E.Pat Foster's Blog

A Clean House is the Sign of a Broken Computer

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:27:03 -0800

Finally! After several days, electricity is restored to our area. (We LUV LUV LUV our Bangor Hydro Crew!)

It may seem trivial to miss my Internet service so much (when there are others concerned about heat and food)....but....I would love to know if there are any creative ideas for how to access the Internet when there is no cell phone service available and no electricity . (One creative Realtor posted on Twitter that she used her cell phone for a modem for her laptop. Very clevel idea if cell phone service is available!) Of course one could pack up the laptop (or smart phone) and travel to a Wi Fi area....but only if you are able to hike for miles in this area...or

Or..if you could get your car out of the garage (Electric Auto Garage Door Opener)...and if your private road in rural Maine was 'passible'...Hard to get by downed trees and power lines!)....(THANK YOU Local Volunteer Firemen for helping with the tree damage and power lines! )

Just some "Contemplation" ....

(Thank you, Ben Kimball for letting me use your incredible Mount Desert Island photo:"Contemplation")

I was so happy to see the Bangor Hydro trucks in our yard this AM!...With over 6000 customers still left without service in this area this morning, I was beginning to wonder where our home on Long Pond was on their 'to do' list.

When I fired up the home computers, I found some interesting information in our MAR Realtor news letter that seems worth sharing...

The CEO for the Maine Association of Realtors continues to keep the membership informed about programs being offered to help the housing market. (Thank you Cindy!)

Here are some of the offerings that she included in a recent enews to our membership:

On a local level, one of our boards rolled out a local ad campaign on tax credits.The Merrymeeting Board of REALTORS made a local Television commercial - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYC9XfEGFkU

She reminded us that the National Association offers a NAR VIDEO ON HUD-1 AND GFE FORMS: This 11-minute video from NAR explaining features of the new HUD-1 and Good Faith Estimate (GFE) forms - http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid31763633001?bclid=31792087001&bctid=61485517001

And for GREEN TAX CREDITS: The New York Times recently outlined various green tax credits, including for home upgrades and energy systems: http://ow.ly/17kfD

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I am so thankful that our power has been restored and that the computers are up and running again!

I was beginning to think that, if the computers didn't fire up soon, I might have to break down and start Spring Cleaning!.... :(

Now that things are 'up and running' again, Let me know how I can help you or your clients find 'Your Piece of Maine" Realtor GramEpat

When the Storm Clouds Gather on a Saturday in Maine

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:13:55 -0800

My NJ relatives are diggin' out from under their most recent snow storm and we 'Mainers' in Acadia National Park are dealing with the storm damage from the recent severe wind and rain. It seems so strange to look out my office window in February and see bare ground....when only a few weeks ago the snow banks were piled so high it took hours to shovel my way in to work.

Today's dilemma wasn't shoveling...It was 'how do I get my car out of the garage , to get to the office, when there is no electricity and I'm used to using the automatic door opener'?...and, once I do manage to manually maneuver it to open...how will I dodge the power lines and trees that are across the shared private road to get to the Main Road?'

I am so thankful that power has been restored to the Main St. in the Village. I miss my social media friends and wonder how the local #twitterqueens and rainmakers are survivin' this recent storm?

And, of course I was concerned about the buyers who needed to reach me yesterday with their response to a counter offer! I would have walked the three miles to the office in the storm yesterday if all else failed ...because 'where there's a will there's a way'.

(@gramepat)

PS: If you are trying to contact me today for work related issues, the good news is that you can finally leave a voice message on my office machine.(207-244-9251)Just remember...cell phone service is limited in some of our rural areas, internet access is temporarily non-existent on Long Pond until services are restored..and gramepat will be 'holin' up by the wood stove stirrin' the beans and bakin' biscuits this afternoon!...(After all...It is Saturday! ..and life goes on)....Gotta love livin' in Maine.... ("The way life should be !??" :)

Looking for Your Piece of Maine?

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:44:28 -0800

34 Degrees...and the sun was shining this past week! Feels like summer in Maine! My NJ relatives are digging out from under several feet of snow....and my 'Local' husband (GrampE Bob) was on a ferry boat ride to Vinalhaven ...gazing around...''looking for a piece of Maine' ...(Of course, Mainers think that when the temperature is 34 degrees , they should be in shirt sleeves and shorts...riding around in their cars with the windows down and their sun roofs open :) ....or wearing a baseball cap, relaxing on the deck...and taking in the view :)

Lots of great reasons to come 'hole up' with us for the winter months.
There's usually plenty of snow...great for Snow Shoeing in Acadia National Park.
Photo: Realtor GramEpat

"SkyBluePink" Sunsets" (Views from our cottage on Long Pond)

and even 'Wild Times' at our little Local Library :)

(Thanks to all the Village Mainers who braved the snow storm a few weeks ago and participated in the lively book discussion: "The Call of the Wild")

Even the local ducks in the Village do not want to head South this winter.

Let me know if you want my help relocating or vacationing on Mt.Desert Island, Home of Acadia National Park. I love to share this Incredible "Piece of Maine".

PS:Special coupon discounts offered at Broker Owned Acadia Pines Vacation Rentals to 'Rainmakers' and their friends and families!

twitter: @ Gramepat

Wishing You had a Shorter Commute to the Office this Winter?

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:57:45 -0800

The Maine Association of REALTORS Foundation is now offering Live Where You Work loans for down payments and closing costs - loans of up to $5,000 at an interest rate of 0% (APR 0%), to families earning up to 100% of the area median income, moving more than 30 miles closer to their employment.

As a result of a grant from the National Association of REALTORS Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grants program, the MAR FOUNDATION is offering this NEW PROGRAM . Live Where You Work! Downpayment / Closing Cost 0% Loans Available for Commuters. The loans are available for current home owners or first-time buyers. Primary local Maine lenders participating in the program include Androscoggin Bank, Gorham Savings Bank, Kennebec Savings Bank, Machias Savings Bank, and The First, N.A.

Loan applications are available from the Maine Association of REALTORS Foundation at http://marfoundation.org and the primary lenders listed above.

A special thank you to NAR and MAR for continuing to provide a variety of programs to help the housing market and 'us Mainer Commuters' .

Do you like to Chatter or Chirp?

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 16:32:51 -0800

I've been wondering if Twitter and Facebook are beginning to make blog postings a thing of the past?It seems that blogs are now fewer and shorter and facebook status updates and tweets are more prevelant.

Just a personal observation. I can't help but wonder how that will change the face of social networking..

And will FourSquare eventually make Twitter a thing of the past......blogs less meaningful...email outdated...etc....

I got a kick out of one of my young teenage friends on Facebook who recently confided in me and told me that "her mother was so old fashioned because she was still hung up in the email era and would not join tweeple in the real world".

Guess the nice thing about emails and blog postings is that you can type random thoughts like this...ramble on a bit...and not be limited to 140 characters...A perfect platform for a 'Chatty Patty' who occasionally likes to chatter...not just chirp.

I have to confess that @gramEpat is addicted to 'twexercising' at least twice a day!...Luv to be on my exercise bike while I enjoy my #twitterqueens and #tweetsandcoffee chirpers !

Helpful article:10 Things to know about the new Tax Credit

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:23:43 -0800

I (@gramEpat) was recently reading an interesting tweet from @maineRealtors about the Home Buyer Recent Tax Credit: 10 Things To Know - via CNN Money - Click the link for a very interesting article.

It clearly explains the new Tax credit law * . At least, I hope I clearly understand it. ...Now if they can just come up with a plan to help the 2nd home/vacation home buyer market...that would make me a 'happy camper'....

The first time buyer tax credit has made a huge difference in many parts of Maine...but our tourist industry areas also need a 'shot in the arm'. ... (*The increased sales price limit for a principal residence (up to $800,000...) should be helpful to jumpstart the market in the Bar Harbor area.)

I want to share the beauty that surrounds us in Acadia National Park!...

November Sunset ......a kaleidoscope of colors from our deck

MAINE REAL ESTATE SALES UP 22.74 PERCENT IN SEPTEMBER

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:11:50 -0700

The tax credit has been very beneficial to our housing industry and especially to the State of Maine!...(See Press release at the bottom of this message.)

National statistics released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) indicate a 7.7 percent single-family home sales increase in the past 12 months!

With your help, we can 'keep the ball rolling'. Please contact your State Senators and ask them to support the Dodd-Lieberman-Isakson amendment to extend the housing tax credit.

To all you Maine Realtor 'Rainmakers':To contact Senators Snowe and Collins , you can send email directly from their sites, or get phone/fax info at: Sen. Snowe: http://snowe.senate.gov or Sen. Collins: http://collins.senate.gov.

TAX CREDIT EXTENSION: NAR reports that early next week the U.S. Senate will be voting on two amendments that would extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit. NAR is only supporting the Dodd-Lieberman-Isakson amendment because it will: provide the $8,000 tax credit to any buyer (not just first time); set income limits at $150,000/$300,000 for single/married buyers; make the credit available until June 30, 2010.

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MAINE REAL ESTATE SALES UP 22.74 PERCENT IN SEPTEMBER

SOUTH PORTLAND (October 23, 2009)-Sales of single-family existing homes in Maine rose a strong 22.74 percent in September 2009 compared with the same month in 2008. The Maine Real Estate Information System, Inc. reported a median sales price (MSP) of $167,000, a decrease of 6.05 percent from last September, again highlighting the increase in the first time buyer market in Maine. The September median price is an increase from August 2009's MSP of $162,800. The median sales price indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less.

Bar Harbor Maine, "My Home, Sweet Home"

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:30:09 -0700

"God Bless the USA"...(Lee Greenwood Video). It makes me so proud to be an American.

"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea, Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free, Let us all be grateful for a land so fair, As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. "

I was doing a google search and discovered that the unofficial national anthem of the United States was composed by an immigrant who left his home in Siberia for the USA when he was only five years old. The original version of "God Bless America" was written by Irving Berlin (1888-1989) during the summer of 1918 (Thank you, Irving Berlin for these inspiring words and for sharing your incredible talent).

And..Thank you, Artist Gail Ribas, for sharing your incredible talent! I LOVE your paintings and value your friendship!

Happy 4th of July....Hope our paths cross during the day at the Bar Harbor Festivities! (My Home Sweet Home)
"God Bless America, Land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam God bless America,
My home sweet home. " Realtor GramEpat

Faith Can Move Mountains, but Not Balance Rock

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:32:36 -0700

"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can " ...

Don't give up looking for 'Your piece of Maine'. Let me know how I can help.(See info below about recent legislation).

PS: Just FYI:
I have no intentions of climbing the mountain and attempting to help move Balance Rock!
Many tourists in Acadia National Park have tried unsuccessfully to do that without my help! :)

Bubble Rock on South Bubble Mountain, Balance Rock on the Bar Harbor Shore Path, and white Lucerne granite are classic examples of glacial erratics found on Mt.Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park.

OUR MAINE GOVERNOR REMOVES TRANSFER TAX INCREASE: Thank you to Governor John Baldacci who REMOVED the proposed Transfer Tax increase on homes priced $500K or higher that was passed in the initial Tax Reform Legislation. The Maine Association of Realtors would have preferred a veto of the entire bill, however, the removal of this increase before passage of Tax Reform is HUGE for real estate in our State.

Realtor GramEpat technorati tag

Wearing your bathing suit when the tide goes out?

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Thu, 21 May 2009 21:41:22 -0700

I got a kick out of a recent Warren Buffett quote that a friend told me:

"Only when the tide goes out do you discover who's been swimming naked". Warren Buffett

FYI:The water temperature at Sand Beach, Acadia National Park's popular swimming area, rarely exceeds 55 degrees, so don't even think about skinny-dipping in those Maine waters. According to a posting at boston.com/travel, "It's far better to stroll at night -- and bundled up -- when the shimmering bioluminescence from microscopic creatures in the bay can sometimes illuminate the adjacent rocky bluffs".

"If past history was all there was to the game, the richest people would be librarians".
Warren Buffett
"It's far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price".
Warren Buffett
"In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield".
Warren Buffett
**" If you're in the luckiest 1 per cent of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99 per cent"**.

No worries on this end...I'm covered with Polar Fleece from head to toe!..

Realtor GramEpat

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Funds Available to 'Live Where You Work'

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Thu, 21 May 2009 06:26:21 -0700

I was so delighted to read in our MAR newsletter this AM that the Maine Association of REALTORS Foundation is one of the first REALTOR Foundations in the country to receive an Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grant from the National Association of REALTORS. Grants are now available to help low- and moderate- income working families secure safe and decent housing (http://www.realtor.org/iragribingrant).

In Maine, the $50,000 will be used to fund a new Foundation program called Live Where You Work, to help families with downpayment and closing cost assistance for a home purchase that is more than 30 minutes closer to their employment. The Live Where You Work program will increase access to home ownership and decrease commuting costs for home buyers. We anticipate the program will kick-off during the summer of 2009.

In our area,(Acadia National Park) it is not uncommon for our workforce to live 'off island' and commute from the mainland. I am hopeful that some of our commuters will be able to benefit from this grant program...and be able to live and work on Mt.Desert Island.

Realtor GramEpat

Contemplating investing in 'Your Piece of Maine'?

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:11:52 -0700

Contemplating 'Your Piece of Maine"?
My friend, Ben Kimball offered to let me use his self portrait in my recent ads.
He took the photo this past December. It's on Champlain Mtn. overlooking The Bowl. The knob just above his head is the backside of The Beehive. (Thank you, Ben!)

Now is the time to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit for qualified buyers.

Realtor GramEpat technorati tag

Heading for the Club House today?

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:48:00 -0700

I found an interesting piece of history when I was doing some research online

(when I should have been working or Spring cleaning)

American Women's Realty New York 1927

American Woman's Realty Corporation, was formed by the American Woman's Association, Inc., for the purpose of financing the construction of a club/house for working women.

Spring Clean?....or head for the Club House today?... Tough choices. Realtor GramEpat technorati tag

"The Living Past" Funded by Grants

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 10:08:25 -0800

1761 funding formula/stimulus package....Grants from Great Britain to development an Island off the coast of Maine...now the Home of Acadia National Park.

When I trek around the Somes Harbor, it's hard to imagine that the first permanent settlement on Mt. Desert Island (founded by Abraham Somes in 1761) turned into a thriving industrial center with seven mills and five shipyards! ...The mills are gone...and so are the shipyards...but the Harbor and the fjord remain as incredible as they must have been when he first arrived on the Island from Gloucester, Mass.

I did a little research and found out that Abraham obtained the land for development on grants from Francis Bernard, who was the governor of Massachusetts .Securing the property for Great Britain, he chose to establish a village (along with James Richardson) at the North end of the fjord which cuts through the center of the island. (located across the street from my office)... The harbor would later be named after him as Somes Sound . His settlement , named Somesville, would develop into an important trading location that largely allowed for the rest of the island to be permanently colonized in the years following the American Revolutionary War. (All of this island development starting with a person with vision , courage...and imagination...requesting a stimulus funding grant from Great Britain!)

Abraham served in the military, then returned to Somesville where he raised his family of 13 children.

I am so delighted that my friend Dr.Virginia Somes Sanderson honored his memory with the memorial stone at the harbor and captured his memory in her book, "The Living Past". Thank you ,Virginia. I think of you often when I rest near Abraham's stone, and gaze out over Somes Sound......and ponder the amazing beauty of Abraham's settlement on the coast of Maine...."The Living Past" funded by GRANTS!
Realtor gramEpat technorati tag

One Step at a Time

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:51:44 -0800

"I hope that battery is still working on that electronic lock box"!

(Glad each office was provided with a spare back up battery!)

We're not used to using lock boxes in Acadia National Park. However, we'll adapt with time and patience.

It's been really helpful to use the key card for multiple purposes ...I like using the card for our educational courses and tracking CE credits online. (Thank you, MAR for making those arrangements).

I know I can do this...just 'One Step at a Time"....(Thanks to my LLBean 'Tubbs')

Gotta Love Maine Winters!

Especially On Long Pond, in Acadia National Park! Life is good :)

Realtor: GramEpat

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"I Love to Show Kitchens"

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:33:41 -0800

I get such a kick out of it when new agents say "I want to be a real estate agent because I LOVE to show kitchens" :)
I was thinking about that yesterday when I went in almost blizzard conditions (15+ inches of snow predicted)...to meet a buyer's agent and building inspector at one of my favorite listings (Higgin's Store in Somesville, Maine).
The first thing I had to do at my office was shovel my way to the car. (Couldn't snow shoe because the "LLBean Tubbs" were in the trunk of my car)...Then I had to 'de-ice' the car before I could take it down the highway. Good thing I have front wheel drive because the snow plow driver had not yet made his afternoon swipe through my door yard.

When I got to the listing, I parked out front because....again....LOTS of snow in the normal parking areas behind the building. (Probably the guy who plows my driveway also plows Julie's...He's also a fireman...so I wouldn't be surprised if he was in still in Northeast Harbor, helping clean up after the most recent fire!. )

Fortunately the seller left a shovel, broom, and sand and salt for the ice...(Thank you , Julie).

Once the walkway was shoveled, the back steps and apartment steps shoveled and swept...and sand and salt put down over the ice,...I was ready to try to retrieve the hidden key and unlock the door.......While all of this is happening...my car is again covered with snow and ice. (Which means that ,after we finish with the inspection,....I start all over again...shoveling the door yard, 'de-icing' the car, etc...)
The other hearty souls arrived....high spirited...with chats about ice fishing, skiing, and the other fun winter sports that were on the agenda for the 'snow day'....We all decided that when the inspection was completed, we would just call it a day and either settle in by our wood stoves and/or fireplaces, or opt to don the winter gear and play in the snow.

Gotta love selling real estate in Acadia National Park in January.

I LOVE Maine winters and Sellers, Buyers, Agents and Affiliates who embrace change and challenges!...I find myself reminiscing about why so many Realtors got into this business in the first place.

"They love to show kitchens" :) Realtor GramEpat technorati tag

Where there's a will, there's a way

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:05:03 -0800

Maine Winters in Acadia National Park!....Gotta love it!

Realtors in the Acadia Council are a hearty group ..Especially the Seller's agents! In this area, if you are a seller's agent...and have an appointment to show your listing... and have to get INTO your office to get the listing information, keys and/or card reader before you meet at the property...before you attempt to get INTO your listing to show it... you better allow an extra few hours between appointments!

Seasoned Maine Realtors on Mt.Desert Island know that 'where there's a will there's a way'. Not only do they have to shovel their way into their office, they travel with shovels in their cars...and quite often have to shovel their way into the property they plan to show. LLBean Snow shoes and ice grippers are standard equipment...salt for the ice.....shovels, ice scrapers...and flash lights...(it gets dark mid afternoon!). Other standard equipment includes extra scarves, mittens, hats....granola bars, water...and jumper cables..(never know if that diesel will start after it's been sitting still in sub zero weather!)...Thank goodness for AAA...and polar fleece!..and friends with plow trucks and sanders...but...'where there's a will, there's a way'!....

On this Maine Coastal island, Serious buyers rarely cancel an appointment just because there's a little blizzard or 'Nor'easter'...Hiking boots and fluorescent gear help when you're trekking down the highway in a blizzard (because the diesel should not be 'out and about' in sub zero weather).....hoping to arrive in time to shovel, sweep, and de-ice ...to get the door open and the lights on before the buyer and their agent arrive.
...It's no wonder that on Mount Desert Island it is common for the listing broker to meet the buyers and their agent at the property. Buyer's agents in Acadia National Park are 'wicked smart'....They don't mind giving the listing agent advance notice to show a property...that allows plenty of time for shoveling decks, sidewalks, and entryways.

PS:Thanks, Betty...for serving Hot Cocoa this AM at the Bar Harbor Hostel listing...a much appreciated treat in below zero weather...especially after returning from Gail's unheated Bar Harbor shorefront property ..

PS: Gail...loved your full length fur coat and red hat and mittens...!...You were brave to host an open house this AM...(7 below zero at a 'closed down' shorefront home!)...You're a real trooper!

Gotta love this winter wonderland!...."Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow" Realtor GramEpat technorati tag

SING like you don't need the MONEY

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 09:45:55 -0800

Survival tips below from an old veteran..."Hang in there"...'When the going gets tough, the tough get going'!

"You've got to sing like you don't need the money,

Love like you'll never get hurt.

You've got to dance like no one is watching.

It's gotta come from the heart, if you want it to work."

Dance like there's nobody watching
Love like you'll never get hurt
Sing like there's nobody listening
Live like it's heaven on earth
And speak from the heart to be heard.

William W.Purkey is the source of this quotation that is attributed to many others: it was made popular in the song "Come From The Heart" written by Susannah Clark and Richard Leigh.

REALTOR: GramEpat
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Windsurfing with the Eagles

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:50:57 -0800

A stormy day on the coast of Maine.
I wonder if the local ducks and loons are hovering by the Somesville Bridge
or congregating by the Mill Pond Dam.

"Celebrate your success and stand strong when adversity hits, for when the storm clouds come in, the Eagles soar while the small birds take cover" Author unknown

"Some Times I Fly Like an Eagle" (John Denver)

Realtor GramEpat technorati tag

Free is Just Ducky

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 07:49:37 -0800

Check this out! It's great and saves a good deal of time.
Just leave it up to Google to come up with something like this!
Here's a number worth putting in your cell phone, or your home phone speed dial: 1-800-goog411.

This convenient service from Google is FREE-- Great when you are on the road.
No need to waste your money on information calls or waste your time manually dialing the number.

For instance, if we are driving along in our automobile and we need to call a hotel to confirm our reservations (such as the recent NAR Convention in Orlando), and don't know the number, I can just hit the number on my contact list that I have programmed.

When the call is made, the voice at the other end says, 'City & State.' I say, ' Orlando, Florida' He says, 'Business, Name or Type of Service.' I say, 'Peabody Hotel.' He says, 'Connecting' and Peabody answers the phone.

Isn't that JUST DUCKY? (<- click the link to see the March of the ducks)

How cool is that?
This google service is nationwide and FREE!
Realtor GramEpat
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OUCH! Second Home Tax Benefits Dwindle in the New Year

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 05:41:40 -0700

I recently received this summary from our Association CEO about how the NEW LAW NARROWS SECOND HOME TAX BENEFIT. She quoted a summary that was included in REALTOR Magazine (8/7/08) : "The housing-stimulus package that became law last week took a bite out of the home-sale exclusions for second-home owners. Under both the previous and the current law, most homeowners can sell their primary residence and exclude as much as $250,000 of the gain if they're single or $500,000 if they are married and file jointly. To qualify for the full exclusion, owners typically must have owned the home and used it as their primary residence for at least two of the five years prior to the sale. In the new law, which takes effect Jan. 1 and affects property acquired after 2008, owners can't exclude the gain from the sale of the home allocated to periods of 'nonqualified use.' That refers to any period (after the end of 2008) when the property isn't used by the owner, spouse or former spouse as a principal residence. For example, a married couple buys a home Jan. 1, 2009, for $600,000 to hold as an investment. On Jan. 1, 2012, three years later, they begin using it as their principal residence. They live there for two years and sell the property on Jan. 1, 2014, for $1.1 million for a profit of $500,000. Under the old law, they would have been able to exclude the entire $500,000 gain from their taxable income. But under the new law, they could exclude only two-fifths of the gain, or $200,000, since the other three-fifths would be considered attributable to the three years the home wasn't their principal residence. Source: The Wall Street Journal, Tom Herman (08/06/2008)"

FYI: Nar Provides a chart that summarizes the first-time homebuyer tax credit provisions of the recent economic stimulus bill.

Our Association CEO, Cindy Butts does a great job of keeping us informed! Thank you Cindy!!

Realtor GramEpat

$low Down and $ave

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:53:31 -0700

Ever worry that your fuel tank is almost empty and then hurry to the nearest gas station before you run out of fuel? Hate to admit it, but "Been there, done that" !
I came across an interesting article this AM posted on RISMedia Real Estate News that I thought was worth sharing.
"10 ways to be more efficient and green in 2008"...This is one of the postings that caught my attention:
1) $low down and $ave! Each 5 miles per hour you drive over 60 mph costs you about 20 cents more per gallon of gasoline. And aggressive driving habits - speeding, rapid acceleration and braking - can lower gas mileage by a whopping 33% at highway speeds and 5% around town. But driving sensibly can save up to 200 gallons of gasoline per year at highway speeds, or about $600 per car and about $1,200 per household with gasoline prices at $3/gallon. Added benefit: Avoiding up to 4,000 pounds of CO2 per car/8,000 per household.
Since this was posted earlier in the year, today's statistics will be different (more savings), but the concept is the same: "Slow Down and Save". Seems like a safe and easy "green" tip! Have a safe and Happy July 4th Holiday! Realtor GramEpat

Piece of Maine, Peace of Mind

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:48:19 -0700

My Piece of Maine : I am fortunate to have several incredible Pieces of Maine.
One of my favorite spots is in the Historic Village of Somesville.
Pictured below is the Somesville Foot Bridge. One of the Island's most photographed scenes.
(FYI: I took this photo last week when I was taking a morning walk thru our scenic village. )

The Somesville Carriage House (GramE Pat's Place ) is my 'home away from home'. Located on the Main Street, across from the Harbor, I get to enjoy gentle summer breezes , watch the Eagles and Osprey, take short walks to village amenities (book store, museum, antique shop, church, PO and Bank...all nearby). I can even flag down the Island Explorer Bus if I choose to 'run away' and take a free ride around the National Park.

The foot bridge and Old Selectmen's museum building (pictured above) are just 'down the street' from my real estate office.

When you visit Acadia National Park, stop by the Carriage House to say "Hello". If my car is in the yard, the welcome mat is always out.

If my 'be right back' sign is on the door, I'm probably across the street at the Village Landing on Somes Sound...or walking to the Post Office and Bank. Of course if it is Wed. afternoon, or Sat. AM, you'll probably find me with my nose buried in a book at the local Library. Stroll down to join me.
Sit for a spell on my favorite bench, watch the ducks frolicking in the Mill Pond and enjoy the fantastic views of Somes Sound.

BTW: Somesville is the oldest settlement on Mt.Desert Island. And,...Bar Harbor and the Park Loop Road are only minutes away.!!

Let me know how I can help you find your Piece of Maine! (YPOM)

What do you love about Acadia?
Realtor GramE Pat

Looking for Your Piece of Maine?

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:44:17 -0700

Gotta love Acadia. In the National Park even the ducks are friendly!

'Matilda' (my favorite mallard duck) returns every summer with her wee ones. When she wants a break from swimming, she'll cruise with me around our quiet cove on Long Pond.

She's out there right now...squawking...begging for a treat. Guess it's time to grab a favorite book and head for the pond. (Great novel : 'The Other' by David Guterson)

What's not to love about Acadia!

Looking for "Your Piece of Maine'. ?

Let me know how I can help.

Maine Realtor GramEpat

YPOM "Your Piece of Maine, Your Peace of Mind"

E.Pat Foster (E.Pat Foster Real Estate) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:16:14 -0700

Attention all YOU Mainiacs ! ......Let the Games Begin! (Those of us who survived the Winter, DESERVE the summer !!) YOU have a chance to win $20,000! The Maine Association of REALTORS has just launched a contest on "You Tube" for YOU...Maine residents (*non-Realtors and their families *) to say by video what you love about Maine and why you want to own "Your Piece of Maine". ..Or..If you already have your 'Piece of Maine', let the world know how it gives you 'Peace of Mind'!...The Grand Prize is $20,000; Second Prize is $5,000; and eight third prizes are $1,000. You can use your cell phone, computer, or video recorder to make a video (less than 3 minutes long).
You can get all the details about the contest by going to: http://www.youtube.com/group/yourpieceofmaine

and .com

Be creative , have some fun! ...and GOOD LUCK!! from Realtor gramEpat *Please note: The program is limited to Maine residents, anyone out of state who owns property in Maine, and includes Maine students attending in state and out of state colleges.

For all of you 'out of staters'....known as "people from away", I thought you might enjoy viewing MAR's new marketing campaign. Have any helpful hints, tips, suggestions? Creative ideas to contribute? We're also including several TV commercials...and, separately there is a contest that provides one $5,000 prize for a Maine REALTOR or their immediate family members (defined as spouse, children, parents) to participate. We WANT Maine REALTORS to participate too! Realtors know what there is to love about property ownership and many already own or want to own thier piece of Maine.