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Maine Relocation GuideGreater Portland & Southern Maine202419 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.com

Available In ReportContentsOur State, from South to NorthWelcome to Southern Maine CommunitiesUpdated Home Sales Statistics from 2023Protecting Your InterestsBuying a Home Online - Yes it can be done!Definitions and ConsiderationsOur Business PhilosophyCreate Your Customized Home SearchSocial Media and Relocation GuidesGuide to Waterfront HomesPortland’s Thriving Arts SceneLocal Property Taxes by CommunityOverview of Public & Private EducationUpdates on GDP & Cost of Doing BusinessWhat to Expect at the Closing TableFrequently Asked Questions We Often HearA Tour of MaineGreater Portland RegionSales ResultsBuying a Home in MaineVirtual Home BuyingAbout UsThe Agency Relationship Searching for HomesConnecting to the CommunityWaterfront Real EstateArt & CultureTax RatesMaine Educational SystemThe Maine EconomyCustomary Closing CostsQuestions & AnswersExplore the Maine Coast19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comVisit ourRelocation Center

The Southern GatewayA Tour of MaineSouth to NorthLess than an hour by car from Boston, York County - Maine's southernmost region -is by far its most visited region. It's also the state's fastest-growing county,experiencing a development boom that's only likely to continue with the wideningof the Maine Turnpike and the recent return of passenger rail service in the formof the new Amtrak Downeaster. The towns of Kittery, Old Orchard Beach, andMany more thousands flock to the long white sand beaches of the Yorks, Ogunquit, Wells, and theKennebunks. Mark Twain once quipped that it would be difficult to throw a brick in the Yorks and not hita postmaster. It's still true - the town is divided into a handful of distinct villages with their own services:York, York Harbor, York Beach, and Cape Neddick, each of which has its own waterfront. Parsonsfield sit at the corners of the roughly triangular county, and each characterizes the diversity ofthe region. Kittery is known as the home of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and myriad factory outlets and isthe state's principal gateway. The sleepy, rural town of Parsonsfield is in the foothills of the westernmountain region and, like many of the communities on York County's northwestern flank, its forestedknolls are still dotted with pastures and farms. There are also several developed lakes and ponds, sitesof summer camps and cottages, in the area. Old Orchard Beach, with its beach, pier, and amusementpark rides has an allure unlike any other in Maine, attracting thousands of visitors, many from French-speaking Québec, with its carnival atmosphere. Ogunquit is probably best known for its three-mile beach, considered by many tobe Maine's finest stretch of sand. Brimming with tourists come July, Ogunquitgained fame early in the twentieth century as both an art colony and summerresort - today it functions more as the latter with its gift shops, inns,condominiums, and large hotels, but the presence of the former can still be felt.Ogunquit's neighbor to the north, Wells, is also a busy summer community and its many antique shopsand used bookstores make it popular with shoppers of the rare and unique. Much of the large RachelCarson National Wildlife Refuge, acres and acres of salt marshes and stretches of woods, sits in Wells. The profile of nearby Kennebunkport was first raised when George H.W. Bush was elected president andagain with George W. Bush. Tourists flock to Walker's Point, the Bush family's impressive summercompound, but more come to the neighboring towns of Kennebunkport and Kennebunk for theirbeaches, inns, scores of shops, impressive Colonial architecture, and historic small-town ambiance. With their robust Franco-American heritage, the twin cities of Biddeford and Saco constitute theindustrial and population centers of York County - although they also include the summer colonies ofCamp Ellis and Biddeford Pool. Inland, Sanford is one of the state's fastest-growing communities, andthe Berwick and Eliot areas are residential, riverside communities that are home to many who work atthe shipyard and in New Hampshire. 19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.com

descends to become a commercial and retail district downtown. Portland City Hall, home of MerrillAuditorium and the Portland Symphony Orchestra, sits at one end of the city's official Arts District, and thePortland Museum of Art anchors the other. Only a few blocks separate the downtown from the Old Port, ahistoric waterfront quarter with boutiques and specialty shops, restaurants, and bars, which is popular withtourists and Mainers alike. Ferries leaving Portland's waterfront provide access to the Calendar Islands inCasco Bay, which have many summer homes and many year-round residents, and a huge ocean-goingvessel that departs regularly from Portland for Nova Scotia.The cities that border Portland – SouthPortland and Westbrook, are CumberlandCounty's second and third-largest urbanareas, the former known for the largest mallnorth of Boston, its bustling commercial port,and its family-friendly neighborhoods. Thelatter known for its imposing paper mill andcomfortable new subdivisions. Beyond themare Gorham, a commuter town and home to acampus of the University of Southern Maine,and Scarborough, which claims the state'slargest saltwater marsh, a wildlife sanctuaryGreater PortlandPortland, Maine's largest city and its cultural and commercial center, is the hub of Cumberland County,the state's most populous region. Including its suburbs - which range from Scarborough in the south toFreeport in the north, and North Windham in the northwest, Portland is the largest metropolitan areanorth of Boston, expanding outward every year. But Cumberland County still has nearly as many ruralresidents as it does city dwellers.Founded in 1632, Portland now has several historic neighborhoods and severalbuildings of architectural interest. Many of these are congregated in the city's WestEnd, in the neighborhoods near Maine Medical Center, the state's largest hospital.Congress Street anchors the city's downtown, running from one end of the L-shapedpeninsula in Casco Bay to the other. It begins on Munjoy Hill, a residential area nearthe Eastern Promenade where there are parks and beautiful views of the bay, andbeloved by birders, and some of Greater Portland's nicest stretches of beach. Beyond South Portland iscraggy Cape Elizabeth, which, like Falmouth Foreside to the north, is full of beautiful homes on thewater and is where many of the city's top-level executives opt to live. Unlike larger cities, Portland offers easy access to green countryside and open space. Within a twenty-minute drive of the city, Cumberland, Pownal, and North Yarmouth have few businesses and large ruraltracts, though they have seen building booms in the past decade. Gray, with its neat downtown, andNew Gloucester, with its historic Shaker colony at Sabbathday Lake, have agricultural traditions thatcontinue to this day.North of Portland, Yarmouth is a pleasant waterfront community with a pretty downtown and frontageon the Royal River. Better known is the shopping mecca of Freeport, home of L.L. Bean and the blocks offactory outlet stores that surround it. Brunswick, where Route 1 and Interstate 95 diverge, bills itself asthe gateway to Maine's midcoast. Many shopping centers have sprung up here during the pastdecades, catering to the families of the aviators at Brunswick Naval Air 19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.com

The village of Fryeburg, along the Saco River, serves as the base for excursionsdown the Saco, one of the most frequently paddled waterways in the state. Thishistoric little town is also the home of the Fryeburg Fair, Maine's largestagricultural celebration, and Fryeburg Academy, arguably the state's mostcosmopolitan prep school. To the northeast lie Norway, Oxford, and South Paris,three towns that form the commercial hub of Oxford County. South ParisStation, among others, but thanks to Bowdoin College and its 1,700 students, Brunswick's downtownremains vibrant. A highly regarded liberal arts school, Bowdoin adds youthful vitality to the com-munityand offers many amenities to residents, from health-club memberships to lectures and concerts.The towns of North Windham, Raymond, Bridgton, Naples, and Casco make up the Sebago Lakes region,a much-visited recreational area with a large summer population on the northwestern edge of GreaterPortland. Small towns in the off-season, these villages bustle during summer when scores of cottagersreturn to the lakes. The hills begin to roll here, making the area seem far from Portland's cobbled streets. Western Mountains RegionTwo counties make up the western mountains region – Oxford and Franklin – and they extend fromPorter, a tiny agricultural town near the New Hampshire state line, up to Gorham Gore, an unorganizedtownship on the Québec border. The lofty peaks and deep lake valleys of the region attract the mosttourist dollars in Maine outside of Acadia and the south coast, but most visitors to the westernmountains come in the fall to see the area's dazzling foliage (some of the best in the state) and in thewinter to ski at nationally known resorts like Sunday River and Sugarloaf. Summer camps, lakesidecottages, and the Appalachian Trail are popular spots when the snow melts.especially has some outstanding old buildings - virtually every home in the village of Paris Hill is on theNational Register of Historic Places. Much of the rolling country surrounding these towns are quiet andrural, filled with lakes and high hills. Bethel and Rangeley are widely associated with skiing, thanks to their proximity to Sunday River,Saddleback Mountain, and Sugarloaf. Not far from the stunning notches, rivers, and trails of the Mainesection of the White Mountains National Forest, the small town of Bethel is also home to GouldAcademy, a private school. Famous for its fishing and boating, Rangeley, and its upscale neighborOquossoc, are surrounded by expansive lakes and ponds and are the site of another of the state's morepopular state parks. Near Sugarloaf, Kingfield has a charming old downtown that sits along the prettyCarrabassett River. Besides tourism, the main industry in the western mountains remains pulp and paper.There are large paper mills in Rumford and Jay, and much of the land in both counties is still owned bypaper companies.Farmington, the region's commercial center, is dominated by a lively University of Maine campus, whichis consistently listed among the best small public liberal arts colleges in the nation. Nearby is Weld, thesite of Mount Blue State Park, a popular hiking and camping spot. 19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.com

The MidcoastAnchored by the historic shipbuilding communities of Bath to the west and Waldoboro to the east, thecounties of the southern midcoast - Sagadahoc and Lincoln - form one of the state's tiniest, yet mostpicturesque, regions. All of the midcoast's population centers are located on or very near Route 1, whichruns roughly parallel to the coast and provides the region's economic and cultural backbone.Formerly a mill town and bedroom community to Brunswick, Topsham sits just off Route 1 along theAndroscoggin River at the point where it converges with Merrymeeting Bay, one of the largestconfluences of rivers in the East and a body of water rife with birds. Topsham still has quiet neigh-borhoods of fine old homes, but increasingly it is becoming a retail center to rival Brunswick. The ruralcommunities of Bowdoin and Bowdoinham, with few stores and much open space, lie just north ofTopsham. Not far to the east is Bath, home of Bath Iron Works, a century-old shipbuildingyard dependent on defense contracts and one of the state's largest privateemployers. Perched on the bank of the Kennebec, Bath's well-preserveddowntown provides services to the residents of the peninsula and island hamletsof Arrowsic, Robinhood, Georgetown, and Popham. Some of the finest Federalarchitecture in Maine can be found by driving Bath's neighborhood streets, oncethe home of wealthy ship captains and shipping magnates. The city celebrates its long and proudtradition of boatbuilding at the highly regarded Maine Maritime Museum.Wiscasset and Damariscotta, a bit farther along Route 1 to the northeast, are the economic and socialcenters of Lincoln County, hubs for the many small towns along the harbors, inlets, and is-lands thatreach out to sea from Route 1. Once an important shipbuilding center, Wiscasset now bills itself as "the prettiest village in Maine," andcan make an argument for its claim with block after block of beautiful old sea captains' homesoverlooking the tidal Sheepscot River. Today it's known for its fun downtown, a tidy mix of antique shopsand restaurants, and for the defunct Maine Yankee power plant, the state's sole nuclear facility. Thetowns immediately inland - Alna, Dresden, and Whitefield are rural, riverside communities of gentlyrolling countryside.Damariscotta, like Wiscasset, is also defined by a river. It even takes its name from the sleepy wa-terwaythat loops south from Damariscotta Lake through the Great Salt Bay and out to sea. The community hasmany handsome old homes and a postcard-pretty downtown, lined with red-brick shops overlooking thetown landing. Damariscotta and the coastal villages of Pemaquid, Christmas Cove, New Harbor, andRound Pond to its south, have increasingly become a haven for retirees, as well as longtime summerresidents. One of Maine's most famous summer playgrounds, Boothbay Harbor, is located on a peninsula betweenthe Sheepscot and Damariscotta rivers. Tourism is Boothbay Harbor's bread-and-butter industry butlobstering and deep-sea fishing play important roles as well. Among the earliest set-tled places inMaine, Boothbay is now home to many excursion vessels, restaurants, boutiques, and inns. 19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.com

Penobscot Bay AreaThe grand expanse of Penobscot Bay forms the eastern horizon for the coastal towns of Knox andWaldo counties. Fittingly, the sea is still the basis of the region's prosperity, bringing tourists, yachts,lobsters, and fish to the many communities that hug the bay. Overflowing with travelers in the summer,Route 1 runs parallel to the shore and is the most populous corridor in Knox and Waldo counties. Itconnects all of the larger towns and is the focus of shopping, dining out, and recreational activity.At the southern end of Knox County, Thomaston's tidy main street is lined with graceful white Federaland Colonial homes. Its compact downtown is flanked by Montpelier, the reconstructed estate ofGeneral Henry Knox, George Washington's secretary of war. Up the road, Rockland calls itself the "Lobster Capital of the World," and thehardy fishing port makes a strong case for itself with its fleet of lobster boats andbustling commercial waterfront. But the home of the annual Maine LobsterFestival is also a burgeoning art and retail community. It's the site of theFarnsworth Museum, which has an exceptional collection of Maine art and ishome to the Wyeth Center - the largest facility devoted to the works of thatfamed art clan. With a new public boardwalk constructed by credit-card giant MBNA, Rockland is alsothe homeport of most of the Maine windjammer fleet and provides access by state ferry to the bay'spopulated islands - Vinalhaven, North Haven, and distant Matinicus. Due south of town, Port Clyde is themainland link to the famed artist's colony on rugged Monhegan Island. Several tiny harbor hamlets -Owls Head, Tenants Harbor, and Spruce Head are located on the peninsulas that jut into the bay. Two of Maine's prettiest harbors, Rockport and Camden, are north of Rocklandalong Route 1. Full of beautiful seaside homes that cluster around a V-shapedinlet, Rockport is home to the Maine Photographic Workshops, an internationallyknown photography school, as well as the Center for Maine Contemporary Art(formerly Maine Coast Artists), a noted arts organization and gallery that sponsorsshows by both established and up-and-coming art talents.Lincolnville, Camden's northerly neighbor, is divided into halves - Lincolnville Beach and LincolnvilleCenter. The former is the site of a ferry that connects the large island of Islesboro and its many year-round residents to the mainland. Lincolnville Beach has a few inns and three restaurants just off its smallswath of sand. The center of town lies three or four miles inland, in a very rural area dotted with lakes,ponds, and hiker-friendly hills.Camden is dominated by Mount Battie and Mount Megunticook, two high hills that loom over the Sea-like Scandinavian peaks make up Camden Hills State Park, one of Maine's busiest state parks. Clusteredin the red-brick downtown that rings yacht-filled Camden Harbor are many restaurants and boutiquesthat cater to the tourist trade in the summer but, unlike many resort communities in Maine, also stayopen year-round.Beyond Lincolnville and its low-profile neighbor, Northport, is Belfast, the shire town of Waldo County.Popular with back-to-the-landers in the seventies, Belfast still has a funky vibe with an19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.com

over-the-top art deco movie house, crunchy food co-op, noted theater troupe,and various coffee shops and eateries. And it has enjoyed a remarkable boom inthe past decade with the arrival of banking titan MBNA, which now employs some2,000 people here to service its credit-card empire. Some of Maine's finestarchitecture can be found in Belfast's quiet neighborhoods and in the two orthree blocks of Victorian commercial buildings that comprise the downtown.The inland towns of Knox and Waldo counties are Maine's answer to Vermont's rolling green countryside.Blue ponds lie in the hollows of the hills, and small farms dot the landscape. Union, Hope, and Appletonhave sizable blueberry barrens, Winterport is a quiet commuter town just south of Bangor on the tidalPenobscot River, and the popular Lake St. George State Park brings many to Liberty.By Maine standards, Lewiston-Auburn is a truly urban community and has nearlyas many residents as Portland, a statistic that always seems to surprise people insouthernmost Maine. In fact, Lewiston is the state's second-largest city, Auburn isthe fourth, and they are closely entwined both economically and socially.Lewiston is known primarily for its sizable Franco-American community, its textilemills, and Bates College, a fine liberal arts school that plays a large cultural roleTwo of the state's largest and most important rivers - the Androscoggin and the Kennebec - give theirnames to the counties of central Maine. A great portion of the state's population - and economic andpolitical activity - lies in the belt that follows I-95 and the Maine Turnpike from the twin cities ofLewiston and Auburn, through the Augusta-Gardiner area to Waterville and Winslow. If you venture farfrom the highway, however, the landscape quickly turns to farms and fields, lakes, and ponds.in the city. L-A has been enjoying something of a renaissance of late as increasing numbers ofbusinesses have set up shop because of the twin cities' advantageous location - almost equidistantfrom Portland, Brunswick, and Augusta. Also well situated is Maine's state capital; Augusta sits on the Kennebec about an hour north of Portlandand an hour and a half south of Bangor. It was chosen as the hub of politics because of its centrallocation (in terms of the population rather than geography), and with its busy shopping plazas,restaurants, and UMaine campus, it serves as the economic and cultural center of the region. Just southof Augusta is Hallowell, known for its historic brick downtown and the lovely old homes on its leafyhillside streets.North of Augusta along the river is Waterville, Kennebec County's second city and an economic andcultural center in its own right. The city rose to prominence as a mill town, but its claim to fame today isthe highly regarded Colby College, which brings 1,600 students to the city. Central MaineWest of I-95 is the Belgrade Lakes region - a scenic group of lakes, ponds, and streams that have beendeveloped as a summer colony - and the hillside apple farms of Monmouth, Wayne, and Readfield.19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.com19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.com

The three principal industries of this region are logging, tourism, and agriculture. Despite majorupheavals in the paper industry that have resulted in mill closings and land sales of millions of acres, thecounties of Somerset, Piscataquis, and Penobscot continue to bank on the industry's future. Logging isalso important to Aroostook, as are potatoes grown in vast fields along the Canadian border.During the nineteenth century, Bangor was the lumber-shipping capital of theworld, and it remains both a principal entryway into the North Woods and itseconomic, cultural, and population center. The Queen City hugs the west bank ofthe Penobscot River, and just as its history is closely tied to this mighty waterway,so is its future, with a major development planned for the revitalized waterfront.Bangor has many fine homes that still stand in various neighborhoods; buildings ofarchitectural distinction are also collected in the residential Broadway area and the West MarketSquare Historic District. The Bangor International Airport - boasting one of the longest runways on theEast Coast - is located minutes from downtown. On the city's north side are dozens of retail outlets inplazas and the Bangor Mall that serve as the center of commerce for much of northern Maine. Across the Penobscot lies Brewer, an industrial city closely allied with Bangor economically and socially.Once a center for shipbuilding, Brewer's economy today is reliant upon the pulp and paper industry andother local manufacturing.Just a few minutes drive from the Bangor-Brewer area the landscape turns to farms and woods. The onlyother sizable communities in the area are Orono, home of the University of Maine, the flagship stateuniversity, and Old Town, known internationally for its canoes and also the site of a Penobscot IndianReservation and a paper mill. UMaine is the largest school in Maine, with 11,222 students, and its MaineCenter for the Arts brings world-class entertainment to the area. The university has traditionally excelledin men's ice hockey, women's basketball, and baseball, making it a source of pride among sports fansacross Maine. Other important communities in northern Maine include Skowhegan, a brawnypaper-mill town not far from Waterville; Dover-Foxcroft, on a diagonal betweenBangor and Moosehead Lake; Greenville and Rockwood, which provide services tothe many visitors to massive Moosehead Lake; Millinocket, a mill town just outsidethe state's largest wilderness area, Baxter State Park; Houlton and Presque Isle,centers of the potato industry; and Fort Kent, the commercial center of the French-speaking St. John Valley and site of a small UMaine campus.Northern MaineGeographically, northern Maine probably begins north of the 46th Parallel, but population becomesincreasingly sparse north of Bangor, the state's third-largest city. Encompassing the fabled NorthWoods, the counties of Somerset, Piscataquis, Penobscot, and Aroostook dominate the state in terms ofarea but have relatively few residents outside of the Bangor-Brewer region. Aroostook (aka The County)alone is larger than the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut combined.19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.com

Hancock County. It faces Fort Knox, one of the state's largest old stone andearthworks forts, across the water, and is dominated by an imposing paper plantvisible from miles away. On spectacular peninsulas reaching southeast fromBucksport is Castine, with its towering old elms, rich history, picture-perfectdowntown, and Maine Maritime Academy; Deer Isle, home to a colony of artisansand crafters; Stonington, a fishing village with a beautiful harbor and terraceddowntown; and Blue Hill. Located beneath the small rise that gives the town itsname, Blue Hill is a sweet village of venerable homes and artsy boutiques that overlooks a protectedocean inlet. Nearby are the villages of Penobscot, Brooklin, and Surry, each of which is a small town withinteresting architecture and fantastic views.The gateway to Acadia, Ellsworth is Hancock County's shire town, best known for the plazas and stripmalls that stretch for several miles down Route 1 and Route 3. One of the most visited of the nation'sparks, Acadia National Park, on Mount Desert Island, is a breathtaking combination of roundedmountains and crashing surf. Most of these visitors end up in Bar Harbor, with its myriad bed-and-breakfasts, shops, and restaurants. Several of the island's other communities, such as Somesville,Southwest Harbor, and Northeast Harbor, also attracts sizable populations of summer residents andshoulder-season visitors.East of Ellsworth, traffic tails off and a quiet descends, making the SunriseCoast - as it is called - as different as can be from Acadia. The little towns thatRoute 1 passes through on its journey east - Milbridge, Cherryfield, Addison,Columbia Falls, and Jonesport - are known for their fishing fleets and blueberrybarrens. Calais is a border town on the St. Croix River and also abuts theMoosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, an important wildlife sanctuary forbreeding birds. Machias is home to a University of Maine campus and has anThe Down East CoastHancock County, home of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park, has the longest coastline ofany county in the state - if you take into account all of its nooks and crannies. So it's no surprise that itsmost important industries are related to the sea - tourism and commercial fishing. Like its easternneighbor, Washington County, Hancock is also blanketed by forests and blueberry barrens that blazered in the autumn. angular old downtown perched above Bad Little Falls. Eastport is the nation's easternmost city (not tobe confused with Lubec, which is the easternmost town), and is a hub of the fishing industry and animportant deep-water shipping port. The humpbacked island upon which Eastport sits gives most of thehomes in the salty little city extraordinary views of Passamaquoddy Bay, and its brick downtown - whereentire buildings sell for the price of a new Mercedes - has "potential" written all over it, just waiting tobe discovered. 19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.com

Congratulations! You have just made that important first step toward your exciting new life in SouthernMaine. The greater Portland region extends from Biddeford and Kennebunkport in the south toWestbrook and Gorham in the west and along the northern coast to Harpswell. This beautiful areaencompasses the communities of Falmouth, Cumberland, Yarmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, andFreeport, among others. Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean extend southwest to northeast along ourshores and have played (and continue to play) an important role in our social, cultural, and economicdevelopment.Easily accessible by car, plane, and train, greater Portland is an excellent location. It is only two hoursfrom Boston by car or rail. The Portland International Jetport offers daily flights to many popular UScities. The greater Portland area offers activities for every age group and interest imaginable. Whether yourpassion is strolling along the Old Port Shops, jogging around Back Cove, the local nightlife, professionalsporting events, hiking, sailing, skiing, golfing, or the arts - this guide will help you discover all thatMaine has to offer.Today, the Biddeford – Portland metro region is home to more than 514,000 residents. Our economycontinues to grow and attract new business while helping existing companies to thrive and prosper.Maine and the communities of Greater Portland are safe, healthy, and enjoyable places to live andraise a family.The following pages include demographics for several localcities and towns. Additional economic, historical, educational,business, environmental, geographic, educational, andrecreational information is available online: MaineHomeconnection.com/RelocationCity and town data is updated in this report as of Year-End2023:Welcome to the Greater Portland RegionSouthern MainePortlandSouth PortlandFalmouthCape ElizabethScarboroughYarmouthBiddefordOld Orchard BeachKennebunkKennebunkportFor a complete review of Portland neighborhoods and the surrounding communities, visit:MaineHomeConnection.com/Neighborhoods19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.com

Portland is an old seacoast town. It is also a funky city filled withgalleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques and shops, and incrediblerestaurants serving everything from New England clam chowder,lobster rolls, and Maine seafood to nouveau cuisine.Portland stands as one of the few working waterfronts left in the United States, acting as New England’slargest tonnage seaport and second-largest fishing port. PortlandPortland is the banking capital of northern New England, home tomajor international law firms, import/export companies, andmodern high-rise office buildings located in historic districts withcenturies-old architecture. Portland is also the second-largest oil port on the East Coast and the largest foreign inbound transittonnage port in the United States! Portland is Maine’s largest city with 68,404 full-time residents;however, it swells considerably if one includes annual visitors and part-time residents. The Portland region is the economic engine of Maine. The area offers an incredible quality of life, avibrant economy, and a safe place to raise children. Portland has frequently been cited as one ofAmerica's top cities to live, work, and visit. It is also a city of distinct neighborhoods and offers manyhousing options from in-town, tree-lined streets, and refurbished condos (many with water views) tolarger homes (and lots) only a few miles from the Old Port.Local Area InformationPopulation:Area:City mill rate:Median Home Sale price (YTD):Median household income:Per pupil expenditures:Municipal Valuation (2023):Cost of Living Index:% Home Ownership: Police / FireEmergency:Police Non-Emergency:City Hall389 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101(207) 879-0300 • www.portlandmaine.govSuperintendent of Schools353 Cumberland Ave, Portland, ME 04101(207) 874-8100 • www.portlandschools.orgLibrary5 Monument Square, Portland, ME 04101(207) 871-1700 • www.portlandlibrary.com68,40469.44 sq. miles$13.61 per $1,000$550,000$70,244$17,021$14,790,100,000108.2%48.1% 911(207) 874-847919 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comMedian Sale Price - Single Family

Portland's neighbor across the Fore River, South Portland is Maine'sfourth-largest city. It is home to the Portland International Jetport,Fairchild Semiconductor, National Semiconductor, Wright Express,and the state’s largest indoor mall – The Maine Mall. The city alsofeatures a wide mix of residential neighborhoods, including severalalong the ocean.South PortlandIncorporated in 1898, the city has played a major role in the historyof the region and the country. Situated strategically at theSouth Portland’s current waterfront includes a commercial ship repair facility, marinas, a yacht club, anda nationally recognized maritime museum. Adjacent to Southern Maine Community College, SouthPortland has some of Maine’s most beautiful sand beaches that are enjoyed by residents and visitorsyear-round.South Portland is an easy commute to Portland and offers both older restored homes near the ocean aswell as several new developments and pre-existing homes in a wide price range.Local Area InformationPopulation:Area:City mill rate:Median Home Sale price (YTD):Median household income:Per pupil expenditures:Municipal Valuation (2023):Cost of Living Index:% Home Ownership: Police / FireEmergency:Police Non-Emergency:City Hall25 Cottage Road, South Portland, ME 04106(207) 767-3201 • www.southportland.orgSuperintendent of Schools130 Wescott Road, South Portland, ME 04106(207) 871-0555 • www.spsd.orgLibrary482 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106(207) 767-7660 • www.southportlandlibrary.comRegional Chamber60 Pearl Street, Portland, ME 04101(207) 772-2811 • www.portlandregional.com26,49814.01 sq. miles$15.56 per $1,000$480,000$73,899$17,645$5,847,800,000106.6%64.2% 911(207) 799-5511entrance to Portland Harbor, it has a long shipbuilding history. In WWII Liberty Ships were constructed atwhat is today a marina and residential condominiums.19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comMedian Sale Price - Single Family

Falmouth, originally including present-day Portland, is one of theoldest communities in southern Maine. This fast-growing communityoffers a mix of housing options, businesses, and industry sites. Youwill also find both farmland and waterfront views. Falmouthencompasses 36 square miles and is home to growing several retailareas that attract shoppers from neighboring towns. The town ofFalmouth includes the neighborhood of Falmouth Foreside, whichstretches along the coast with elegant homes and cottages.FalmouthAnother area, West Falmouth (adjacent to the Maine Turnpike), is rural, rolling farmland withcenturies-old homesteads. TD Bank and Hannaford have taken advantage of this convenient locationwith a processing center and a state-of-the-art retail food center in the area. Falmouth is the fourth-fastest growing town in Maine that was first settled in the 1600s and received its first recognition as atown in 1658.Falmouth’s schools are ranked as some of the best in the state, in addition to an excellent communityeducation department.Local Area InformationPopulation:Area:City mill rate:Median Home Sale price (YTD):Median household income:Per pupil expenditures:Municipal Valuation (2023):Cost of Living Index:% Home Ownership: Police / FireEmergency:Police Non-Emergency:City Hall271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105(207) 781-5253 • www.town.falmouth.me.usSuperintendent of Schools51 Woodville Road, Falmouth, ME 04105(207) 781-3200 • www.falmouthschools.orgLibrary5 Lunt Road, Falmouth, ME 04105(207) 781-2351 • www.falmouth.lib.me.us12,44436.34 sq. miles$11.92 per $1,000$927,500$132,817$17,571$3,436,450,000133%86.5% 911(207) 781-2300Other attractions in Falmouth include the harbor and town landing, indoor and outdoor ice-skatingfacilities, many parks and recreational facilities, and three golf courses – Woodlands CC, Falmouth CC,and Portland CC.19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comMedian Sale Price - Single Family

Eight miles from Portland, Scarborough is both a diverse residentialarea and a booming business locale. The town itself stretches fromthe sandy beaches of Pine Point and Higgins Beach across thelargest salt marsh in Maine to rural West Scarborough. The fifty-foursquare mile town contains six distinct villagesScarboroughScarborough is Maine's second-fastest-growing community with 36percent residential growth in the past 10 years. Recent new house andcondominium construction have given the town's 22,135 residentsplenty to choose from when the time comes to find a home.Scarborough is located within proximity to I-295 and the Maine Turnpike and is home to severalcommercial and industrial areas located within easy access to Portland and other major New Englandmarkets.Falmouth’s schools are ranked as some of the best in the state, in addition to an excellent communityeducation department.Local Area InformationPopulation:Area:City mill rate:Median Home Sale price (YTD):Median household income:Per pupil expenditures:Municipal Valuation(2023):Cost of Living Index:% Home Ownership: Police / FireEmergency:Police Non-Emergency:Fire Non-EmergencyTown Hall259 Us Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074(207) 730-4000 • www.scarborough.me.usSuperintendent of Schools259 Us Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074(207) 730-4100 • www.scarborough.k12.me.usLibrary48 Gorham Road, Scarborough, ME 04074(207) 883-4723 • www.library.scarborough.me.usChamber60 Pearl Street, Portland, ME 04101(207) 772-2811 • www.portlandregional.com22,135570.63 sq. miles$15.39 per $1,000$700,000$105,960$16,606$5,592,350,000143.3%79.8% 911(207) 883-6361(207) 883-454219 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comMedian Sale Price - Single Family

Cape Elizabeth is a spectacular coastal jewel with gorgeous stateparks and stunning views of Casco Bay and Portland. Locally knownas the Cape, it is a 97 percent residential town with the mostparkland and permanently open space in Cumberland County.Cape ElizabethCape Elizabeth began as part of Portland but became its owntown in 1765. Its long history becomes apparent on scenic drivesthrough neighborhoods perched on cliffs overlooking the AtlanticOcean. The Cape is also home to Crescent Beach State Park andthe nation's first lighthouse, Portland Head Light, located in historicFort Williams State Park.Located at the tip of the promontory, the Headlight still guides ships large and small into the safety ofPortland Harbor. 402 years later, John Smith and Samuel de Champlain, who originally charted thepromontory, would be proud of their discovery!Cape Elizabeth is justly proud of its exceptional public school system, the largest employer in the town.Its students regularly rank at the top in statewide academic achievement testing.Local Area InformationPopulation:Area:City mill rate:Median Home Sale price (YTD):Median household income:Per pupil expenditures:Municipal Valuation (2023):Cost of Living Index:% Home Ownership:Police / FireEmergency:Police Non-Emergency:Fire Non-EmergencyTown Hall320 Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107(207) 799-1619 • www.capeelizabeth.comSuperintendent of Schools320 Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107(207) 799-2217 • www.cape.k12.me.usLibrary6 Scott Dyer Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107(207) 799-1720 • www.thomasmemoriallibrary.orgChamber60 Pearl Street, Portland, ME 04101(207) 772-2811 • www.portlandregional.com9,53545.93 sq. miles$21.15 per $1,000$825,000$129,503$17,327$2,988,250,000126.1%87.4% 911(207) 767-3323(207) 799-640919 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comMedian Sale Price - Single Family

Yarmouth, Maine is located 11 miles northeast of Portland andoffers some of the most enjoyable and beautiful city parks andboating in Southern Maine. The Cousins River separates a portionof Yarmouth from Freeport and the Royal River flows through thecenter of the Town.YarmouthYarmouth is exactly how you picture a quaint New England townto be. With a population of 8,990 residents and an area covering18 square miles, it maintains a village atmosphere. Its downtownarea is highlighted by grand Victorian-style homes, smallboutiques, and a selection of unique shops and local businesses.Close to the village, you will also find quiet residential neighborhoods and recreational opportunitiesprovided by the Royal River, Cousins River, and Casco Bay. The Royal River Park runs alongside thetown's Royal River, offering a scenic setting for residents in Yarmouth's downtown area.Travel along walkways to picnic areas and an outdoor concert pavilion. The area offers bicyclists andpedestrians a scenic route to and from the town's commerce center.Local Area InformationPopulation:Area:City mill rate:Median Home Sale price (YTD):Median household income:Per pupil expenditures:Municipal Valuation (2023):Cost of Living Index:% Home Ownership:Police / FireEmergency:Police Non-Emergency:Fire Non-EmergencyTown Hall200 Main St, Yarmouth ME 04096(207) 846-9036 • www.yarmouth.me.usSuperintendent of Schools101 McCartney St., Yarmouth, Maine 04096(207) 846-5586 • www.yarmouthschools.orgLibrary215 Maine St, Yarmouth ME 04096(207) 846-4763 • www.yarmouthlibrary.orgChamber60 Pearl Street, Portland, ME 04101(207) 772-2811 • www.portlandregional.com8,99022.94sq. miles$21.62 per $1,000$880,000$90,942$18,267$2,450,00,000125.5%74.9% 911(207) 846-3333(207) 846-241019 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comMedian Sale Price - Single Family

Biddeford with a population of 22,552 persons is Maine’s 6thlargest City. Located along the I-95 corridor, the City isconveniently situated some 15 miles south of Portland and 90 milesnorth of Boston. BiddefordSettled in the early 1600s, Biddeford and its sister City of Saco,have a long and rich history as the commercial center of YorkCounty. Once a textile center of world prominence, Biddeford’seconomy today is a diverse mix of manufacturing, technology,serviced-based companies, and institutions. Anchoring the city’s In terms of natural features, Biddeford’s 30 square miles of the land area is as astoundingly beautiful asit is richly diverse! The downtown area is urban in its density and fabric with numerous historiccommercial buildings, churches, textile mills, and homes. Just a few miles to the east of the City centeris the magnificent coastline with long stretches of sandy beaches. Local Area InformationPopulation:Area:City mill rate:Median Home Sale price (YTD):Median household income:Per pupil expenditures:Municipal Valuation (2023):Cost of Living Index:% Home Ownership:Police / FireEmergency:Police Non-Emergency:Fire Non-EmergencyTown Hall205 Main Street Biddeford, ME 04005(207) 571-0700 • www.biddefordmaine.orgSuperintendent of Schools205 Main Street, Biddeford, ME 04005(207) 284-4181 • www.biddschools.orgLibrary70 Main St - Biddeford, ME 04005(207) 799-1720 • www.mcarthurpubliclibrary.org22,55259.08 sq. miles$16.41 per $1,000$450,000$58,142$12,028$3,595,900,000121.8%48.2% 911(207) 767-3323(207) 282-5127The quality of life for Biddeford residents is further enhanced by the availability of an outstanding arrayof community facilities including a modern regional hospital, schools and colleges, library and culturalfacilities, and numerous parks and recreational facilities which appeal to all interests.economic base is two of Maine’s truly dynamic institutions: the award-winning Southern Maine MedicalCenter and the University of New England (UNE), both of whom are experiencing impressive growth.19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comMedian Sale Price - Single Family

For over 100 years, Old Orchard Beach has remained high on thelist of most popular summer resorts on the East Coast. With itsseven miles of fine sand beaches, seaside amusement park, familyand fine dining restaurants, numerous lodging options (includinghotels, bed & breakfasts, and family campgrounds), and 396-footpier boasting over 20 shops and boutiques, Old Orchard Beachcontinues to attract tourists from all over the United States,Canada and abroad.Old Orchard BeachLocal Area InformationPopulation:Area:City mill rate:Median Home Sale price (YTD):Median household income:Per pupil expenditures:Municipal Valuation (2023):Cost of Living Index:% Home Ownership:Police / FireEmergency:Police Non-Emergency:Fire Non-EmergencyTown Hall1 Portland Avenue, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064(207) 934-5714 • www.oobmaine.com Superintendent of Schools90 Beach Street, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064(207) 285-4505 • www.rsu23.orgLibrary27 Staples Street, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064(207) 934-4351 • www.ooblibrary.orgLocated just south of Scarborough Old Orchard Beach starts at Pine Point Beach in Scarborough, andends at Camp Ellis where the Saco River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Old Orchard Beach’s 8,960residents enjoy a friendly small-town atmosphere and the convenience of municipal services normallyassociated with larger cities.The cities of Biddeford, Saco, and Scarborough are immediate neighbors, offering a variety of servicesand shopping. The Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford provides quality medical care for theregion. In nearby Prout's Neck is the Winslow Homer studio where the artist worked at the turn of thecentury. New England's largest salt marsh is off Route 9 in nearby Scarborough providing guided walksand canoe tours. A few miles north is Portland, Maine's largest city, with a full array of stores, shops, anddozens of galleries and restaurants. 19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comMedian Sale Price - Single Family8,96022.53 sq. miles$12.24 per $1,000$552,500$55,766$21,806$2,428,200,000102.5%70% 911(207) 967-2454(207) 967-2700

Kennebunk is an astoundingly picturesque town in York County,Maine. The town center is located along the Kennebunk River,approximately one-half mile from the mouth of the river on theocean. Historically a fishing village, in recent decades the town hasbecome a popular seaside tourist destination with a small district ofsouvenir shops, art galleries, seafood restaurants, hotels, inns, andbed & breakfasts.KennebunkLocal Area InformationPopulation:Area:City mill rate:Median Home Sale price (YTD):Median household income:Per pupil expenditures:Municipal Valuation (2023):Cost of Living Index:% Home Ownership:Police / FireEmergency:Police Non-Emergency:Fire Non-EmergencyTown Hall6 Elm St, Kennebunkport, ME 04046(207) 934-5714 • www.kennebunkport.gov Superintendent of Schools177 Alewive Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046(207) 985-1104 • www.RSU21.netLibrary18 Main St, Kennebunkport, ME 04046(207) 967-2778 • www.graveslibrary.org11,53643.87 sq. miles$6.00 per $1,000$706,923$88,865$17,069$3,540,950,000105.2%76.1% 911(207) 967-2454(207) 967-2700Kennebunk is located on the Southwesterly coast of Maine just 90miles north of Boston and 25 miles south of Portland. There areKennebunk is rich in tradition and history. Rolling hills and a wide array of open spaces make our town atruly unique and special place. Originally an agricultural and shipbuilding settlement, Kennebunk hasevolved into a favorite destination for travelers worldwide.So whether you are a visitor or a resident, Kennebunk is a wonderful place to be and provides a qualityof life that is second to none!three distinct villages, with easy access to beautiful sandy beaches.19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comMedian Sale Price - Single Family

2022 2021 2022 202305,00010,00015,00020,00025,000Year Over YearSo what happened? In short: Recordmortgage rates, high inflation, andpersistently high housing and rental prices.But there was a lot more to it as well. Before the economic impact of thepandemic affected the housing market,home prices in 2018-2019 had stabilized,aligning with income levels. However, inresponse to the Covid 19 pandemic, theFederal Reserve implemented historically lowmortgage rates in 2020-2021 to prevent aneconomic downturn. This led tounprecedented gains in buyer purchasingpower, causing a surge in home pricesdespite the challenges of the 2020 recessionand the distorted Pandemic Economy.The dynamics shifted rapidly in 2023 asmortgage interest rates spiked from theirhistoric lows. This abrupt change reducedbuyer purchasing power, eliminating themonetary support that had driven sellers todemand elevated home prices. General OverviewIn 2023, the housing market faced significant challenges, extending the adverse trendsobserved at the close of 2022. It evolved into a historically challenging period forprospective homebuyers, marked by the lowest affordability levels ever recorded.Traditional seasonal patterns were disrupted, with the absence of the anticipatedspring homebuying season. Throughout the year, inventory remained exceptionally low,contributing to a substantial decline in sales. In Maine, the number of homes sold declined dramatically for the secondconsecutive year as only 13,771 single-family transactions were completed. Thisrepresented a drop of 18.8% from 2022, following a similar decline in 2021 of17.7%. Median selling prices continued to rise and reached a record at$360,000, a 7.5% increase over 2022. Prices did moderate over the second halfof the year as the impact of high mortgage rate had a significant impact. 19 Commercial Street | Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineSingle FamilyDASHBOARDMedian Price7.5%$360,000Number of Sales18.8%13,77110 DaysMedian Days to Contract11.1%%100.1%Listing Discount1.1%2,658Inventory13.8%2.6 monthsAbsorption Rate22.3%Unit sales declined for the2nd consecutive year,following 10 years ofannual growth. Median selling pricescontinue to trend upwards,increasing 9 consecutiveyears.Listing inventory remainedat historic lows.2020 2021 2022 20230100,000200,000300,000400,000Closed Sales20,60920,19916,95813,771+2.0% -17.7% -18.8%+10.0%Median Sales Price255K225K299K335K +17.2% +12.0% +7.5% +13.4%2023 Real Estate Market ReportThe Year in Review

Year Over YearMedian Price11.9%$414,500Number of Sales9.8%1,7247 DaysMedian Days to Contract0.0%101.6%Listing Discount1.1%297Inventory10.4%2.6 monthsAbsorption Rate19.0%19 Commercial Street | Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineCondominiumsDASHBOARD%Condo sales represent 13%of Maine's market, upslightly from 2022.87 condos above $1,000Kwere sold in 2023 vs 49above $1,000K in 2022.The annual record forcondo sales in Portland is503 units achieved in 2021.Condominium OverviewCondos sales, as a percentage of all residential sales, reached 13%, the highest everrecorded. In Cumberland County, they were approximately 22% of the marketcompared to 20% the prior year. Market SegmentsGenerally, the condo market across Maine reflected a better inventory situationthan that affecting single-family homes, but was still below normal levels. The three largest markets for condos were Portland (289 - down 2.0%), Brunswick(106 - down 8.6%), Old Orchard Beach (120 - up 3.4%), and Wells (186 - down19.4%). The inventory in Portland spiked in October and gradually fell during the lastquarter, eventually being up 2.5% for the year. Overall, total condo sales weredown 9.8% while prices were up 11.9%, albeit less than single-family homes. Market ReviewMonthly Condo Sales: Statewide

Year Over Year19 Commercial Street | Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100Cumberland CountySingle FamilyDASHBOARDMedian Price7.8%$530,000Number of Sales16.6%2,7806 DaysMedian Days to Contract0% Change%103.6%Listing Discount1.6%275Inventory8.3%1.4 mosAbsorption Rate11.5%Inventory in nearly all pricesegments remained tight.The MSP in CumberlandCounty set an all-time record.DOM was at historically lowlevels consistently.Declining in the 2nd half ofthe year, homes sold at 2%below lis price in December.32% of closings were cash.Single-Family OverviewWe actively track property sales in southern Maine in general and the greater Portlandmarket in particular. In 2023, Cumberland County experienced a significant decline insingle-family unit sales constrained in many cases by lower inventory and high-interestrates. Prices continued to escalate, as they have in most parts of the country.Virtually all communities ended the year with lower sales in 2023 vs 2022 - someappreciably, as illustrated in the chart below.The median price of $530,000 in Cumberland County was an all-time record,although the rate of growth decelerated during the closing months of year. Nearlyevery community in the greater Portland area recorded double-digit annual growth.As of December 2023, the median price had declined for four consecutive monthsfrom a high of $577,500 in September.

Year Over YearMonthly Updates:Each month, Maine home sales statistics are updated on our website,by town, county, and property type. You can also customize a monthlyreport that is available by email . Visit: MaineHomeConnection.com19 Commercial Street | Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineReal Estate UpdateDASHBOARDYear-over-year home sales inthe U.S. were negative everymonth in 2023.There were 1.41 million newhomes built in the U.S.through in 2023, down from1.55 million in 2022.Of homes sold in 2023, 11%were multigenerationalhomes, used primarily byfamilies with aging parentsand young children.U.S. homeownership rate isat 65.9%.First-time homebuyers madeup 28% of the market.The market for green homesincreased dramatically.21% of homesellers sell theirhomes to move closer tofriends & family.A greater demand for housing in suburban and ruralareas is leading to higherprices nationally.The full stock of U.S. housingis worth approximately $43.4trillion.The average down paymentin the U.S. for a home in2023 was $24,100.Millennials (22-40) are thelargest generation buyinghomes, making up 37% ofthe market.Status of InventoryAcross the country there were just 5.4 million new listings in 2023, the lowest level onrecord and a massive 16.4% drop from 2022. Average monthly new listings also postedsharp declines, falling from 585,000 in 2022 to 520,000 this year. In Maine, inventory graduallyincreased, beginning in April andreached its peak in October. While improving nearly 14% fromthe prior year, the overall levelwas still below record levels by astaggering four-fold. Even withhigh interest rates, low inventorylevels drove prices higher,especially in southern Maine. The lack of inventory is alsoevident in the Months of Inventorycalculation (also known asAbsorption Rate). The AbsorptionRate is a measure of how long ahome would last on the market atthe current rate of sales. The area shaded in gray reflectsa "balanced" market. Maine hasbeen a seller's market for the lastthree years, but showed signs ofchanging in later stages of 2023.Active InventoryMonths of Inventory

As a potential buyer, you have more options than ever before in the home-buying process. Today, youcan search for real estate online at any time of the day. Property information can be e-mailed to you inseconds, and virtual property tours allow you to preview homes from remote locations.While the power of these new technologies provides new search options and greater flexibility, manybuyers fail to take full advantage of one of the best recent developments in the real estate business:Buyer Representation.Working with a Buyer Representative today does not mean incurring additional expenses during thebuying process. Buyer Brokers are typically compensated from a split of the commission being offeredby the seller and reflected in the MLS - unless this amount is less than was was agreed upon in thebuyer agreement.Working with an experienced and knowledgeable broker during the buying process does not meangiving up your freedom nor does it limit your options. The truth is that active representation onlyenhances your search, providing you with expanded real-time market information and exclusiveservices.The broker you choose can have a great impact on your search, your negotiations, and ultimately, on thequality and value of your real estate investment.Buying a Home in MaineProtecting Your Interests19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comWe believe informed and educated consumers make the best choices for themselves. Accordingly, weview our role as consultants protecting the interests of our clients, rather than salespeople. In thisconsultant role, we listen to our clients and we strive to provide the best information and market dataavailable. We never put pressure on any decision or situation, but seek to provide the space andobjectivity to assist our clients in making the “best” decision.

Virtual HomeConsultationCommunicating withclients via Zoom & Skype.Virtual HomeShowingsUsing Facetime & othervideo apps to walk youthrough a home.Virtual RealityHome TourCreating interactivevideo to provide animmersive home tour.Earnest MoneyDepositsSend funds via bankwire transfer & send viaFedEx (or other carrier).Home ShowingPrecautionsUsing necessary PPE &procedures; screeningtotal visitors at a home.HomeInspectionsCompleted using safetyprotocols & videoresults are available.Online Signingfor ClosingsVideo conferencing forsignature witnessingduring closings.Focused onSafetyAgents following safetyprotocols adopted byMaine Home Connection.The real estate market is a competitive environment, and as we acclimate to the times, our goal is stillto provide you with the tools you need to buy or put your home on the market to sell. Our agency hasthe capability to adapt to your needs, whether it be virtual or in person. The chart below explains our virtual process that leverages technology while choosing a home to buy.We do all of this while continuing to provide the exceptional service that we are known for.Virtual Home BuyingLeveraging Today's Technology19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comBuying or selling your home is one of the biggest decisions you make in your lifetime. Whether you'reoutgrowing your current home, relocating, downsizing, or just looking for a change - the process canfeel completely daunting. We understand it's an emotional journey, and are here to guide you every stepof the way.Reducing StressKeep up-to-date with all of our latest videos onour website or our YouTube channel.New videos each week!

We created our agency, Maine Home Connection, because of our firm belief that there exists agenuine connection between people, their neighborhoods, their homes, and the quality of their lives.Connecting people and their dreams, through their homes, allows us, in some small way, to give back tothe community. Service is essential to our success - service that sets a new standard.Our approach to buying & selling real estate is to provide our clients with products and services thatgive them a competitive advantage in the market. We introduced the Imagine More MarketingProgram as a new way to sell homes. It combines the very best in new technology, innovativemarketing, and uncompromising service that yields results that can be measured – setting the standardin Southern Maine.When it comes to buying a new home, first and foremost, we start by listening to your special wants,needs, and dreams. We make every effort to ensure that we provide you with the information you needto make good decisions about neighborhoods, schools, and community resources. Only with thisintimate understanding do we show you properties. It is with this detailed process in mind that wecreated and implemented our Imagine More Home Buying Program.An Agency of Committed Professionals19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comSeriously LocalLaura Sosnowski, a native of Chicago IL, but a long-time Maine resident, has apassion for helping people. Whether it was as an owner of her own florist shop inAtlanta or in her current role as a Realtor®, she has always been committed tounyielding personal service. As a Realtor®, Laura has demonstrated a willingnessto challenge the status quo. Her dramatic success is clear evidence that themarket requires a constant influx of new ideas and approaches.Michael Sosnowski is a consummate business professional. His career spansover fifteen years of international sales & marketing experience with severalfortune 500 companies. He brings to Real Estate a level of marketing skilluncommon in the local market. His commitment to new technology andinnovative marketing has resulted in many satisfied clients.Our company ranks in the top 10 independent real estate agencies in the state of Maine. Our office is arenovated historic building along the waterfront in Portland’s Old Port and features a complete staff ofprofessionals; our personal assistant, marketing consultant, legal services, and mortgagerepresentatives.Where national portals are broad andgeneric, our goal at Maine HomeConnection is to provide potentialhomebuyers with a local and deepexperience. No national website hasthe information we do about homes inour market – we are here for theserious homebuyer. Our agents knowthe neighborhoods – they are wherethey work – and live.Business Experience & Real Estate Expertise

Realtors are governed by the legal concept of “agency”. An agentis legally obligated to look after the best interests of the person heor she is working for. The agent must be loyal to that person andfulfill many fiduciary responsibilities. It is important that buyers andsellers understand when an agency relationship exists and when itdoes not. In real estate, there are 3 different possible forms ofagency relationship. The following descriptions are provided by theMaine Real Estate Association.The Agency Relationship in Real Estate Transactions19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comUnderstanding Your OptionsWhen a real estate company (or agent) acts as a seller's agent, they must do what is best for thehomeowner.A written contract, called a Listing Agreement, establishes a seller agency. It also explains servicesthe company will provide, establishes a fee arrangement for the REALTOR'S services, and specifieswhat obligations a seller may have.A seller's agent must tell the seller anything known about a buyer. For instance, if a seller's agentknows a buyer is willing to offer more for a property, that information must be shared with the seller.Confidences a seller shares with a seller's agent must be kept confidential from potential buyersand others.Although confidential information about the seller cannot be discussed, a buyer working with aseller's agent can expect fair and honest service from the seller's agent and disclosure of pertinentinformation about the property.Seller's AgentA company (or agent) acting as a "buyer's agent" must do what is best for the buyer.A written contract, called a Buyer Agency Agreement, establishes an agency relationship. It alsoexplains services the company will provide, creates a fee arrangement for the Realtor’s services,and specifies what obligations a buyer may have.Although confidential information about a buyer cannot be disclosed, a seller working with abuyer’s agent can expect to be treated fairly and honestly.Once an agreement is signed, buyers will be obligated to work exclusively with that company for anegotiated period of time.Confidences a buyer shares with the buyer's agent must be kept confidential.Buyer's AgentOccasionally, a real estate company will be the agent of both the buyer and the seller. The buyerand seller must consent to this arrangement in their listing and buyer agency agreements. Underthis "dual agency" arrangement, the company must do what is best for both the buyer and theseller.Since the company's loyalty is divided between the buyer and the seller who have conflictinginterests, a dual agency relationship must be established in a written agency agreement. Thisagreement specifically describes the rights and duties of everyone involved and any limitations tothose rights and duties.Disclosed Dual Agent

Arrange property showingsProvide information on taxes and zoningMaintain confidentiality of informationDisclose material defects on or about propertyDisclose material factsPoint out strengths/weaknesses of propertyGive advice as appropriateNegotiate best price and termsProvide comparable sales informationPrepare a market analysisPresent price range and suggest strategyDisclose motivation of seller if knownWork in the best interest of the clientAdvantages of Buyer Agency with MHCY Y Y Y Y YY YYYYYYYYYYAgent Non-AgentIt is important that you understand for whom the Realtor is working. For example, both the seller andthe buyer may have their own agent, which means they each have a Realtor who is working for them.In some instances, buyers choose to contact the seller's agent directly. Under this arrangement, theRealtor is working for the seller, and must do what is best for the seller, but may provide many valuableservices to the buyer.A Realtor working with a buyer may even be a "sub-agent" of the seller. Under sub-agency, both thelisting agent and the co-operating agent must do what is best for the seller even though the sub-agentmay provide many valuable services to the buyer.If the seller and the buyer have the same agent, this is a dual agency and the Realtor is working forboth the seller and the buyer.19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comWho's Working for You?

MaineHomeConnection.com has long been an online leader in the Southern Maine real estatemarket and includes multiple features to assist you in getting familiar with the area. From our website,you can learn more about the local area, access details about prospective communities, and conductseveral different types of home searches – all from the privacy of your own living room. When it comes to searching for properties on our website, you have several options.Searching for Homes19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comSeriously LocalMap SearchOur Maine Map Home Search allows you to findproperties (homes, condos & land), all on aninteractive spatial map. You can create multiplecustom searches and save them – then receiveemail updates.Click to Use the Home Search MapAdvanced SearchYou can also search for homes using our traditionalMLS Search, which includes a map, advancedsearch, and search by address. You can find allproperties for sale in Maine and create customsearches.Click to Use the Advanced SearchJoin Laura as she provides local lifestyle videos ofthe greater Portland area. If you are new tosouthern Maine, it’s a great way get informed.Click to View Lifestyle & Community Videos

Online communitywith over 1,500 usersE-CommunicationsRegular video& market updates@MaineHomeConnection@MaineHomesConnecting Through Social MediaSocial media today introduces people quickly. Our diligent efforts are designed to bring peopletogether, helping them get acquainted with the area and the people.For example, our YouTube channel includes local videos of neighborhoods & communities. Our localblog features stories and articles that focus on southern Maine.For those who are from out-of-state, or know of someone who is considering Maine as a potentialplace to live, the updated Relocation Services section of our website provides detailed profiles oflocal communities and many documents that you can download.Connecting to the Community19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comSocial Media & Local GuidesWhat Interests You?View local videos and download brochures and guides that can help you learn about the area.Click to Learn About the AreaTwitterInstagramGoogle50+ 5-star reviewsFacebookConnect with usLinkedIn

Maine offers some of the most dramatic coastlines in all of North America.From rocky cliffs to sandy beaches, Maine's diversity is spectacular andunspoiled. Only hours from the major metropolitan areas of New England, youcan enjoy all the vastness and tranquility that only oceanfront living can offerfor prices that are still affordable, especially compared to other parts of thecountry.Maine Waterfront Real Estate19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comRecreational & OwnershipMaine oceanfront real estate varies dramatically in price and location throughout the state. Whetheryou are interested in ocean front, ocean view, or simply ocean access, the possibilities are endless.Sailing, fishing, swimming, and much more are available to you. Smell the salt air, enjoy the surf, live thedream!Maine lakes are one of the major glories ofthis state - so richly endowed by nature.How many Americans have childhoodmemories of going to camp on a Mainelake? In fact, there are 5,785 of them thatare larger than 1 acre, covering 1,762square miles! Nearly half of these areclassified as "Great Ponds", meaning largerthan 10 acres, a term that dates back toMaine's colonial days.Maine Lakes & PondsMaine OceanfrontThese lakes not only provide an unmatched recreational resource for fishing, swimming, canoeing,and camping but, more importantly, they provide quiet places of raw beauty.Determining what is right for you when it comes to waterfront real estate can be difficult.Waterfront and water view properties tend to be expensive and often have other issues associatedwith them. To help you get a better understanding of where to start, we have put together severalfeatures on our website that should get you started in the right direction.Real Estate ResourcesWaterfront OverviewCoastal Maine MapsMaine Lakes & PondsMaine Custom SearchesCasco Bay IslandsFrequently Asked QuestionsMaineHomeConnection.com/WaterfrontRealEstateMaineHomeConnection.com/CoastalHomesMaineHomeConnection.com/LakeHomesMaineHomeConnection.com/SearchMaineHomeConnection.com/CascoBayIslandsMaineHomeConnection.com/WaterfrontFAQsOn Our Website:

Southern Maine and the Portland area have much to offer! Visit a wide variety of Museums andGalleries from traditional to contemporary - small independent artist-owned galleries and nationallyrecognized museums are all available.Portland Arts and Culture19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comMuseums & GalleriesIn Portland's Art District one can experience all the cultural opportunities ofany major metropolitan city but on a much more livable scale - The PortlandMuseum of Art, housing a permanent collection of paintings by WinslowHomer, Renoir, Degas, Monet, Picasso, and other Masters; the MaineHistorical Society and adjacent Longfellow House; Merrill Auditorium; thePortland Symphony Orchestra; the award-winning Children's Museum ofMaine; and Portland Stage Company are all within a ten-minute walk. Thecity supports a vibrant community of visual and performing artists plus achanging array of exhibits, festivals, concerts and has become well knownas an antique shopper's dream.The nationally acclaimed Portland Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Eckart Preu, performs atMerrill Auditorium. The orchestra offers classical and pop concerts from October through April, plus"Independence Pops" concerts in July and "Magic of Christmas" concerts in December. The PortlandOpera Repertory Theatre (PORT) performs grand opera in the city's Merrill Auditorium during summerand winter. The Portland Concert Association presents dance, opera, musical theater, jazz, andclassical music throughout the year. The 1929 State Theatre offers a variety of performances.Dance performances are scheduled by the Portland Ballet Company, which hasa repertoire of more than 30 ballets ranging from classic to contemporary.Maine State Ballet, based in nearby Falmouth, also presents ballet in Portland.The Portland Museum of Art displays fine and decorative artsdating from the eighteenth century to the present. Featuredare works by American artists such as Winslow Homer, JohnSinger Sargent, Rockwell Kent, Andrew Wyeth, and HiramPowers, and by such European artists as Auguste Renoir, HenriToulouse-Lautrec, Edgar Degas, and Mary Cassatt. Anextensive glass collection features the work of Louis ComfortTiffany. The museum's primary building, designed by I. M. Peiand Partners, strives to capture the quality of "Portland light"for the benefit of the art displayed there. Its neighboringbuildings are the McLellan House, which dates from 1801, andthe L.D.M. Sweat Galleries, a 1911 Beaux Arts structure.The Museum of African Culture, formerly the Museum of African Tribal Art, is the only museum in NewEngland devoted exclusively to Sub-Saharan African tribal arts. The art and artifacts of its permanentcollection total more than 1,500 items. The Institute of Contemporary Art, located on the campus of theMaine College of Art, showcases new trends in contemporary art. The Salt Gallery exhibit featuresstudent and professional work in documentary studies/photography.

The Museum Art Trail:On this Trail, all roads lead to treasure: in theseseven distinguished museums, as well as in thevibrant communities in which they reside.Welcome to The Maine Art Museum Trail. AndWelcome to Wonder. Portland Museum of Art:The Portland Museum of Art is a cultural oasis,boasting works by master European artistsDegas, Renoir, Cassatt, and Toulouse-Lautrec;and American artists Winslow Homer, JohnSinger Sargent, Rockwell Kent, MarsdenHartley, and Andrew Wyeth. Exchange Street Gallery:Featuring the paintings of Portland artist R.N.Cohen depicting scenes of coastal Maine, theExchange Street Gallery is a great place for avisit, or browse the online gallery.19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comFarnsworth Art Museum:This Rockland, Maine, art museum focuses onMaine's place in American art. It is home to thenew Wyeth Center, devoted to the Maineworks of the Wyeth family.Maine Arts Commission:Your comprehensive guide to the performance,visual, design, and media arts in Maine. Portland Symphony Orchestra:The Portland Symphony plays a full schedule ofpops and classical concerts. A ticket orderform, which may be printed and faxed, ormailed, is available online. First Friday Art Walk:Your chance to explore Portland’s art scene forfree. The first Friday of every month offers afree self-guided tour of museums, galleries,and studios, as well as local artists selling theirwork on the street.The Children's Museum of Maine offers participatory exhibits for children up to 10 years of age,including a farm, a grocery store, a car repair shop, and a vet clinic. Portland's smaller museums includethe Fire Museum, showcasing antique fire-fighting equipment; Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company& Museum; the Portland Harbor Museum featuring local history and views of Portland Harbor; and theexhibits of the Maine Historical Society.

19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comPortland's Old Port shopping district, located in the heart of the downtown peninsula, has beenrestored to 19th-century splendor, with cobbled streets and beautiful Victorian brick buildings. In theOld Port, you will find an eclectic mix of restaurants, microbreweries, art galleries, boutiques, andspecialty shops all with amazing views of Casco Bay and the harbor. Portland's Old Port is one of themost successful revitalized warehouse districts in the country.Portland Arts and CultureThe Old PortPortland's Old Port shopping district, located inthe heart of the downtown peninsula, has beenrestored to 19th-century splendor, with cobbledstreets and beautiful Victorian brick buildings.In the Old Port, you will find an eclectic mix ofrestaurants, microbreweries, art galleries,boutiques, and specialty shops all withamazing views of Casco Bay and the harbor.Portland's Old Port is one of the mostsuccessful revitalized warehouse districts in thecountry.Like the rest of Portland, the Old Port is verywalkable. The smell of the sea air, the sound ofa foghorn, and the chatter of seagulls add toan atmosphere that is undeniably Portland,undeniably Maine.Portland BreweriesExpanding New Local MarketsFrom sours to saisons, IPAs to dark lagers, Portland has abrewery for everyone. With eighteen breweries locatedwithin Portland, ten of which are right downtown, brewerieshave become the new scene for many locals and touristsalike.Breweries are not only a local pastime in Portland but aboost to the Maine economy. Craft breweries added $260million to the economy in 2020, holding it own during thepandemic. Mirroring the national trend, in the past decade,the number of breweries has dramatically increased from 15to over 160.The Maine Office of Tourism reported that 35% of touristsstop at a local brew pub or brewery. In conjunction withthis wave, two brewery tour businesses have also opened.

19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comThe local government in Maine isprimarily supported by local propertytaxes. Until the early 1950s, theproperty tax was the only major tax inMaine. In 1953, the sales tax on retailtransactions was enacted, and in 1969,the state’s personal income tax wasadopted. Over the last 30 years,neither the sales nor the income taxhas come close to generating thegovernmental revenues generated bythe property tax.Greater Portland Property Tax RatesDuring the decade after the economicrecession of the late 1980s, the state’sover-reliance on property tax became even more pronounced. Across Maine, the effective annual property tax rate stands at 1.20%, the 16thhighest among states. For context, homeowners in the U.S. pay an average of 1.03% of their housingvalue in property taxes a year.Tax Rates | Fiscal Year: 2023/2024BiddefordBowdoinhamBrunswickCape ElizabethCascoCornishCumberlandDurhamFalmouthFreeportKennebunkKennebunkportOld Orchard BeachPortlandScarboroughSouth PortlandYarmouth571-0700666-5531725-6650799-1619627-4515625-4324828-2204353-2561781-5253865-4743934-5714967-4243934-5714879-0300730-4000767-3201846-9036Town Phone Mill Rate$20.05$16.87$23.29 @ 83%$19.32$15.60$13.40$20.35$20.25$17.05$14.00$16.05 @ 79%$6.25$11.40$23.31$14.70$19.75$19.60Under Maine law payment ofproperty taxes is theresponsibility of the personwho owns the property onApril 1st.1.The buyer and seller mayagree to divide the taxesbetween them, but if any partof the taxes is not paid, aLien will be filed in the nameof the person who owned theproperty on April 1st.2.Important(Per 1,000)

19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comGreater Portland offers outstanding educational opportunities. The University of Southern Maine (USM)is the state’s largest school with campuses in Portland and nearby Gorham. USM offers undergraduateclasses in both locations. USM’s School of Business and the Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Serviceoffer students outstanding degree programs in business and politics. Located in the town of Orono, theUniversity of Maine offers a strong traditional education at an affordable price. The state’s land-grantuniversity and the flagship institution in the University of Maine System, and is one of New England’spremier universities. The Law School is located at the Portland USM campus.Maine Educational SystemLocal Educational Resources & SchoolsThe Maine College of Art offers undergraduate andgraduate programs focusing on the visual arts.Andover College is an excellent source forprofessional education. The University of New Englandspecializes in heath, human, and life sciences. TheNew England College of Osteopathic Medicine offersthe state’s only medical degree program.South Portland is home to Southern Maine CommunityCollege (SMCC) and a branch of Bangor-based Husson College. Bangor Theological Seminary, with acampus in Portland, is an ecumenical seminary in theChurch of Christ tradition providing theologicaleducation for men and women. Saint Joseph’s College is a Catholic liberal arts college in nearbyStandish offering a curriculum that provides a humanistic reference from which students can explorecontemporary issues, moral values, religious commitments, and career opportunities.Maine’s excellence in education extends to its elementary and secondary schools. The state’s publicschool systems are consistently ranked in the top ten in the country. Other private schools include:University of New EnglandUNE is recognized as one of the top-tier comprehensive universities in the Northeast and a leader in thehealth sciences and liberal arts. Students enjoy a supportive environment at its waterfront campus inBiddeford and historic campus in Portland.Bates College Bates is widely regarded as one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the nation. A 10 to 1 student-facultyratio makes possible close collaborations in all academic endeavors. Alumni frequently cite thecapacities they developed at Bates for critical assessment, analysis, expression, aesthetic sensibility,and independent thought.Bowdoin CollegeWith an enrollment of approximately 1,710 students, Bowdoin is an independent, nonsectarian,coeducational residential, undergraduate liberal arts institution founded in 1794. Study at Bowdoinleads to a Bachelor of Arts degree in one of over 40 departmental majors.

19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comMaine’s economy is perhaps best known for nationally recognized giants like LL. Bean, NationalSemiconductor, Unum, and TD Bank. But the basis of our economy is small privately owned and operatedbusinesses.The Maine EconomyCommitted to Sustained Growth & Business DevelopmentFishing and agriculture are two critical elements of the state’s economic base. Many communities,including the local towns of Falmouth, Cumberland, and Scarborough, are home to a number of smallfamily-owned farms. Fishing and lobstering also continue to be family businesses.Tourism continues to be the states’ single largest industry. Sailing in the summer and skiing in the winterare the mainstays of many towns and small businesses across the state. Additionally, hiking, white waterrafting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing bring people to the state in each of the seasons. Fromthe beaches to the mountains, Maine has something for everyone.In 2022, the state of Maine has a population of 1,382,641, having grown an annualized 0.7% over thefive years to 2022, which ranks it 19th out of all 50 US states by growth rate. Maine's gross stateproduct (GSP) in 2022 reached $62.7b, with growth of 2.0% over the 5 years to 2022. Businesses inMaine employed a total of 672,969 people in 2022, with average annual employment growth over thepast five years of 0.4%. The top three sectors by total employment are Real Estate and Rental andLeasing, Healthcare and Social Assistance, Manufacturing, while the unemployment rate across thestate in 2022 was 3.6%.Gross State Product Growth 2014 - 2022Companies in the state continue to produce paper and wood products. Bath Iron Works builds ships forthe Navy and in Freeport LLB Bean continues to ship goods around the world, including its signatureproduct - the Bean Boot (which is still manufactured in Maine), continuing a heritage that is over 100years old.

19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comClosing costs in Maine are fairly simple and straightforward. Below is areview of the typical costs paid by both the buyer and the seller. The State Sales Transfer tax is required to be split evenly by law.Customary Closing CostsMaine Real EstateReal estate sales feeDocument preparation for DeedState Transfer Tax*Loan fees (per contract)Payoff all outstanding mortgageAccrued interest to lenderHome warranty (per contract)Any judgements, liens, etc.Any unpaid Homeowner's duesBonds or assessmentsPoints (per contract)Any delinquent taxesPoints (per contract)SellerNote: Inspection fees are typically a cost of the buyer, but not included in closing.*Calculated as $2.20 per $1,000 of the sales price for the buyer and $2.20 per $1,000 for the seller. BuyerLoan origination fee (Points)Document preparationApplication fee (appraisal & credit)Prepaid interest date of funding +30 daysRecording charges for Buyer documentsSurvey (if applicable)MLIP (if applicable)Homeowners / Fire insuranceTax pro-ration (from date of purchase)Reserves deposited with lendersHome warranty (per contract)Title examinationState transfer tax*Lenders title policy premiums

19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comNo. In normal situations, the seller pays a commission fee that is proportioned between listing andbuying agents, as documented in the MLS. Your action of retaining representation is the cause of thispayment and any other payments between the buyer agent and the client.Questions & AnswersWill it cost me anything to be represented by a Buyer’s Agent?Independence is great, but it doesn’t always work well in this market. You have to be constantlyconnected to stay on top of new listings and hot properties. That’s what we provide to our clients -consistency. Additionally, your interests are protected when being represented. By contacting manydifferent listing brokers in the process of conducting your own private search, you have no truerepresentation. In this situation, no one agent can represent you fully. There is a great benefit toworking with a trusted professional in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. A successful workingrelationship allows for open and honest discussion, steadfastness, and consistency.I like to look on my own. Why do I need representation?Yes, it is still best to have an agent. It doesn’t matter where you are in the buying process, you shouldbe represented. You really cannot make an accurate assessment of today’s real estate market from theoutside. Working with our team, you are never under any obligation to buy anything nor do you incur anycosts.I don’t know if, and when I will buy. Does it make sense to have an Agent?We provide consultative services and a no-pressure environment so that you have the time and space tomake the best decisions. We are always watching the market and are right on top of any new listings assoon as they become available. As your buyer agent, we provide you with all the information you needand represent you fully at every step of the way. In every situation, you can count on us to be direct,honest, and open. If we think that a property is an overpriced or poor investment, we are going to letyou know. Because the great majority of our business is referral-based, we want each and every buyerto have a great experience. We truly enjoy finding that perfect property for our buyers. It’s a privilege tohelp clients reach their goals. We like to take the stress out of the process, and as often as possible,make it fun and enjoyable. We are good at this business — our results and our repeat clients are atestament to our success.What are the benefits of working with Maine Home Connection? Any good relationship requires the commitment of both parties. At some point in the buying process,you will need to sign something, whether it’s a Purchase and Sale Agreement or an Appointed Agencyagreement. We know firsthand that the best working relationships are the ones that are clearly definedand mutually beneficial. As your buyer's representatives, we will put as much energy into our workingrelationship as you do. At the same time, we will provide you with the space and the time you need tomake any decision. You will not be pressured to sign anything.Do I have to sign anything?

Laura Sosnowski Michael Sosnowski Katrina James Wilma Ek Shelley Swift Melissa Morrill Anne Marie Cooke Michael HitzBroker & Co-ownerDesignated Broker &Co-ownerOffice Manager& Sales AgentBrokerAssociate BrokerBrokerBroker Broker19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comQuestions & AnswersWe include FSBO, discount brokerage, and unlisted properties as part of our thorough property search.We pay particular attention to pricing and disclosure on these FSBO properties, and any purchase and sale agreement we prepare on your behalf stipulates that the sellers pay our fee at closing. Discountbrokerage properties regularly participate in the MLS, and many FSBO properties advertise brokerparticipation.What if I buy a “For Sale by Owner” or discount brokerage property?No, in fact as part of the buying process, we can provide you with a market evaluation of your propertyto let you know how much you can expect to receive from the sale of your home. We can also estimatehow long it will take to sell your home. Additionally, we’ll provide you with valuable information abouthow to approach buying and selling at the same time. In a strong market, you don’t want to sell yourhome without having a good plan.I have a house to sell; Is this a problem?No. We have found that the multiple broker situations create too much confusion and conflict. We alsodo not believe that it serves the best interests of our buyers. We have access to every available propertyon the market. Some buyers mistakenly believe that if they work with multiple brokers, they will haveaccess to more properties on the market. That’s just not true. We work exclusively for our clients, and wededicate a great deal of time, energy, and information to the process. We have found the best resultscome from exclusive representation.Can I work with your company as well as other area brokers at the same time?Buyers have a responsibility to conduct all real estate discussions and negotiations through our office.Clients should disclose our representation arrangement to other brokers and sales agents at openhouses or in the process of obtaining property information.What are a buyer’s responsibilities in this Buyer Broker relationship?

withMaine Home ConnectionResidential Brokerage19 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 | 207-517-3100MaineHomeConnection.com | Info@MaineHomeConnection.comIMAGINE MORE