Winter
E - N E W S L E T T E R February 2021 | Vol. 53
MAINE
As the leader in luxury Maine Real Estate, Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty offers an unmatched blend o
exposure. Our 80 plus licensed real estate agents specialize in Maine Coastal Real Estate, and are proud to represent distinc
With more than 3,500 miles of Atlantic oceanfront, 6,000 lakes and ponds, and the Western Mountains (including world cl International Realty is uniquely positioned to help you find your dream home in Maine. Simply put, we have the premier p
of local expertise, world-class home marketing power and property ctive properties at all prices in Maine.
lass skiing at Sugarloaf and Sunday River), Legacy Properties Sotheby’s portfolio of Maine Real Estate.
Volume 53 - February 2021 Issue Editorial by: Chris Lynch
Designed by: Dana Whitney
Edited by: Chris Fortunato
Graphics by: Dana Whitney
.
FEATURED LISTING (ALSO ON COVER) $3,500,000 149 & 154 WHITES POINT ROAD, STANDISH
LIVE ME & NH
With access to more than 3,500 miles of Atlantic oceanfront, 6,000 lakes and ponds, and mountains with world-class skiing, Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty is uniquely positioned to help you find your dream home in Maine. Simply put, we have the premier portfolio of Maine real estate and waterfront properties for sale.
1 Company - 5 Offices - 80+ Agents - Endless Possibilities
Our brand’s referral program helps enhance revenue potential for both real estate and auction consignments by connecting our network members all around the world. From broker-to-broker to auction-to-broker to broker-to-auction referrals, these opportunities are managed with extreme care to ensure white-glove service.
FEATURED LISTING (ALSO ON COVER) $3,500,000 149 & 154 WHITES POINT ROAD, TANDISH
WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT?
As a Maine resident for nearly 20 years, I always felt that our beautiful, uncrowded, resource rich state was undervalued, under marketed, and generally misunderstood. With 20/20 hindsight, it should have been more obvious to me that given the extremely low population density of 41 people per square mile, Maine would rank as one of the safest places in the US in which to endure the COVID-19 pandemic. Who would have thought that there were so many buyers in our traditional feeder markets who would suddenly be seeking their slice of our great state? Massachusetts (885 pop./sq.mi.), New Jersey (1,196 pop./sq.mi.), Connecticut (738 pop./sq.mi.), and, of course, New York City (27,000 pop./ sq.mi.) were the primary feeder markets for our prospective buyers. There has been a widespread reversal of the urbanization trend that dealt a blow to suburban living over the last decade. Maine is among many destinations nationwide that have experienced a significant surge in the demand for real estate. However, the impact here has caused our markets to move far away from equilibrium. The supply and demand characteristics are so far “out of whack,” that it may take years to get back to what we once called a “normal” real estate experience. Depending on the location, it is not unusual for a new listing to receive 5, 10, 15 or even 20 offers in its first few days on the market. When people hear about low inventory, they aren’t necessarily able to appreciate how
slim the inventory really is. There are several towns with 10 or fewer “Active” listings available for sale today. These towns include Yarmouth, Cumberland, Cape Elizabeth, Camden, Freeport, and Bristol, to name a few. On a macro level, according to Maine Listings data, there are only 2,500 single family homes currently for sale in the whole state. For perspective, there are approximately 5,500 Realtors® in Maine, which means that there is only one active listing, on average, for every two agents. The year-over-year numbers reported by the Maine Association of Realtors® comparing 2020 to 2019 showed significant growth, with unit sales increasing by 10% and prices improving by 14% statewide. The most popular destinations had price improvement well in excess of 14%, with Lincoln County reporting a 32% rise in the median home sale price. As we have discussed many times over the years, under the best of circumstances, Maine is a small real estate market comprising hundreds of smaller micro markets that offer a diverse combination of lifestyle amenities. Maine real estate has been improving without exception for over a decade. Other than a couple of mid-winter months in recent times, we have been able to consistently deliver solid inventory of homes for sale at most price points in most locations. In today’s market, our buyers so outnumber the current and prospective new listing inventory that we will likely face some challenges ahead. Maine real estate has always been more resistant to the excess volatility of national and even regional economic cycles than other states. We
continue to enjoy many special benefits that have grown in recognition and importance to so many people who continue to work their way through the COVID-19 changes impacting all of our lives. Maine is blessed with low population density, low traffic, low crime, low COVID-19 incidence, 6,000 lakes and ponds, miles upon miles of Atlantic coastline, broadband internet, easy accessibility by car to all of the northeastern states, and an unparalleled outdoor lifestyle around which to work and play. I have to believe that the buyers will keep coming. If you currently own a home in Maine and have given any consideration to selling your home to take advantage of these unprecedented times and excess demand, please do not hesitate to contact us to get an update on what your property will fetch in today’s market. You will likely be very pleasantly surprised. Be safe and stay well, Chris
President/Owner Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty Source: Maine Real Estate Information Systems, Inc. (d/b/a Maine Listings).
for all homes sold over $2,000,000 in Maine for all homes sold over $1,000,000 in Maine for all homes sold over $500,000 in Maine for all waterfront sales in Maine
Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty attributes its success to offering its clients a very strong package of marketing services including: professional photography, Matterport 3D Virtual Tours, glossy print advertising, global property distribution through its exclusive network of agents, and luxury branding through its affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty.
*Based on information from the Maine Real Estate Information System, Inc. (d/b/a Maine Listings) for the period 1/1/2020 through 12/31/2020
2020 Annual Review
If you have followed our social media, blog, and/or newsletter, you will know that we have experienced what seems to be an unprecedented pace of new buyers seeking a primary residence or seasonal property in our great state. The surge in buyer demand continues to outstrip the supply of new listings coming on the market. Although the new listing inventory is currently both at a seasonal and cyclical low point, we continue to source new listings each day. If you are considering selling your home, we have a deep backlog of buyers for most properties and locations in Maine. Our Significant Sales for 2020 is just a sampling of the many great properties our team successfully closed during these complex and challenging times.
LEGACY COLLECTION Our exclusive, multi-page property books are distributed with Maine Home + Design, Down East, and in select areas, The Wall Street Journal and The Boston Globe. As many as 84 pages are distributed with up to 85,000 subscriptions. Our most recent digital issue received over 250,000 unique impressions.
To receive a copy, either in print or electronically, please email collection@legacysir.com.
ADAM ZIMBALIST
LESLIE KRICHKO
MICHAELA VEILLETTE
azimbalist@legacysir.com
lkrichko@legacysir.com
mveillette@legacysir.com
PORTLAND OFFICE
BRUNSWICK OFFICE
PORTLAND OFFICE
207.718.7052
203.470.8847
207.718.7032
HOME VALUATIONS FROM RELIABLE SOURCES What are home value estimates? An automated valuation model (AVM) is a computer-driven mathematical model that uses basic property characteristics, local market information, and price trends to produce a home value estimate. Our high-quality home valuation estimates are sourced directly from multiple independent AVM providers and are used and trusted by the lending industry. Visit legacysir.com to discover your home’s value.
VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSES Welcome to the always-open house. Our immersive Matterport 3D Virtual Tours transport you into the finest selection of Maine Luxury Properties and let you explore like never before. Use Dollhouse view to see a whole property at once, switch to floorplan view for a traditional top-down perspective, or walk through like you’re there in person. Our Matterport 3D Virtual Tours are unlike any other real estate virtual tours. They are the most realistic, cutting edge, and comprehensive way to experience a property online. Click on any of the thumbnail images below to experience the Maine Lifestyle from the comfort of your own home.
THRIVING IN A VIRTUAL WORLD We can show your home virtually using Matterport 3D Virtual Tours, videos, and other media. Offers and transactions can seamlessly be handled virtually. Negotiations and closing paperwork can be handled electronically. Buyer activity is strong. Now is the time to list your home.
FEATURED LISTINGS
135 Mountain Arrow Drive, Camden | $8,500,000 Brian Wickenden 207.975.9650
8 Wheelwright Way, Mount Desert | $6,700,000 Abigail Curless 207.801.1199
299 Drexel Lane, Islesboro | $5,000,000 Brian Wickenden 207.975.9650
686 Whites Bridge Road, Standish | $3,900,000 Tammy Ruda 207.831.3164
FEATURED LISTINGS
100 Beauchamp Point Road, Rockport | $3,850,000 Brian Wickenden 207.975.9650
23 Garthgannon Road, Owls Head | $3,500,000 Charlene Hamiwka 207.671.0085 Kristin Heal 207.542.8890
26 Harbor Road, Camden | $3,390,000 Heidi Steele 207.542.4316
54 Grandview Avenue, Boothbay Harbor | $3,200,000 Dennis Gleason 207.446.6394 Linda Painter 207.592.3214
FEATURED LISTINGS
186 Lopaus Point Road, Tremont | $2,995,000 Lewis Wheelwright 207.232.3951 George Wheelwright 207.249.9626
134 Big Tree Lane, Islesboro | $2,500,000 Michael Kevin Lynch 207.558.3131
18 Angell Point Road, Cape Elizabeth | $2,450,000 Anne Bosworth 207.233.3175
16 High Pasture Lane, York | $2,395,000 Mary Jean Labbe 207.337.3661
FEATURED LISTINGS
88 Dodge Cove Lane, Newcastle | $2,195,000 Joanne Moore 207.350.5172 Miles Geisler 207.380.6007
20 & 24 Harbor Point Lane, Bristol | $2,100,000 Charlene Hamiwka 207.671.0085 Kristin Heal 207.542.8890
9 Northern Point Road, Bristol | $2,095,000 Michael Kevin Lynch 207.558.3131
84 Sherman’s Point Road, Camden | $1,825,000 Peter van der Kieft 207.592.9366
FEATURED LISTINGS
22 Summer Street, Kennebunk | $1,650,000 Bill Gaynor 207.468.3002
108 Summer Street, Kennebunk | $1,650,000 Alexa Oestreicher 207.329.9307
2 Hinckley Hill Road, Carmel | $1,600,000 Charlene Hamiwka 207.671.0085 Kristin Heal 207.542.8890
720 East Madrid Road, Madrid Twp | $1,495,000 Glenn Jonsson 207.776.0036 Lois Lengyel 207.233.2820
FEATURED LISTINGS
33 Gaul Drive, South Bristol | $1,475,000 Connie Moss 207.671.0117
15 Admirals Way, Kennebunk | $1,395,000 Andi Robinson 207.604.2479 Elaine Prendergast 207.604.0449
86 Pascal Avenue, Rockport | $1,395,000 Heidi Steele 207.542.4316
1951 Harpswell Islands Road, Harpswell | $1,375,000 John McCarthy 207.522.3638
FEATURED LISTINGS
123 Pleasant Street, Auburn | $1,300,000 Charlene Hamiwka 207.671.0085 Kristin Heal 207.542.8890
1228 Main Road, Islesboro | $1,300,000 Kate Jackson 207.691.3684
47/49 Eastward On The Ocean, Rockport | $1,295,000 Heidi Steele 207.542.4316
7 Ocean Way, 7, Camden | $1,125,000 Leslie Tranchell 207.691.2955 Valerie Foster 207.522.7820
FEATURED LISTINGS
221 Congress Street, Portland | $995,000 Shannon Richards 207.605.2055
Meadow Pond Road, Islesboro | $975,000 Michael Kevin Lynch 207.558.3131
1406 Atlantic Highway, Northport | $900,000 Charlene Hamiwka 207.671.0085 Kristin Heal 207.542.8890
697 Overlock Hill Road, Union | $895,000 Aaron Crossman 207.322.6638
FEATURED LISTINGS
21 Pearl Street, Camden | $895,000 Jackie Wheelwright 207.449.9442
94 Nutting Lane, Trenton | $800,000 Charlene Hamiwka 207.671.0085 Kristin Heal 207.542.8890
6 Wilson Avenue, Camden | $795,000 George Wheelwright 207.249.9626
127 Alford Lake Road, Hope | $795,000 George Wheelwright 207.249.9626
FEATURED LISTINGS
2 Edgewater Place, Biddeford | $745,000 Chris Stone 207.590.3425
176 Annabessacook Road, Winthrop | $699,000 Charlene Hamiwka 207.671.0085 Kristin Heal 207.542.8890
Searsport Pines Golf Course, Searsport | $675,000 Heidi Steele 207.542.4316
12 Scarlet Sage Lane, 68, Brunswick | $672,190 Joane Tait 207.751.4124
FEATURED LISTINGS
319 - 321 Commercial Street, Rockport | $595,000 Aaron Crossman 207.322.6638
23 Clam Cove Drive, Rockport | $595,000 Lewis Wheelwright 207.232.3951
4 Foxglove Way, 90, Brunswick | $562,900 Joane Tait 207.751.4124
4 Bog Rosemary Way, 75, Brunswick | $562,900 Joane Tait 207.751.4124
FEATURED LISTINGS
Lot 8 Rock Garden Way, Mount Desert | $550,000 Jan Moore 207.266.0441
41 Fern Avenue, Old Orchard Beach | $549,880 Peter Therriault 207.577.0098
149 Main Street, 6, Yarmouth | $549,000 Preston Robison 207.671.4914 Jonathan Leahy 207.798.2428
Lot #5 Rotunda Hill Road, Georgetown | $545,000 Anne Bosworth 207.233.3175
FEATURED LISTINGS
6 Mirror Lake Lane, Rockport | $519,000 Aaron Crossman 207.322.6638
6 Brandy Brook Circle, Rockport | $475,000 Aaron Crossman 207.322.6638
319 - 7 Crooked Pine Road, Boothbay Harbor | $474,000 Laura Blake 207.380.4896
50 Main Street, Blue Hill | $450,000 Abigail Curless 207.801.1199
FEATURED LISTINGS
1 Miller Street, Belfast | $450,000 Kate Jackson 207.691.3684
26 My Way, Boothbay | $449,000 Connie Moss 207.671.0117
Lot 7 River Point Road, Wiscasset | $430,000 Ian Duggan 207.522.8090 Dennis Duggan 207.522.3747
35 Pascal Avenue, Rockport | $400,000 Valerie Foster 207.522.7820
We were the first luxury real estate brand to launch on Apple TV. We were the first luxury real estate brand to add 3D and Virtual Reality Tours to our website. And, we are the first luxury real estate brand to launch an Augmented Reality app.
The highly anticipated Sotheby’s International Realty brand AR app was built with Google’s ARCore and will bring a home’s Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty is a fantastic tool for both clients and Sotheby’s International Realty sales associates.
virtual staging from perception to reality, allowing users to visualize a house as their own before purchase, adding a new level of curation to the home-buying experience.
For prospective homebuyers – Viewing a potential house in AR breaks down visualization barriers that often accompany the homebuying process, allowing prospective homebuyers the unique ability to envision the house in their personal taste and style. For home sellers / Sotheby’s International Realty clients – Selling a home with a Sotheby’s International Realty sales associate means tapping into the power of AR to sell the home by helping prospective buyers overcome the visualization barriers of touring an empty home or one decorated in style that differs from their taste.
A mobile augmented reality (AR) app that will bring a home’s virtual staging images from 2-D perception into augmented reality.
For the Sotheby’s International Realty sales associate – The benefits for the sales associate are similar to those of the homebuyer and seller; Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty empowers the sales associate to present a home in an objective and neutral manner.
Here are the key groundbreaking features of the app: Visualization – Any property can be transformed through a curated selection of AR furnishings and décor sets. Listing-specific staging options will be available in the near future. Recollection – The app has screenshot capabilities, allowing viewers to capture and store the images of AR furniture sets placed within the visit. Shop – Virtual home furnishings can be clicked for more information about the product, including a link to exit the app and be directed to a retailer’s website. All furniture is shown to-scale and provides accurate room dimensions, ensuring furniture viewed in the app will be a fit, making purchasing and moving into a new home easier on new home buyers.
Property Distribution The exposure and worldwide reach of our listings is a crucial piece of what sets us apart from the rest of the industry. Our global property marketing partners include the most authoritative news, lifestyle, and once a home is showcased on sothebysrealty.com, it is exclusively marketed on more than 100 Sotheby’s International Realty websites around the world. Results are measured with a variety of analytics and reporting tools, which enable sales associates and ‘
RENTALS
Contact us today for a complimentary rental analysis of your home and to discuss how we can help maximize the rental income of your home. At Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, we pride ourselves on representing the most exceptional luxury rental homes in all of Maine, while providing the most enjoyable of experiences for our homeowners and guests. As you may have heard, there is incredible demand from guests seeking to vacation in Maine. Hence, we are looking for outstanding new properties to add to our portfolio. As a homeowner represented by Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, you are afforded access to our full-service rental experience, including professional photography, cutting edge Matterport 3D Virtual Tours, unmatched global luxury branding, marketing and distribution, and dedicated support. Whether you are interested in renting your home for one or two weeks, the whole summer, or long term throughout the year, we are happy to discuss how to maximize the rental income of your home. Visit us at luxurymainerentals.com to view our exceptional luxury rental homes or contact Scott E. Dobos, Director of Rental Operations, at rentals@legacysir.com or 207-370-5479 for more information.
R E N TA L S W E E K LY
Bold ocean views from Chebeague Island! Three bedrooms and two and one half bathrooms can accommodate up to 6 guests this Summer. $14,000/week (two-week minimum) M O N T H LY
Stunning views and all the luxury amenities! four bedrooms and three bathrooms can accommodate up to 8 guests. Rent your own Peninsula in Cape Elizabeth. $40,000/month
W E E K LY
A lighthouse enthusiasts dream! Four bedrooms and four bathrooms can accommodate up to 6 guests in Boothbay Harbor. Views of seven lighthouses. $12,000/week W E E K LY
A private seaside experience like no other! Main home and guest cottage with total of 7 bedrooms and 3 baths can accommodate up to 13 guests. in Rockport. $7,500/week
R E N TA L S W E E K LY
Private Family compound in the Mid-Coast Region! Luxury three dwelling compound with seven bedrooms and 3-full/3-half bathrooms can accommodate 17 guests! $18,000/week W E E K LY
Oceanfront destination for relaxing and working! Five bedrooms and a dedicated office can accommodate 20 guests in Freeport. $14,000/week
M O N T H LY
Watch the waves crash at this vacation home’s rocky coast! This four bedroom home can accommodate up to 8 guests - enjoy the sound of the ocean in your hot tub! $40,000/month W E E K LY
Available for the first time as a private vacation rental! Girl Scout camp to private residence to vacation rental. Camp Muscatawa welcomes up to 30 guests! $14,000/week
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Over 65,000 eNews subscribers. Over 1,900,000 YouTube property video views. Over 30,000 social media followers interested in Maine real estate.
At Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty®, we use social media to connect your home to our vast community of real estate intenders and influencers from across the globe. Social Media, like real estate, is about connecting people and cultivating relationships, which makes it the ideal tool for marketing your home.
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PORTLAND OFFICE 2 City Center Portland, Maine 04101 207.780.9800
KENNEBUNK OFFICE
150 Port Road Kennebunk, Maine 04043 207.967.0934
BRUNSWICK OFFICE 141 Maine Street Brunswick, Maine 04011 207.729.2820
DAMARISCOTTA OFFICE 170 Main Street Damariscotta, Maine 04543 207.563.2775
CAMDEN OFFICE
46 Bay View Street Camden, Maine 04843 207.230.1003
Table of Contents Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty 5 offices covering the Maine Coastline & Seacoast New Hampshire.
info@legacysir.com legacysir.com
FEATURED LISTING $2,900,000 23 GARTHGANNON ROAD, OWLS HEAD