Archive for July, 2008
Maine Waterfront Property – 15th Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show
July 29th, 2008 categories: Observations and Commentary
As a boy in the 1950s on Little Sebago Lake in North Windham I fell in love for the very first time. The object of my attention was not Carolee Leadbetter, the pretty girl next door, but the boat next door, a 1956 Lyman speed boat!
Our summer neighbors, the Ripleys, were exceptionally nice people, especially to folks they hardly knew – the folks on vacation from a three decker in South Boston. Say what you will about Mainers, they’re not snobs.
Mr Ripley owned an Oldsmobile dealership in the Portland area, a camp on Little Sebago and that 1956 Lyman speed boat. When I saw that boat for the first time my heart skipped a beat.
Lyman boats were wooden boats constructed in Michigan and were built to withstand the rocky shores of Lake Michigan. They may have been built for durability and reliabilty but I loved their classic lines and their gleaming white bodies against perfectly varnished mahogany.
A few years ago I stopped by the Ripley camp in North Windham and found that, after over 50 years of ownership, the family had sold the camp on Little Sebago. For old times, I took a peak at the dock hoping to see the Lyman tied up there. The Lyman was gone, too. That glorious boat now exists only in my memory.
Although Lyman boats are no longer built you can see a number of them this Saturday, August 2nd from 10AM to 3:00PM at the causeway in Naples, Maine. In fact, one of the finest restorers of Lyman boats in the world lives here in Maine and will be attending the show.
I mention the restorer only because you too can own a classic boat. If you attend the show my friend Howard Perkson, who has forgotten more about classic boats then I’ll ever know, can point you in the right direction. It’s easy to find Howard, he’s the friendliest guy at the town dock. Howard is a great ambassador for the sponsors of the show, The Mountainview Woodies Classic Boat Club Of Maine.
At the show you will not only see Lymans. You’ll see the gorgeous mahogany Chris Crafts, Gar Woods, Century’s and other classic wooden boats. Do try to make the show. It’s the closest thing we have to a “must see” event all “summah”. See you there!!!!
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Maine Lakefront Real Estate – Is a Fixer-Upper For You?
July 24th, 2008 categories: Observations and Commentary
From time to time a lakefront listing will come on the market that will be in poor condition. Lakefront buyers will ask Mr Lakefront, ” Why did the owners allow the place to slip or fall into this condition?” “It’s a sin that they let the place go.”
Well, if it is a sin, it was a sin of omission, not commission. In most cases, it was not a willful act on on the the part of the owners. Here is the most common scenario.
Mom and Dad pass away and leave the lakefront home to their three kids. Over time, two of their children move away and no longer visit the Maine lakefront home, prefering Cape Cod or some other vacation area.
Sometimes one of the adult children will just want the money from the sale of the property. Whatever the reason, the much loved summer place becomes a burden. “Why should we pay to maintain something we don’t use”. Their share of the taxes and maintenance becomes a burden and they want to sell the place.
The third child lives a couple of hours away, perhaps in Massachusetts, loves the place and does not want to sell. The trouble is the third child can’t afford to buy out his or her siblings.
When it comes time to replace the roof, or the leach field, or the furnace, the two children who live away refuse to spend the money. The third child won’t bear the expense solely, so things slowly fall into disrepair from neglect. In time, the third child relents and the place goes on the market.
One person’s problem becomes another person’s opportunity. Some folks will look at a fixer upper as a daunting task, too much to take on. Others will view it more positively. They will see an opportunity to buy low into a better location than they could have possibly afforded otherwise.
Some folks are handy. They understand the power of sweat equity. They look upon a fixer-upper as a challenge. These are the kind of folks who watch “This Old House”on PBS. If it’s not impossible, they are willing to give it a go.
If one is not handy, that does not necessarily mean a fixer-upper is out of the question. You can hire an interior designer who understands construction. For example, my friend, Lorraine Blais of Blais Interiors, can restore the lustre to almost any rundown situation. She has the command of a group of trusted and skilled trades people. Turning the sow’s ear into a silk purse is her stock and trade.
Okay, are you ready to consider a fixer-upper? Here’s a great one. It’s a listing on majestic Long Lake in Naples in an incredible neighborhood. Check it out here!!!
By the way, if you’d like to take a look at more current lakefront listings it’s as easy as clicking right here on our Lakefront Locator. View all the current lakefront listings for the entire state on this single website!
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Maine Waterfront Property – Jackman’s Wild Beauty
July 22nd, 2008 categories: Observations and Commentary
North of the Rangeley Lakes area, running along the Canadian border, is the Jackman Region. The town of Jackman is the only town of any size in this region and has been a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen for years.
Nestled among the lakes and mountains of the Moose River Valley, Jackman serves as a jumping off place for fishermen, snowmobilers, hikers, and bikers.
Take the Bow Trip, a 34 mile wilderness canoe trip, or bike the Jackman Rockwood Trail, which provides mountain bikers 30 miles of trail runs, rail beds, and old gravel roads. In the winter, snowmobilers make Jackman a hub of activity as ITS 86 and 89 provide links to The Forks, the Moosehead/Katahdin region, Eustis, and Quebec. Many campsites and hiking trails are found in the area, making access to a true wilderness experience easy.
One of the larger lakes in the region, Wood Pond, is right in Jackman. Nearby are Little Big Wood Pond, Attean Pond, and Holub Pond. Further to the south are Spencer Lake and King and Bartlett Pond. North of Jackman and north of the south branch of the Penobscot River are Penobscot Lake and Dole Pond.
The Jackman area offers four seasons of wilderness adventure coupled with breath-taking, natural beauty for any who desire a more remote outdoor experience.
Lakefront Locator will get you to available listings in the Jackman Region. LakeSmart is a research tool that will give you important information about area lakes.
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Maine Lakefront Real Estate – Houlton Area is Woods, Water, and Potatoes
July 17th, 2008 categories: Observations and Commentary
Northeast of Baxter Park and Katahdin lies the Houlton Region. Part wooded wilderness, part agricultural landscape, this region stretches from Sherman Mills in the south, up through Houlton and the end of the Interstate, then due north to Mars Hill. Most of the towns in this region are located on or near the Interstate and Rte. 1 and the lakes most populated with properties are generally the smaller ones that are closer to the towns.
Spaulding Lake and Timoney Lake are 116 and 55 acres respectfully – quite small comparatively – but generally have properties listed for sale on them. Conversely, the northern reach of East Grand Lake, which bumps into this region and is one of Maine’s largest lakes, usually has properties for sale. Also check out Small, Pleasant, and Mattawamkeag lakes and, west of Mars Hill, Squapan Lake.
Lakefront Locator will get you to available listings in the Houlton Region. LakeSmart is a research tool that will give you important information about area lakes.
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Maine Lakefront Real Estate – Property Search or Quest?
July 14th, 2008 categories: Observations and Commentary
I got a call last Saturday from a gal inquiring about a property. She said, “Tom, you probably don’t remember me, but you showed us some lakefront properties a few years ago.” I immediately remembered her and her husband as nice folks from Massachusetts.
She said, “We’ve been looking for 5 years and can’t seem to find a place we like. There’s always something missing or something we don’t like with the ones we look at.”
I then asked her, “What are you looking for in a lakefront property?” and “What’s your price range or budget?”
She then described for me what she wanted in a lakefront property. A nice flat lot with a sand beach and sunset views. She wanted a nice private lot too, with neighbors not too close. She described the type of house, number of bedrooms and baths. No camps either. “We might want to come up in the winter,” she explained. She said she didn’t want too big a lake, but nothing too small either.
What she described to me was a $500,000 lakefront home. Plenty of those around, right? What’s the problem? The problem is her budget. “We want to stay under $350,000″. She wants a $500,000 property for $350,000. That’s a problem.
Now, the market is slow and there’s never been a better time to get a deal. Sellers are motivated. But, prices have not collapsed.
She asked whether one of my agents could show her some homes that afternoon. She explained that they could be up from Massachusetts in 2 hours. Ever eager to please, Sandi Potter, our exclusive buyer agent extraordinaire, took them out that afternoon.
Before she left, I told Sandi about a terrific property that was priced right and would be a perfect fit for these nice people. Sure enough, Sandi reported to me later that they really liked the house, the lot and the lake, but it was located on the “wrong” side of the lake. “They want sunsets, remember?” Unlike baseball, in real estate it’s one strike and you’re out.
When does one’s property search become a quest ? When one is unwilling to either lower one’s expectations or increase one’s budget. If a property meets 80 to 90% of your requirements, seriously consider buying it.Perfection is overrated – and generally out of most people’s budgets.Now, I know what you’re thinking. “The buyers market is beginning to get to Mr Lakefront.” Not really!
The real victims are the buyers themselves. When they started looking 5 years ago, their children were ages 9,7 and 5 . Five years later they are now 14, 12 and 10. The children of these nice folks from Massachusetts have missed five golden summers here on our beautiful lakes. Those summers are gone forever.
When you’re raising kids you think they’ll be with you forever. They’re not. Before you know it they’re off for college and they don’t come back.
The oldest of their children will be 16 years old in a couple of years and will want no part of coming to the lake. He’ll want to get summer job in Massacusetts and stay home to be with his friends.
So dear lakefront buyers, when your search starts taking on the look and feel of a quest, remember: lower your expectations or increase your budget. Don’t deprive your family of your own lakefront home in Maine.
By the way, if you’d like to take a look at some current lakefront listings it’s as easy as clicking right here on our Lakefront Locator. View all the current lakefront listings for the entire state on this single website!
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Maine Waterfront Property – Heading Down East
July 10th, 2008 categories: Observations and Commentary
As one leaves the friendly confines of the town of Ellsworth, driving past the turn for Acadia and Bar Harbor and continuing east on Rte. 1, heading further “down east”, the character of the landscape begins to change and a general feeling of “ruralness” is pervasive.
Passing the turn for the coastal towns of Jonesport/Beals and continuing on through Jonesboro, Machias, Lubec, and on to Eastport and Calais, you’ll see sights that are seen far more often gracing the pages of calendars than are seen in person.
Who hasn’t seen a photograph of the lighthouse at West Quoddy Head (above) or the village of Lubec, but how many can actually say they’ve been there? This is as far as you can go in the eastern United States, where America first greets the day as lobstermen head out for their traps and the locals remain relatively unsullied by pop culture and trendiness.
Travelling up Route 1 near Machias, the Atlantic is on your right and on your left is Hadley Lake followed by Gardner Lake and Rocky Lake. Further inland find Bog Lake, Long Lake, Round Lake, Second Lake, and another Rocky Lake.
The more northern part of this region is bisected by Rte. 9 which runs from Bangor to Calais and is often referred to as “The Airline”. Meddybemps Lake is the large lake just outside of Calais and, to the south, are Lake Cathance, Round Lake, Pennamaquan Lake, and Boyden Lake. North of Rte. 9 find Crawford Lake, Pocomoonshine Lake, and the east end of Big Lake.
Lakefront Locator will get you to available listings in the Calais Area. LakeSmart is a research tool that will give you important information about area lakes.
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Maine Lakefront Real Estate – “Why Are They Selling?”
July 8th, 2008 categories: Observations and Commentary
Lakefront buyers usually come in pairs, like a husband and wife. Usually one is impulsive, passionate and emotional; the other reserved, rational and reasonable. One is looking for something he or she likes, while the other tries not to show much enthusiasm or partiality about any particular property.
I can usually tell when the more rational of the two is interested in a property when I am asked, “do you know why they’re selling?”
The rational one likes the particular place, finds the property well priced. But wait! Something must be wrong with it. Thus the question, “why are they selling?”
Here’s what I can share with you. I visit with over 150 lakefront homeowners each year. Most have contacted me in order to get a free, no-obligation, comparative market analysis. In other words, they are thinking about selling and want to know what their property is worth.
Most lakefront homes are “second” or vacation homes. Unlike primary homes that on the average “turnover” every seven years, most lakefront homes are in the family for 20 to 50 years before they “turn”, or go up for sale.
Most sellers are in their seventies or eighties. Most have decided to sell NOT because they’ve decided to balance the portfolio, but because…well, when I ask them, most times they just say, with a deep sigh, “Because it’s time”.
“Our kids are all grown and have moved away. They don’t have a chance to visit us very often. We are getting to the age where we aren’t physically able to maintain two homes.”
“We never ever thought we would sell the place. We always intended to give it to the kids. But our dream of passing the place down to the kids is not meant to be.”
When I am listing a lakefront home I try to be as business-like as possible. I sense the owner’s sadness, but try not to open that door. Selling, for them, is not automatic or impersonal.
It’s heartwrenching.
More than a few folks have said something like this to me: “The happiest days we ever had as a family were the days we spent together at our place at the lake up in Maine”.
Why are they selling? Because it’s time.
By the way, if you’d like to take a look at some current lakefront listings it’s as easy as clicking right here on our Lakefront Locator. View all the current lakefront listings for the entire state on this single website!
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Maine Waterfront Property – Naples Bridge Saga Continues
July 3rd, 2008 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
There’s more news on the continuing saga of the Naples swing bridge replacement controversey.
Now, it seems, the state of Maine is rerady to go back to the drawing board to review all the input it has been receiving over the last couple of months and said they didn’t see anything happening, construction-wise, until 2010.
Some locals are saying “Hold on a minute”, insisting the money is there in the budget to refurbish the existing bridge now and make it workable for many years to come.
A Naples selectman thinks that a recent letter from the Maine Department of Transportation keeps the fixed bridge plan in place due to economic impact considerations.
Where this all will end, nobody knows. But if you’d like to read the full article from today’s Bridgton News click on this link.
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Maine Lakefront Real Estate – Gentrification of the Lakes Region
July 2nd, 2008 categories: Observations and Commentary
The big question that I have for you today, dear readers, might seem trite. But please indulge me. Will granite countertops make living at the lake more enjoyable?
The bigger question is: Does a vacation home here in Maine have to have all the conveniences and lavishness of one’s year round home back in Massachusetts, New Jersey or wherever??
I often see folks “from away” bitterly dissappointed when they view a half million dollar camp on Long Lake and find it wanting of the creature comforts they enjoy at their home back in the suburbs of Boston, New York or wherever.
“For a half million dollars shouldn’t there be a master bedroom suite?”“This home has no walk-in closets, or guest bathrooms or his and hers sinks!!”“Where’s the garbage disposal, the dishwasher and central air conditioning??”
“Where’s the full walkout basement, the 2 car garage and Anderson windows?”
It is culture shock for many but the truth is, we are in the lakes region of Maine where suburban sensibility takes a back seat to Yankee pragmatism.
The old Yankees would figure that because vacation homes are mostly used in“summah” why would anyone spend the money to build a year round home for a few weeks of use each year?
Furthermore why would anyone heat a lake home year round on the chance that they might use it a weekend or two over the course of the entire winter?? With heating oil at over $4.00 a gallon does it make sense??
A few years ago I visited Maine with the family after being away for a few years. Getting the rental car at the Portland Jetway I soon found US 302 and headed Northwest on a perfect moonlit night. The moonlight was so strong I swear I didn’t need headlights.
Arriving at the lake after 10:00PM we quietly opened the car doors and were greeted by the smell of the pine scented air. The cool of the woods was seeping out of the pine and hemlock forest and was seemingly kept at bay by the moonlight. We couldn’t wait to get inside the camp with the welcoming pine interior and fieldstone fireplace. We were eager to settle in the old rockers on the screened porch, to watch the moonlight shimmering on the water and finally, to hear the soulful cry of the loons calling to each other from across the lake.
Yes, dear reader, Maine isn’t about master bedrooms suites, his and her sinks,or granite countertops. Maine is a special place. Get to know her. She’ll always be there for you.
By the way, if you’d like to take a look at some current lakefront listings it’s as easy as clicking right here on our Lakefront Locator. View all the current lakefront listings for the entire state on this single website!
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Tom - MrLakefront
