Archive for March, 2008
Maine Lakefront Lovers Will Find A Lot To Like On This Site
March 30th, 2008 categories: Observations and Commentary
This beautiful photo is entitled Moon Set Over Norway Lake and was taken January 23, 2008 early in the morning as the moon was setting in the west and the sun was rising, shining on the opposite shore of Norway Lake. The photo is by Ellen Veazey of Norway, Maine.
I found this photo particularly interesting because I live in this area and am very familiar with Norway Lake (a.k.a. Penneseewassee Lake) and, as an early riser, am familiar with this winter phenomenon where the moon is setting in the west as the sun is rising in the east.
This photo appears on the website for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. They have this feature called “My Maine This Week” where they invite visitors to their website to show their love for Maine by submitting photos, poems, and short prose.
This is a great place to take a little break in your day and check out what lovers of Maine see, feel, and think about the state they love and the natural beauty found therein.
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If you’ve ever thought about building your own place on the shores of Norway Lake, you might want to take a look at this waterfront parcel for sale - 2.5 acres with 100 feet of frontage on the quieter end of Norway Lake.
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Grassroots Group Fights State on Naples Causeway Bridge Proposal
March 28th, 2008 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
Strong resistance to a fixed bridge plan proposed by the Maine Department of Transportation to replace a Naples swing bridge is being voiced by a local group of Sebago Lakes region businesspeople and waterfront front property owners around Long Lake, Brandy Pond and Sebago Lake.
This grassroots group of concerned citizens met earlier in the week in Augusta with MDOT officials to air their concerns and objections. A meeting between Naples town officials and MDOT representatives is scheduled for March 31st at the Naples town office. The meeting is open to the public, but remarks will be limited to the officials participating.
Apparently, the MDOT is sticking to its guns about having a fixed bridge replace the current swing bridge, citing lack of money in the state budget to build the more expensive movable span.
Naples town manager Derik Goodine expects the state will try and “sweeten the pot” by offering the town some “extras” if they go ahead with the less expensive fixed span, but also feels the group of locals resisting the fixed bridge proposal will not be swayed by these extras.
Objections to the fixed bridge center around the long term negative economic impact that would occur if some of the larger commercial boat traffic is unable to pass between Long Lake and Brandy Pond, most notably the Songo River Queen.
Read the full story as it appeared in yesterday’s Bridgton News.
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Maine Lakefront Real Estate Buyers Should Take Full Advantage of Their Buyer’s Agent
March 26th, 2008 categories: Observations and Commentary
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 inappropriate listings once you do get here to have a look.
I was out looking at properties the other day with our buyer’s broker, Diane Monaco. She has a client in Connecticut who will be coming up to look at properties in a few weeks. The client has a pretty good idea what she wants - east shore waterfront, good access to the water, 3 bedroom, year round house, and under $550,000 - but wasn’t that particular about the size of the lake because she isn’t a boating/waterskiing person; only wants to take a swim now and then and have a good view of the lake from the house.
Diane has a pretty good knowledge of the current inventory and had seen several of the proeprties already that her client might be interested in, but there were several others that were either new to the market or that she hadn’t seen yet, so off we went to preview these properties. We took a full day and saw nine in all. Diane called her client the next day, gave her a complete rundown of what she had seen and, together, they were able to eliminate seven of the nine.
Now this may seem like a pretty sensible thing to have your buyer’s agent do, but you’d be surprised how many propsective buyers think they can winnow their field of possibilities just by looking at listings on a computer screen and locating them on a Google map, thereby avoiding any “unnecessary” contact with a buyer’s agent until the last possible moment.
Now, I’m all for independent thinking, but this is folly. So many times potential buyers will walk through our doors, thinking they’re all ready to go look at property, only to find out, after consulting with a buyer’s agent about the listings they have chosen, that there can be a lot of important information that doesn’t show up on a listing sheet or a Google map.
Is it good to do some homework before looking at property? Of course. But take full advantage of the market knowledge and previewing capabilities of a buyer’s agent. Let them be your eyes, ears, and “feet on the ground” before you make the drive up here. Let them help you get the most out of the time you do spend here looking at property.
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Maine Lakefront Real Estate - Ice out!!! You Can Bet On It!
March 22nd, 2008 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
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 immersed in all the March Madness the NCAA Basketball Tournament can muster, we in Maine have a local diversion - Ice Out !!
While the productivity of the nation suffers as employees across our fair country huddle around water coolers comparing how they are doing with their selections in the tournament, we here in Maine are observing our own version of March (and April) Madness.
Over in Bridgton, folks have built a snowman, put him on a sled, and dragged him out on the ice on Moose Pond. Locals are placing $2 bets on what precise day in April Frosty the snowman will plunge through the ice. The person(s) who selects the correct day will receive half of the funds collected while the balance will go to the Bridgton Community Center. The Bridgton Community Center has been doing God’s work this winter raising and dispensing fuel assistance funds to the area needy.
Folks from away are allowed to buy tickets for this good and worthy cause. Tickets are available locally at Hayes True Value, The Bridgton Chamber of Commerce and the Little Mountain Store. Not going to be in Maine for awhile? Place your $2 bets with my associate Jon Whitney ( jon@mrlakefront.net ) who is in tight with the folks at the Chamber. Happy Easter!
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Maine Lakefront Real Estate Buyers - “Eating the Maine Way”
March 22nd, 2008 categories: Observations and Commentary
House hunting for a lakefront home is hard work. One can certainly work up a hearty appetite by around lunch time. Resist the temptation to indulge in another burger or salad. Be adventurous!! Eat like a Mainer.
“Italians” - Folks “from away” are often startled when they see road signs outside convenience stores that read ” 3 Italians - $5.95 “. Let me assure you that no funny business is going on here. An “italian” here in Maine is an italian sandwich that is uniquely a Maine invention. An “italian” is not a submarine sandwich. Nor is it a grinder, po’boy, hero, or hoagie. Sometime around 1903 in Portland, Giovanni Amato added meat, cheese and fresh vegetables to his soft baked rolls and a Maine classic was born.
You will find an “italian” free of lettuce, mayonaise or mustard. An italian is made of boiled ham, american cheese, chopped onion, tomato, green pepper, thinly sliced sour pickle and black or green olives. Oh, and salt, pepper and oil.
Italians are cheap which accounts for part of their popularity. But they taste great. You can always get one at Amato’s still today. But most hole in the wall convenient stores have good ones too.
I must warn you these italians are as addictive and delicious as Sophia Loren so consider yourself warned!!!!
“Jordan’s Red Dogs” - I was about 6 or 7 years old when I stumbled into Boody’s General Store in North Windham and saw Jordan’s Red Hot Dogs for the first time. They were behind the meat counter in the refrigerated case. These hot dogs were bright red! Back in 1895 Jordan’s Meats in Portland decided to differentiate their Hot Dogs from their competitors and dyed the casings of their hot dogs bright red. Although they taste somewhat like hot dogs found in the other 49 states they are served and prepared a bit differently.
Jordan’s Red Dogs are NEVER boiled or heaven forbid nuked in a microwave. They are steamed or grilled. However, one mustn’t ever allow the casings to split. If prepared properly the red casing should snap when you take a bite. Mainers always order 2 red dogs. You will surely identify yourself as a person from away if you only order one. I like them best with mustard and Cain’s relish. HOLD the ketchup!
“Whoopie Pies” - The Chocolate Whoopie Pie can be found throughout the State of Maine in every convenience store. It is the diet breaker of choice. Whoopie Pies are now made by many a baker throughout Maine. But I still prefer those from the originator. Since 1925, Labadie’s Bakery in Lewiston have been baking up a wide assortment of whoopie pies. I like the original Chocolate with vanilla filling.Whoopie Pies are available in different sizes - 5″, 12″ and a 16″. If you’re presently dieting you must throw caution to the wind and try this wonderful confection.
This is just a sample of the culinary delights found here in every day Maine. Make sure you sample them on your next house hunting trip.
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Milfoil Summit and Nematodes (?) Bring Hope to Maine Waterfront Property Owners
March 19th, 2008 categories: Maine Waterfront Real Estate News
There’s a battle being waged by Maine waterfront property owners along the shorelines of two dozen or more lakes and ponds in southern Maine. The foe is a persistent, virulent aquatic plant known by most as milfoil.
Milfoil is a plant that grows under water, in shallower areas where it can get sufficient sunlight to grow and prosper. It clogs shoreline areas with its leafy growth, making those areas unusable for swimming and boating. It also robs the lake’s ecosystem of necessary oxygen which affects all the other living things in the water. Milfoil is bad news.
The 9th annual Milfoil Summit was just concluded in Lewiston and news from that summit offers hope for all of us seeking relief from this nasty enemy.
Volunteers pulling plants by hand and using blanket barriers have stemmed the tide of milfoil growth in many areas, but eradication still seems unattainable. Reports from the summit recognized the value of the coordinated volunteer efforts, but were painfully aware of their limitations.
Two new thrusts seem to be coming into play, however, that may make a sizeable difference in this battle. One is in the area of biological controls and the other is an increase in funding for further research.
The possible introduction of certain types of nematodes into milfoil-infested waters is one method of eradication being looked into. For the uninitiated, a nematode is a microscopic worm that has an appetite for all kinds of things. The idea is to find the proper nematode whose one desire in life is to eat as much milfoil as it possibly can. Throw a bunch of these into an infested area and - presto - no more milfoil. While my rendition is not very scientific, I think you get my drift. If the right nematode can be found it could have a huge impact on eradication efforts.
As far as funding is concerned, there seems to be some significant monies available to fund research that may lead to a solution to the milfoil epedemic. Maybe the research can find the proper nematode. Who knows?
The point is, this scourge of local waters that can devalue waterfront real estate, spoil recreational activities, steal oxygen from all the good things in lakes, and create conditions for continuing lake degradation, could be put in recession and then eradication if some of this biological research can come to the fore.
Our local newspaper, The Bridgton News, had a full report of this Milfoil Summit and you can read that article right here in our Lake News.
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Maine Lakefront Real Estate — “Having It All” on Thompson Lake
March 17th, 2008 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
A little over a million dollars can still buy you a heckuva lakefront home here in Maine. While it’s rare that I can promise that you can “have it all”, there is that occasional exception.
In the opinion of Mr. Lakefront, “having it all” means great plot, great location, great neighborhood, great house and great lake.
Our listing at 131 Fish Hook Road in Oxford is in a splendid lakefront neighborhood on Thompson Lake.
The lot has everything one could want. There is a nice sandy beach, great for kids and seniors alike. The east shore location is highly desirable for the afternoon sun and dazzling sunsets. The broad water views from the screened porch and deck look out onto the widest part of late. The lot is flat with old-growth pine and hemlock. Privacy is assured with 214 feet of frontage on 3.3 acres. The house is situated quite nicely - only 60 feet from the water. There’s a lovely screened porch facing the lake along with a good-sized deck for entertaining.
At 2600 sq. ft., the size of the home might be considered modest by luxury standards, but because the home sits within 100 feet of the water, the homeowner was limited in the size of home he could build. That said, having three bedrooms and two and a half baths suits the needs and wants of most folks seeking a year-round vacation home.
The home, originally built in 1971, was totally remodeled and reconstructed in 2005. Great care was given in the selection of materials used and only those of the highest quality were utilized in the construction. A specific list is available upon request.
A garage with guest apartment above is planned, but has not been built. However, the plans for the structure are available for inspection. A separate septic tank has already been installed for use by the garage/guest quarters structure.
Last, but not least, there is the lake. And what a lake!! Thompson Lake is one of Maine’s best lakes. It has great size, impressive depth, and superior water quality. Best of all, it’s not busy. I’ve heard it described as being just like Long Lake - 50 years ago.
This lovely home is listed for $1.1 million and is ready for your inspection. 
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Come to Maine for the “Sweetest” Waterfront Real Estate
March 14th, 2008 categories: Maine Waterfront Real Estate News
Well, it’s that time of year again.
Maine Maple Sunday, on March 23rd, is becoming our favorite sign of Spring. You can visit any number of sugaring sites all over the state, see how they boil the sap down, and sample some of the best that Mother Nature and Maine have to offer.
Here at Mr. Lakefront we think coming to sample the maple sugar is the sweetest reason to come to Maine. We also suggest that while you’re here, you sample some of the ”sweetest” waterfront property in the universe.
Pick almost any region in Maine and find this nice pairing - sugaring sites and lakefront real estate. Use this Maine Maple Sunday link to search the state for sugaring sites that will be open either Saturday the 22nd or Sunday the 23rd. Then go to our Lakefront Locator and search for some “sweet” waterfront property.
Contact us and we’ll give you all the details on any properties you find that look “sweet” to you.
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Maine Lakefront Real Estate - Life Long Dream, Part Time Representation?
March 13th, 2008 categories: Observations and Commentary
It’s no secret that the national slow down in real estate has also effected the real estate industry here in Maine. The nationwide boom period from 2003 to 2005 brought thousands of folks from other walks of life into the industry.
In western Maine, the membership of the Western Maine Board of Realtors exploded in that two year period from 150 to 300 members. Folks from a variety of backgrounds who had never thought of being real estate agents were now drawn to the real estate industry with the dreams of making easy money.
Things began to change in the late summer of 2005. The flood of buyers began to recede. Without an established clientel, new-to-the-industry agents found the dream of getting ahead had turned into the reality of just getting by. One particular new agent I know of went from earning $40,000 in 2006 to $10,000 in 2007 - and that story is not unusual.
However, while the ranks have dwindled, many agents linger on. Quite a few have taken part time jobs in order to get by. Others have settled in to the slower market and simply work at real estate when necessary - when something comes their way or the phone rings.
By now you’re probably saying “So What? What does that have to do with me?” My answer? PLENTY.
Many lakefront buyers have dreamed their whole lives about owning a lakefront vacation home. This is one of the most important decisions they’ll ever have to make. Here’s my pitch: a lakefront buyer deserves to work with a full time real estate professional who knows the lakefront market.
Part time agents have a place in the industry, but not necessarily at your side. Part time agents can’t be fully plugged in to the ever-changing lakefront market when they are spending half the day in other employment. You can do better. You owe it to yourself to get the very best representation.
Be picky. Be discriminating. Ask questions like “How many lakefront homes did you sell in the last 12 months? Are you a full time real estate agent? Do you live on a lake?” Don’t assume anything. ASK.
The buyer agents at Mr Lakefront are full time lakefront specialists. They work exclusively with lakefront buyers. They know the inventory of available lakefront homes and, more importantly, what the local rules and regulations are for property expansion and development.
Don’t leave to chance your opportunity to own that special lakefront home in Maine. Get the advice and counsel you deserve. We are eager to help you. Let us know how we can.
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Maine Waterfront Real Estate Buyers - “Are You Working With Anyone?”
March 10th, 2008 categories: Observations and Commentary
Attention, lakefront buyers. If you are asked this seemingly innocent question by a real estate agent here in Maine consider carefully how you answer. The person who asks, “Are you working with anyone?”, in an off-handed kind of way is not just making casual conversation.
The real question being asked is, “Have you signed an exclusive buyer representation agreement with an agent/broker here in Maine?”
You may be surprised to learn that real estate agents are not paid a salary, have no health benefits, no company retirement, no sick day pay, no personal business days. They are only compensated by the earning of commissions representing buyers and sellers of real estate.
What do agents want? Real estate agents have a great deal of information to share with folks who are looking to buy or sell. Real estate agents want to “work with” clients. Clients are folks who recognize the value real estate agents bring to the table and are comfortable enough with an agent to sign an exclusive representation agreement.
What do lakefront buyers want? Because most lakefront buyers are “from away” some are reluctant to sign an agreement with an agent they hardly know. Developing rapport and being comfortable with a buyer’s agent is key. Some buyers have said that the idea of hastily signing an exclusive buyer agreement is like agreeing to get married without the benefit of a courtship.
The Courtship - Here at Mr Lakefront we work hard to make you, the lakefront buyer, feel comfortable with us. The use of our website is free and can help you locate properties, research the size and quality of lakes and answer frequently asked questions. Inquiries about particular properties are answered for free and on a timely basis. Newsletters can keep the interested buyer tied in to what is happening with Maine lakefront real estate. When it comes time to select an agent to “work with” hopefully you’ll be comfortable enough with our team at Mr Lakefront.
At Mr Lakefront the buyer agents work exclusively for BUYERS. The buyer agents here do not represent sellers.
Purchasing a lakefront home for most folks is the culmination of a lifelong dream. Our #1 goal at Mr lakefront is to assist you in making that dream a reality.
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Tom - MrLakefront
