Jaret & Cohn

Monday, June 28, 2010

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.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

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.

Monday, June 14, 2010

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.

Monday, June 7, 2010

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.

Monday, May 31, 2010

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.

Monday, May 24, 2010

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.