Carole Mac's Wells, Maine Real Estate Blog

A Sequel To "Realtors Are Rolling In Dough" -- "What Do You Really Know About The Real Estate Business?"

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 09:57:49 -0700

A few words about how the business of real estate works -- and why we ask certain things of our customers and clients.... I have an obligation to all of my clients to represent them in the most efficient and ethical way possible. For representation of a seller client, that means that I am bound by their request to have their property shown only to serious buyers who are qualified by a bank and ready to buy. A showing of a property means taking the valuable time of the sellers, the agents involved and the potential buyers. For the seller(s), this generally means that they must vacate their property for a period of time. For the agents, whether representing a buyer or seller, this means that travel time and business time must be blocked out of the day -- and we do not make a paycheck until we actually sell a home. This is what we do for a living, our job, our means of putting food on the table, paying our bills and keeping a roof over our heads. Just as other people go to work every day, so do we--only we often do it for free, and even more often, sometimes 7 days per week with the exception of Christmas, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Easter (if we are lucky!) until our buyer(s), who are hopefully loyal to us, find just the right property to purchase. I've shown properties in blizzards, hurricanes, while ill with pneumonia (yes, this did happen when a time constraint simply couldn't be worked out any other way - but it is most certainly not my normal method of working!)...if the buyer client needs me, is qualified to purchase, will listen to advice given and is reasonable in their expectations, I am there for them. I have impeccable references that I would be happy to provide to any customer or client. Many, many hours go into this process and without a result at the end; the process actually costs us money and time--time with serious and loyal clients, time with our families and zero pay for our efforts. There are very few people who have the guts or stamina to work for free in this world. This is one reason why we are dedicated wholeheartedly to what we do and if we do not represent our clients to the very best of our ability, we would soon be out of business. If you don't feel that your agent is dedicated to you and watching out for your best interests by doing their due diligence on your behalf, then you are with the wrong agent! We are in the trenches every day and it's pretty easy to figure out which ones of us are knowledgeable and have that all important finger firmly pressed on the pulse of the local market. The bottom line? Yes, we ARE in a service business. We are also in business to make a living. We try to keep things "light" and "fun" for our clients, but please keep in mind that we also have dinner engagements, school plays and soccer games to attend, educational classes to take, significant others who need us and all those other things that come with daily living. Why? Because, (drum roll, please) we are human too! I love my clients! Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

Never-Ending Barking...What's A Sheltie Mom To Do?

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:25:54 -0800

Hi everyone! I hope you don't mind that I am writing this Totally Off Topic blog because I have what seems to be a unique problem with my 15.5 year old Sheltie. If ANYONE can offer up help, I'll take it! Now, I know she has lost some of her hearing and definitely some vision....and yes, she has to pee more often....but I don't care about any of that. What is it that "flips her switch on" every night about 6 pm or so....that results in endless barking for HOURS (I'm not kidding - sometimes it goes on all night)? Only time she stops is if we hold her or lay down with her. (The three cats aren't nuts about it either, I might add). Other than this, she is a pretty happy old lady! Still eating and drinking well and definitely nothing wrong with the elimination part, LOL! JUST LOOK AT THAT SUZIE SMILE! Any suggestions? I'll take 'em! I love my little girl and want her to be as happy as possible for as long as possible. BUT...we still need our sanity!Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

31 Days of December: My Day 30: "Old" Clients, New Clustomers, New Resource, WAHOO!

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 12:43:01 -0800

Day30Day30Day30Day30Day30Day30Day30Day30Day30Day30Day30Day30Day30Day30Day30Day30Day30 Are we all ready to PAR-TAY tomorrow night? We usually stay right at home, but I know I'm looking forward to kicking back and enjoying a day off on Saturday! Today was a pretty cool day...showing appointments made for a new customer for later on in January... And then, totally out of the blue, I ran into clients that I sold a house to seven years ago and we will be getting together over the weekend for coffee. They were so happy to see me and the feeling was quite mutual! It is going to be nice to catch up with them and their "boys" who are all grown up now and out of college (YES, I feel old, lol) and to also meet their new puppy. I did all the usual "stuff" today as well: Hot Sheet, emails, keeping tabs on my January 6 closing. Also sent out a relist packet to one of my sellers...I swear, I am going to sell that condo if it kills me! I also finally started an e-newsletter campaign for my customers and clients. The newsletter will go out each month and I can customize as necessary. Sent out this afternoon and immediately got an "attaboy" email back from a client I sold to this past spring. I LOVE MY CLIENTS!!! Have a safe and Happy New Year everyone! I'll be back here for Day 31! Images from PhotoBucket! www.photobucket.comCarole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

31 Days of December: Day 29 And My Historic Home Has A New Place To "Live" Online

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 09:46:51 -0800

Today I bit the bullet, quit researching and purchased advertising for my 1700's Cape on PreservationDirectory.com: http://www.preservationdirectory.com/HistoricRealEstate/PropertyDetail.aspx?id=1453 and their partner site: http://www.historicforsale.com/HistoricRealEstate/PropertyDetail.aspx?id=1453 I was fairly impressed with both of these sites and their view/visitor stats; if you have a Historic property, I definitely recommend checking these out, most especially the Preservation Directory site. I still need to fine tune the photos as you can't see the layout before you insert them, but at least it is a start! I had my yearly physical exam this morning and talked about real estate to doctors, nurses and technicians so there are another 5 or 6 people thinking about it and knowing that I do it for a living :) It is pretty quiet right now, but next week I will be very busy! In the meantime, I perform the usual tasks each day: Hot Sheet perusal, emailing listings, making appointments, following up on current in process transactions. Have a great night, everyone! Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

31 Days of December: Days 25 - 28; Traveling, Family and a Blizzard!

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 07:40:14 -0800

Hello, Everyone! DAY 25: I will not tell a lie: I did NOT work on Christmas! I saved the day for family and we had a nice little get together. DAY 26: Checked Hot Sheet, replied to a few emails and then spent the balance of the afternoon in a flurry (pun intended, lol) of Blizzard Preparedness activities. Day 27: Hot Sheet, email, helped out one of our agents who is stuck in the Carribean needing coverage as he can't make it back here (SUCH a bummer for him, doncha think?!)....and shoveling. LOTS of shoveliing! Day 28: Hot Sheet, email, blogging, sent a potential referral to an Active Rainer, checked and printed weekly view stats for my seller properties, working on new internet ads, appointment settiing, researching e-Pro designation (should I or shouldn't I? Your thoughts?). Happy Almost New Year! Images from PhotoBucket: www.photobucket.com Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

31 Days of December: I'm Pooped! Days 23 & 24

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 09:50:19 -0800

Good Christmas Eve, everybody! I can't believe it's finally here....and I haven't wrapped a THING, AACK!! Day 23...MORE last minute cards sent out (recipients live right in town so they will have them Friday, whew!). Scanned Hot sheet; received confirmation that a client's insurance binder has been completed; researched online venues for advertising my historic home listing - we really need to get this home in front of more people! I found several sites to be fairly promising, but feel free to send me any suggestions you may have, please and thank you! Day 24: I received an email this morning that was one of those that make all the challenges of real estate these days worth it! Really, it warmed my heart, made me smile and think, what better present than words like these: "We hope you and your family have a lovely, peaceful Christmas. Thank you for all the hard work you have done for us over the last few weeks - we really appreciate that our agenda has been pretty intense and are so grateful that you have more than risen to the challenge." I also had a nice chat with a seller client this afternoon - the one I gave the house picture to this week. Everyone loved it and now they all want one, LOL! And that was about it for real estate for today! Last minute Christmas errands, untangling of a gift card snafu and a little unexpected traveling made up the rest of the day. Have a great night everyone and a fabulous weekend! Merry Christmas! Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

31 Days Of December: Day 21 and Day 22...Shopping While Relisting!

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 09:18:22 -0800

Good Afternoon! On Day 21, after handling email inquiries and a few phone calls, I headed out to shop for the afternoon. It was FABULOUS! There weren't any crowds, everyone was happy, nobody was driving like a maniac and best of all, NO LONG LINES to check out. Now THAT, my friends, is one mighty fine shopping experience! While I was out and about, I renewed my 1700's Cape listing for a full year via cell phone and I'm hoping to get it into our Historic Properties program shortly. Day 22: Last minute Christmas cards! (Local, thankfully). Also had my year-end review with the branch manager, checked Hotsheet, emailed listings as needed and worked on my business plan for 2011. And that's all she wrote, boys and girls! Don't mind me, I'm getting punchy for the holidays, BIG GRIN! (It helps that it's SNOWING!!!! HURRAY!) Images are from Photobucket! www.photobucket.comCarole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

31 Days Of December: Day 20 And I'm Back At It!

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 09:47:50 -0800

Hey there! After spending the weekend in my recliner with my snuggie and critters, I do feel a bit better, Hurray! Now, I must admit - Christmas stuff is starting to get in the way of real estate, OH NO! I spent a little time online today ordering the all important Gift Cards for some of my family...I also dashed out to meet a contractor at my own home to get an estimate on a few things I need fixed. BUT! I did have floor duty today from 9-1:30 and do you know, that phone didn't ring once (but I was ready just in case it did, LOL)! I also sent out those last minute holiday cards to a few clients that I missed last week. Worked on a referral to a new office we opened North of here... Spent several hours today corresponding with my Across The Pond clients and tracking the progress of this transaction through our title company. I almost forgot the BEST part of my day!!!! I had ordered a watercolor of a client's family home that I sold last year - it just happened to come in today and I immediately called the client...who just happened to be on his way to see his Mom and two sisters and he swung in and picked it up; it worked out perfectly! Everyone got to see the watercolor at the same time. This home had special significance for the family as their Dad had actually built it and they all grew up in it. My client was just tickled and that made me happy! Not huge, but that was MY Day 20! Have a great evening, everyone! These Smileys came from PhotoBucket! www.photobucket.comCarole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

Day 19: 31 Days Of December Challenge And Still Germed...

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 03:24:00 -0800

DAY 19: See that picture below? That's how I feel...still. YUK! LOL, was going to post a pic of myself wrapped in the snuggie, but I looked even worse than this poor dude and I didn't want to scare anyone! Today I am checking email, responding to whatever comes in, perusing my Hotsheet and sending out properties to customers and clients; the usual daily stuff. That and posting my blogs for Days 17-19.... And in between, hot tea, naps and Christmas Tree decorating! Well....maybe I'll direct the decorating from my recliner. It hasn't been the most productive last three days, but I did get a few things done and picked up a new customer on the way who will hopefully be coming up to view property after the holidays. Now...to craft my plan for when I figure out who germed me...MUAHAHAHAHAHA, Lol! Hey everyone, enjoy your Sunday and stay away from the Germinators lest they mess up your Challenge! Images are from PhotoBucket! www.photobucket.comCarole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

31 Days...Somebody Germed Me! Days 17 And 18

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 03:02:39 -0800

OK, for Day 17, I pretty much finished up my holiday card mailing, hurray! I know there will be a few left to send out on Monday, but they are local so I know they'll get them on time. Day 17 was a "light day" as I woke up feeling like I was run over by a truck and left by the side of the road! I worked about half the day in the office and along with the mailing, did the usual daily tasks such as examining Hotsheet for new properties of interest to my clients and also making a few phone calls to sew up a loose end or two for my under contract properties. Then I went home and crashed.... =========================================================================== Day 18 found me back in the chair complete with snuggie (PINK, of course), computer and several cats for company. Replied to property inquiries...Facebooked a little and that's it. Have a great weekend everybody and stay away from those who sneeze and cough! Images from Photobucket! www.photobucket.com Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

Day 16: I'm A Christmas Card Mailing Fool!

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 09:35:03 -0800

Day 16 and I'm feeling a little...challenged, LOL! I have SO MANY more holiday cards to mail! Where did December go, anyway?! OK, here goes: Mailing Christmas cards....and mailing and mailing and mailing Christmas cards! Changed a listing to Pending status in system... Zipped out to a listing to put on an electronic lockbox.... While there, I discovered that someone had once again dismantled my sign and rider...THIS time, I turned the screws with a WRENCH. Don't know why people seem to have such fun stealing real estate signs or beating them up, taking them apart or what have you. My fingers about froze off. Now, why didn't I think to bring my water bottle and pour some over the sign, LOL... Reviewed MLS Hotsheet for properties for clients... Updated Lead Router clients...(anybody else using Lead Router? Your thoughts? Experience with it?) AND......................BACK TO MY CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY CARD MAILING! I'll catch you tomorrow! Top Photo: Mine....other photo/image from PhotoBucket! www.photobucket.com Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

It's Day 14 And My Toes Are Cold!

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 08:04:37 -0800

No, I'm not getting cold feet regarding finishing the challenge - my feet really ARE cold! My office has a phantom breeze on the floor...darned if I can figure where it is coming from! Unfortunately, we have experienced a 20 degree+ drop in temperature between yesterday and today. Can you say BRRRR?! But, I digress. Behold, Day 14: Offer #4 on Gut To The Studs looks to be a winner; just awaiting the final signature and doesn't it just figure that one of the sellers is gone for the day today! Got a call this a.m. from an agent who had brought an offer as well and for some reason, he had the idea that since their offer came in first, the seller had no business looking at ANY OTHERS! Not sure how long he has been in the business, but c'mon already! Time spent educating: 3 minutes. Time spent believing: 0 minutes! First up this morning was a property tour - good homes and I might have a buyer for one of them - or both! Sending Christmas Cards.........! Please to be prepared to read this for the rest of this week and probably part of next! MLS Hotsheet perusal and emails to clients who may have interest in new or price reduced listings. Covered a colleague's duty time for a litle bit and was rewarded with chocolate cake from The Maine Diner. I can live with that! First two images are from Photobucket! www.photobucket.com The cake pic is actually mine; a cake I made for the office Christmas party a couple of years ago. I'm having fun with this challenge! I do hope I don't run out of things to say, however (as IF), LOL!Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

Lucky Number 13 Is Today In The 31 Days Of December Challenge!

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:09:42 -0800

Behind the thirteen ball? Hardly! Whew, what a day! Offer number FOUR on our favorite Gut To The Studs house arrived this afternoon! So, here's my day: Faxed offers three and four to the estate executors...one in Florida and one here in Maine...just finished up with one of them explaining how to respond and must call the other shortly... Emailed an, "I'm thinking of you" to several clients... Addressed more Christmas cards... Contacted radon company to get client's questions regarding a mitigation system answered... Sent insurance contacts to clients... Had a showing at my $299K-Less-Than-1-Mile-To-The-Beach listing...and heard once again that it's "dated". I do always tell folks before they go to see it that it is DATED and SMALL. How come nobody believes me? BUT...the customer may turn into a client at some point, since I was prepared with a packet of other listings in her price range in this area. Not a bad day, this Number 13. Hope everyone else had a great day! OOPS, did it again....I keep forgetting: Images here are from Photobucket! www.photobucket.comCarole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

Blogging WHILE It Rains...Day 12 of the 31 Days of December Challenge

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 06:47:23 -0800

OH MAN. What a great day to stay in BED! But, duty calls...Floor Duty, that is! Today is Day 12 and it's raining lobsters and fishies out there (I am on the coast of Maine, doncha know!)! Today is supposed to be Christmas Parade Day here in Wells, but it's awfully wet and windy out there! Three to four inches of rain expected and high winds with possible flooding. Hope Santa has his hip boots on! UPDATE: Have to give everyone involved a big pat on the back for showing up to be in the Wells Christmas Parade today - conditions are absolutely horrendous and they still did a great job! Today I have floor duty from 11:00 - 3:00...and I actually got a call for a showing on one of my listings! Amazing, as Sunday is usually very quiet on the real estate front at this time of year. I feel blessed! Addressing Christmas cards! I have well over 100 to send to customers and clients and I also take that time to update my database. Everyone have a GREAT day! Happy Sales, Happy Relaxing...whatever you are doing, ENJOY! Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

31 Days of December Challenge: Day 10 and I'm LOVING THIS!

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 09:29:23 -0800

This has to be the busiest December I have ever had in real estate and I am tickled pink! I received another offer on my Gut To The Studs house and more may be coming... Had another showing at Gut To The Studs house... Met basement cleanout guy at the house to get estimate. Never realized that when appliances and things are under 3 feet of water....they are still full even if the basement is now dry! Emailed the world that we are looking for highest and best offers for the Gut To The Studs... FINALLY got my Christmas cards, new business cards and magnets delivered today! Began the return address stamping, LOL. Emailed property to customers and clients... I think there is more, but darned if I can remember; I think my brains are frozen with this COLD we have here. Somebody, send me some SNOW already! Happy Weekend, everyone! Almost forgot! Little Miss Tickled Pink up there came from Photobucket! www.photobucket.comCarole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

31 Days Of December Challenge: My Day 9 (aka; where did the day go?!)

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 05:36:13 -0800

Holy crow, all of the sudden I'm busy - and I love it! Day 9 consisted of: Floor duty, 9-1:30, Emails and phone calls to clients. 1:40: Another rush order construction inspection; had to squeeze that in! Have I mentioned how much I love Toastie Toes? 2:00: Building inspection for my buyers. A house with the heat on, thank heavens! 4:10: Back to the office to turn in construction inspection report, photos and invoice. Another offer on my "Gut To The Studs" listing. Set appointment to meet basement clean out guy on Friday for the above listing. NEXT! Have a great day, everyone and an even better weekend! Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

Day 8 of December Challenge!

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 09:18:25 -0800

Day 8 is winding down and I actually got some things done today! 1. Got an offer tonight from my showing yesterday at my "gut to the studs" listing... 2. Started making out envelopes for my upcoming mailing (stuff comes tomorrow, finally!)... 3. Swapped business cards with the builder at my construction inspection this morning... 4. Sent flyer to the world for my reduced "gut to the studs" listing...sent to agents, customers, clients. Tomorrow my holiday cards are due to arrive from the printer and I am SO READY!!! Mr. Man is ready for the holidays too! Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

GUT TO THE STUDS HAS SOLD!!!! 1/21/2011 FOR $80000.

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:54:34 -0800

MAINE MLS #991343 242 Maguire Road, Kennebunk, ME 04043 $95,000 - 2.60+/- Acres, Just Minutes To Downtown 3-4 Bedrooms, 1 Full Bath, Formal Living & Dining Rooms, Huge Family Room, Breezeway, 1 Car Garage Are you looking for a project? Have a builder/rehabber customer or client? This could be just the right property! At the risk of sounding cliche', this home appears to have "good bones" as well as a solid block foundation and mostly hardwood flooring. Needs EVERYTHING: Siding, roofing, new systems (house is set up for FHA heat, but the boiler drowned when the cellar flooded and the sump pump had been left off this past spring), new sheetrock. Septic system details are unknown. Property appears to have two dug wells. Some mold present in cellar. Addition on right side was, according to town records, added on (along with the fireplace) in the 80's. Three to four bedrooms, all located on the second level. Full bath on second level. Nice flat lot, partially wooded. Convenient Southern Maine location! This is most definitely a project house...NOT for the faint of heart! Gut To The Studs is the best way to describe this home! Not a short sale, not a foreclosure. This is an estate sale. Due to the condition of this home, it most likely cannot be financed. State of Maine to approve final sales price. Call for your private viewing today! DRESS WARMLY & BRING A FLASHLIGHT! 207-337-4792 Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

Catching up: Days 1-7 of December Challenge

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 04:50:03 -0800

Yep, this is what I WANT to do...but I need to get off me tushy and make money so that HE can continue to snuggle and do nothing, LOL! December 1: Finalized Christmas card, Magnet and Business card orders from my favorite printer: www.nhsprint.com ASK FOR JESSICA BENOIT! December 2: Finished contract negotiations for my buyers from England - they are going to get a great house and I'm sure I'll get referrals afterwards! (Note: I actually got these buyers from Trulia Q+A and will be blogging about that later!) December 3: Previewed home for buyer clients. (YUK; a flipper with bare minimum done for remarketing) December 4: FINALLY took a blog out of Draft status, finished it and posted it for Public view - plus another one! December 5: Commented on blogs. December 6: Checked My Listings entered on Facebook, which are Pending for some reason! December 7: Accepted construction inspection assignment - great way to meet the area builders and tradespeople! I hope these activities meet the requirements! And off I go! Have a great, productive weekend everyone! Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

Meet Bo Jack: One Agent's Encounter With Death.

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 03:22:19 -0800

This is from Andrew Lenza Real Estate The man has some serious talent! You HAVE to read this. You are gonna laugh your butt off! Thank you Andrew for providing us with this hilarious and VERY unique post!Meet Bo Jack. Bo is a real estate agent who, on his last listing, tried to prove that “there was nothing wrong with the wiring." He was wrong. He electrocuted himself in the basement.Right in front of the home inspector. Right in front of the buyers, an excited couple purchasing their first home. Right in front of the seller. Right in front of the seller’s dog. (Now that just ain’t right.)The homeowner, an affable yet frugal sort, wired the sump pump motor directly into the main panel, fashioning a circuit with a salad fork and a broken guitar string. Poor Bo fell right into the sump pit with two hundred and twenty volts streaming in and out of him like a fat man stepping intermittently on a gushing garden hose. Once they disconnected the power, the first-responders had to dislodge the pump’s float ball from Bo’s mouth. “What the Heaven happened to you?” asked Saint Peter to Bo when the real estate agent appeared at the Pearly Gates. Not only did Bo’s clothes reek of stagnant ground water but he sported a singed haircut, waxed brows, blackened fingertips and two broken front teeth. Yup, Bo looked like your ordinary, run-of-the-coffeehouse Realtor trying to sell his way out of the Great Recession of 2010. “Shouldn’t you know that?” asked Bo. “I mean what happened to me?” Saint Peter smiled and stroked his long white beard with his pinky finger up, like he hid a cup of Earl Grey under his flop. “I do, I do,” the Rock of the Church said with a wink of his right eye, an eye as blue as the Pacific on a May morning, “but I never get tired of asking.”“What happens now?” Bo asked. “Well, I talked to the Man Down the Hall--” started Saint Peter, who found himself suddenly interrupted by his new visitor. “You mean the Man Upstairs,” corrected Bo. Saint Peter wrinkled his brow and cast a long, muscular arm around the burnt, smelly, disfigured Million Dollar Award Winner of 1999. “We are upstairs,” whispered the Great Simon Cephas.“Oh,” Bo said, sheepishly to the fisherman turned shepherd. The old man smiled. Now Saint Peter’s experience with real estate agents was limited, but he did manage to pick up a few pointers when three drug mules from El Paso moseyed up to the gate. Seems these three cousins were sitting on the wrong side of a tour bus when the leaf spring on the old Yellow Coach blew and brought the chassis down to the rims, bopping those boys up and down on the hard wooden seats. An unfortunate overdose and completely unnecessary because minutes before one suggested they rent a car. They put the matter to a vote and two of the smugglers opted for public transportation, giving credence to the old maxim that Democracy is messy in the pants. “Got your papers, Bo?” asked Saint Peter, getting right back to the business of qualifying his lead. “Papers?” asked Bo, confused. He felt a pang in his jaw and spit out a molar. “You know, Consumer Information Statement, Pre-Approval letter from your mortgage broker, purchase-and-sales agreement, Lead-based paint Addendum,” Saint Peter said while he extended his luminous right hand and started to tick each spindly finger as he rattled off the names of the required documents. “I have to buy my place in Heaven?” Bo asked, incredulously. “No tenants," said Saint Peter. "Against the by-laws. We were a cooperative for the longest time but with the interviews, the reference checks and sorting out who paid for what expenses, well, the Boss thought it easier that we convert to a condo association.” “This can’t be happening,” Bo muttered to himself. “You should have been here before the Old Man completed the 1031 Exchange. Talk about frogs and famine. I pleaded with the Boss not to let the Four Horsemen write up the paperwork.”Bo crawled his fingers to his itchy scalp. A mound of hair fell onto the cloud floor. Saint Peter raised his eyes. “Listen I didn’t come here prepared. I better make my way to the other place,” said Bo, turning to leave. But Saint Peter grabbed him by the chest and starting thrusting him back and forth bellowing “Come back, come back!”Come back! Come back!Come back!Then Bo saw a brilliant light. The EMT, a moonlighting social worker with long white hair named Sally, flashed a penlight into his pupils. She just finished CPR. Bo laid on the cold floor with the inspector, the shiny happy couple and the seller surrounding him. Even the seller’s dog licked his hand. A scene straight out of the Wizard of Oz. “Damn,” said the seller, “we nearly lost you Bo. I told you not to flip that switch but it was too late.” Bo reached for his mouth, tentatively. Hopeful. Yet true to the dream, his teeth were busted. He smelled his person -- septic discharge. He imagined the mess on top of his head. “Yeah, we nearly lost you,” said Sally. Everyone around Bo laughed and smiled down upon him, fortunate they witnessed a miracle. A Realtor coming back from the dead. You don't see that every day. After a few awkward moments when Bo still had not said a word since his return, the seller finally broke the silence. “Say, Bo, you’re scaring us. Say something old boy.”Bo motioned to the seller to lean beside him and from behind swollen, bloody lips his words carried an air of assurance, the steely confidence of a man who emerges from the other side of an epiphany matter-of-factly while on his way to a fait-compleat. “I am so suing your a__.” Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

Realtors Are Rolling In Dough!

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 07:41:45 -0800

Yeah, right! Most of us aren't, contrary to popular belief. I have found that most folks don't know "the real story" behind a Realtor's pay day, so let's see if we can't clear up a little of the confusion... It's PAYDAY, HURRAY... Agents generally do not get any kind of "salary or draw", nor are they provided with company cars, health insurance, paid time off, company computers or company cell phones. We purchase a lot of our own advertising plus name riders, signs, brochure boxes, cameras, etc. We don't get cost of living increases or bonuses. The average commission, in the 11+ years that I've been in the business has never gone up. An agent is an Independent Contractor. If the agent loses his or her job for whatever reason, the agent is not eligible for unemployment payments, even though we pay into the system with our quarterly tax payments. We bear the full responsibility for our share of State and Federal taxes because we are Independent Contractors and don't have any employer but ourselves. Don't forget that your agent is working for free until you buy or sell a home. This can go on for months and even years. Sobering thought, isn't it? We don't have a safety net! It's an excellent MOTIVATOR! Photos: The money photo is actually my own (had a couple o' extra bucks that day, LOL) and the net photo is from Photobucket! www.photobucket.com Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

It's Ear Muff Day In Maine!

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 06:21:34 -0800

Today in Farmington, Maine, townsfolk are celebrating Ear Muff Day! The inventor of the ear muff in 1873, Chester Greenwood, who was just 15 years old at the time, had chilly ears! He patented his ear muffs at the age of 19. Did you know that ear muffs were this old? Greenwood was a very talented boy and invented many more things by the time he reached adulthood, including folding beds and donut hooks. In 1936, his factory was turning out hundreds of thousands of ear muffs. Greenwood also installed the first telephone system in the town of Farmington! Since 1977, the town has celebrated the first Saturday of December as Chester Greenwood Day. There is a parade, a chili cook-off, a Rotary Christmas tree auction, carolers on street corners and a gingerbread house contest. There is even a Chester Greenwood lookalike buzzing around town! And guess what everyone is wearing....including fire trucks, police cars and horses....EAR MUFFS! So, the next time you put your ear muffs on, remember Chester. He was one cool Maine dude! Photos are from Photobucket! www.photobucket.comCarole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

Take It Outside! (PLEASE!)

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 07:26:27 -0800

I showed a house the other day that may have been perfect for my clients...if only the seller had NOT smoked in the house. Seriously, the basement was full of smoke from a cigarette that had to have been put out literally minutes before we arrived. I wouldn't even have brought my buyers if I hadn't been told that the seller only smokes in the garage. Of all days to not smoke in the garage.....GRRRRRR. The seller agent was pretty horrified when I called with feedback. This home has been on the market since 2008. Does That Tell You Anything? In this time of high inventory and hesitant buyers, sellers should be doing back flips to meet the needs and expectations of the buyers. Keeping the house clean and smelling good should be a Number One priority for a seller! Yes, it's inconvenient, but please, Mr. & Mrs. Seller: If you can just take it outside, your house will probably sell! Really! Except for the smoke, this house was in absolutely immaculate condition; somewhat dated perhaps, but very well kept. Too bad we all walked away disappointed! Photos used here came from Photobucket! www.photobucket.com Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

It's Veteran's Day - Thank a Vet, Hug a Vet!

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 04:55:40 -0800

It's Veteran's Day today - have you thanked a Vet today? Veterans are all around us...I try to make it a point to thank each one I see. The reaction is simply...amazing! I find it charming and also a little sad when I thank a Veteran and he/she says, "Aw, I didn't do much" or some such thing. Ever notice the car or truck with the Purple Heart on the license plate? You know, the one in front of you at the gas station, next to you at the grocery store, driving down the road? Chances are, the one driving is the Veteran - and a true giveaway is to simply look at their hat! Loaded with pins, medals and pride, it is a daily wardrobe staple for many of our Veterans. This pic is actually my own from the summer the Vietnam Traveling Wall came to South Portland, Maine. Today, let all of us shout out our thanks to all of our Veterans. These men and women are our friends, neighbors, colleagues, the mailman/lady, the bank teller, the grocery store clerk, the real estate agent...they have made tremendous sacrifices for each and every one of us who walk and talk FREELY in the United States of America. Let us all recognize this today. Look around you - chances are, there is a Veteran nearby. Thank them. HUG them. Tell them what they mean to you. I have seen tears come to the eyes of grown men and women when being thanked for their Service. It's heartwarming. It's RIGHT. It takes only a moment of your time. And the appreciation that comes back to you is HUGE. I also send my personal thanks and hugs to some of my favorite Veterans today: My Dad; my brother-in-law, Dave; my niece's husband, Bill; my fiance, Tuck; Jim P and Jim B, who are helping us work through the VA system for Tuck's disability claim; my generous, kind and caring friend, Peter P and all of the Veterans I know and don't know. THANK YOU. I love you all and words can never express my great appreciation of your service and sacrifice to our great country. God bless you all! This flag photo is also my own. It is from the dedication of Wells' Clock Tower several years ago. Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792

It's Fall In Maine - That Means Apple Time!

Carole L. MacCollum, Broker/Realtor 207-337-4792 (HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 08:45:43 -0700

I played hookey for a little bit last week and went apple and pumpkin picking at a Giles Farm, a local orchard located in Alfred, Maine. It was a gorgeous day, still quite warm with a fresh breeze blowing gently. The orchard is located on a hillside and the scenery was just breathtaking with all of the beautiful fall colors just starting to show up in the valley below and hills beyond. The lady at the apple stand was wonderful; she fixed us right up with an "apple grabber" and pointed us in the right direction for the favored apple, The Cortland. I could wax poetic about the Cortland apple; tart, crispy....just a lovely green and red, white starred ball of heaven! Some orchards lost their entire crop when we had a May frost this year, but luckily, the Giles Farm Orchard was basically untouched, though I did see a few apples with the telltale "ring" on them. It took less than 15 minutes to pick 16 pounds of apples! Next stop: The pumpkin patch. We looked at just three pumpkins before finding the winner! Hey, it's been a great growing season! Sixteen pounds of apples for pies, cake, applesauce....Can you say, HEAVEN?! Carole L. MacCollum Broker/Owner HOME AT LAST REAL ESTATE 676 Post Road, Suite 6 Wells, Maine 04090 Mail to: P.O. Box 427, Wells, ME 04090 carolemaccollum12@gmail.com / 207-337-4792