ERA Today Realty Blog - Southern Maine Real Estate News & Events

Maine State Housing Authority's Gift of Green program will provide up to $5,000 in cash for eligible first time home buyers.  Includes those who have not owned a home in the past three years. Funds can be used for down payment, closing costs, and prepaids.  The program also includes a $500 coupon for an energy audit.

MSHA link to further information on guidelines

Contact one of our knowledgeable agents from further information.

Windham
76 Tandberg Trail,
Route 115 at Boody's Corner
(207) 892.8100
windham@eratodaymaine.com

Naples
Roosevelt Trail,
Route 302 On the Causeway
(207) 693.6500
naples@eratodaymaine.com

As we get deeper into February there are signs buyers are "thawing out". Low interest rates, low prices and possible stimulus benefits are forcing buyers off the fence. Sellers are getting the message and if serious they are dropping prices to get buyers. Sellers are even making "reverse offers". A reverse offer is the seller making an offer to an interested buyer who may have seen thier waterfront home but they are hesitant to make an offer for some reason. With Spring right around the corner.....it's time to get in the market! If you are looking for a fun time in Naples Maine.......visit http://activerain.com/blogs/spaige to check out the tiki bar which is right on the causeway which connects Brandy Pond to Long lake or visit www.EraTodayRealty.com to list or buy quality homes. land, commercial or lakefront homes. Todd Harvey Broker/Co-Owner ERA Today Realty

Financial Analyst Cites Positive Signs in the Housing Market

According to Richard Bove of Ladenburg Thalmann, one of the country's veteran financial analysts, there is a positive dynamic taking shape in the current cycle:

• Bove said he expects “housing prices to stabilize and/or rise (in 2009) after a likely boom in mortgage refinancings as rates fall and loan applications increase.”
  
• Add in the expected massive economic stimulus package being put together on Capitol Hill with the incoming Obama administration – and there's a good chance we're going to see a gradual transformation of the downward cycle into a slow rebound over the coming several quarters.
  
  
• Mortgage rates continue to hover at 50-year lows – 5% and even 4.75% for 30-year mortgages, and still lower for 15- and 20-year mortgage terms.
  
  
• There are signs that housing prices are stabilizing in some parts of the country. The latest monthly Federal Housing Finance Agency index found home prices up by 0.6% in the Mountain states and by 0.2% in New England.
  
  
• We're all paying a lot less at the gas pump, and sharply discounted prices for retail goods and autos.
  
  
• Americans are actually saving again, the national savings rate took a nearly 3% jump last month. That might sound small, but it's hugely important if it is the start of a trend.

Keep your eyes open for the small positive signs that are accumulating out there … because all down cycles tail off and come to an end.

-- “Real Estate Outlook: What's in Store for 2009?,” by Kenneth Harney, Realty Times, Jan. 6, 2009.

By John Baker RISMEDIA,
Dec. 23, 2008-Considering society’s bottomless access to information and our non-stop exposure to stimuli beamed from around the world, every day we do our best to manage as much uncertainty out of our lives as possible, but in the end, we can only control so much. The “constant of change” is what generates the unrelenting stress in our lives. It gives us the sense that our well-being is under constant threat. When you feel this threat, the hypothalamus area of your brain revs like a hot rod; hormones secrete, the nervous system engages. Adrenaline hits the bloodstream like a fuel injection. Excessive cortisol is discharged into the body producing - if the infomercials are true - stubborn extra pounds. We never hit the “off” button and our “flight or fight” reactions become unremitting, resulting in the inability to cope with trivial matters and limiting our effectiveness to deal with change, re-igniting the cycle. But why is it some people act consistently strong in times of inconsistency? Why do some remain resilient despite negative odds? Why do some emerge as leaders despite the pressure? Some people seem to be more “ready” to both avail themselves of change and grasp opportunity amidst chaos, while others - equally affected by circumstances - are left paralyzed and diminished. Great leaders throughout history, and spiritual and intellectual thinkers throughout time, speak to a type of thinking that transforms the soul into one of peace, courage, purpose, and bearing. Privilege and adversity strike indiscriminately, but those who face it using core beliefs and thought-patterns motivate themselves to win and succeed. READY Thinking is a framework that produces influential action and enables an individual - or an entire organization - to get motivated and take action in the face of both challenge and opportunity. With this model, you are able to tackle tough problems, flourish in times of turmoil and to be more capable of moving through change rapidly. READY is an acronym that outlines a five-step process to bring leadership into times of uncertainty: R - Reality Reality requires you to define the situation in uncompromisingly clear and concise terms for yourself and the people around you; the most essential step in READY Thinking, and the hardest. Why? Very few people like reality. Governing your life is about choosing, but the old adage is true: People want their cake and to eat it, too. Yet, the common practice of expending emotions and energy on things that aren’t real is the direct opposite of being ready. The philosopher Santayana said it best, “One real world is enough.” First step in defining reality: Stop playing the “what if” game. When you hear yourself - or someone else - say things like “What if…” or “If only…” or “I should have, would have, or could have…” you’re wasting time and emotion on things that aren’t real. Stop! E - Enlarging Enlarging is about giving yourself, and those you lead, an inspirational energy-inducing vision much larger than the task at hand, and much bolder than the situation warrants. Human beings want to feel part of something bigger than themselves. They want their work to be important, valued and make a difference. First step in enlarging: Ask the question, “What’s in it for me?” While this may sound self-centered, it actually helps to frame your “self talk” and to fully appreciate the larger purpose of your effort. A - Accountability Accountability requires authentically taking responsibility for your actions and for the leadership you give to others. People will want to join your team when they believe the journey you lead them on will be worthwhile, the destination you take them to will be important and that your leadership can get them there. Blow the accountability bond, and don’t look back; your team will be long gone. First step in accountability: admit, apologize and acknowledge. Admit you caused the problem, apologize for it, and acknowledge your role in finding a solution. D - Durability Durability allows you to persist through tough times, finish the job and value the benefit of sweat and toil. Durability is the ability to stick with something through good times and bad, victory and heartbreak, happy emotions and sad ones - this is the most powerful attribute of a READY Thinker. Durability is stronger than talent, better than luck, more real than potential, and more valuable than intellect. Durability is the value that has delivered every good thing in your life. First step in durability: When faced with what appears to be a daunting task or major setback, focus on one small action that moves you forward. Then focus on the next small action. Small steps allow you to surmount what initially appears to be insurmountable. Y - “Yes” Attitude A “Yes” attitude is means you take what you do seriously, but you don’t take yourself seriously. Having fun and enjoying your work pays dividends, and people - friends, co-workers, and clients - want to be part of the energy. How do you get people to join you on the “Yes” attitude bandwagon? Attract them with optimism and confidence. First step in “Yes” attitude: Nourish your brain with a positive diet. Instead of that firebrand talk show, listen to motivational music instead. Read an inspirational book before going to sleep instead of watching the morbid nightly news. Learn a foreign language on the way into work; when someone asks about your commute simply say: “Magnifico, grazi!” Do you remember a time when you felt READY? In all likelihood, there were many unknowns when you went through the change. But despite a nervous energy, you were inclined to do something, to move forward, to take the lead. You were confident and resolute. Chances are, you are a leader in some aspect of your life - at work, at home, at school, or wherever you hold influence - so wouldn’t it be worth it to be READY more often? Being READY is facing down obstacles and changing events with influential action. John Baker, a speaker and founder of READY Thinking, LLC, has helped hundreds of organizations achieve success by adopting a practical framework of thinking during times of change and opportunity. He has over 20 years experience with companies including American Express and Ameriprise Financial as a senior executive specializing in sales, client loyalty and customer service. John is author of the forthcoming book, “READY Thinking - Primed For Change.” For more information, e-mail JohnBaker@ReadyThinking.com or visit www.ReadyThinking.com. RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com. Don’t miss other real estate best practices on RISMedia.com:

Top 10 Real Estate Market Myths Debunked

With mortgage meltdowns, plummeting home prices and soaring foreclosure rates constantly in the news, it's no wonder people are wary of the housing market these days. But contrary to popular belief, things are not as dismal as they seem, according to Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors. Yun debunks 10 commonly held beliefs about the current housing market, and FrontDoor.com offers you 10 related tips.

"Do you know anyone else who may be thinking of buying and may be eligible to take advantage of this tax credit?"

"Do you know anyone who is providing financial assistance to a first-time homebuyer, perhaps their parents, grandparents, aunt or uncle, who may inform them of this tax credit?"

What are real estate professionals saying to homebuyers and sellers about current market conditions? The successful brokers and sales associates are talking about the strengths that exist in the market — not the negative media hype. Below are positive angles that appeared recently in the media and underscore why it is a good time to buy real estate.

Recent Quotes & Excerpts about the Positive Signs in the Real Estate Market:

Real Estate Numbers Looking Better … This Week

-- “Real Estate Outlook: Home Sales Rise,” by Kenneth R. Harney, Realty Times, Nov. 5, 2008.

A Sign that Home Buyers on Sidelines Want Back In