A lot of our customers who are looking to purchase a nice piece of Maine waterfront property often live some distance from Maine and are thinking in terms of purchasing a second home, rather than a primary residence. When you live three or more hours away from the property you might be interested in buying it can pay off big time when you use your buyer's agent to your fullest advantage.Any capable buyer's agent should be able to show you property, help negotiate an offer, and handle all the paperwork to closing. But if you live some distance from the area you're thinking of buying in, you need your agent to do much more. Having your agent be your eyes, ears, and "feet on the ground" before you come to look at property can save you time, money, and frustrating hours looking at inappropr... 03/26/2008

I wish Al Gore would pay us a visit to us up here in Maine. I just know that he would re-consider his position on global warming. But then again, what would he do with all the carbon credits he's been earning?Although the calendar confirms that Spring has arrived, no one seems to have told Old Man Winter. It appears that he's been out of the loop and is refusing to loosen his icy grip. I remember an old timer telling me once that Maine, unlike elsewhere, has only two seasons, Winter and Fourth of July. I laughed then - I'm not laughing now.Now, I know that to some this has been the best of winters. The snowmobilers are happy. Skiers are happy. Ice Fisherman too. But for those of us selling lakefront property - well, let's just say things could be better.While the rest of the country is ... 03/22/2008

This time of year can be hard on a Maine waterfront real estate buyer. There's a blanket of snow covering that sandy beach, there are no loons laughing and calling, and summer seems a long way off. What's a buyer to do?Well, this is no time to be singing the blues! This is Maine we're talking about. We do occaisionally have snowy winters, but Spring arrives in less than three weeks! In six weeks you'll hear peepers at night and smell a skunk or two. The ice will be going out of all lakes and ponds and they'll be sightings of robins and bluebirds. And, yes, most of the snow will be gone.Time is of the essence! A waterfront property buyer has things to do. The next four weeks or so offer a great opportunity for potential lakefront property buyers to gear up for the season ahead. Because s... 03/04/2008

One of the priorities we established when we started this blog recentlywas to  share great information with people who own or want to own Maine waterfront property. We think we have made a good start down that road, but know that the news and information that is available out there and the need of interested parties to stay informed is an ongoing pursuit.With that thought in mind, I went through my mail today and saw the latest newsletter from the local Lakes Environmental Association. Headquartered in Bridgton, the LEA has been a consistent watchdog and protector of the lakes and ponds in the area for over 30 years. Their ongoing programs to educate and involve the local community in issues surrounding the conservation and cleanliness of area lakes and ponds has been impressive. They a... 03/02/2008

You might be surprised to learn that most lakefront property here in Maine is purchased by folks "from away". From away usually refers to folks from Massachusetts, Connecticut or some other state here in the Northeast. The attitude these folks have about associations has always been peculiar to me.A lakefront buyer will spend a whole lotta time finding just the right lakefront property and then will refuse to tender an offer until they have a chance to read the association bylaws and understand what the annual fees cover. It amuses me when a buyer is ready to buy a half million dollar second home but hesitates because he wants to understand what the annual dues of $150 per year cover. My only thought is that perhaps buyers from away have had to deal with terribly restrictive neighborhoo... 02/27/2008

February in Maine means cold and snow most anytime. These conditions generally curtail a lot of activity in the lakefront property area, but afford opportunities for looking at other properties in ways not always taken advantage of.Many of our clients are looking for land on which to build that special home. Often when a lakefront lot is not available or affordable, a client's second choice is for a view lot. In this area of Maine a view lot usually means an elevated parcel that affords clear views of surrounding lakes and mountains.I was out riding around recently and drove up into a recent subdivision that I first saw last year. In June, the rough, dirt road was rutted and wet. The lots had been cut over, but still there were many trees around, fully leaved out. You couldn't always te... 02/25/2008