http://activerain.com/blogs/tbusch Maine Real Estate en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/3603579/bargain-hunters-find-the-central-maine-housing-market-heating-up- <p class="MsoNormal"><img title="Central Maine Home Bargains" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/0/6/9/2/ar135939561329605.jpg" height="150" alt="Central Maine Home Bargains" width="200" style="margin: 7px; float: left; border: 3px solid black;"></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">Anyone who is buying a house in the Lewiston-Auburn or the Augusta Market -- or even just checking up on the market -- is likely to find that some of the rules of the game seem to have shifted. Particularly anyone expecting to be overwhelmed by the kind of amazing deals being offered in</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">&nbsp;t</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">he last few years should see what I mean.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The Maine Association of Realtors continues to paint an upbeat picture, at least when it comes to bargain-priced properties, the days of multiple bids and &lsquo;offers above asking price&rsquo; are back (for properties priced competitively).&nbsp; If you are weighing the advantages of buying a house in Lewiston, Auburn, or Augusta before interest rates and prices rise in earnest, it should be useful to take a look at some strategies that work -- and some that virtually never work:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;1.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Blanket Low-balling &ndash; Running around writing up a bunch of low-ball offers is a surefire way to get yourself ignored, or worse, miss out on an otherwise great property. A better approach?&nbsp; Work with a knowledgeable agent whose expertise in the Lewiston-Auburn or Augusta market will allow you to check on the most recent comps, then write an offer the seller will consider.</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span>2. I</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">mperfect Properties &ndash; The degree of your success in buying a house in Central Maine can depend on starting out with a reality check: only very rarely is a property totally perfect for you <em>and</em> priced absolutely right.&nbsp; </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span>3.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Highest and Best - Unfortunately, the tempting low prices listed for some Central Maine bank-owned homes also means that it&rsquo;s increasingly common to encounter the dreaded &ldquo;multiple offer situation.&rdquo;&nbsp; If you find yourself there, be prepared to submit your highest and best offer first -- you may not have another shot.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This changing market doesn&rsquo;t mean we are headed into the kind of fever-induced &lsquo;bubble&rsquo; we saw in the mid- 2000&rsquo;s.&nbsp; But for those seeking a deal and waiting for the bottom of the market before buying a house in Lewiston-Auburn, the market does not seem to be waiting. 2013 is clearly the time to jump in!&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If you&rsquo;re looking for a great investment, or just looking to make a personal move, give us a call at (20&amp;) 689-9880 to set up a low-key consultation on what opportunities are out there! Or browse every current listing in the MLS at www.MaineRealEstateInformation.com.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:59:40 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3603579/bargain-hunters-find-the-central-maine-housing-market-heating-up- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3576280/central-maine-real-estate-2013-the-year-we-get-off-our-hands <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img title="New Year real estate resolutions" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/7/7/2/ar135756167727783.jpg" height="148" alt="Holidays over" width="300" style="float: left; margin: 5px; border: 2px solid black;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">The holiday d&eacute;cor is down; the kids are back in school; January&rsquo;s social calendar looks amazingly clear (compared with the previous two months, anyway)&hellip; so, what now?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">One suggestion I might offer: put some serious thought into acting on those financial New Year&rsquo;s resolutions &ndash; at least the ones dealing with your Central Maine real estate plans.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">Doing so would dovetail nicely with my own New Year&rsquo;s prediction, one I share with many credible real estate watchers:</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">2013 may be the year buyers and sellers are going to really get serious about real estate.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">According to </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in; text-decoration: underline;">Money Magazine</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;"> on CNN&rsquo;s website, the housing market rebound is here. Among other sources, they site the Mortgage Bankers Association forecast that &ldquo;more and more house hunters will start coming off the sidelines.&rdquo; They expect total dollars going to new home loans to jump a heart-thumping 55%!</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">For five years, homeowners from Lewiston-Auburn to Augusta weathered the storm of the credit crisis as well as could be expected; then came marked improvement in 2012.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">At last count, there were approximately 1.8 million homes for sale nationwide (half the number at the market&rsquo;s deepest divot).</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">While no one expects real estate prices to see crazy red-hot double-digit increases in 2013, it is encouraging to see the worst in the rear-view mirror.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">And with optimism about residential real estate now broadening into general public awareness, we seem to be looking at a fresh arena for homeowners who are finally able to consider selling again&hellip;and for buyers who are past waiting for &lsquo;the bottom&rsquo;.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: 0.5in;">The message to prospective Central Maine home buyers and sellers this January echoes the sentiment of Money magazine, which answered the question, &ldquo;Why, as a prospective home seller or buyer, you need to stop sitting on your hands&rdquo;!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Whether or not your own New Year&rsquo;s resolutions involve real estate, it is a propitious time to give me a call. We can look at your current equity position and start the conversation about your real estate goals and how the 2013 market opportunities fit them!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Mon, 07 Jan 2013 04:34:53 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3576280/central-maine-real-estate-2013-the-year-we-get-off-our-hands http://activerain.com/blogsview/3552963/sleighful-of-holiday-cheer-stimulates-home-sales-in-lewiston-auburn-me <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/9/2/0/4/ar135542443940291.jpg" height="89" alt="" width="122" style="float: left; margin: 5px; border: 5px solid black;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Yes! Activity level is up! Especially for this time of year. Interest rates are at an all time low and it&rsquo;s an opportune time to buy or move up! When you visit any of the properties for sale in Lewiston-Auburn or Central Maine, this time of year, it&rsquo;s likely you will notice a little extra sparkle.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The holiday touches may be variations on the icy blue-and-white color palette -- or dashes of silver brightening the traditional red-and-green decorations. If you&rsquo;ve been reading the home d&eacute;cor magazines, you know how the leading trends this winter are all about glitz and glam: designer touches meant to brighten even the darkest winter day (remember, this year&rsquo;s shortest day -- December 21 &ndash; is right around the corner!). Still, I always suspect that a little nostalgic holiday warmth can add the same kind of welcoming touch&hellip;without breaking the piggy bank!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If you currently have your home on the market in Lewiston Auburn or Central Maine this season, a few stalwart touches can go far to add a sleighful of holiday cheer. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Christmas carols</span><strong></strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">may be blaring through every loudspeaker from supermarket to mall, but play it safe. For a December showing or open house, select more generic, traditional Holiday music over Christmas carols and do keep the volume set to background level &ndash; no one likes having to shout to be heard during a showing.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Many families used to host an annual &ldquo;Holiday Open House&rdquo; for friends and neighbors. That custom may be largely forgotten, but those with Lewiston-Auburn homes for sale can add some of that same good feeling to their own open houses by adding nostalgic touches -- like serving hot cocoa and marshmallows<strong> </strong>to attendees.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s a sweet, almost rustic touch that brings good old-fashioned hospitality to a modern marketing event.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Whether you are considering buying or selling property this winter, there really is no need to put off a decision until after the New Year. December can be a great time to get started -- and I am here this holiday season to help make your property dreams come true!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:50:42 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3552963/sleighful-of-holiday-cheer-stimulates-home-sales-in-lewiston-auburn-me http://activerain.com/blogsview/3425603/tipsheet-for-lewiston-auburn-maine-lawn-care-diyers <p><img title="lewiston maine homes for sale" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/1/8/4/ar134624250548133.jpg" height="160" alt="lewiston maine homes for sale" width="240" style="float: left; margin: 5px; border: 2px solid black;"></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Some of us have decided that life is too short to spend any time behind a lawnmower. Others decide that the real reason we have a mate is so that we can offer him or her the opportunity to get out in the fresh air and sunshine&hellip;to mow. Children can be the recipients of that very same opportunity, which will build character through hard work. Alternatively, a healthy lawn &ndash; especially a well-watered one in late August &ndash; provides an opportunity to keep the Lewiston-Auburn economy humming by employing a lawn service to keep it in top shape.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">But for those of us who personally oversee the yardwork, earlier this month, CNN&rsquo;s <em>Money</em> website put together a four-point tip sheet that caught my eye: it rounded up some of the best common sense lawn care ideas I&rsquo;ve seen in one place. The author (Josh Garskot who wrote in @Money), claims that DIY lawn care keeps him handy and youthful. Although I could argue that a Mojito on the porch might serve just as well, here&rsquo;s a shortened version of what he came up with:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Edge twice. That is, turn the edger sideways to make a vertical slice, then do the regular horizontal trim (CNN even has a tip for precutting trimmer strings and keeping them at hand by attaching them with Velcro tape &ndash; but that&rsquo;s a little too far into the weeds for me).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Let the pros fertilize. Seen as just too complicated to handle, CNN&rsquo;s expert threw in the towel when it comes to trying to figure out those charts on the back of the bags. Recommendation: hire pros to fertilize (and aerate once a year). I concur.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Forget bagging clippings. Downside: since you probably remember the fact that you should never cut more than a third of the height of the grass, you have to mow often enough to follow through on that. Upsides: the clippings will be short enough that you can just let them recycle back into the soil. And your property will look great all the time!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Say goodbye to stale gas. Particularly after a long layoff, old gas can mean real arm-wrenching trouble getting a stubborn motor started. A few drops of fuel stabilizer is enough to keep mower and trimmer carburetors ungummed (and the air free of the bad language that can otherwise result). </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Lawns can be a real property value enhancer when they&rsquo;re well maintained -- but the opposite when they look like a hay field. And while we&rsquo;re on the subject, I hope you will always feel free to contact me whenever you&rsquo;d like to tap into my store of home maintenance referrals and ideas for keeping your Central Maine property at the top of the market!</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Wed, 29 Aug 2012 05:18:07 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3425603/tipsheet-for-lewiston-auburn-maine-lawn-care-diyers http://activerain.com/blogsview/3262039/buying-a-lewiston-auburn-foreclosure-property- <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';">Buying a Lewiston-Auburn Foreclosure Property? &nbsp;&ldquo;Fixers&rdquo; Reward Prudence, Realism, and Cash</p> <p>&nbsp;<img title="Bank Owned Real Estate Investing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/0/6/2/6/ar133837758162604.jpg" height="201" alt="Bank Owned Real Estate Investing" width="300" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';">These days the words &ldquo;bank owned homes&rdquo; have become practically synonymous with a single word: &ldquo;<em>opportunity</em>.&rdquo;&nbsp; With prices and mortgage rates this low, first time home buyers, investors and seasoned property owners alike are looking at a raft of buying options unlike any the Lewiston-Auburn and Central Maine area has seen in a very long time. &nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';">That option of buying a bank owned home has certainly opened a viable route for those looking to own a home at the fraction of what it cost just a few years ago. But not without a price:&nbsp; the best Lewiston-Auburn bank owned home bargains are almost certain to fall into the &lsquo;fixer-upper&rsquo; category.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';">When considering the purchase of one of our Lewiston-Auburn or Central Maine area bank owned homes, I&rsquo;ve found that my most successful clients have a few qualities in common:</p> <ul> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';"> <em>prudence </em>&ndash; they resist the temptation to take out too big of a loan</li> </ul> <ul> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';"> <em>realism </em>&ndash; they know how much hard work they will be willing to put into the house&nbsp;</li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';"> <em>cash</em> &ndash; they are cash buyers or have 20% or more to put down plus a sufficient reserve of cash for necessary project and "surprises".</li> </ul> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';">Finding the right fixer-upper should be approached as a process: do your homework. In other words, find a great Exclusive Buyer Representative and view five to ten properties. Evaluate and compare the properties and their pricing. There are more foreclosures on the market than ever &ndash; a phenomenon that works to your advantage. When you do find the right home, make sure to take out a loan that makes sense. Often people who are in a hurry to buy a house are tempted to take out a loan without giving enough consideration to its immediate and long-term implications.&nbsp; Being coolly realistic as you work out the numbers will pay off for a long time.&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';">Once a bank owned home is officially yours, the hard (often fun!) work begins. Buying a home in need of repair has always been the surest way to find a deal, but it is also the way to improve or develop home maintenance skills, bond with family members, <em>and</em> keep a tight rein on the family budget. Here, too, you need to be careful not to get carried away&ndash; you don&rsquo;t want to overbuild or overdevelop beyond what is appropriate for the neighborhood setting. In other words, keep your end goals in mind.&nbsp; My advice to clients varies depending on their individual needs: Is it an income property?&nbsp; Or the family home for the next 15 years? &nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';">Foreclosures show no signs of slowing down in the near future, so this May&rsquo;s buying market is opportune.&nbsp; If you&rsquo;re considering buying a bank owned home in the Lewiston-Auburn area or Central Maine, call The Tanya Busch Team today at (207) 689-9880 for a list of foreclosures and to put a plan into action!&nbsp; We have Exclusive Buyer Agents with experience in residential homes and multi-unit investment properties!&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Wed, 30 May 2012 04:39:32 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3262039/buying-a-lewiston-auburn-foreclosure-property- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3218256/extra-benefits-to-owning-a-maine-waterfront-property <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;"><img title="Maine Waterfront Home" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/5/2/2/8/ar133590279182256.jpg" height="117" alt="Maine Lakefront View" width="175" style="float: left; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">Who can&rsquo;t use a little time off now and then? Vacation time is not just a reward for hard work and otherwise unending repetition of day-to-day obligations, it&rsquo;s also widely recognized as a necessary relief valve -- a break from the stress of today&rsquo;s hectic schedules. Vacations, long or short, take us away from our hectic routines. Vacations serve the purpose of breaking up the monotony of the daily grind &ndash; bringing fresh perspectives that convey renewed energy and creativity to our businesses and even relationships. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A week at the beach; a couple of days fishing over a weekend; simply spending quality time with family and friends in vacation homes set along the Maine coast, one of our pristine lakes, or even a ski resort &ndash; all can serve a valuable purpose. Not to mention just having fun and cutting loose!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;"><img title="Maine Waterfront Property" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/6/4/2/ar133590260624636.jpg" height="117" alt="Fishing on Maine Lake" width="175" style="float: right; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Whenever we plan a break away from home we can find a broad choice of hotels, inns, condos,<strong> </strong>and vacation homes<strong> </strong>for rent. It is that last choice that&rsquo;s often overlooked, but for those who have managed to invest in a second home near an attractive vacation destination, there are significant savings beyond the hotel and restaurant bills! And with today&rsquo;s historically low interest rates and rock-bottom sales prices, there is good reason to argue that there has never better a more opportune time to buy a Maine waterfront property or vacation home! Just ask Warren Buffet &hellip;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">One reason that financially savvy families are beginning to pay attention is the considerable impact owning Maine waterfront property or a vacation home can<strong> </strong>make on<strong> </strong>reducing retirement expenses. Writing in Interest.com, author Stef Donev points out, &ldquo;By starting early, you're building equity and reducing your mortgage debt on your&hellip;retirement residence. When you retire, the profit from your current home might even be enough to pay off the mortgages on both.&rdquo;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">While having a second home can have significant tax and other financial advantages, what can be even more appealing is the desirability of owning vacation homes at the ocean, lake or even at one of Maine&rsquo;s premier ski resorts &ndash; especially for those who vacation at least once a year. Many owners of second homes in Maine real estate actually reverse the cash outflow of their vacation home into a positive passive income stream by renting it out when they aren&rsquo;t using it! By hiring a property management team to take care of the reservations and maintenance, they generate their own passive income and eliminate handling the property upkeep themselves.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">If you are newly considering the pros and the cons of purchasing a second home in central or southern Maine, please contact me at (207) 689-9880 or homes@TanyaB.com.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>We can run the numbers and talk about ways to go about finding a terrific Maine waterfront property or home or condo at a ski destination or golf resort that are available at deep discounts.&nbsp;</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Tue, 01 May 2012 13:12:00 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3218256/extra-benefits-to-owning-a-maine-waterfront-property http://activerain.com/blogsview/3215471/adding-home-value-in-a-way-that-makes-sense-an-inexpensive-primer-for-lewiston-auburn-home-sellers <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">3 Quick Fixes</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">For those who are just about ready to put your Lewiston-Auburn area home on the market this May, several simple yet cost-effective projects can be sure-fire buyer-pleasers. I am often asked to help my clients identify areas in their home that will benefit from improvements to add value to their central Maine home. I like to point to some simple changes that materially help a property&rsquo;s ability to compete with any other house for sale in greater Lewiston-Auburn and Augusta Maine areas.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">Here are three of my favorite inexpensive fixes:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1.<strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">Painting walls in pale but warm earth tone colors</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">.<span>&nbsp; </span>Freshly painted walls erase years of wear from any room. They send prospective buyers a subtle message: here is a home where <em>your</em> family can create <em>your</em> own memories.<span>&nbsp; </span>Neutral tones are important, unless you hire an interior decorator or truly have great style. While you may personally prefer rich or bright colors, potential buyers may not so while color is more acceptable (and can be desirable today) the wrong color can hinder a sale. If you want to play it safe: go neutral! Using color can really add &ldquo;pop&rdquo; and may pay off, but it&rsquo;s riskier. Beyond ensuring that rooms look as big, bright and airy as possible, you want potential buyers to picture spaces where their furnishings will fit in without redecorating that&rsquo;s why more neutral colors are &ldquo;safer&rdquo;. While Pale beige or grey rooms work with furnishings of all colors and have been used for years, a warmer taupe and green tone can add a warmer tone and more modern look.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img title="lewiston home improvement" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/6/1/8/ar133584321781614.jpg" height="133" alt="fresh paint adds home equity" width="200" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">2. <strong>Clearing clutter</strong>. Clear kitchen and bathroom countertops (put away the appliances and cool gadgets), consign heavy furniture to storage, and stow the kids' toys neatly out of sight. The objective is to emphasize the impression of abundant space. When buyers visit any house for sale, they are most drawn to those where it&rsquo;s easy to picture all of their belongings fitting in easily &ndash; and that takes space.<span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">3. <strong>Keeping your cool</strong>. You want buyers to be comfortable as they walk through your house for sale, and at the same time want to reassure potential buyers that heating and cooling systems are not going to be problematic. Have your heating and air conditioning systems serviced so that they are in efficient working order. If you have a working fireplace or stove, have the chimney swept, and light the fire in case we run into an unexpected chilly rainy day during a springtime open house.<span>&nbsp; </span>If the weather cooperates and the sun is shining, open windows and doors to create a nice fresh breeze. But if it&rsquo;s too hot this summer, be willing to crank up the AC!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">Whenever you list a house for sale, it's important that you put yourself in the buyers&rsquo; shoes. Ask what are the key factors you would look for, and be sure your home reflects the answers. For any and all other questions you might have about selling your Lewiston-Auburn home, I&rsquo;m here to help!<span>&nbsp; </span>Don&rsquo;t be afraid to call me for a low-key consultation.</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:37:00 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3215471/adding-home-value-in-a-way-that-makes-sense-an-inexpensive-primer-for-lewiston-auburn-home-sellers http://activerain.com/blogsview/3198862/have-lewiston-auburn-area-homeowners-closed-the-book-on-tax-matters-for-the-year-maybe-not- <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;"><img title="Real Estate Tax Deductions" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/2/7/1/ar133544154517283.jpg" height="150" alt="Real Estate Tax Savings" width="200" style="float: left; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">This is usually the time of year when Lewiston-Auburn area homeowners have gotten through tax season, heaved a sign of relief, and gone back to working on more important matters &ndash; like earning more money to make reducing taxes a goal worth pursuing.<span style="">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This year may be different in this last week of April. Why? Because this is an election year.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Tax matters are already being widely debated, and changes that could affect everyone are more possible than usual. I&rsquo;m bringing these topics up for discussion with the caveat that your personal financial and tax planning (including Lewiston-Auburn home buying decisions) should always be made after consultation with your trusted professionals. Currently, federal and State of Maine tax rules carry significant benefits that can greatly reduce a homeowner&rsquo;s tax liability. They are unlikely to be eliminated, but you may want to keep your ear tuned whenever you hear these topics under discussion, because seemingly minor changes can have major impacts.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">Mortgage Interest and Points</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">While renters found that they were able to use the standard deduction tables to simplify the filing of their federal return; homeowners, were usually better off using itemized deductions because of the welcome mortgage interest deduction as well as property taxes and other expenses they may have otherwise not been able to deduct. Points and closing costs paid to obtain a mortgage can also generally be deducted in the year they are paid.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">IRA Penalties</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">Everyone with a standard Individual Retirement Account has heard about the penalties for withdrawing funds before retirement age. But currently there is an exception in some home buying situations. Generally, some IRA funds can be applied to home buying (or building) a first home without those tax penalties. The catch is that you can only withdraw up to $10,000 over your entire lifetime (not annually). Those with Roth IRAs may find additional tax advantages, too.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">Real Estate Taxes</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">Qualifying local property taxes can amount to sizeable deductions. If, in the home buying process, you reimbursed a seller for prepaid property taxes, that amount can qualify, too.&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">As in all financial planning, you should consult your accountant or other tax professional before making any important decisions.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>And whenever buying or selling a Lewiston-Auburn area property makes&nbsp;sense&nbsp;for your&nbsp;family, I&rsquo;m standing by to answer all of your real estate questions.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img title="custom built homes in Maine" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/2/7/3/ar133544162937277.jpg" height="226" alt="new construction, real estate Maine, new homes in Maine" width="150" style="float: right; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Interest rates are super low, prices seem to have bottomed, the is an opportune time to buy your first home or move up. The Tanya Busch Team can assist you with purchasing, selling, as well as new construction. We work with one of the largest, quality builders in the State. Whether you are looking for affordable, elaborate or green-friendly construction, we can assist you. Give us a call for a low-key consultation! (207) 689-9880 or homes@TanyaB.com</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:03:53 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3198862/have-lewiston-auburn-area-homeowners-closed-the-book-on-tax-matters-for-the-year-maybe-not- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3188116/affordable-custom-built-homes-in-old-orchard-beach-maine-under-construction- <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;">There&rsquo;s subdivision under construction right now in Old Orchard Beach. Located on Poplar Street, 12 affordable homes will be built starting at $215,000. &nbsp;</span></p> <p><img title="Old Orchard Beach Homes For Sale" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/5/7/5/ar133518117357585.jpg" height="154" alt="Old Orchard Beach Real Estate, Old Orchard Beach Homes For Sale" width="225" style="float: right; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There are two spec homes under construction right now as the road is being extended in this quiet neighborhood close to shopping, golf, and the beach!<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Other custom built home packages are available as well but there&rsquo;s still time to personalize to your taste and budget on either of these homes and be in by summer!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Want simple single level living? Check out this attractive two bedroom, 2 bath home with cathedral ceilings and private back yard being constructed on Lot B.<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><img title="Old Orchard Beach home for sale" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/6/0/9/ar133518128890626.jpg" height="113" alt="Old Orchard Beach Real Estate, Old Orchard Beach Homes for sale, new homes in old orchard beach" width="175" style="float: left; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Prefer two stories? We are also building a three bedroom, 2 bath cape with a deck overlooking the back yard on Lot K. While these homes are year-round, any may be set up for seasonal use if you are looking for a vacation home close to Old Orchard Beach.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><img title="Old Orchard Beach Homes for sale" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/9/4/2/ar13351815324953.jpg" height="107" alt="Old Orchard Beach Homes for sale, Old Orchard Beach real estate" width="200" style="float: right; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""></span>The Pier at Old Orchard Beach opened in 1898 &ndash; yes that is the correct century &ndash; offering a variety of entertainment to the public including dances, concerts, lectures and even gambling at the end of the pier! The Berlin Iron Bridge company built the original 1800 plus foot structure including a ballroom and three pavilions, which has been damaged by storms and fires over the years. While shorter than the original, &ldquo;The Pier&rdquo;, is still attracting locals and visitors alike! Just one of the many things, Old Orchard Beach Maine has to offer!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Unfamiliar with the of Old Orchard Beach? Come for a visit on a warm, sunny day and you&rsquo;ll be hooked! If the beautiful sandy beaches aren&rsquo;t enough for you, how about the food, shopping or clubs?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #5e5e5e;">&nbsp;</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:49:32 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3188116/affordable-custom-built-homes-in-old-orchard-beach-maine-under-construction- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3172109/the-tax-benefits-of-owning-vs-renting-really-ring-home-this-time-of-year- <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">Tenant or Homeowner? With rental rates on the rise, many Central Maine renters from Lewiston-Auburn to Augusta are taking a fresh look at their residence situation and our Buyer Agents agents are busy taking their calls and showing property. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Owning your own home and paying down your own mortgage has always seemed more appealing than paying a landlord&rsquo;s mortgage every month.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>This time of year, as people prepare for the tax man, it really hits home as people review their whole year&rsquo;s finances out there on one piece of paper, seeing how thousands of dollars have slipped away for another year can be a little frustrating.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Not surprisingly, then, this is a time of year when, our buyer&rsquo;s agents are busy as bees. We&rsquo;ve been flooded with calls and inquiries from new buyers entering the market in the last 30 days.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img title="Central Maine Real Estate, Maine Real Estate Investment" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/1/3/9/8/ar133471145689311.jpg" height="161" alt="Home Investment, Real Estate Investment Central Maine, Central Maine Homes" width="240" style="float: left; border-width: 2px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">Seen from the long term perspective, dollars put toward a home you are buying go toward building a future -- something rent dollars cannot do. But there are more intangible benefits to owning versus renting: control over the title being potentially the most valuable.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Any tenant who has been forced to move because the homeowner needed to sell, or was foreclosed upon, or decided to move back in himself, is someone who has learned the value of controlling when their next family move should happen.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">For tenants newly considering becoming a first-time homeowner, consulting a reputable Central Maine real estate professional is the place to start. An experienced buyer&rsquo;s agent can help you determine a practical budget, and then guide the pre-qualifying process to make it happen.<span style="">&nbsp; </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">The next step will be to identify properties that fall within your budget.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Are there towns or neighborhoods you have always wanted to live in, but thought you couldn&rsquo;t afford?<span style="">&nbsp; </span>In today&rsquo;s market, just about every area has short sale bargains for those who are patient.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>A good real estate agent can help you identify potential homes at bargain prices.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Some might need a little work, but the long-range payoff can be huge.<span style="">&nbsp; </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">The bottom line? Everyone has to pay to live somewhere, and in today&rsquo;s market, owning a home in Central Maine is more attainable than ever.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>With mortgage rates still at near-historic lows, if you are considering your options, give us a call at (207) 689-9880!<span style="">&nbsp; </span>We have a Buyer Specialist that does not take listings and only represent buyers. We are always available for questions -- and would be happy to schedule a consultation anytime you decide it is worth exploring.</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:14:34 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3172109/the-tax-benefits-of-owning-vs-renting-really-ring-home-this-time-of-year- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3171974/selling-a-lewiston-auburn-home-use-our-property-owner-s-home-sale-checklist- <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">All of life&rsquo;s major projects take preparation, and selling a home in the Lewiston-Auburn area requires just that.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Contacting The Tanya Busch Team is a pretty good place to begin, because selling a home efficiently and within a reasonable amount of time most often takes extensive knowledge of the Central and Southern Maine market. A checklist is a good way to introduce the steps you can take to prepare for selling a home. Here&rsquo;s a quick overview of five of the items The Tanya Busch Team includes in that checklist:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;"><img title="home inspection, Lewiston-Auburn homes for sale" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/6/5/8/0/ar133470845008569.jpg" height="243" alt="home inspection, Lewiston-Auburn homes for sale, central maine real estate" width="225" style="float: right; border-width: 2px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">1. The obvious first step is identifying any major problems and determining what should be done about them. Decide whether you are going to fix items like roof leaks, rewiring, insect infestations or the presence of asbestos -- or whether you are going to reduce your asking price to reflect any unremediated issues.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>I can provide input to help you establish where possible value may be added or lost, and what is worth your time and investment to fix.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">2. Whenever you return home, take a moment to pause and visualize what someone driving by for the first time will see. Make a solid first impression by tidying the front yard and keeping the lawn neatly cut and edged. Strategically place colorful flowers in planters where that is appropriate. Repair fences and gates, and be certain that they look freshly painted. And if Fido has the run of the place, be sure that his (ahem!) evidence is nowhere to be seen.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">3. Stage your home to maximize its appeal &ndash; and keep in mind that staging needs to be fresh for every prospect. Remove any unnecessary furniture. That may well mean renting a storage unit to place it and all other clutter into (it&rsquo;s bound to be a better solution than trying to jam everything into closets or the garage!). Paint walls in light, neutral colors. Remove heavy window treatments to let in as much light as you can (the &lsquo;<em>cheeriness</em> factor&rsquo;). Keep the kitchen and bathroom as spotless as possible. Make sure that your home smells fresh by opening windows and using flowers, candles or air fresheners; but be careful not to overdo it.<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>We can be especially helpful at this stage, and if it&rsquo;s indicated, we can discuss whether it makes sense to hire a professional stager.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">4. Consider investing in having the property appraised <strong style="">before</strong> interviewing realtors. That way, you get a completely objective opinion of value upon which you can develop your critical pricing strategy and focus on selecting a realtor based upon their marketing plan and negotiating skills.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">5. This is my favorite to-do item: Be prepared to go!<span style="">&nbsp; </span>If a move is going to be in your future, you should begin the hunt for a new home, and be prepared to move quickly once you have an executed offer!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">These are just a few of the steps I help my clients take before listing to get top dollar for their properties.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>If you are considering selling a home in Lewiston-Auburn, Augusta, or the Old Orchard Beach area, call us today to see how we can put my marketing experience to work for you. We have a team of very conscientious professionals serving all these areas!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:25:19 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3171974/selling-a-lewiston-auburn-home-use-our-property-owner-s-home-sale-checklist- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3072783/excellent-new-restaurant-opens-in-lewiston-maine- <p><img title="Sea 40 Japanese restaurant in Lewiston Maine, Lewiston Maine Real Estate, Living in Lewiston Maine, Tanya Busch, The Maine Real Estate Network" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/9/8/1/ar133234378318983.jpg" height="250" alt="Sea 40 Japanese restaurant in Lewiston Maine, Lewiston Maine Real Estate, Living in Lewiston Maine" width="188" style="float: left; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Sea 40&nbsp;</span></em></strong><strong></strong><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">located at 40 East Avenue in Lewiston Maine (next to where the old Ames department store used to be) offers much more than great, fresh Japanese food: it&rsquo;s a show!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">My colleagues and I, at The Maine Real Estate Network, had lunch here this week and was so much fun! These multi-talented chefs&rsquo; are master entertainers as well! I&rsquo;m not sure how the chefs concentrate on the technical aspects of cooking while they engage the crowd sitting around the Hibachi, throwing knives in the air, spinning eggs on a spatula, launching food and saki in the mouths of patrons<strong> &hellip;&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><strong><img title="Sea 40 Japanese restaurant Lewiston Maine, Lewiston revitalization, living in Lewiston Maine, Tanya Busch, The Maine Real Estate Network, Lewiston Maine Real Estate" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/1/9/5/ar13323411759174.jpg" height="159" alt="Sea 40 Japanese restaurant Lewiston Maine, Lewiston revitalization, living in Lewiston Maine" width="175" style="float: right; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">This is clearly a higher end restaurant and a welcome addition to the twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn. People are raving about this new eatery everywhere you go! It certainly has a &ldquo;Wow&rdquo; factor we haven&rsquo;t seen in a while. A friend of my said &ldquo;You have to check out the bathroom!&rdquo;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">The d&eacute;cor at Sea 40 is as tasteful as the food. The environment has a very high energy and classy vibe! They are open 7 days a week serving lunch and dinner with meals priced from $13-$30. I believe they have &ldquo;specials&rdquo; and offer take out as well.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>If you don&rsquo;t have time for a meal at the Hibachi in the back room, the front dining hall offers a variety of quicker entrees, sushi, and sashimi.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">The residents of Lewiston-Auburn and even the Augusta region are giving this smart new restaurant rave reviews! I couldn&rsquo;t agree more. The food was very good, service was friendly, and the show was entertaining. So if you need to go out to eat and the company is shall we say, a bit dull, bring them to Sea 40: you won&rsquo;t be bored! I would highly recommend Sea 40! It&rsquo;s a great addition to our little Maine community &hellip; just one of the many things that makes Lewiston-Auburn a great place to live and work!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><strong><br></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><strong><br></strong></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:34:51 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3072783/excellent-new-restaurant-opens-in-lewiston-maine- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3051461/new-listing-in-portland-maine-for-sale <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><img title="home for sale in Portland Maine, 27 Georgia Street Portland Maine 04103, Real estate for sale in Portland Maine" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/4/6/1/ar133218403016417.jpg" height="200" alt="home for sale in Portland Maine, 27 Georgia Street Portland Maine 04103, Real estate for sale in Portland Maine" width="300" style="float: left; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #2c2c2c;">This 4 bedroom, 2 bath cape with attached garage has abundant natural light and flow throughout the home. The first floor is easy to entertain in and the kitchen is well laid out and opens up to the dining room. While the master suite is large and comfortable, the 4th bedroom or den opens up to deck with a fenced in backyard appropriate for a small dog and is close to the Portland Trail System. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #2c2c2c;"><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #2c2c2c;">Excellent location at the end of a cul-de-sac in small, quiet neighborhood close to shopping.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><img title="Land Trust in Portland Maine, Real Estate in Portland Maine, The Maine Real Estate Network, Tanya Busch" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/5/0/8/8/ar133191691188055.png" height="225" alt="Portland Maine Trails, Portland Maine Real Estate" width="300" style="float: right; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></span></p> <p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:11:23 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3051461/new-listing-in-portland-maine-for-sale http://activerain.com/blogsview/3021866/looking-ahead-to-the-central-maine-spring-real-estate-selling-season- <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img title="Sold sign, real estate sold sign, Central Maine real estate sold" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/4/5/1/ar133120632415485.jpg" height="203" alt="Sold sign, real estate sold sign, Central Maine real estate sold" width="200" style="float: right; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It seems like it&rsquo;s been a very long time since a national spokesperson like the National Association of Realtors&rsquo; Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, has combined the words &lsquo;optimistic&rsquo; with &lsquo;upcoming real estate market&rsquo;. But that&rsquo;s pretty much what he did last week!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This spring home buyers and sellers from Lewiston Auburn to Augusta Maine have reason to be encouraged. Personally, I&rsquo;ve seen the busiest and most productive February (typically one of the slowest months of the year with our Maine winters) &hellip; in my real estate career dating back to 1999. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>Our local residential real estate outlook is being buoyed by an upward trend in the national &ldquo;pending home sales&rdquo; numbers. Yun points to January's pending home sales as reaching the highest level since April 2010. The number rose from 95.1% in December 2011 to 97% this January &ndash; a 2% increase in one month.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Compared year-over-year, the January home sales level rose 8%, from 89.9%. This number may be significant. Pending sales are defined as homes that are under contract but have not yet closed. They are a leading indicator of the real estate market since they represent future sold homes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">January's figures are significant on two fronts. First, year-over-year comparisons are true apples-to-apples comparisons -- and 8% represents the kind of substantial gain that can make headlines. Moreover, the comparison to April 2010 is also encouraging. The new figures are the highest since April 2010 &ndash; a figure that was artificially inflated by the rush of buyers seeking to qualify for the then-impending expiration of the homebuyer tax credit &hellip;. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>Yun is optimistic that these newest figures will translate into what he terms a "meaningful gain" this year as the market continues to stabilize.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&ldquo;Meaningful&rdquo; indeed! If the mortgage markets normalize lending criteria, Yun predicts homes sales may increase as much as 15% nationwide.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>If that happens, we are well on our way to cleaning up &ldquo;excess inventory&rdquo; on the market and returning to, at the very least, a market of balanced demand and stable pricing if not a turn-a-round where homeowners will once again see a rise in their equity position!<span style="color: red;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img title="upward real estate market trend, improving real estate market, increasing prices" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/3/4/2/ar1331206524362.jpg" height="200" alt="upward real estate market trend, improving real estate market, increasing prices" width="200" style="float: left; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Given the sales activity in the last 60 days I&rsquo;m very encouraged for the 2012 spring real estate market in Central Maine! The Tanya Busch Team tracks sales data by location and price range. If you are interested in learning more about the direction of your specific market give us a call at The Maine Real Estate Network at (207) 689-9880 or homes@TanyaB.com.</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Thu, 08 Mar 2012 03:43:55 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3021866/looking-ahead-to-the-central-maine-spring-real-estate-selling-season- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3009159/loan-options-for-the-central-maine-real-estate-market- <p class="MsoBodyText2"><span class="tx1"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><img title="Real Estate Mortage, Financing Homes in Central Maine, Real Estate in Lewiston Auburn Maine, The Maine Real Estate Network, Homes for sale" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/3/9/4/5/ar133096267554931.jpg" height="199" alt="Real Estate Mortage, Financing Homes in Central Maine, Real Estate in Lewiston Auburn Maine" width="300" style="float: left; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2"><span class="tx1"><span style="font-weight: normal;">By the end of February, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Wall Street Journal</span> felt confident enough to print a headline touting, &ldquo;At Last! Banks Rev Up Lending&rdquo;. <span>&nbsp;</span>FHA loans are among the most popular loan programs funding real estate purchases in Maine right now. But there is much confusion over the term &ldquo;FHA Loan&rdquo;. To be perfectly clear, let&rsquo;s get some terms straight. &ldquo;FHA&rdquo; stands for the Federal Housing Administration. And &ldquo;FHA Loans&rdquo; aren&rsquo;t &hellip; aren&rsquo;t loans that is. But that doesn&rsquo;t mean that FHA loans aren&rsquo;t going to continue to be significant to the Central Maine real estate market from Lewiston-Auburn to Augusta through 2012.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2">The term &ldquo;FHA loans&rdquo; actually refers to real estate loans made by companies other than the FHA. If that isn&rsquo;t contradictory enough, the banks and other loaning entities are called &lsquo;FHA Lenders&rsquo; (the ones who aren&rsquo;t, actually). The reason behind the naming contradiction is that these mortgage loans are only guaranteed by the FHA &ndash; that is, insured by it, not funded by it.<span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2">The FHA offers to act as an insurer in order to lower the risk to the actual mortgage lender. Since the availability of FHA insurance makes it less hazardous for those lenders to grant people mortgages, the ultimate effect (and intention of FHA loans in the first place) is to make it easier for potential homeowners to obtain a mortgage, thereby freeing up the kind of large capital that mortgage loans usually involve. FHA loans help &lsquo;unlock&rsquo; the real estate market, allowing people to move in and out of residences more freely.</p> <p class="MsoBodyText2">FHA loans can be a good deal for some people, but as with most financial alternatives, there are both pros and cons to the program.<span>&nbsp; </span>A key advantage of FHA loans is that potential buyers with marginal credit scores can more readily quality to get them. FHA loans also carry relatively low interest rates, and because they are based on the good credit and massive financial power of the federal government (AKA taxpayers), down payments and closing coats for FHA loans can be kept low.</p> <p class="MsoBodyText2">While FHA loans are popular amongst current Lewiston-Auburn and Augusta Maine Buyers, there are some more competitive Conventional Insurance loan programs out there for buyers who can come up with a 5% down payment! For home buyers in Central Maine with good credit scores, other private mortgage insurance options are available. In many cases their premiums may be lower than comparable FHA premiums. As is well known, the FHA also places a limit on the size of a mortgage it will guarantee. If your transaction involves a larger &ldquo;jumbo&rdquo; mortgage, FHA loans won't be available. This isn&rsquo;t much of an issue here in Central Maine but in other parts of the country where real estate prices are more expensive, it can be.</p> <p class="MsoBodyText2"><img title="Real Estate Mortage, Financing Homes in Central Maine, Real Estate in Lewiston Auburn Maine, the Maine Real Estate Netwrok, homes for sale" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/0/4/1/2/ar133096282121402.jpg" height="228" alt="Real Estate Mortage, Financing Homes in Central Maine, Real Estate in Lewiston Auburn Maine" width="239" style="float: right; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2">When you are thinking about buying a home, the first step is getting pre-qualified with a reputable lender or mortgage broker to assess your financing options and the pros and cons of the programs available to you in the Central Maine real estate market. The Tanya Busch Team is here to help you with these and all of the other current intelligence we take into account when helping you find a property and structure the most favorable terms for your Lewiston-Auburn or Augusta area real estate purchase. We have an in-house lender available to answer all your mortgage-related questions to assist you with the first step. Contact us today and we&rsquo;d be happy to set you up!</p> <p class="MsoBodyText2">You can reach us at (207) 689-9880 or www.TanyaB.com</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:56:09 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3009159/loan-options-for-the-central-maine-real-estate-market- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2949242/the-next-home-trend-in-central-maine-lewiston-auburn-maine-condos-for-sale- <p><span><img title="Condos in Auburn Maine" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/5/0/5/5/ar133036568055052.jpg" height="200" alt="Kitchen Designs, Condos, Central Maine Real Estate, Condos in Auburn Maine" width="300" style="float: left; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p>For the moment, busy Lewiston-Auburn family leaders (we used to call them &lsquo;parents&rsquo;) don&rsquo;t even have time to <em>think</em> about a move.</p> <p><span>They are too busy being chauffeurs, homework enforcers, line cooks, weekend trip organizers, gardeners, housekeepers, and &ndash; oh, that&rsquo;s right &ndash; breadwinners. </span></p> <p><span>But &lsquo;way out there in the future there really does come a time when the children will have left home. It may take a few months after their departure for the dust to settle, but when empty nesters finally look up, many find that the very same somewhat-cramped household that seemed barely able to accommodate the family now looks&hellip;sort of large &hellip;. large and a bit empty. An empty, echoing, dust-gathering, property tax-attracting void. Except for holiday gatherings, it&rsquo;s beginning to look like an expensive, maintenance dollar-sucking- well, you get the picture!</span></p> <p>The goal may not be just downsizing. Many homeowners are reprioritizing what it important to them and considering a lifestyle change.&nbsp;It can happen at any time, but usually it will follow an event (like a tax bill, or Nor&rsquo;easter or a large unexpected repair bill) when the homeowner begins think how nice it would be to &ldquo;simplify&rdquo; and how attractive condo living might be. I mean, condos come in all sizes, amenities, and price ranges today.</p> <p><span>Not only is a condo more practical when it comes to upkeep and maintenance, but as the long-predicted demographic tsunami of Baby Boomers breaks hard onto the shores of retirement, viewing<strong> condos for sale </strong>is actually beginning to become quite fashionable. Imagine: leaving behind the hassle of large home repairs and large utility bills in favor of community-manicured walkways, community facilities like a gym, pool, or rec hall and perhaps even (pat self on back) a smaller eco-footprint. </span></p> <p><span>Condos for sale in today&rsquo;s market range in size from 900 square feet to 3000 square feet of living space, some with attached garages, private decks or patios. From simple and affordable $80,000 units to large $275,000 condos with granite, custom kitchens, hardwood, tile, fireplaces, attached garages with unlimited association amenities!<span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p> <p><span>In the Lewiston-Auburn Maine real estate market we are seeing busy, younger professionals choose condo living because it fits their lifestyle. This appears to be the faster growing segment of the condo market in Central Maine. </span></p> <p><span><img title="Stress free living in Central Maine" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/4/8/1/6/ar133036598161841.jpg" height="200" alt="Stress free living, Condos in Central Maine, Central Maine Real Estate" width="200" style="float: right; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p><span>We can show you listings that fit your style and budget &ndash; ones that might just turn into the next important step in your life! Give The Tanya Busch Team a call today at (207) 689-9880 or drop in to see us at The Maine Real Estate Network, located at 34 Center Street in Auburn, Maine.</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:09:51 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2949242/the-next-home-trend-in-central-maine-lewiston-auburn-maine-condos-for-sale- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2872428/where-are-home-prices-heading-in-2012- <p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;<img title="Maine real estate Prices" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/1/1/1/7/ar132976373371113.jpg" height="206" alt="Maine real estate Prices" width="275" style="float: left; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The question at the top of Lewiston-Auburn and Augusta Maine area homebuyers and sellers is familiar: <em>where are home prices heading</em>? Realistically, the truth this February is the same as always: it is no less risky to predict the property values in the local real estate market than it is to predict the stock market.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Nonetheless, keeping up with national trends and the media chatter means staying abreast of the factors that ultimately affect Lewiston-Auburn and Augusta Maine area home prices. And a few smiles are appearing on the faces of those who have waited a very long time to read any<em> </em>good news.<span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The backdrop was not pretty. No one could miss the majority of last month&rsquo;s End Of Year headlines. Last year finished with reports of drops in home prices over the prior year despite a steady rise in consumer confidence. Some counties in Maine faired better or worse than others demonstrating once again, real estate is local. And we need to look at town and price range specific data for the Lewiston-Auburn and Augusta Maine areas to give buyers and sellers accurate professional opinions on the local Maine real estate market and property values.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Spots of optimism are appearing in the national press which is refreshing. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Wall Street Journal</span> recently quoted Capital Economics&rsquo; economist Paul Dale&rsquo;s comments on the 5% month-over-month gain in December. To Dale, &ldquo;it is clear that a housing recovery is now well underway.&rdquo; Then, by the start of February, Nielsen reported that consumer confidence had jumped six points to 83.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img title="Maine real estate market improving" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/2/1/9/3/ar132976384739122.jpg" height="394" alt="Maine real estate prices improving" width="300" style="float: right; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">Another measure that seems to argue for a strengthening future is the inventory of previously owned homes. At the end of the year, 2.38 million homes were listed. That is the equivalent of a 6.2 months&rsquo; supply -- within hailing distance of the 6 months that is considered a healthy level. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">Adding to that view is The National Association of Home Builders/First American Market Index which shows that the number of improving local markets doubled from December 2011 to January 2012. Even keeping in mind where these markets had started from, the direction is the right one. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The National Association of Realtors is not alone in pointing out the special opportunities that now exist for both buyers and sellers. First-time buyers know that today they stand to benefit by purchasing at record lows. Move-up buyers are more able to take a price hit on the homes they are selling because of the low prices and substantial interest rate savings at the other end of the transaction.<span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Of course, home prices are only one factor in a sale, as are the compensating intangibles like comfort and lifestyle.<span>&nbsp; </span>If you are thinking of buying or selling a Lewiston-Auburn and Augusta Maine area property, call me today for a complimentary consultation at (207) 689-9880! Or search thousands of listings instantly at www.TanyaB.com.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;"><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:52:05 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2872428/where-are-home-prices-heading-in-2012- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2845848/have-your-cake-eat-it-too-before-someone-else-does-close-to-taylor-pond- <p><strong><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Home in good shape...YES | Acreage...YES | Privacy...YES | NOT a short sale...YES!</span></strong></p> <div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> <h1>Yes you CAN have your cake and eat it too with this incredible deal of a home for sale in Auburn Maine!</h1> <div>This just hit the market and is a one-owner home offered by an estate and available for immediate occupancy.</div> <div>Built in 1991, this traditional Maine Cape style home is nestled in total privacy on a 7 acre lot on the outskirts</div> <div>of Auburn Maine. &nbsp;Convenient to shopping, schools, and all city of Auburn amenities.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div> <strong>Listed for $150,000,</strong> this is the best 3 bedroom, 2 bath deal available in town.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Watch the short video below and call me (207-689-9880) for your private showing, <strong>but don't wait too long!</strong>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_listings/7D85A675-F3EA-6935-1386BF4AD2544B97.shtml" title="Auburn Maine Home for sale" target="_blank"><strong>Get Instant Details here for this Auburn Maine Home For Sale.</strong></a></div> </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <center><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TRtqqz9IDuk?rel=0" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></center> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:48:41 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2845848/have-your-cake-eat-it-too-before-someone-else-does-close-to-taylor-pond- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2845830/have-your-cake-eat-it-too-with-this-home-for-sale-in-auburn-maine <p><strong><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Home in good shape...YES | Acreage...YES | Privacy...YES | NOT a short sale...YES!</span></strong></p> <div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> <h1>Yes you CAN have your cake and eat it too with this incredible deal of a home for sale in Auburn Maine!</h1> <div>This just hit the market and is a one-owner home offered by an estate and available for immediate occupancy.</div> <div>Built in 1991, this traditional Maine Cape style home is nestled in total privacy on a 7 acre lot on the outskirts</div> <div>of Auburn Maine. &nbsp;Convenient to shopping, schools, and all city of Auburn amenities.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div> <strong>Listed for $150,000,</strong> this is the best 3 bedroom, 2 bath deal available in town.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Watch the short video below and call me (207-689-9880) for your private showing, <strong>but don't wait too long!</strong>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_listings/7D85A675-F3EA-6935-1386BF4AD2544B97.shtml" title="Auburn Maine Home for sale" target="_blank"><strong>Get Instant Details here for this Auburn Maine Home For Sale.</strong></a></div> </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <center><iframe allowfullscreen="true" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TRtqqz9IDuk?rel=0" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></center> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:41:50 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2845830/have-your-cake-eat-it-too-with-this-home-for-sale-in-auburn-maine http://activerain.com/blogsview/2783943/should-it-be-a-new-or-pre-owned-home- <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The typical 2012 real estate buyer in Kennebec County Maine assumes that buying a pre-owned residence saves money. Period. In most situations, this is true. Because the current high levels of available properties for sale exceed buyer demand, an Augusta, Maine area buyer can get more bang for their purchase dollar (usually) buying an existing home and doing some minor renovations.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;<img title="maine homes for sale, august maine homes for sale, new construction, The Maine Real Estate Network" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/9/9/4/5/ar132901258754998.jpg" height="219" alt="maine homes for sale, august maine homes for sale, new construction, The Maine Real Estate Network" width="220" style="float: left; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;">But what about the long term cost of home ownership? What about the buyer who can qualify for a slightly higher mortgage with the ridiculously low interest rates? Wouldn&rsquo;t it be prudent for them to also consider building a new custom home rather than to buy a deal, and fix it up later once they&rsquo;ve saved the cash to do renovations?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Building new construction in Kennebec County affords the new homeowner with peace of mind that everything is new: right down to the appliances! Hopefully there will be no replacements or repairs for years and the homeowner can sock away savings, including significant energy costs. The advances made in both energy efficiency and environmental sustainability are practical considerations homeowners will appreciate during the cold Maine winter heating season.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Having personal experience in both new homes and doing a major renovation of an antique home, I can assure you that it&rsquo;s a pleasure to live in a brand new home. And having the ability to design your Augusta area home to suit your lifestyle, you will not waste costly square footage in rooms that won&rsquo;t be utilized.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The fact is, there are both benefits and drawbacks that deserve looking at no matter which choice you wind up making. Of course it&rsquo;s your budget, preferences, and level of patience that will largely determine which type of Kennebec County home will make the best fit for your family situation. The wisdom of planning carefully before investing your hard-earned money in any property goes without saying.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Since you are looking forward to many years of occupancy in either a resale home or new construction, I hope you will contact me for a consultation. I know Kennebec and Androscoggin counties very well and can help you sort out the choices that are available right now. My Associates and I also work with reputable builders that will stand behind their project legally and financially. You can reach us at (207) 689-9880 or www.TanyaB.com</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:15:31 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2783943/should-it-be-a-new-or-pre-owned-home- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2833257/the-way-home-following-foreclosure-in-maine <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;"><img title="after foreclosure, Maine foreclosure impact, Maine real estate market" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/0/8/4/7/ar132901067474809.jpg" height="167" alt="after foreclosure, Maine foreclosure impact, Maine real estate market" width="250" style="float: left; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">Losing a home to foreclosure is a truly disheartening experience for too many homeowners these days in Lewiston-Auburn or Augusta Maine.<span>&nbsp; </span>It&rsquo;s an unfortunate outcome for many otherwise model citizens: typical hard-working adults who fall victim to circumstances which are sometimes simply beyond their ability to control. It can happen for any number of unforeseen reasons: illness, divorce, or simply the repercussions of the larger economic forces in Central Maine that cause a job loss or closure of a business enterprise.</span></p> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Whatever the cause, when a foreclosure happens the immediate problem is &ldquo;&lsquo;Where do I live now?&rdquo; quickly followed by &ldquo;How long will it be before I can buy a home?&rdquo;</span></p> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Our Central Maine and Southern Maine real estate offices at The Maine Real Estate Network are no strangers to this question; but the good news is that a foreclosure is an obstacle that can be overcome. The realistic news is that it will usually take time &ndash; and although &lsquo;eventually&rsquo; is not a word that typically fosters optimism, it is one that describes &ldquo;the way home&rdquo;.<span>&nbsp; </span>At The Tanya Busch Team, our goal is to build long-term relationships so we are always happy to provide assistance even if the outcome isn&rsquo;t an immediate sale with us. So please don&rsquo;t hesitate to contact us with your Maine real estate related questions!</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">To buy a home after a recent foreclosure you have three possible routes. The first is the shortest: it is appropriate only to those whose financial future is already strong, and who are willing to pay a high price. The risk that loan officers must attach to anyone with a foreclosure in their recent past is substantial, and to compensate for it, expect any proposed offer to combine a smaller mortgage (made possible by a more substantial down payment: possibly 20% or more) with</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> a high interest rate.</span></p> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">For the vast majority of people, the second way to buy a home in Central Maine is the most common. It&rsquo;s the one that involves substantial repair to your financial profile. The guidelines that mortgage officer&rsquo;s follow are understandable: they read your financial history in order to predict the future: will you repay a new 30-year mortgage? Will your payments be late? To make sure the right answers are apparent, do the obvious: reestablish the kind of credit story that makes the foreclosure look like a one-of-a-kind bump on an otherwise smooth road.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Realistically, you will need to spend at least a couple of years saving money and paying bills. Two years at the same job in Maine with stable income is usually the minimum requirement for any lender. It is also of key importance that you make absolutely sure you do not miss payments of any kind.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Your FICO score will have suffered enough after a foreclosure (often 100 &ndash; 150 points). To demonstrate that you are fully capable of handling the substantial debt of a Maine home loan, you need to spend a convincing amount of time making consistent on-time payments for all your bills. In the meantime, you should expect to rent a home. The regular payment of that rent will be a key part of the story you will be demonstrating. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It is in this area that there exists a third possible pathway: the lease option. It is an additional wrinkle that can shave time from the gap between a foreclosure and buying a home. While not easy to find, if you come across this opportunity, it&rsquo;s a good option to consider. A lease-option can be a handy way to get one foot back into the Central Maine home ownership arena while taking the time you need to rebuild your financial history.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>With a lease-option, you sign a contract with a seller to buy a home at an agreed-upon price within a specified period. This can allow time to reestablish your financial footing as you get back to work, save some money, and pay bills. Since this is a binding legal contract, it is wise to seek the help of a real estate agent experienced in complex or creative solutions or a real estate attorney. Contact me if you would like to discuss this or have other questions about how to buy a Lewiston-Auburn or Augusta Maine home in the future.</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:42:47 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2833257/the-way-home-following-foreclosure-in-maine http://activerain.com/blogsview/2812046/want-to-know-how-to-find-best-properties-for-sale-in-central-maine- <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Web Searches for Central Maine Real Estate, Homes for sale in Augusta Maine or Lewiston-Auburn, property searches, The Maine Real Estate Network" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/9/7/2/2/ar132863420722791.jpg" height="237" alt="Web Searches for Central Maine Real Estate, Homes for sale in Augusta Maine or Lewiston-Auburn, property searches, The Maine Real Estate Network" width="360" style="vertical-align: middle; margin: 5px;"></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">This February there are a lot of Lewiston-Auburn and Augusta Maine <span>properties for sale</span>, but if this is the month you&rsquo;re seriously entering the hunt, all that matters is how to find the best one! If you are a first time buyer, where to begin may seem a bit daunting, but you can relax. In reality, there are no &ldquo;wrong&rdquo; ways to search for a new home &ndash; but there are a few great places you can start.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color: black;">Internet</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Statistics shows that at least 94% of buyers make use of the Internet when they search for properties for sale.<span>&nbsp; </span>This is the most convenient source of information for most Lewiston-Auburn and Augusta Maine buyers. A great website provides them with the most up-to-date listing information, price alerts, and market statistics. Real estate agencies and most individual agents have their own websites with ample photos, listing particulars, area information, etc.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color: black;">The Lewiston Sun Journal, The Kennebec Journal (KJ) or The Real Esate Book</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">This may seem a bit out of date but good &lsquo;ole fashioned print ads can be a source for rentals. A better source for homes for sale in Central Maine, particularly Lewiston, Auburn, and Augusta, is <em>The Real Estate Book</em>. You will find many of properties for sale in the book, which you may pick up at your local stores including Hannaford. Most of these ads have beautiful color photos meant to draw you in &ndash; so let them!<span>&nbsp; </span>(Then re-check the listing online.)<span>&nbsp; </span>If nothing else, viewing the ads can help you get a snapshot view of the current Lewiston-Auburn and Augusta Maine market. Be mindful this isn&rsquo;t a complete database by any means, but it gives you something to do when you&rsquo;re sitting in a waiting room!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Real Estate Agents/Offices</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><img title="finding homes for sale in Lewiston-Auburn or Augusta Maine, real estate websites in central maine, homes for sale in augusta maine, The Maine Real Estate Network" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/0/2/0/4/ar13286355540201.jpg" height="180" alt="finding homes for sale in Lewiston-Auburn or Augusta Maine, real estate websites in central maine, homes for sale in augusta maine, The Maine Real Estate Network" width="240" style="float: right; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">I may be a bit biased here, but this last tip is the most sure-fire of all: finding the right agent.<span>&nbsp; </span>Establishing a relationship with a well-networked real estate agent will make your search for Lewiston-Auburn and Augusta Maine homes for sale easier, smoother, and vastly more productive. A well-informed agent is your singular best asset during the home hunt.<span>&nbsp; </span>He or she can explain and answer all your questions about the properties for sale you see online or in magazine, can give you the inside scoop on the neighborhood, the &ldquo;comparables&rdquo; (homes sold), the potential resale or long term value.<span>&nbsp; </span>The right agent will have seen hundreds of homes in Lewiston, Auburn, Augusta and surrounding towns.<span>&nbsp; </span>Putting that experience and market insight to work for you couldn&rsquo;t be easier: I&rsquo;m right here and I can save you thousands of dollars with my negotiating skills and years of experience! You can reach me at 207-689-9880!</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:31:35 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2812046/want-to-know-how-to-find-best-properties-for-sale-in-central-maine- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2788533/-homes-for-sale-by-owner-pros-and-cons- <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;"><img title="For Sale By Owner Maine, FSBO's in Augusta Maine, Homes for Sale By Owner" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/2/1/9/2/ar132814570529121.jpg" height="145" alt="For Sale By Owner Maine, FSBO's in Augusta Maine, Homes for Sale By Owner" width="250" style="float: left; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">Most sellers in the Augusta Maine area don't hesitate&nbsp;to list with a professional real estate agent in 2012 &ndash; especially in the current Buyer&rsquo;s Market where Maine home sellers need all the leverage they can get! On the Buyer&rsquo;s side, however, the idea of shopping for homes <em style="">For Sale By Owner (FSBOs)</em> and potentially &ldquo;saving&nbsp;the commission&rdquo;&nbsp;can be alluring.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>There is a problem with that theory however: the Seller&rsquo;s purpose in &ldquo;going FSBO&rdquo; is generally to save the commission. And you can save the same commission twice&rdquo;, not even in the Capital City. That monkey math only flies in the State House!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">It's worth a closer look at some of the tradeoffs, both benefits and risks, that&nbsp;may accompany&nbsp;this kind of sale.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">The most commonly held belief (and it&rsquo;s nearly universal among new buyers) is that buying homes for sale by owner means coming away with &ldquo;a deal&rdquo;. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>And who doesn&rsquo;t want a deal? Another common notion is the idea that homes <em style="">For Sale By Owner </em>result in a quicker and smoother transaction because there is no &lsquo;middleman&rsquo; involved. After all, since you can deal directly with the owner, wouldn&rsquo;t the inclusion of a professional Augusta area real estate agent take extra time and effort? This scenario is vastly more likely if the sale involves an owner experienced in selling real estate -- who also has no emotional attachment to his property.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Occasionally a Buyer will come to me and ask me to represent them in a &ldquo;<em style="">FSBO</em>&rdquo; purchase. Typically what I find is that the <em style="">FSBO&rsquo;s</em> asking price is significantly ABOVE going market value. Why? The Sellers have not had a professional opinion of value performed by a licensed Maine real estate appraiser or local Kennebec County real estate agent. Often times, Sellers will base their list price on what they need or want rather than market value. Or they will base their price on what other homes are &ldquo;listed for rather than selling for&rdquo; and eventually join the ranks of the dreaded &ldquo;Expired List&rdquo; which other overpriced properties.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Other factors that can hinder a transaction are articulated by writer Susan Brown, &ldquo;Home owners may be reluctant to lower the asking price of a home due to repairs or other problems.&rdquo; And the emotional connection with a property can trump even self-interest. As Brown writes, &ldquo;The owner of a home is also more personally connected to the property than a real estate agent would be and thus may be more sensitive to any form of critique that the buyer could make.&rdquo; In the world of homes <em style="">For Sale By Owner</em>, &lsquo;sensitive&rsquo; can be an understatement. Experienced real estate agents are equipped to remain objective and keep the goal of consummating the transaction to the satisfaction of both parties the focus of communication. Good realtors are also trained to keep emotion is kept at bay.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img title="For Sale By Owner Maine, FSBO's in Augusta Maine, Homes for Sale By Owner" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/8/0/3/8/ar132814582183084.jpg" height="172" alt="For Sale By Owner Maine, FSBO's in Augusta Maine, Homes for Sale By Owner" width="200" style="float: right; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">But there is another major drawback that face buyers of <span style="">homes <em style="">For Sale By Owner</em>:<strong> </strong></span>one with both time and cost dimensions. When Buyers are representing themselves, they will be shouldering the responsibility and sheer hassle of handling the necessary paperwork, inspections, and disclosures alone on the largest financial investment they will make. Seeing that these duties are performed fully and professionally while costs are kept to a minimum is either a job for an experienced professional -- or someone with lots of time on his hands!<span style="">&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;">Buying homes in Augusta, Maine <em style="">For Sale By Owner</em> may not be quite the no-brainer it seems&hellip;nor may the anticipated savings measure up. It could end up being more expensive. All this to point out a more solid no-brainer: if you are considering buying or selling a home in the </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Augusta Maine area, why not give me a call for a consultation?</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:27:18 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2788533/-homes-for-sale-by-owner-pros-and-cons- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2781171/-foreclosure-listings-what-you-should-know- <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img title="Foreclosure Listings in Maine, Foreclosure Documents, Foreclosures in Maine" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/5/8/6/ar132800709768553.jpg" height="175" alt="Foreclosure Listings in Maine, Foreclosure Documents, Foreclosures in Maine" width="117" style="float: left; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The bedrock of the residential real estate industry is the American Dream of owning your own home. Current market conditions have amplified another motivator: those looking for great investment opportunities. There have always been professional &ldquo;Flippers&rdquo; in the market but today shrewd buyers recognize that the current market conditions offer some outstanding investment opportunities in Lewiston-Auburn and Kennebec County. It&rsquo;s not just professional investors considering foreclosures; many first time buyers and existing homeowners are looking for unusual bargains.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The appeal is understandable due to some commonsense consequences caused by the mortgage meltdown (and the headlines that followed).<span>&nbsp; </span>When banks come into possession of foreclosed properties they find themselves in an unenviable position. Incented to sell them as soon as they can, they aren&rsquo;t free to wait until the market rises to meet historic price levels. As a result, mounting numbers of those foreclosure listings are carrying price tags that are a fraction of their original market price.<span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Some current homeowners see a second home as a path to create a passive rental income stream. Foreclosure listings comprise tempting investment vehicles. And for first time homebuyers, the information in the same foreclosure listings can mean nothing less than a foot in the door of homeownership.&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In both cases, the first step to buying a bank-owned property comes with finding reliable Lewiston-Auburn and Kennebec County foreclosure listings.<span>&nbsp; </span>Looking for a trustworthy source means finding one that features up-to-date and accurate information.<span>&nbsp; </span>Too many dedicated &ldquo;foreclosure&rdquo; websites offer endlessly duplicated, incorrect, or woefully outdated information. Relying on them can send would-be buyers on a frustrating series of time-eating wild goose chases that end up locating houses that have already been sold.<span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">One way to test a source of foreclosure listings is to take advantage of free trial subscriptions where they are offered. It&rsquo;s a money-saving way to determine whether a foreclosure source can be trusted to include attractive properties listed soon after they come on the market. F</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In any case, the opportunities that foreclosure listings represent also carry special characteristics that savvy buyers need to take into account. Home inspection rules are one example. Banks are under no obligation to disclose information about a property&rsquo;s flaws in the same way that regular homeowners must, so it&rsquo;s imperative to make a physical investigation of a foreclosure listing before proceeding further.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img title="Foreclosure Listings in Maine, Foreclosure Documents, Foreclosures in Maine" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/9/4/5/0/ar132800727605491.jpg" height="169" alt="Foreclosure Listings in Maine, Foreclosure Documents, Foreclosures in Maine" width="225" style="float: right; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If you are curious about your chances of finding a great deal in today&rsquo;s foreclosure market, I will be happy to send you the Lewiston-Auburn and Kennebec County foreclosure listings as well as other areas of the State. We can also help you identify other non-foreclosure &ldquo;bargains&rdquo; that may fit your criteria.&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">While there are some great buys out there, there area many risk involved with foreclosure purchases and one should be fully aware of all the risks. Frequently there are also financing obstacles involved with the purchase of foreclosed property unless you are doing a conventional mortgage or you are a cash buyer.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Feel free to give us a call if you would like to know what you should be aware of upfront! You can reach The Tanya Busch Team at (207) 689-9880 or www.TanyaB.com.</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:57:08 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2781171/-foreclosure-listings-what-you-should-know- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2772634/kennebec-county-real-estate-market-statistics-for-2011-a-year-in-review- <p><img title="Kennebec County Maine, Kennebec County Real Estate, The Maine Real Estate Network" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/3/3/1/2/ar132779102821334.gif" height="310" alt="Kennebec County Maine, Kennebec County Real Estate, The Maine Real Estate Network" width="200" style="float: left; border-width: 3px; border-color: black; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">January 2012 Real Estate Market Update</p> <p>The median sale price for homes sold in Kennebec County Maine, or the Capital City area, held their own last year despite a slight statewide dip. While the number of homes sold in Kennebec country decreased over the prior year, I&rsquo;m personally finding that the market seems to have picked up the last couple of months &hellip; during a period when both buyers and sellers tend to go dormant for the holidays. It&rsquo;s been the opposite in my personal business. It seems like a lot of those buyers that have been looking for months, are more optimistic about the overall economy and convinced that the market and rates have bottomed and are writing offers.&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal">With interest rates at crazy lows, and the real estate market in the Augusta Maine area appearing to have bottomed, it&rsquo;s a great time to make a move. With stable prices it makes sense to buy now: whether it&rsquo;s a first time home or a move-up investment in real estate, the window of opportunity in Kennebec County is open. Come on in!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you are interested in finding out what the value of your Maine home is worth today, give me a call or shoot me an e-mail.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: small;"><br></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with The Tanya Busch Team online to get all of the latest insider information and news.</strong></p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaineHomesforSale" title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Join Maine Real Estate on facebook" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/5/1/4/ar132811923941538.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Facebook" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/mainehomeexpert" title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter-Maine home expert" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/7/1/3/ar132811940431712.png" height="48" alt="follow Maine Real Estate on twitter" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainehomeexpert/" title="Join Maine Home Expert on Flikr" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on flikr" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/8/2/9/ar13281193392897.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Flikr" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/themainehomeexpert" title="Watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="watch Maine Real Estate videos on youtube" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/1/0/6/ar132811956560153.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on youtube" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyabusch" title="Connect with Maine Real Estate Agent on linkedin" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/8/5/4/ar132811962545845.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Linkedin" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/107976519601784542680/posts" title="Connect with Tanya Busch on Google+" target="_blank" style="color: #1e77b9;"><img title="Connect with Maine Real Estate on Google+" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/5/0/ar132811971305336.png" height="48" alt="Maine Real Estate on Google" style="float: left; border-style: none; margin: 4px;" width="48"></a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;"><strong><br></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tanya Busch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.tanyab.com/Lewiston_ME_homes_for_sale.shtml" title="Search 1000s of Maine Homes For Sale" target="_blank">Search 1000's of Maine Homes For Sale Here</a></span></strong></em></p> <p>The Tanya Busch Team</p> <p>The Maine Real Estate Network</p> <p>(207)689-9880</p> <p><a href="http://www.TanyaB.com">www.TanyaB.com</a></p> </div> Tanya Busch Maine Real Estate (The Maine Real Estate Network) Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:56:35 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2772634/kennebec-county-real-estate-market-statistics-for-2011-a-year-in-review-