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.