Agent Focus: Jim Chalfant

Born and brought up in Cape Elizabeth, Jim has lived in the Mid-Coast for the past thirty five years and has an intimate knowledge of the coast from Boothbay to Castine. He particularly enjoys working with buyers who are just discovering the incredible beauty and diversity of this special part of Maine. Jim has traveled extensively throughout Europe, the U.S. and much of Canada. The opportunity to travel to distant places has strengthened his conviction that the Penobscot Bay Region of Maine is clearly the best place on the planet. He belives protecting this special part of the world is a responsibility of those of us lucky enough to live here and that we should all do our part to ensure that it retains its unique qualities. To that end, Jim has been a two term member of the Rockport Planning Board, a steward for Coastal Mountains Land Trust and a member of the Rockport Conservation Commission. He was a former Director of the Saint George River Council of REALTORS and has been a Top Producer for one of the Mid-Coast's most active agencies. Jim will bring that same passion and commitment to you whether you are buying or selling property. When not sailing his sloop Dazy, Jim can be found gardening, hiking the coastal mountains, or photographing his favorite places. He also enjoys fly fishing, skiing, music, wooden boats and the fabulous art that abounds here.

You can reach Jim by visiting our Camden Office, by phone at 207-232-4477 or email at jchalfant@jaretcohn.com

Agent Focus: Kirstie Ransdell of Jaret & Cohn Waldoboro

Kirstie Ransdell was born and raised in southern NJ then attended Arizona State University and lived fourteen years in Phoenix, AZ. She could not wait to move back to the east coast. When she and her husband discovered Maine in 1997 they decided to bring their children here to give them the gift of this idyllic life. She spent 3 years researching Maine to locate the perfect area for her family. They bought their 200 year old dream home to restore and began their transition to relocate the business and family to Bristol. Since coming here permanently in 2002, she says, "Our life here has exceeded all expectations. Our business has been successful and the children have learned a true sense of community through their school, church and activities. We make a point to experience all that this area has to offer by sailing, power boating, fishing, horseback riding, snow shoeing, and enjoying the local arts and music."

Kirstie works out of our Waldoboro office and strives to assist her clients in achieving an equally satisfying experience in their transition whether it is buying or selling their home. She has experience in long distance moves, vacation homes, rentals, and investment properties, commercial sale, 1031 exchanges, and finding a house you can call home. Her knowledge of Lincoln County is extensive.

She asks, "How can I help you improve your real estate experience?"

You can contact Kirstie by phone at 207-592-0080 or by email kransdell@jaretcohn.com

Agent focus: Pam Gushee - Jaret & Cohn Rockland, Maine

Pam Gushee has been with Jaret & Cohn's Rockland office since 1999 where she has received the sales excellence award every year. She is a true Maine native (born and raised in Rockport) and lives in Appleton where she enjoys spending time with her husband, boating, swimming, camping, and enjoying the Maine way of life.

Pam works to keep her life simple and balanced, and she does that for clients as well. She’s easygoing and approachable - as she says, “I’m just Pam”. As a broker, she’s focused, creative and very effective. “You have to get the buyers to the property or you’re never going to sell the property,” she says. She thinks of her ads as invitations—she takes dozens of photos to find just the right ones, and she writes and rewrites ad copy until it shines. “For me, the excitement is in knowing all that work made a difference. To market the property, show it, then sell it. That’s the fun part for me.”

You can reach Pam at our Rockland office located at 25 Park Street, by phone 207-596-0352 or by email pgushee@jaretcohn.com

Congratulations to Jack Kelly - REALTOR of the year

Coastal Mountains Council President Nancy Hughes presents their local REALTOR of the Year Award to Jack Kelly!! Both Jack and Nancy work in our Camden Office.

Congratulations Jack!

April 2011 Top Producers

Congratulations to our April 2011 Top Producers:

Nancy Hughes from our Camden Office

Pam Gushee from our Rockland Office

Leonard Maxwell from our Waldoboro Office

Buying a home after Foreclosure or Short Sale

Over the last few years we have worked with sellers who have either been foreclosed on or sellers who have sold their home as a short-sale. As time passes and these sellers begin to gain financial strength are returning as buyers that want to start planning for the purchase of their next home.

Homeownership is possible again however it should be noted that the banking industry is suggesting that people who have been foreclosed on will have to wait seven years before qualifying for a home loan. Those who have gone through the short sale process will also likely have to wait to purchase another home but the wait time varies and will depend on the person’s fico score.

If you have been foreclosed on or have been in a short sale situation it is essential that you work on bringing up your credit score, lowering debt and paying off bills. According to some banks, the necessary credit score needs to be in the 620 to 640 range however above 700 will result in a more favorable interest rate. This is not to say that these parameters might change between now and the time these individuals are qualified to purchase.

Just a few years ago it was fairly easy to purchase a home with little or in some cases no down payment. This is not the case today - save and be prepared to pay a down payment. There are still down payment assistance programs but the parameters are tightened and are not available to everyone.

The best place to begin planning for a home ownership is with your bank or financial advisor. Evaluate your finances and create a plan to boost your credit score and save.

I want to own an Inn in Midcoast Maine: The White Gates Inn

We've heard the dream before. "I want to live in Midcoast Maine, enjoy quality of life, be my own boss and run an Inn (or Bed and Breakfast)....

This is a new listing from Martin Cates in our Rockland Office.

The White Gates Inn has been operating along Route 1 for years, welcoming guests to the motel with fine Mid-Coast hospitality. Featuring 5.12 acres, with 4 free-standing buildings.

Opportunity awaits for the entrepreneur looking for an adventure. Imagine the joy in flipping the NO Vacancy switch for your first time.

700 Commercial Street, Rockport
Main building built in 1920
Other structures built 1950-1970
5.12 acres along busy Route 1
$325,000 - in MLS Soon!

FMI - Contact Martin Cates at 207-596-0352 or mcates@jaretcohn.com