finding the right home
Whether it’s your first Maine home, a waterfront retreat in Cape Elizabeth, or a luxurious condo in downtown Portland, the buying process here is straightforward when you have the right guide. I’ve helped hundreds of buyers—from local families to out-of-state executives—navigate it smoothly. Below is exactly what to expect when we work together.
Start by thinking through budget, timeline, preferred towns, and lifestyle priorities (do you prefer to be at the center of the action in Portland's old port, or in a private waterfront community like Shore Acres in Cape Elizabeth, etc). A quick call or email with a local agent can save weeks of aimless searching. Pro Tip: Write down your non-negotiables vs. nice-to-haves; it keeps searches focused.
Partnering early with an agent who truly knows the local market makes everything smoother and faster. Partner with an experienced agent whose local expertise, connections, and negotiation skills will guide you through the competitive landscape. They’ll help you secure the perfect home at the right price, minimizing stress and risks. Pro Tip: Carefully review the contract and other documentation that your agent sends you for valuable insights on Maine transactions and buyer agency.
A good real estate agent will start with an in-depth conversation to understand your budget and search criteria. Together, you'll determine if your dream home aligns with reality, and if not, what you might need to be flexible on. This is where it’s important to have clarity on your “must have” and “nice to have” list.
Maine’s real estate market moves quickly, so have your agent set up a search to get instant alerts for new listings matching your criteria. Pro Tip: Opt for daily email updates to stay ahead without endless scrolling. Start with a broad search to avoid missing your dream home. Don't forget to ask your agent about off-market and upcoming listings.
With Sotheby's prestige and my local edge—honed through multimillion-dollar closings in Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, and beyond—sellers trust me to deliver expertise and superior results.
If financing your purchase, get prequalified for a mortgage. In this competitive market, a pre-qualification letter from a reputable lender is an essential part of a strong offer. I can connect you with reputable lenders if you do not already have one you trust. Pro Tip: Talk to more than one lender and compare rates. A prequalification letter from a Maine lender can often be superior to one from an out-of-state lender.
Visit properties in person to gain deeper market insights and refine your preferences. Online browsing is helpful, but seeing homes and neighborhoods firsthand is far more illuminating. Pro Tip: Request listing documents from your agent and review them thoroughly to understand the property and key legal documents involved in Maine real estate transactions.
With your real estate agent’s guidance and market insights, you’ll be prepared to craft a strong offer for the right home. Your agent will explain offer documents and advise on key components like due diligence, earnest money, closing timeline, and seller concessions. Pro Tip: Beyond price, carefully consider all offer variables—each can be critical to sealing the deal.
Once under contract, your agent will guide you through inspections, financing, and negotiating terms based on due diligence findings. A skilled agent ensures an organized, streamlined process to keep you on track. Pro Tip: If financing, explore options like fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, VA, or FHA loans. Your agent and lender will clarify each loan’s pros and cons to match your financial needs.
One to two days before closing, you’ll do a final walk-through to confirm condition. Closing itself takes about an hour at a local attorney’s or title company office. You’ll sign documents, transfer funds, and walk out with keys. In most instances, you can execute the closing remotely if desired.
Your agent should be able to help you find movers and contractors to ensure a smooth transition and make your new home a home!
The real estate agent's job isn't done until you are comfortably moved into your home. Then it's time to pop some champagne!
I'll show you the way.
