From the small towns to the big cities, Northern New England is a wonderful place to call home. There's so much to see, so much to do, and so many people to meet, all spread over a landscape that's as diverse as it is beautiful. If you've been thinking about joining the many new residents moving to Northern New England in recent years, then you've picked an excellent time to make the big move. Our real estate agents have some extra motivation for you, with our 7 reasons to move to Northern New England in 2023.
With winter almost upon us, it's time to start thinking about winterizing your property. If you have a lake house or a vacation house, don't overlook it. It's even more important to pay attention to winterizing if you're not going to be using the house over the winter. Here are a few tips from our real estate agents for getting your lake house ready for cold weather.
It's important to winterize your property properly so that it remains a relaxing retreat to return to when the weather warms up. Ready to sell your lake house, trade up, or simply looking for something new? Contact us today, and we'll help you find the perfect home away from home.
As leaves and temperatures drop, are you beginning to feel that irresistible pull to the mountains? It's time for another incredible winter ski season, and our real estate agents share the projected opening dates for your favorite slopes around New England.
If you are looking for a true taste of fall, then our real estate agents have a suggestion that no one should overlook: Apple cider donuts. This special brand of baked good is something you'll spot all across Northern New England, with variations in every state and even in some cities.
Cider is a fermented drink made from fruit, typically apples. It can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic and is a wonderful part of the fall season for families all over the region. With so many family-owned bakeries all over New England, it seems like everyone has their own take on this "can't miss" breakfast staple.
The coming of fall marks the start of cider season, which usually means mulled, spiced cider suitable for all ages. For generations, the people of New England have savored this seasonal specialty in front of the fire. Connoisseurs seek it out with gusto, like fans in other areas might look for their favorite eggnog.
Bakeries, orchards, and farms serve up memorable and one-of-a-kind versions of this treat for a seasonal taste of what the area has to offer.
Get in the fall spirit, and let's take a closer look at just a few places to find delicious apple cider donuts in New England:
There's something special about autumn in Maine. Our real estate agents look forward to the crisp morning air and brilliant foliage all year long. It's also the perfect time of year to visit Maine's lovely farms and orchards, which offer some great corn mazes this time of year!
Contact us today to learn more about life in Maine. It's a special place to call home in any season, and our real estate agents are dedicated to helping you find the perfect Maine dream home for you and your family.
The oyster industry in Maine doubled in size between 2020 and 2021, with new oyster farmers setting up shop to help keep up with high demand. Of course, fresh, local oysters are a common sight on tables at seafood restaurants across Maine, and locals get to enjoy the harvest before anyone else.
Maine oysters are popular in part because there's so much diversity, with a wide variety of flavors depending on where the oyster was harvested from and what its environment was like. Feeling hungry yet? Our real estate agents have all of the delicious details on this local delicacy in your guide to Maine oysters.
Why the Taste of Maine Oysters Depends on the Environment
Maine oysters are renowned because they come in so many different, subtle flavors, and we have the state's diverse ecology to thank for that fact. That's because the flavor characteristics of each oyster differ depending on the environment where the oyster has grown. Even two oysters of the same exact type will have different flavors if they are harvested from different environments.
While the Damariscotta River estuary is Maine's largest source of oysters, they're harvested from locations all across the state. Oysters take on different flavors depending on the saltiness of the water, the water temperatures where they grow, the mineral content of the mud, and even the plant life that grows around them. The diverse aquatic environments of Maine provide endless opportunities for oyster farmers to cultivate unique flavors.
Common Types of Maine Oysters
Now that you know a little more about what makes Maine oysters special, it's time to take a closer look at some of the most popular oyster varieties that you'll find here. Each has its own unique flavor profile and characteristics.
These are just a few of the most popular varieties. The great thing about Maine oysters is that there are so many more flavors to try, so you can sample different types until you find your favorite.
Where to Find Maine Oysters to Enjoy
If you love seafood, you won't find a better place than Maine to call home. When you're ready to find your next home, our team is here to help with all of your Maine real estate needs. Contact us to buy and sell homes in your favorite Maine communities.
Did you know that more people chose to move to Maine from out of state than any other state in the country in 2021? According to a study highlighted by REALTOR® Magazine, Maine was the top state for inbound moves last year. New residents are flocking to Maine for its family-friendly nature, diverse real estate options, endless outdoor attractions, great communities, and so much more. Our real estate agents have all of the details on what makes Maine such a popular choice for inbound moves and why you'll love living here, too.
Maine's covered bridges have been a subject of affection for countless photographers, artists, visitors, and outdoor enthusiasts for many decades, thanks to their quaint, historic charm. There are a total of 8 covered bridges dotting the gorgeous natural landscapes of Maine, each with its own unique character, construction, and story. Planning a trip to see Maine's covered bridges is a great way to get to know the state, and our real estate agents have some interesting facts to shed light on the history of each of the 8 bridges.
Every season offers a unique experience in New England. Our real estate agents love the brilliant colors of fall, the warm hazy nights of summer, and the blooming wildflowers of spring. But winter is a particularly special time.
There's so much to see and do when the snow flies in New England! With all these fun activities awaiting in winter, there's no place we'd rather be.
Halloween decorating is a fun fall activity for the whole family, but it can also get a little bit competitive among neighbors. Whether you're planning a party or just looking to spook the neighborhood trick-or-treaters, our real estate agents created this guide of Halloween decorating tips to help you create the most mystifying home on the block.
Our real estate agents think Bar Harbor is an incredible town to live in, but you don't have to take our word for it. Let us share some facts, figures, and general information showing why Bar Harbor makes a great place to call home for all ages and lifestyles.
When it's time to sell your home, it's important for your house to create a positive impression with prospective buyers. Our real estate agents recommend thoroughly cleaning your home before listing it to attract homebuyers and help you command the highest asking price.
A messy, cluttered space indicates to buyers that the property hasn't been properly maintained and may be a haven for expensive repairs. Check out this list of cleaning tips to prepare your home to list.
If you love to travel, you've probably vacationed in some spectacular places that hold special memories. Perhaps the ocean views, exotic cuisine, relaxing atmosphere, or abundance of nature make you want to return again and again to this special place.
When the weather gets warm, sweet summer breezes carry amazing fragrances that beckon us to head outdoors and fire up our grills. Our real estate agents are thrilled to show you beautiful New England properties that boast patios and spacious gardens that make perfect spaces for summer grilling. If this sounds like your ideal way to spend a lazy weekend, check out these tips to make your summer grilling extra delicious this year.
When people ask our real estate agents for home improvement tips, gardening and landscaping are usually at the top of their list.
Colorful flowers and lush greenery can always put a smile on your face. In addition to the visual delights, there are other great reasons to take up gardening.
New England is justifiably proud of its spectacular Atlantic Ocean shoreline that makes the region a top tourist destination year after year. But residents know that the scenic lakes in New Hampshire and Maine offer an unbeatable sense of serenity as well.
Both states offer relaxing lake living activities such as boating, canoeing, swimming, fishing, etc. But when you look closer, you'll see what makes these areas truly one of a kind.
Our real estate agents share some of the things that make Maine and New Hampshire unique for lakeside living.
National parks are beautifully scenic spaces protected by the federal government. They offer multiple acres of natural beauty along with abundant recreational opportunities. It's no wonder people want to live near one!
New England is home to several of these protected areas.
History buffs, art lovers, and outdoors enthusiasts will all find something to enjoy at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, which is the one and only national park in New Hampshire. Previously the home to Augustus Saint-Gaudens, a renowned American sculptor, the park features his bronze creations throughout the grounds.
Further up north, you'll find Maine's stunning Acadia National Park, which is one of the top ten most visited national parks in the country. Or start your journey on the Appalachian Trail, a national scenic trail, at Maine's Mount Katahdin.
If you're lucky enough to live near one of these protected areas, you'll reap many benefits from being close by. Our real estate agents share some of the benefits of living near a national park.
Contact us to see homes for sale in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, including some near national parks and other beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities. The area's natural beauty provides numerous benefits to its residents and makes it a wonderful place to call home.
If you plan to put your home on the market, it's better to start your preparations sooner rather than later. Our real estate agents find that homeowners who complete home repairs and maintenance tasks are more likely to produce spaces that appeal to potential buyers. Follow this checklist if you plan to list your home this spring.
A home renovation project can make your home more enjoyable and functional if you're planning to live in it awhile, and it can also increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to prospective buyers when you're planning to sell. Before starting your project, it's important to set a budget so you can keep a good handle on its costs. Without a budget, it's easy to let expenses rise along the way before eventually spiraling out of control.
Our real estate agents recommend following these 5 tips for setting your home renovation budget:
Staying organized has never been easy. And after a year when many of us have spent more time living and working at home than ever before, it's understandable if home organization has gotten a little lax.
Our real estate agents understand the struggle. Luckily, we also have a few suggestions for getting your home organization back on track. We can't promise you won't have to do any actual cleaning, but we can say with confidence that these home organization apps will help!
Know that you want to buy a new home, but haven't found a property that meets your needs? Consider buying land and building your own home. When you purchase land, you control the size and location of your home's lot. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're buying land this year.
Ready to start searching for land for your home? Contact us today to get started!
Each year, changes are made to the existing legislature that provides additional advantages to many men and women. Prospective homeowners will be pleased to know that in 2020, Congress passed a new bill which changes the benefits that the men and women enlisted in our armed forces receive in 2021. It's known as the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D., Veterans Health Care, and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020.
Many of us are still spending more time than usual at home, which may continue for a while. If you're finding you've got time for extra cleaning projects, try to make the most of it and let your home's natural sparkle come out. Our real estate agents can always recommend cleaning tasks that homeowners may overlook when preparing a home for the market.
Here are some tips for enhanced cleaning in your home.
Sometimes the smallest change can make all the difference in the world. And if you've spent as much time at home in the last year as we have, chances are you're ready for a change!
Our real estate agents are here to help. These interior design tricks can make a huge visual impact and seemingly transform your space. They're also simple, affordable, and require a minimal investment of time and effort. Happy decorating!
Smart home technology has been available to consumers for more than 20 years now. But it's really only in the last decade that the idea of a smart home has become mainstream.
If you're wondering how you can use technology to make your home better, smarter, more efficient, and more secure, then you're in luck. As we head into the new year, our real estate agents are excited to share these smart home technologies for 2021.
Whether you're looking to buy or sell a home or are simply ready to take your living space to the next level, smart home technology is an important consideration. Contact us today to learn more and talk to our team about ways to make your home smarter in 2021.
January 10th is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, so be sure to add energy efficiency to your New Year's resolutions. When it comes to cutting energy costs, a few small changes can really make a big difference. More importantly, making our homes eco-friendly can have a major impact on our community and Earth. Our real estate agents love discussing ways to improve your home's energy efficiency, and they have compiled this list of tips to help you reduce your utility bills in 2021:
Covid-19 has taught us a lot this year, including how well many of us are able to adapt to a remote working environment. While many companies and employees believed working from home would be a temporary arrangement early on in the pandemic, it's becoming more and more clear that the virus has simply accelerated the inevitable shift to remote work. You can argue that working from home has benefits and disadvantages; however, many people, including our real estate agents, believe it is here to stay. Below are several reasons why.