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Cumberland County, ME Real Estate News

By Laura Cerrano, Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
(Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island)
I'm so grateful this summer (and really the entire year) has been bustling with Feng Shui Consultations (virtually and in-person) one after another! :) During the month of August, I made sure to carve out some much-needed rest and reset time. Well, maybe not fully rest, as my idea of a vacation is going on an adventure!A friend and I took a road trip up to Maine from New York, and one of the stops along our road trip was in Portland, ME. This was a tasty stop for sure! Everyone always speaks highly about the amazing flavor of Maine lobster and you know what?! They are absolutely right! I've never tasted such sweet, succulent lobster in my life!! If you happen to find yourself exploring the old streets of Portland, please be sure to have a cup of chowder at Gilbert's Chowder House.  In p...
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By James Wade, Tax attorney serving clients in Portland, ME
(Law Office of James D. Wade)
I wanted to share with you a video I did...Something interesting is going on and I wanted to share this with you. I did a video on the tax law change regarding alimony and posted it on youtube. I shared it with some local Maine attorneys to help them get spun up. Not one lawyer called me.Not one divorce attorney called or emailed me about a potentially huge change to divorces in America. BUT! Three regular folks found my video and called me. One in New Jersey, one in North Carolina and now one in Kentucky. The feedback has been good and so I realized that maybe I should have talked to the people who matter, those who have to live with the consequences of the tax law change. So I am sharing the link to my video here in the hopes that it will help those who actually care about avoiding tr...
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By James Wade, Tax attorney serving clients in Portland, ME
(Law Office of James D. Wade)
Not many people know this but the IRS has only a set time to collect unpaid taxes. Once this collection period passes, called a statute of limitations on collections, the tax debt is written off.  IRS Statute of Limitations on CollectionsGenerally, the IRS has 10 years from the date of assessment to collect a tax. Sounds easy right. Wait out the IRS for ten years and you're home free. Not so fast.First, 10 years is a long time and the IRS is certainly not going to sit idle. The IRS has the power to seize bank funds or garnish your wages. It can also file a lien on your property, which may make it hard to later sell it. A word of warning, if you owe a substantial tax debt and have assets of value than the IRS can file a suit in court to get a judgment against you. Court judgments can las...
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By James Wade, Tax attorney serving clients in Portland, ME
(Law Office of James D. Wade)
Alternate title: Why Being Current is the Key to Resolving Your Back TaxesThis may sound strange but if you owe money to the IRS, it is more concerned - at least initially - with your current tax situation than your unpaid taxes. While that may sound backwards, the IRS' reasoning is solid: taxpayers who get current with their tax obligations are more likely to stay good taxpayers well into the future.What does it mean to be current?So what does being current (or tax compliant as I call it) mean? First, if you haven't file the current year's tax return than file it. Second, if you owe any taxes on the current return that you pay the amount due in full as soon as possible. Finally, and if you are self-employed this is very important, if you are required to make quarterly estimated tax pay...
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By James Wade, Tax attorney serving clients in Portland, ME
(Law Office of James D. Wade)
If you receive an IRS final notice of intent to levy, you need to act now! Don't Ignore the IRS Final Notice!In my last post, I talked about the sequence of IRS collection notices received from the IRS. If you receive an IRS final notice of intent to levy, you need to act now! Most IRS collection notices are just reminders to pay your taxes. Not so with IRS final notices. Ignore this notice at your own peril.Before going any further, I want to point out the IRS final notice of intent to levy has changed a bit. The notice now reads: “Intent to seize your assets and notice of your right to a hearing.” You can click this link to see an example.If you are not sure which notice you have, just look at the top left corner of the first page. Look for either CP90 or CP297. If you see either of t...
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By James Wade, Tax attorney serving clients in Portland, ME
(Law Office of James D. Wade)
Talking to the IRS Can Land You in Hot Water. Just Ask Richard Mathews.Mr. Mathews was a successful businessman, in spite of never graduating high school. Unfortunately for him, he made some big mistakes on his tax returns - he happened to omit substantial income. The IRS audited him and based on his statements to the IRS agent his audit went criminal and he ended up spending 27 months in jail.What Did Mr. Mathews Do Wrong?For starters, Mr. Mathews tried to talk his way out of trouble. When that didn't work he started lying. Some of the statements that got him into trouble were: He said he only had a personal checking account when in fact he also had another account (which the IRS discovered on its own). He changed his story several times about his businesses, his role in those business...
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By George Kando, New England Realty Group, Southern Maine's Real Estate Team of Choice
( New England Realty Group)
At Home in Scarborough, MaineI love the Fall. Don't get me wrong, as a born and bred New Englander, I love all the Seasons. As our gorgeous Summer wanes on the gorgeous coast of Maine, Fall is a brightly colorful last hurrah from Mother Nature to remind us how lucky we are! As I was driving to work today in Scarborough, Maine, I seemed extra aware of how beautiful my community really is. Scarborough is  a coastal community in Southern Maine. Just South of Portland, Scarborough boasts some of the most beautiful beaches, Salt Marshes, stately working farms and wooded areas. Couple that with fabulous amenities, schools and ease of commuting: you'll see why Scarborough has grown from one of our best kept secrets to a thriving community. At New England Realty Group, we specialize in our grea...
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By Chris Lynch
(Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty)
Cape Elizabeth Maine Real Estate (January 31, 2017) - Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty, with offices in Portland, Kennebunk, Brunswick, Damariscotta, and Camden, announced today that it continues to hold the #1 Ranking for 2016 for real estate sales in Cape Elizabeth Maine. The company reported today that it closed a record 42 transaction sides totaling $39.2 million.  The Company's sales have outperformed last years' result by nearly 30%. By comparison, Maine Listings data shows that the Company was more than 40% ahead of the #2 real estate company reporting sales for Cape Elizabeth. This marks the second consecutive year that Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty has ranked #1 for sales in town."Cape Elizabeth has always been a great market for us.  With its...
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By Jane & Garry Smith, ABR, GRI, Realtors - Portland, ME - (207) 253-3195
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
$509,000, 4Bd/2.5Ba Single Family House, 2180 sqft.    Jane and Garry Smith | Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage | 207-253-3195jane.smith@nemoves.com | 20 Trundy Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 4 Bedroom Home near beach is for sale in Shore Acres, Cape Elizabeth, ME 4Bd/2.5Ba Single Family House   $509,000 Year Built 2013 Sq Footage 2180 sqft. Bedrooms 4 Beds Bathrooms 2.5 Baths Floors 2 Parking 2 Garage Laundry In Unit Lot Size 0.46 Acres DESCRIPTION Cottage style home built in 2013 sits on .46 Ac lot in Cape Elizabeth's Oceanside Shore Acres neighborhood! Enjoy Cape Elizabeth Land Trust's beach at Trundy Point located right at the end of the street! Wonderful open floor plan with hardwood floors and natural sunlit filtering through! White shaker style kitchen cabinetry, granite count...
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By Jane & Garry Smith, ABR, GRI, Realtors - Portland, ME - (207) 253-3195
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
$495,000, 4Bd/2.5Ba Single Family House, 2084 sqft.    Jane and Garry Smith | Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage | 207-253-3195jane.smith@nemoves.com | 6 Kimberly Ln, Falmouth, ME 04105 Single Level Falmouth Contemporary Home in tranquil setting 4Bd/2.5Ba Single Family House   $495,000 Year Built 1977 Sq Footage 2084 sqft. Bedrooms 4 Beds Bathrooms 2.5 Baths Floors 1 Parking 2 Garage Laundry In Unit Lot Size 0.96 Acres DESCRIPTION Sleek, open design 4 bedroom Contemporary home on nearly a acre will be sure to please! Quality custom renovation completed by local builder, Larry Donatello, features Miralis cabinetry, quartz countertops, Bosch stainless appliances, Blanco faucets and lovely lighting! Warm wood flooring throughout! Master Suite with private bath with glass step in shower...
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By Christopher Pagli, "I Stay Open Until You Close"
(William Raveis Legends Realty Group)
Real estate is very local. When you hear how the real estate market is performing overall it is usually on a statewide or national level. We recently learned that in the state of Maine single family sales have increased by 17% from this time last year, that’s a big jump. It doesn’t necessarily mean that your town or county performed in the same manner.Cumberland County happened to perform in line with the overall state numbers and if you combine condo and single family home sales, the increase from this time last year is about 14%. There were a total of 4,099 single family home sales in all of Cumberland County since October 2014, ranging from a bank owned property for $16,000 in Casco to a $7,150,000 retreat in the town of Raymond.Despite the wide range, the average single family home ...
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By Christopher Pagli, "I Stay Open Until You Close"
(William Raveis Legends Realty Group)
Buying a condo in Portland Maine? What is a condo? The term condo means "governed by a board of managers", it is not a style of home. This can be a multi- unit dwelling that has individual apartments, a low, mid, or high-rise building, and even a townhouse- these are are styles of condos. In Maine, Portland especially, the type that are situated in a multi-unit dwelling and townhouse are most common. You will find them sprinkled throughout the various neighborhoods; Munjoy Hill, East End, West End, Old Port, Downtown, North Deering, Deering Center, Parkside, Rosemont, Arts District, Back Cove, Bayside to name a few. When a multi-unit is converted to a condo they are usually self-managed until all the units are sold. Then the owners can decide whether they want to hire a management compa...
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By Christopher Pagli, "I Stay Open Until You Close"
(William Raveis Legends Realty Group)
Maine has gotten so much great press over the years. Our great state is called Vacationland for a reason, there is never a shortage of things to do. Whether it's taking a ferry ride to a beautiful island, strolling along our many miles of beach, enjoying the plethora of amazing restaurants, hiking in the mountains, or just laying low and breathing in the clean, fresh air, Maine has it all. In fact, these are some of the reasons I decided to relocate my family here and call Portland home. Ok, maybe the blueberries had something to do with it as well, not kidding.I have the best connection for blueberries in the state, ask me for details! I grew up in Westchester County NY where I have been real estate agent for 10 years, now practicing full time in the Greater Portland Maine Area. When I...
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By Jane & Garry Smith, ABR, GRI, Realtors - Portland, ME - (207) 253-3195
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
$229,500, 3Bd/1Ba Single Family House, 960 sqft.    Jane and Garry Smith | Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage | 207-253-3195jane.smith@nemoves.com | 92 Maine Ave, Portland, ME 04103 North Deering-- 3 Bedroom Colonial home for sale in Portland, ME 04103 3Bd/1Ba Single Family House   $229,500 Year Built 1938 Sq Footage 960 sqft. Bedrooms 3 Beds Bathrooms 1 Bath Floors 2 Parking 2 Off street Laundry In Unit Lot Size 0.16 Acres DESCRIPTION Not too big and not too small - this charming 1938 era Colonial home sits on a pretty landscaped corner lot with lovely rear patio and sunny front porch to enjoy the outdoors! Updated Kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless appliances, tiled and hardwood floors. Newer FHW heating system! A wonderful condo alternative without the fees! Convenie...
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By Christopher Pagli, "I Stay Open Until You Close"
(William Raveis Legends Realty Group)
 Dining at isa (supposed to be lowercase) was by far my most pleasurable experience in Portland so far. It's located in the challenged Bayside neighborhood which brings me back to NYC. It's not about the location but the ray of sunshine their food brings to the neighborhood. Having met in Brooklyn NY, the owners, Isaul and Suzie decided to bring their prowess and vision to Portland Maine, how appropriate! Isaul is classical trained in French and Italian cooking, that alone is a recipe for success. This is the exactly the type of restaurant you would find in an up and coming Brooklyn neighborhood. They do take reservations for parties of 6 or more ONLY and I suggest making one because they start to fill up around 6:30.Upon entering you'll find simple, classic decor that stays true to the...
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By Jane & Garry Smith, ABR, GRI, Realtors - Portland, ME - (207) 253-3195
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
$249,900, 3Bd/1Ba Single Family House, 1423 sqft.    Jane and Garry Smith | Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage | 207-253-3195jane.smith@nemoves.com | 33 Hamlin Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105 Affordable 3 Bedroom Home For Sale in Famouth, ME! 3Bd/1Ba Single Family House   $249,900 Year Built 1964 Sq Footage 1423 sqft. Bedrooms 3 Beds Bathrooms 1 Bath Floors 2 Parking 2 Garage Laundry In Unit Lot Size 15000 Square Feet DESCRIPTION Well maintained single family home on landscaped lot in convenient Falmouth neighborhood! Features low maintenance vinyl siding, windows and new roofing. Brand new Pensotti FHW boiler! Hardwood floors, Finished Family Room in lower level with wood burning fireplace. This delightful home is sure to please!   Falmouth see additional photos below Unit Features - Living...
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By Christopher Pagli, "I Stay Open Until You Close"
(William Raveis Legends Realty Group)
The summer has come and gone leaving behind many single family home sales in the Portland and South Portland Maine area. To date, September has seen 105 single family homes sales compared to 119 in August. Only two of those sales were over a million. The average list price for September was $307,029 up from $298,328 and average sold price of $302,445 up from $296,009 in August.The sales/list price ratio of 99.10 is only down a 1/4 percent from last month. This is good news for sellers as many are getting very close to asking, if not asking, or over. Average days on market was 33, many homes are selling quickly. Proper pricing and marketing are the most important factors when selling a home. If you over price it will most likely sit on the market. Even more encouraging is the amount of b...
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By Christopher Pagli, "I Stay Open Until You Close"
(William Raveis Legends Realty Group)
 I find more and more that buyers are calling the listing agent of a property and expect them to have their best interest in mind. The listing agent represents the seller in a transaction, and should always have the sellers best interest in mind. Anything you say to the listing agent can, and will most likely be used against you in a negotiation. Your Greater Portland Maine Real Estate Buyers Agent will know what to tell the sellers side without weakening your negotiating position.Here are some questions I want you to consider the next time you are on the fence about whether to use a Portland Maine Real Estate Buyers Agent...1) Do you know how to comprehend all of the local market data to best understand what is a good value, current trends, and absorbtion rates?2) Are you familiar with...
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By Christopher Pagli, "I Stay Open Until You Close"
(William Raveis Legends Realty Group)
Everyday I learn something new about myself.  When I pay close attention I really connect with what motivates me.  At times, we all feel writers block, stuck, or lacking motivation.  Having lived in NYC I've learned that I do some of my best thinking when walking the streets.  It's just the pavement, my thoughts, our destination, and me.   I just relocated to Portland Maine and have to start from the beginning in my new real estate market.  This has been a dream of mine for some time, albeit the task ahead started to feel a little daunting.  Instead of looking at it as a negative I found excitement in the journey that lie ahead and quite frankly, it is all exciting stuff.  Having to learn a new market and real estate process will help me see how other parts of the country do things and ...
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By Jane & Garry Smith, ABR, GRI, Realtors - Portland, ME - (207) 253-3195
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
3 Brm Colonial for sale in Back Cove neighborhood, Portland, ME 04103  $279,000, 3Bd/1Ba Single Family House, 1484 sqft.    Jane and Garry Smith | Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage | 207-253-3195jane.smith@nemoves.com | 73 Codman St, Portland, ME 04103 Back Cove Colonial with large backyard! 3Bd/1Ba Single Family House   $279,000 Year Built 1940 Sq Footage 1484 sqft. Bedrooms 3 Beds Bathrooms 1 Bath Floors 2 Parking 1 Garage Laundry In Unit Lot Size 6969 Square Feet DESCRIPTION Opportunity awaits in this classic 1940's Colonial home in Portland, Maine's prime Back Cove location! Side entry leads you into a fireplaced Living Rm and Dining Rm beyond. Hardwood floors, built-ins & a Family Rm overlooks the backyard! Three bedrooms on the second level. Convenient to downtown Portland, Po...
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