Maine Rebates

We recently wrote about Federal Energy Star Tax Credits. Did you know that in addition to the tax credits, the State of Maine offers a rebate on certain Energy Star appliances? The appliances include certain Central Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps (Air Sourced), Water Heaters, Furnances and Boilers.

In order to receive the rebate the home owner must be a Maine resident, own a single family residence year around and must be replacing an older less-efficent system.

For more information and full details check out the US Department of Energy and Efficiency Maine's Fact Sheet

Do you have oil stains on your garage floor?

Part of preparing your home for sale includes a good cleaning of your garage. We are often surprised at a few homeowners actually use their garages for vehicles....really! Most of the time they are filled with the toys that allow us to enjoy and recreate in Midcoast Maine - bikes, skis, power boats, muck boots, camping gear, fishing gear, kids toys...etc. If this sounds like you and all of these "toys" are located in the center of your garage floor, then its time to organize these items against the outer walls of the garage.

House construction supplies? Half used paint cans, extra lumber, extra building materials? Dispose of all the chemicals properly and remove any building materials that are not essential to the maintenance and/or competition of the property.

And if you are one of those lucky Mainers who can actually fit their car inside the garage and therefore never have to shovel snow of their car.... then back your car out and look at the garage floor. Is there an oil stain? If so it is time to try to clean it up. Here are a few tips for cleaning oil stains off a garage floor:

Make a paste out of dry laundry detergent and hot water and spread onto the stain. Scrub aggressively with stiff bristle brush. Hose off and let dry. Repeat if necessary.

• Apply kitty litter to the oil spill to soak up any puddles. Scoop up and dispose of.
• Make a paste out of dry laundry detergent and hot water. Spread onto stain. Scrub with bristle brush, hose off and repeat if necessary.
• Another option, try soaking with Spray and Wash and then covering with dry laundry detergent. Leave on for ten minutes, scrub and hose off.
• And if that does not work try oven cleaner.

It may sound like quite a bit of work to get your home ready to sell however it will pay off in the end. Not only will it make the property more appealing to buyers it will make your moving day more organized and easier!

Oil stain tips adapted for The Homeowner's Manual (Que Publishing 2006)

Energy Efficiency Tax Credits

The Energy Star - you see it on large and small appliances, building materials, heaters, air conditioners, electronics, light bulbs...the list of items goes on and on.

There is a Federal Tax Credit that you can take if you install certain items into your property. Eligibility of the product and amount of tax credit is dependent upon if you install the item into a primary home, second home, rental or new construction property.

Here in Maine we are aware of the efficiency of our homes and the cost to heat. There are many resources located here in the Midcoast and throughout Maine for more efficient systems, building products and alternative energy. If you need help finding resources ask your Jaret and Cohn broker.

This tax credit might make it a good time to update your property, increase the value of your real estate, make it more efficient and enjoyable.

For more information, product eligibility and amount of tax credit visit: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

image from: energystar.gov

2 More Free Tickets

We have two more free tickets to the up coming Maine Boats Homes and Harbors Show? The show starts this Friday, August 13th and ends on Sunday, August 15th, 2010.

It is simple - just comment on this post or on our Facebook Page. It doesn't need to be a comment of any value. Something along the lines of "I want them" is perfectly acceptable.

Why are we doing this? Jaret and Cohn Real Estate is a sponsor and would love to see you at the show. Simple as that.

We will announce this weeks random winner on Thursday, August 12th. Good luck!

Hiring a Broker: Look Beyond the CMA

Generally, sellers will hire their listing agent in one of three ways:

1) They will list with an agent that they know and trust through personal and business relationships;
2) They will list with the real estate agent they have worked with in the past; or
3) The seller will interview several agents prior to choosing the one to list their home.

If you already know or have a past experience with a broker – great! You’ll know what to expect, how to interact with the broker and trust that they will work in your best interest.

If you choose to interview brokers then look beyond their valuation or Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) of your property. CMAs from the agents competing for your listing should fall within a similar range. However, if one agent's CMA is significantly on the high side - don't make that high price the singular reason for giving that agent the listing.

Hire your agent based upon their total marketing presentation, advertising package, track record, and reputation. Also consider your connection and ability to communicate effectively with the agent.

Any agent can price the home at a level you choose. Remember it is the total listing package that you are ultimately hiring and paying for.