10 GREAT REASONS TO LIST YOU HOME DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Homeowners in Maine shy away from listing their homes during the holidays, but it may be

one of the best times to sell!

Here are 10 great reasons...

 1.  People who shop for a home during the holidays are more serious buyers.

2.  Serious buyers have fewer house to choose from during the holidays, so you have less competition.

3.  Houses "show better" when decorated for the holidays.

4.  Buyers are more emotional during the holidays.

5.  Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays.

6.  Many people want to buy before the end of the year for tax purposes. 

7.  January is traditionally the month for transfers and transferees can't wait until spring to buy a home.

8.  You may still restrict showings during your personal family events.

9.  You can sell now, but specify a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year.

10.  By selling now, you have an opportunity to buy during the spring, when many houses are on the market.

The bottom line is by listing now, you may have fewer actual showings, but more qualified and motivated buyers. 

Reduced competition on the market during the holidays may result in a quicker sale and a better sale price for you!

THANKSGIVING RECIPIES

Since it is less than a week away from Thanksgiving...

we thought we would share a few of our

favorite Thanksgiving recipes with you. 

Marie's favorite recipe is MONKEY BREAD:

Clay likes DEVILED EGGS:

Beth loves PEANUT BUTTER KISS COOKIES:



Nick's favorite is DEATH BY CHOCOLATE:

Karen's loves SOURDOUGH ROLLS:

Pat likes GROUND PORK STUFFING:



What is your favorite Thanksgiving Day recipe?

Whether you cook at home, visit family or eat out...

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

REVERSE MORTGAGES - DID YOU KNOW?

In the past few years, there has been a lot of talk about Reverse Mortgages...so what is a Reverse Mortgage?

HECM - Home Equity Conversion Mortgage is what is commonly called a

Reverse Mortgage. 

A HECM is a non-recourse loan that enables homeowners 62 years of age or older

 to convert a portion of their homes equity into tax-free funds.

Did you know....

     Reverse Mortgages have been around since 1961.

     A Reverse Mortgage does not impact Social Security of Medicare benefits.

     You do not need to make monthly payments on your Reverse Mortgage.

     You do not give up title to your home on a Reverse Mortgage.

     You can only take a Reverse Mortgage on your primary residence.

     You can take the money from a Reverse Mortgage as a lump sum or a little at a time.

     You can use a Reverse Mortgage to purchase a home.

     You can use a Reverse Mortgage to pay off your current mortgage.

      Reverse Mortgages have both fixed-rate options and adjustable-rate options.

     The loan amount of a Reverse Mortgage depends partially on the age of the borrower.

     Reverse Mortgages can be refinanced.

        


Click here for a list of HUD approved Maine HECM lenders.
Click here for more frequently asked question & answers.

        

SPRING FORWARD...FALL BACK

It is that time of year...

Daylight Saving Time is coming to an end for 2011.

photo by wwarby

I guess there is no more denying that winter & the holidays are approaching rapidly.  If you haven't checked all those items off your Fall Home Maintenance checklist...now is the time.  It is also a great time to test your smoke detectors and change the batteries so you and your family will be safe throughout the winter.

Here are a few facts about Daylight Saving Time that you might find interesting...

•  It is officially called "Daylight Saving Time" NOT "Daylight Savings Time" even though that is what the majority of people call it.

•  In 2005, George W. Bush signed a law extending Daylight Saving Time by 4 weeks.

•  Daylight Saving Time begins at 2am on the 2nd Sunday of March and ends at 2am the 1st Sunday of November.

•  70 countries around the world observe Daylight Saving Time, but not all start & end at the same time.

•  Hawaii & Arizona do not participate in Daylight Saving Time

Don't forget to set your clocks back

on Saturday before you go to bed!