week. Leaves must be dry There is a 30 pound weight limit per bag. Be sure the leaves are at the curb by 7:00am on your regular trash collection day. Auburn residents can also take their leaves to MMWAC at 1 Goldthwaite Road during regular business hours at no cost. 7:00am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday and 7:00am - 12:00pm Saturday. Bag them up if you must, but why not consider a few alternatives? Personally, I detest raking leaves!  Many years ago I discovered the sheer joy of a mulching lawnmower.  The mulching lawnmower has blades shaped in such a way that whatever you... 10/24/2010

So it is Sunday night and I'm looking under my kitchen sink?  Hmmm...no cleaning products under here.  Yes I'm one of those frugal people who only use vinegar and baking soda instead of the fancy cleaning products. Truth be told, the space under my kitchen sink is home to canning jars and my stash of Maine potatoes.  Now these are not your average grocery store potatoes.  These were gleaned from Maine potato fields with permission from the farmer.  If you are not familiar with "gleaning," it is when farmers allow you onto their fields to harvest the left over, forgotten, or seemingly unloved potatoes left behind when they have completed their harvest. Good for the community and good for the farmer.  In potato farming you do not want left over "volunteers" popping up the next year. The m... 10/17/2010

Today was another gorgeous fall day here in Auburn Maine!  A perfect day to visit one of the local Maine Apple Orchards for some pickin', eatin', and just plain good old fashion fun! We didn't have to travel far...just around the corner and down the road a bit to Wallingford' Fruit House at 1240 Perkins Ridge Road here in Auburn.  There are soooo many great ones to choose from, but this orchard is the closest to our home and to be honest, one of our favorites. For the whopping investment of 99 cents/pound you can ride the wagon through the orchard, bags in tow, and pick (and eat) 'til your heart's content.  Some people just couldn't wait to take their first bite of a truly fresh and juicy Maine apple, but I must admit, I resisted since guilt would overcome me if I didn't pay for them fi... 10/17/2010

Yes, Auburn Maine still has a curbside recycling program! During their exhaustive work this past year on trimming the city budget, Auburn was able to save the popular curbside recycling program and still save the city money.  This was no easy task.  The city was faced with a large shortfall and went to great lengths to review every program and find creative ways to cut back while making every effort to preserve services. During the budget process, it became clear that many residents were under the impression that recycling also saved the city money.  Unfortunately this is not the case.  It is actually cheaper to incinerate trash than to recycle.  However, as the city manager pointed out, we do not recycle to save money, we recycle because it is the right thing to do. The solution for th... 10/13/2010

Auburn Maine September 2010 Housing Market Report. Here are the results of single family homes sold in Auburn Maine for September 2010. Number of homes sold 9 Average List Price $165,088 Average Sale Price $148,988 Average Days on Market 222 Percentage (list price to sales price) 88%* Special note:  Six of the nine homes sold within 97-100% of their list price.  Three of the homes sold for MUCH less than their list price and in my opinion, they were grossly overpriced to start with.  One of the overpriced homes was bank owned and priced 47% above current market value.  This home is in a commercial zone, and perhaps the bank was hoping to realize some additional value due to this zoning. Basically, homes that are priced appropriately are selling very close to or at full list price.  As y... 10/10/2010

Here is my pick of the week for the Best Deal in the Lewiston/Auburn area for an Owner Occupy Property. 24 Jefferson Street, MLS#983948 3 Unit Property Each week I review the available properties for sale in the Lewiston/Auburn area and find the best deal of the week in the categories of Single family homes, multi-family properties, waterfront properties, and owner-occupy multi-family properties.  I was needless to say quite happy when my own listing came out on top this week in the category of best deal for an owner-occupy multi-family property.  That does not always happen. Many home buyers are looking into purchasing multi-unit properties and living in them since prices are low right now, mortgage rates are low, and the income from the tenants will help to pay most of the mortgage, c... 09/15/2010

What homes sold in Auburn Maine last month? 17 residential properties sold last month here in Auburn.  The chart below shows the details of these properties including their listed price, final sales prices, and days on market. The best way to answer the question "How's the market?" is to take a look at what is actually selling. Town List $ Sold $ Style # Br # FB # 1/2 B Acreage Yr Blt Type DOM Auburn $525,000 $475,000 CONTEMP 5 1 1 100.5 1986 SF 34 Auburn $233,500 $228,000 CAPE 3 1 0 33 2002 Condo 292 Auburn $219,000 $219,000 RANCH 5 2 0 2.11 1960 SF 79 Auburn $200,000 $196,900 CAPE 4 2 0 0.92 1977 SF 71 Auburn $187,900 $173,000 CAPE 3 1 0 14 2005 Condo 45 Auburn $180,000 $164,175 BUNGLW 2 1 0 0.09 1965 SF 115 Auburn $179,900 $178,000 RANCH 3 1 0 1.86 1972 SF 51 Auburn $179,900 $179,900... 09/12/2010

If you haven't yet enjoyed the full length of the Auburn and Lewiston Riverwalk, here is your chance to make a day of it, stroll along the scenic Riverwalk and help out a great cause at the same time.   The Central Maine Heart Walk will begin at 9:30 am on September 19, 2010. Registration begins at 8:30am. You can create a team and join as a walker or just bring the whole family to help support your friends and neighbors and enjoy the activities:   A heart-healthy breakfast provided by Hannaford's Music by Tinpanic Steel Drum Band Health Checks Kids Games & More! The walk route begins at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn and will be either 1 mile or 3 miles.  This is a local fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Visit www.centralmaineheartwalk.org for more information. 09/10/2010

Yes, Keller Williams Realty Mid Maine took a field trip today!  A full quarter of our agents loaded up into three vehicles and headed out to the Keller Williams Realty Spotlight on Social Media Class today in Westford Massachusetts for a day of fun and learning. No permission slips needed, but "Mama Busch" (aka our Designated Broker Tanya Busch) did pack lunches, healthy snacks, and beverages for all!  Yum!   As one of the smaller Keller Williams Realty offices, we were happy to have the largest contingency of agents in attendance from any single office.  I feel so fortunate to work with so many dedicated and passionate Realtors, showing their commitment to life long learning by making the most of this excellent class run my Michael Tritthart, a Keller Williams Realty Technology Trainer... 09/08/2010

"Once a year, everyone is Greek" is the theme of the annual Greek Festival in Lewiston/Auburn Maine. This year's festival runs from September 9th through the 11th and all are welcome. Thursday 4pm - 8pm Friday & Saturday 11am - 10pm A local favorite, the Lewiston/Auburn Greek Festival is held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 155 Hogan Road in Lewiston and features a wide variety of traditional Greek foods and pastries, Greek traditional dancing, games for the kids and so much more.     09/05/2010

What is happening in the Auburn Maine real estate market? We had seen a dramatic decrease in the number of homes sold in Auburn this July although the median price of the homes sold did show a modest increase.  The median price means that half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less.  This is widely considered a more accurate measure of a market than the average sale price which could be skewed by unique properties that may sell for ridiculously low or high prices. As you can see in the chart below, the median price of homes sold in Auburn Maine has increased steadily since May of this year to a high in August of $145,000.  This is a 19% increase from the median price of homes sold in August of 2009.  Slow, but steady progress is what we are looking for, and so far, the 2010 A... 09/03/2010

This is not your typical plug for a local candidate.  I believe there is more to be learned here than simply which candidate would be the best choice for our state legislature.  National politicians could learn a thing or two from one of our local candidates about connecting with people and getting back to the true reason they have a job in the first place. Last night Mike Beaulieu knocked on our door for a visit.  Not because we are important or special, but rather because his campaign, each time it rolls around, consists of him going door to door to meet and speak with ALL of his constituents in Maine House District 68.  Yes, there are actually politicians who make a point of meeting and speaking with their constituents! My family first met Mike in 2006 when he came around the neighbo... 08/24/2010

What homes are Auburn Maine home buyers buying this summer?  Here are the lates stats taken from the Maine Real Estate Information System for residential properties sold in Auburn within the last 90 days.   Price Range Number of Homes Sold Average Days on Market Average % of List Price Received Under $100,000 17 70 100% $100,001 - $125,000 9 83 97.7% $125,001 - $150,000 8 103 92.4% $150,001 - $200,000 5 83 91.4% $200,001 - $300,000 7 105 97.4% $300,001 and above 6 213 92.3% Totals 52 109 95.2% What does this all mean? Homes sold in Auburn this summer make up 23.7% of all homes sold in Androscoggin County.  Over this summer we have seen well priced homes sell rather quickly, some in under a week.  For homes under $100,000 it has not been uncommon to have multiple offers and several of th... 08/13/2010