Maine Waterfront Real Estate - Still A Good Buy? - 02/29/08 07:16 PM
From 1998 to 2005 Maine Waterfront real estate, including lakefront property, appreciated at a rate of 10 to 15% per year. Since Autumn 2005 property values have stopped climbing. In fact, in some cases, they may have fallen a bit. However, the bottom has not fallen out of the waterfront real estate market in Maine. Lakefront buyers who are waiting for a big drop in values might regret their decision to wait. Here's why.
The real estate here in Maine is different than elsewhere. Let's compare the market here to the one in Florida.Maine Waterfront compared to Florida
New Home construction in Florida … (0 comments)

State to Promote Fixed Causeway Bridge to Wary Naples Community - 02/28/08 07:17 PM
The Naples Causeway Bridge controversy continues to generate a lot of discussion in this lake region community. The Maine Dept. of Transporatation has now scheduled a meeting to promote their fixed bridge plan, which has many Naples waterfront business owners and area residents up in arms. The local board of selectmen is urging everyone to keep an open mind, but there seems to be a groundswell of opposition to replacing the current swing bridge with a fixed bridge. The cost of the project, whatever happens, plays a large part in what the state is proposing as funds are short and many … (0 comments)

A Good Neighbor Policy For Maine Waterfront Property Owners - 02/28/08 08:06 AM
Shortly after moving into my camp on Brandy Pond back in the nineties, I was paid a visit by some folks from across the lake. After exchanging pleasantries I found out the real reason for their visit. It seems that I had been leaving an exterior light post on all night. To make matters worse, the light was on the lake side of the house. They informed me that leaving lights on all night disturbs wildlife in general and nesting loons in particular. They asked whether I would be kind enough to turn off the light when I turned in.
Come that … (0 comments)

Association Concerns When Buying a Maine Waterfront Home - 02/27/08 04:01 PM
You might be surprised to learn that most lakefront property here in Maine is purchased by folks "from away". From away usually refers to folks from Massachusetts, Connecticut or some other state here in the Northeast. The attitude these folks have about associations has always been peculiar to me.
A lakefront buyer will spend a whole lotta time finding just the right lakefront property and then will refuse to tender an offer until they have a chance to read the association bylaws and understand what the annual fees cover. It amuses me when a buyer is ready to buy a half million … (0 comments)

It’s Winter in Maine! Lakefront Property Inaccessible? How about a View Lot? - 02/26/08 07:39 AM
February in Maine means cold and snow most anytime. These conditions generally curtail a lot of activity in the lakefront property area, but afford opportunities for looking at other properties in ways not always taken advantage of.
Many of our clients are looking for land on which to build that special home. Often when a lakefront lot is not available or affordable, a client's second choice is for a view lot. In this area of Maine a view lot usually means an elevated parcel that affords clear views of surrounding lakes and mountains.
I was out riding around recently and drove up into a recent subdivision that I first saw last … (0 comments)

The Rangeley Lakes Region - Where "Peace and Quiet" Meet Maine Waterfront Living - 02/26/08 07:29 AM
For years, the Rangeley Lakes Region has attracted visitors who yearn for a quiet escape from the faster tempos of regular life. Located 4 1/2 hours from Boston, just travelling here can give one a true sense of "getting away from it all".
Nestled in the western mountains of Maine and off the beaten path, the Rangeley Lakes Region offers an experience that can not be found in the more southern or coastal areas of the state. The terrain here is different - the hills, valleys, and mountains are more numerous. Lakes and ponds of all sizes are found here and … (1 comments)

Naples Causeway Bridge Plans "Slowing Down". - 02/24/08 06:52 PM
Recently I posted an article about the ongoing controversy swirling around several new proposals for the repair or replacement of the Causeway Bridge in Naples on Rte. 302.  A  news article today in our local Bridgton News tells me that the whole project is being put on hold pending further study.
There are currently three active proposals attracting consideration and the Maine Department of Transportation felt that it would be better to get more public input before choosing an option and proceeding with a schedule. The long and short of it is that nothing will be happening with the bridge in 2008.
I … (0 comments)

Associations Concerns when Purchasing a Maine Waterfront Home - 02/24/08 09:20 AM
You might be surprised to learn that most lakefront property here in Maine is purchased by folks "from away". From away usually refers to folks from Massachusetts, Connecticut or some other state here in the Northeast. The attitude these folks have about associations has always been peculiar to me.
A lakefront buyer will spend a whole lotta time finding just the right lakefront property and then will refuse to tender an offer until they have a chance to read the association bylaws and understand what the annual fees cover. It amuses me when a buyer is ready to buy a half … (0 comments)

The Belgrade Lakes Area - Waterfront Living at Its Finest - 02/22/08 08:28 AM
The Belgrade Lakes Region is one of Maine's premier communities and four-season vacation and recreational destinations. The area offers peaceful lakeside surroundings, superb fishing, as well as swimming, boating and hiking. A variety of shops, restaurants, and lodging choices await the weekend visitor, vacationer, or year round resident.
With their many seasonal events, boat tours, golf courses, hikes, or easy trips to the scenic Maine coast and area mountains, the greater Belgrade Lakes area provides multitudes of opportunities for fun and recreation throughout the year.
While the greater Belgrade region includes the China Lakes area to the east and the Winthrop lakes … (0 comments)

Maine Waterfront Real Estate- The Evolution from Camps to All-Season Vacation Homes - 02/22/08 06:16 AM
From the 1900s to the late 1960s lakefront property owners from away chose to build camps rather than year round homes. Camps are seasonal structures constructed to be used in the "good " weather from Memorial Day to Labor Day. What differentiates a camp from a house is that camps lack one or more of the following attributes found in houses: a well, a foundation, central heat, insulation and/or a proper septic system.
In the old days folks thought it was foolish to spend a lot of money on a place one would use for 3 months a year. Back then … (0 comments)

Five Top Attributes of a Maine lakefront property - 02/21/08 10:59 AM
It's important for a buyer of Maine lakefront property to understand what gives a lakefront lot its value. Everyone's heard of location, location, location, but what is it about location that gives a lakefront property its value?
Maine lakefront properties are made up of two parts: the building and the lot. While it's true that building costs have been ever-increasing , it pales in comparison to the increase in the value of the lot over the same period. 
Here are the top 5 attributes that give a lakefront property's location its value:
#1 Sandy Beach: More members of your family can enjoy the water … (0 comments)

The Greater Sebago Lakes Region - an Overview - 02/21/08 08:44 AM
Stretching from the Maine Turnpike in the east to the New Hampshire border in the west and from the Standish/Cornish area in the south to the Sunday River/Bethel area in the north, the Greater Sebago Lakes Region offers a complete package to vacationers and relocators alike - a multitude of lakes and ponds, a variety of amenities and attractions, and easy accessibility from the Boston area and points south.
For over one hundred years the Greater Sebago Lakes Region has been the premier destination for those who want to enjoy clean recreational water, lake and mountain vistas, and four season fun … (0 comments)

Lake Region Businesses Fear Impact of Proposed Naples Bridge - 02/21/08 08:26 AM
A recent hearing conducted by the Maine Department of Transportation on the viability of a new, fixed bridge proposal struck fear in the hearts of several business people in the Naples area.
The old swing bridge that spans the waterway that joins Long Lake to Brandy Pond needs replacing. An original estimate of $11 million to replace it had been seen as "doable", but now that cost estimate has ballooned to $18 million - an amount the state doesn't have.  A proposal for a fixed bridge, at a cost of $8 million, would fit the DOT budget, but has many critics and detractors in … (0 comments)

Maine Lakes Close to Boston? Try the Sanford Lakes Area - 02/21/08 08:21 AM
The Sanford Lakes Area is in northwest York County, Maine's southern most county. It is the lakes area that is closest to Boston in both mileage and minutes. This lakes area gets it's name from the Town of Sanford which is the regional shopping area for the entire lakes area.Sanford is only one hour and forty five minutes from downtown Boston but it's a world away from the hustle and bustle. Although smaller in size than the neighboring Sebago Region to the north, the Sanford area features several  fine lakes and ponds. Here's a quick travelogue sampling.
Heading northwest from downtown Sanford/Springvale on … (1 comments)

 

Jon Whitney

Naples, ME

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Anne Plummer and Associates

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