Your Guide to Successfully Selling a House in Maine

Selling a house in Maine? Beautiful coast, clean air, low crime rates, mountains, lakes and rivers galore...it is a wonderful spot to live!

Selling a property can be exhausting, especially if you are new to this endeavor. This guide is here to explain Maine's real estate market, benefits of a reliable agent who knows their way around properties in your Maine town and what to expect during the selling process. 

Turn your Maine real estate dreams into reality with the A Team Realty - Contact us today!

Understanding the Maine Real Estate Market

For those selling a house in Maine, being well-versed with the local real estate market is essential for making informed decisions that will expedite the sale process and potentially yield higher returns. 

The Impact of Local Market Conditions on Sales

Property values in Maine have seen a dramatic increase over the past year, with an estimated growth of 4.74% in 2023.  Single-family home prices are predicted to continue to rise in Maine throughout 2023 due in large part to persistent low supply, especially in southern and coastal counties. 

According to data from the Maine Association of Realtors, about 1,500 Maine homes changed hands in August 2023, a decline of nearly 19% from the total in August 2022. This is because inventory is low. 

In simple terms: it is a good time to sell and selling your home when you are properly prepared will ease your burden and bring in a higher selling price. The major downside to purchasing a home right now is elevated mortgage rates. So, people who were seeing 3% rates in 2020 no longer can find those, so if they were thinking of upgrading, they may not do it. However, because the supply is so low right now, homes are still moving quickly even with higher interest rates.

Finding a Reliable Real Estate Agent in Maine

A reliable real estate agent can provide a less stressful experience and a higher overall profit for a seller. In fact, sellers who work with agents net 33% more than those going solo.

The right agent understands how Maine's unique market conditions impact property values and sales timelines. They will use this expertise to give you an edge over other listings in your area. It is important that you do your research and ask questions of the realtor before you enter into a professional relationship with them. 

Preparing Your House for Sale in Maine

Selling a home is exhausting. Nobody ever says "that was easy!" after they sell. But, certainly being prepared can make it more manageable. 

Navigating Inspections and Disclosures

Maine law requires sellers to complete a property disclosure statement before listing their homes. This includes information about any known issues or repairs needed.

To make sure your home passes inspection, consider hiring professionals to inspect for things like lead-based paint. Fixing these problems beforehand will save time later on during negotiations with prospective buyers.

A well-written listing description can also help attract potential buyers by highlighting unique features of your property. Zillow provides an excellent source of information to assist with beginning the procedure. Of course, when you are considering a real estate agent, ask to see some of their listings - how are the photos? videos? descriptions?

Setting the Right Price for Your Maine Property

Pricing your home competitively is key to selling it quickly. This would be a great opportunity to ask your real estate agent - how do you arrive at suggested listing prices?

Using Comparative Market Analysis

A comparative market analysis (CMA) gives an idea of what similar properties in your area have sold for recently. This helps set a reasonable price for your Maine property. 

The CMA considers various factors such as property types, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, and location. So even if two houses look identical from outside they might fetch different prices due to these variables.

An experienced real estate agent is well versed in comparative analysis and can explain to you why certain properties are priced similarly to yours. 

Attracting Prospective Buyers in Maine

Social media platforms have become a popular tool for house hunting.

Sites like Facebook and Instagram are not just for selfies anymore but also a hub where people buy houses fast. By showcasing your property on these platforms, you increase visibility and reach more potential buyers. Ask your agent - how do you market my home? How can we use social media to leverage this sale? 

You should also consider staging your home professionally to make it look its best. A well-presented home can create an emotional connection with the buyer that helps seal the deal faster. Again, this is a service that an experienced agent will be able to explain. Ask them - does my home require professional staging? And who do you recommend? 

Negotiating and Accepting a Purchase Offer in Maine

Once you're ready to sell, receiving that first purchase offer is an exciting moment. Do not be too hasty in making a decision.

You might be tempted by the earnest money deposit, but remember - this isn't just about money.

Every term of the contract needs careful consideration. You'll need to look at things like closing dates, contingencies, and even items included in the sale. An experienced agent will guide you to factors beyond the price that will help you make a decision.

The Closing Process in Maine

Once you've sealed the deal with a buyer, it's time to start prepping for closing day. You are in the home stretch. 

First off, you have a final walk-through. This is when the buyer generally checks that everything agreed upon in the purchase agreement is met and items included are present.

A few days before closing, expect a closing disclosure. It breaks down all costs associated with selling your house including any property taxes due or adjustments made since agreeing on the sales price.

Understanding Property Taxes and Fees in Maine

In Maine, the tax rate varies depending on your location. In Beddington, Maine, for example the mill (property tax) rate is 4.96% and in Sherman, Maine it is 18.81%! This is a big range. 

Some areas in Maine have Homeowners Associations (HOA) that levy fees for shared amenities or services. If your property is part of an HOA, it's important to factor these expenses into your selling plan.

Ensuring a Smooth Real Estate Transaction in Maine

You will need to understand and fill out several disclosure forms required by law. The Maine Disclosure Statement, for instance, is one such document that you'll have to provide.

This form gives potential buyers an idea of the property's condition and any significant defects it may have.

Consumers have additional rights when purchasing a home through the services of a real estate agent. Real estate brokers and their employees are licensed and have a duty to buyers to make reasonably certain that all material defects have been disclosed to potential buyers. 

Finalizing the Sale of Your Maine Property

The buyer generally has some days for inspection after signing. If they find any issues not listed in your property disclosure statement, they might ask for repairs or renegotiations.

Maine law requires sellers to use a standardized real estate transaction form at closing. This helps both parties understand what items are included in the sale and gives everyone peace of mind during this pivotal time.

Conclusion

Understanding the local real estate market, finding a reliable agent, and understanding the steps of the selling process are critical to a seller. 

Preparation counts! Ensuring your home meets all disclosure requirements and making it shine for potential buyers can make a big difference. This is especially important if you choose not to use a real estate broker. 

Negotiating wisely, understanding closing costs, and staying on top of property taxes will help smooth out any bumps along this journey.

Don't navigate the complex real estate market alone. Trust the A Team Realty, with over 25 years of experience and a commitment to personalized, attentive service. Whether you're buying or selling, we're here to ensure a smooth, stress-free process. Contact us today at (207) 894-8484 or email us at info@ateammaine.com. Let's turn your real estate dreams into reality together!