Four Jaret and Cohn Ladies Take Leadership Roles

This month, four of Jaret and Cohn's REALTORS took on leadership roles within their local council of REALTORS. Congratulations ladies, we look forward to your service and leadership in 2011!

Nancy Hughes of our Camden Office is now the President of the Coastal Mountains Council of the Midcoast Board of REALTORS.

Kirstie Ransdell of Jaret & Cohn's Waldoboro Office is now President of the Lincoln County Board of REALTORS.

Nicole "Nikki" Bland of our Rockland Office is now the President of the Saint George River Council of the Midcoast Board of REALTORS.
And Melanie Butman of our Rockland offfice has been elected Vice President of the Saint George River Council of the Midcoast Board of REALTORS.

Arsenic in Maine Well Water

Buyers are always encouraged to due their own due diligence when purchasing a home. In fact one of the items in the inspection subsection of our Purchase and Sale Agreement is the option to test water for high arsenic levels.

A couple of resources for buyers and for sellers (It is smart to be proactive and test for arsenic prior to putting you home on the market):

The general informational pamphlet from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/eohp/wells/documents/ASBROCH3.pdf

- and -

A recently released report from The USGS in cooperation with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Assessment of Arsenic Concentrations in Domestic Well Water, by Town, in Maine, 2005–09

Overboard Discharge

If you are interested in purchasing or own a residental or commercial property with an overboard discharge system in Maine then you should take note that The Maine Department of Enviornmental Protection (DEP) has created a new fact sheet on recent changes to the Overboard Discharge Laws

FMI: www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/docstand/OBD/fs_laws.htm

Turkey Boxes

Each year the owner of Jaret and Cohn, Ellis Cohn has graciously purchased turkeys for all of our real estate agents. And for the last several years the agents in the Rockland office have "re gifted" their frozen turkey and purchased other holiday dishes/ingredients to create turkey boxes.

These turkey boxes are then donated to local needy families that can not afford to have he holiday feast that many of us are privileged to have.

November

November in Maine. Leaf season is pretty much over. Snow? It could come any day - or not. There is a lull between the leaf peepers and our holiday guests. The merchants are preparing their store fronts for the holiday shopping season. You see people in trucks wearing blaze orange. The community starts to think about basketball, frozen ponds and skiing. Night comes early. There is a sense of quiet.

Not so widely known is that late November is often a busy real estate month. Traditionally Jaret and Cohn's brokers are busy showing homes to real estate buyers during Fall. Why? Buyers and Sellers do not want to bother with moving when it is icy and snowy. If they put a property under contract in the Fall months then there is a great possibility that they can close and move into their property before the coldest of Maine's months.

Thank you

The Jaret and Cohn Rockland Office would like to say thank you to the following local businesses that have displayed our rack cards:

Berry Manor Inn
Captain Lindsay House
Fales Store Cushing
Sea Store Spruce Head
Art of the Sea Gallery South Thomaston
Owls Head General Store
Tenants Harbor Store
Just Friends Salon Rockland
Port Clyde General Store

October 2010 Top Producers

Congratulations to our October 2010 Top Producers:

Camden Office
George Wheelwright

Rockland Office
Charlie & Mary Jordan

Waldoboro Office
Joanna Pinkham

Waldoboro Office Sign

Jaret & Cohn has a wonderful new sign at our Waldoboro Office created by Adventure Advertising. Check it out on your way down (or up) Route 1.

The Green Kitchen

Great thoughts for a green kitchen. Check out the in the counter compost bin. Perfect for our environmentally cautious Maine friends.

Camden Office Says Thank You

Thank you to the following businesses that allowed us to place our rack cards in their establishments:

Elegant Nails
House of Pizza
The Riverhouse
Life Flight
Starbird Shop
Linda Bean Perfect Maine
Langley Studio
Camden Chamber of Commerce
Camden Embroidery
The Helm
Northport Motel
Once A Tree
Comfort Inn

Jaret and Cohn Rackcards

Our Belfast Office wants to give a shout and thank you to the following local businesses who have allowed us to place Jaret and Cohn rackcards in their businesses:



The Camden River House

Belfast Variety

Renys

Waynes Soup and Sandwich Shop

Dockside Restaurant

Three Tides Restaurant

Bell The Cat

Morrill General

Making Waves Beauty Salon

Jeweled Turret Inn

Jaret and Cohn and Cafe Miranda to hold Business After Hours

Jaret and Cohn has just signed up to hold the Penobscot Bay Chamber of Commerce Business Afterhours in January of 2011. The event will be held at our Rockland Office located at 25 Park Street.

Cafe Miranda is our co-sponsor of the event and promises to serve up some fabulous and flavorful dishes.

Save the date of Wednesday, January 12th, 2011 from 5-7:00p.m. We'd love to see a full house.

Waldoboro Office Manger - Please welcome Teresa Poland Byers

Jaret & Cohn Real Estate is proud to announce Teresa (Poland) Byers as their new Manager for their Waldoboro office. She joined our team in June 2010, from day one she exhibited strong leadership skills, enthusiasm and is ready for any challenge.

Teresa is a native of Maine. She grew up in Round Pond, a small village of Bristol known for it’s July 4th Parade. She is married to Doug Byers a Merchant Mariner. Teresa is the daughter of Jon and Bonnie Poland; she has two sisters, Angela Poland and Tamara Kaler and a brother Jon Poland, Jr. She is a graduate of Lincoln Academy.

Currently Teresa lives in South Bristol with her husband and their two German Shepherd Dogs, Etta and Zira. Together they own and manage two multi-unit buildings in Rockland. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, is part of a women’s basketball group at the YMCA, recently taken up golf, enjoys spending time on the water, hiking at dodge’s point, Pilates and eating out at local restaurants.

Teresa has been licensed to practice real estate in the State of Maine since 2002. She is a current member of; Lincoln County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors and Maine Associations of Realtors.

Do bedrooms have to have closets?

This just came in from the Maine Association of REALTORS (MAR) legal council:


LEGAL SPOTLIGHT by MAR Legal Counsel: A long-standing rumor has resurfaced about bedrooms not being able to be called bedrooms unless they have a closet. I cannot find any legal requirement anywhere for a closet. It is not in the building code. It is not in the MREIS rules. It could be in a local ordinance, but you would have to check with the town. It is not in the life safety code (egress windows, and two means of egress, but not a closet). It is not in the plumbing code (you need to be careful not to state anywhere that there are more bedrooms than the septic system design calls for, but closets don't matter). So closets may be desirable, but not necessary or legally required.

FSBO...Not in this soft market

Many people calculate the commission they pay to a real estate agent and decide to explore other, cheaper ways to sell – primarily the For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO). Soft markets like we are in are the worst time for FSBO’s. With so many homes on the market it is more difficult for a FSBO to be seen, buyers are picker (and negotiate harder) and lending practices are tightened.

According to the National Association of REALTORS, fewer than 10% of FBSO are successful in completing a sale. Before you try to fly solo consider:

1. Do you have the resources, data and history to accurately price your home to sell?

2. If you fly solo, your home will not be listed in the Maine Multiple Listing Service (MLS), REALTOR.com or syndicated to countless websites. The MLS and REALTOR.com are the top sales tools for marketing your home. How can you compete with the homes that are being advertised on this level when the majority (90%) of buyers shop for homes online?

3. Do you have the time and schedule flexibility to show your home?

4. Can you separate your emotional attachment to your home in order to show it in a neutral objective manner?

5. How are your negotiating skills? Without the buffer of an agent, you will be dealing directly with the buyer’s negotiating strategy, pricing and views (opinions factual or otherwise) about your home.

6. Do you know what your legal requirements are and what information to share with the buyer?

7. Do you have the resources and information available to respond and mediate any problems that occur with the sale?

8. Do you understand all the forms, process and required paperwork?

9. Do you know the steps necessary to finalize the sale?

The reality is that if you want to get maximum value, exposure for your home and guidance it makes sense to hire a real estate agent. That's why many of those FSBOs yard signs are removed and replaced after a few weeks or months and list with a brokerage sign. We just hope it is a Jaret and Cohn sign...

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.

Free tickets to the Maine Boats Homes and Habors Show

Do you want two free tickets to the up coming Maine Boats Homes and Harbors Show?

It's really 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. (Although — a comment like, "Jaret and Cohn is awesome" might help… )

Why are we doing this? We are a sponsor and would love to see you at the show. Simple as that.

What do you have to loose? (and if the show is not for you... send this along to your friends)

We will pick a winner randomly on Friday, July 20, 2010.

Maine - Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Effective March 25th of 2010 the Maine laws regarding Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors changed. These changes do effect real estate transactions. Buyers should be aware of the location and existence of these detectors while previewing and/or inspecting homes. As the buyers will be responsible for the correct installation.

The fact sheet from the Maine State Fire Marshall states:

"The purchaser of a single-family or multi-family dwelling(s) must certify that they shall properly install smoke detectors in the building, if not already present, within 30 days of acquisition or occupancy of the dwelling(s), which ever is later."

and

"The purchaser of a single-family or multi-family dwelling(s) must certify that they shall properly install carbon monoxide detectors in the building, if not already present, within 30days of acquisition or occupancy of the dwelling(s), which ever is later. This includes single-family dwellings in which the previous owner did not have to, by law, install a carbon monoxide detector."

As you see the responsibility of installing the detectors has been placed on the buyer of the property. For more information and additional details, view the Fact Sheet provided by the State Fire Marshall, review the Maine Association of REALTORS Residential Property Transaction Booklet or ask your Jaret and Cohn agent.

Price Well

When it's time to sell your home, it's very easy to be enticed to overprice your home. We all know that prices were at an all time high in 2006-2007 and that prices have dramatically taken a nose dive in the past few years.

It makes sense that you want to price your home above the fair market value. You may have purchased your home when prices are a high and don’t want to loose money. Or you may have made improvements that you hope to see a return on. However those factors don’t change the price a buyer is willing to pay or the amount an appraiser will value your home in today’s market.

Be careful in the pricing of your home, as you probably won't realize you are priced too high until after you suffer from a lack of showings and minimal interest.

People generally purchase buy by comparison shopping. They will look at the better “deals” first unless your home is so unique that it can not be compared to other properties.

Find out what homes are on the market at the same price level as yours. Do they have more features? Are they in a better location? Updated? The buyers will likely be attracted other homes at the same price if they will receive more home/value for the price.

Also, if you do find a buyer at your price, know that they buyer’s financing could fail because of a low appraisal. The appraiser must prove that the house meets a standard and price that justified by market conditions and sales history.

So what can you do insure your home will be shown and that your price will stand up to an appraisal? Work closely with an experienced Jaret and Cohn Broker who knows the market in your neighborhood and town. And strongly take into consideration market trends, comparable properties and the advice your real estate agent offers.

Deodorize your home for showings

You get a call from your real estate broker saying that a buyer wants to see your property but how does your home smell? Do you have pets? A diaper pail? Did you have lobster and extra onions for dinner last night? Buyers won’t linger around a home that smells unpleasant. Consider eliminating or avoid strong odors while your home is actively being shown.

Scented candles and deodorizing sprays are not pleasant to all people and some just temporarily mask the odors. Consider other natural or easy ways to freshen up your home.

• Put cut up orange or lemon in your garbage disposal and grind up lightly.
• Put dryer sheets in your clothes and linen closets
• Place a drop of vanilla extract on your range or your oven. Heat up & turn off.
• Bake brownies, bread, pie or cookies…
• Simmer a pot of water, cut up citrus and cloves on the stove.
• Place dried herbs/flowers like rosemary, lavender or sweet annie around the house.
• Fresh Flowers… this will make your house look extra wonderful.
• And season permitting… open the windows!

Give some thought to the foods that you cook the day before a showing. Try to avoid cooking heavily with potent foods such as garlic, onions and fish. Replace any damp or moist smelling towels with fresh towels. And don't forget to empty all your trash cans. Outside can smell also - clean up after your pet and make sure your trash receptacle is closed up tight.

Let’s get these home buyers to linger in your home and appreciate its’ great qualities.

We would love to hear your idea for deodorizing homes?

Saint George River Council REALTOR of the Year

Every year the St. George River Council of the Midcoast Board of REALTORS selects a REALTOR of the Year.

In looking for a candidate, the agents within the council measures an individuals' professionalism as a REALTOR, community contributions and personal integrity.

This year the council was pleased to award this recognition to Nicole "Nikki" Bland of our Rockland office.

As a Realtor, Nikki always sees the glass is half full, rather than half empty. She continually seeks guidance through friends and mentors in the business. Additionally, she is involved as a council committee member, Mid-coast Board officer, and Maine Association of REALTORS director.

On the personal side, Nikki's family tells us how loving and kindhearted she is. She continually gives to others without losing sight of her family needs. Nikki actively volunteers for charity and stays involved with organizations that include the schools, the Camden fire department and Lions Club.

Congratulations Nikki Bland, it is an honor well deserved.

Imagine having your morning coffee while watching the activities in Camden harbor...

Camden Maine has one of the prettiest harbors, beautiful hills, picturesque lakes and ponds, shopping, dining and community. What more can you want?

Perhaps this charming 1930's home with a view of the harbor?

25 Sea Street

4 Bedroom / 2 Bath

$889,000

MLS#974311

Offered by: Gail Young & Sandy Ellsworth in our Camden Office.

Seniors Real Estate Specialists®

The National Association of REALTORS® has a variety of continuing education programs to assist REALTORS® with becoming an expert in variety specialized practice areas. Several of these programs award designations or certifications to REALTORS® upon completion of the program and/or exam.

One of such programs is the Seniors Real Estate Specialists Designation. This designation indicates that brokers have learned skills and expertise necessary to assist home buyers and sellers over 50 years of age. They have a specialized knowledge base and tools to assist seniors making life changing decisions.

Congratulations to Susan Smith-Riedel, and Nicole Bland for earning the Seniors Real Estate Specialists Designation.

Inspection Topics - Radon

The purchase and sale agreement that Jaret & Cohn uses and is approved by the Maine Association of REALTORS(MAR) has a subsection for due dilligence or inspections. Any inspections and terms that are agreed to by both the buyer and seller can be conducted on the house. The inspection that comes to mind for most is the building inspection. However, there are two inspection items that you should know about: radon water and radon air.

As a buyer you should educate yourself on what radon is and decide if radon is important to you. As a seller, you should also understand what radon is, why a buyer may ask to inspect for radon and how radon is medigated should it be found in your house. Also as a seller, you may want to ask your broker if you should have a radon test performed on your home prior to placing your home on the market.

Two great resources for facts and information on radon are the US Envirnomental Protection Agency and Maine Department of Heath and Human Services.

Radon can often be a tough contractual issue to navigate. Educating yourself on the facts and having a dicussion with your Jaret & Cohn broker can help ease the process and any potential issues.

Now for the inside

Hopefully now the outside of your home has great curb appeal! It is now time to spruce up the inside of your home. Let's make certain that your home makes a lasting impression on potential buyers and their real estate brokers.

Understand that buyers are looking for a house and are not buying your decorating style, emotions towards the home or lifestyle. It is time to prepare your property so that it has a clean, clear appearance in which a buyer can envision their life within the bounds of your property.

• Remove personal items such as family photos and collections. Buyers need to imagine their items and not be distracted by wondering what type of people live there now.


• Ask your broker what the difference is between personal property and fixtures. If you want to take your chandelier or built in cabinet with you, then you should consider removing them prior to showing your property.


• Consider removing curtains that block natural light.


• Clean out your closets and organize them. This is a great time to get rid of those items you don't want to move!


• Minimize the number of items on your kitchen and bathroom counters.


• Make all minor repairs. Having a leaky faucet or a light that doesn't work suggests that you might not take good care of your property.


• Repaint any rooms that have a loud non-neutral color.


• Toilets... Close the lids for showings. If you have water with high iron/mineral contents use an iron out product and make those bowls their intended color.


• Removing extra furniture will make a room appear larger and will invite buyers to walk around and linger longer in each room.


• Consider renting a storage space. Get those extra boxes and pieces of furniture out of the house so that buyers can move around.


• And lastly, clean clean clean. Make every room sparkle.

If you have doubts about what to remove or update in your home to give your home greater appeal then ask your Jaret & Cohn Broker. Another option is to hire a professional stager to come in and make the changes for you. We can refer you to several Midcoast Maine home stagers and cleaners that can assist you. Just ask, we are happy to help.

First Impressions

You placed your house on the market. You want for it to sell fast, sell it for top dollar, and you want home buyers and real estate brokers to love your home enough to tell all their friends and colleagues about it.

Chances are potential buyers will drive by your home before they schedule an appointment to see the inside. Stand on the street and look at your property. What do buyers see?

Give your property greater curb appeal with these tips:

• Is your street number visible? Buyers need to see they are looking at the correct property.
• Mow and edge your lawn regularly. (Don't forget to take your for sale sign out of the ground before mowing.)
• During winter keep your walkways free of snow and ice.
• Trim any shrubs and trees that are blocking windows and architectural features. (Extra bonus - this will increase the natural light coming into your house.)
• Remove the weeds from any planted/landscaped garden areas.
• Keep your yard and drive free of debris, toys and trash. If you do not have outside storage, organize these items in a place out of street view.
• Repaint any peeling or flaking house trim.
• Sweep and/or wash porches, decks and walkways.
• Repaint, stain or weatherproof any tired steps, porches or decks.
• Place potted flowers, hanging pots or wreaths near your door to create an inviting and welcoming entry.

Lastly, ask your Jaret & Cohn real estate broker, friends and family to drive by your home. Ask them for any suggestions for ideas on how to make your home exterior showing ready. After all you want your property to give buyers a lasting first impression.

Jaret and Cohn 2009 Top Producers

Congratulations to the

2009 Jaret and Cohn Real Estate Top Producers!

From left to right:Leonard Maxwell, Sheryl Schwab, Pamela Gushee, Dawn Harlor, Carleton Johnson and Nancy Hughes (not pictured Wes Reed)

Jaret & Cohn Real Estate Company Wide Top Producer

Nancy Hughes

Phone: 207-542-2805

Email: nhughes@jaretcohn.com

Bio: http://jaretcohn.com/AgentDetails.aspx?agentid=23

Belfast Office Top Producer

Sheryl Schaub

Phone: 207-323-0264

Email: sschaub@jaretcohn.com

Bio: http://jaretcohn.com/AgentDetails.aspx?agentid=36

Camden Office Top Producers

Dawn Harlor

Phone: 207-542-4724

Email: dharlor@jaretcohn.com

Bio: http://jaretcohn.com/AgentDetails.aspx?agentid=20

 Nancy Hughes

Phone: 207-542-2805

Email: nhughes@jaretcohn.com

Bio: http://jaretcohn.com/AgentDetails.aspx?agentid=23

Island Group Top Producer

Wesley Reed

Phone: 207-863-2554

Email: wreed@jaretcohn.com

Bio: http://jaretcohn.com/AgentDetails.aspx?agentid=61

Rockland Office Top Producers

Pamela Gushee

Phone: 207-542-3737

Email: pgushee@jaretcohn.com

Bio: http://jaretcohn.com/AgentDetails.aspx?agentid=46  

Carleton Johnson

Phone: 207-592-1175

Email: cjohnson@jaretcohn.com

Bio: http://jaretcohn.com/AgentDetails.aspx?agentid=48

 

Waldoboro Office Top Producer

Leonard Maxwell

Phone: 207-542-8797

Email: lmaxwell@jaretcohn.com

Bio: http://jaretcohn.com/AgentDetails.aspx?agentid=63

Welcome

Welcome to Jaret & Cohn’s new blog. We and our sixty plus seasoned agents have been active participants in our communities for over twenty-five years. We pride ourselves on being your partner when you want to buy or sell a home, business or investment property. We are also proud of where we live and do business. We hope you will follow our blog as we share with you news about local events, new businesses, real estate trends, and community projects.