You might think buying or selling on your own will save money, but it could be more costly in the long run.

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=25368603&gt1=35006

http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2010/06/23/maine_home_sales_rise_again/

http://www.mainebiz.biz/news46359.html

Seasonal Rentals
As we continue to enjoy incredible spring skiing conditions, people are already in search of rental properties for next winter.

In 2009, we introduced a seasonal rental program, offering mountain and village properties with close proximity to the resort.  The program continues to grow to meet the demand of our clients. For some, a seasonal rental allows them to experience the mountain or village lifestyle prior to purchasing. For others, it’s a great way to experience the ski season with their families.

Interest in renting next winter is already strong, so we are currently seeking properties to add to our list of offerings.  If you are interested in renting your property for the 2010/11 ski season, please contact our office.

Neighborhood Spotlight
Red House Farm Village is an intimate neighborhood conveniently located just one mile from South Ridge lodge, right on the mountain access road. With a shuttle stop within walking distance, owners can take the Mountain Explorer to and from the slopes.  A network of snowshoeing, snowmobiling and hiking trails run adjacent to many of the homes, and a number of properties have incredible views of the ski trails.

Sunday River Real Estate currently has two Red House Farm Village homes listed, as well as the only available building lot. 

Tempest Ridge Update
The final homes in Phase I of Tempest Ridge were sold this spring. If you are interested in learning about what's next, contact our office and speak to one of our agents.  We will keep you informed about Phase II details as they are finalized.

When looking for a vacation home, many people consider condominiums.  Why?  The convenience of carefree living tops the reasons.  Association fees typically cover all of the items that many homeowners don’t want to worry about such as snow removal, caretaking, exterior maintenance and lawn care, etc.  Owners also enjoy the amenities that many of the condominium complexes offer, creating a perfect balance in vacation living.

Which condominium property is ideal for you?

At Sunday River, all the condos and townhomes are slopeside.  Prices range from the $70,000’s for a studio to the mid $600,000 range for luxury 4-bedroom townhouses.

Off mountain, there are a number of popular neighborhoods in both Bethel and Newry, each offering their own unique experience. Whether you want to walk to a village restaurant, take advantage of the convenient shuttle service to the mountain, enjoy a rugged mountain view or watch the fireworks from your deck at the Bethel Inn, there is something to please everyone.

Village Condominiums & Townhomes

Millbrook Townhouses: Situated along the 1st fairway at the Bethel Inn Resort, 2- and 3-bedroom townhomes are available
*Lock -out master bedroom suite with kitchenette and fireplace
*Discounted resort membership rates to enjoy amenities
*Year-round heated outdoor pool, lakehouse, golf, & cross-country skiing
*Opportunity to join RCI timeshare exchange program and the rental program

Eden Ridge: Located on the edge of Bethel Village, these tri-level hillside townhomes are attractively designed and beautifully landscaped.
*2- and 3-bedroom units
*Fireplace
*1-car garage
*Private balcony

Powder Ridge Townhomes: Located off the Sunday River access road, just 3 miles to South Ridge Lodge - offering breathtaking views of the slopes. 
*Expansive decks
*Two living areas
*3 bedrooms, 3 baths
*Fieldstone fireplace

Riverbend Condiminiums: Located on the Sunday River Road, these beautiful post and beam constructed buildings offer 1- and 2-bedroom units.
*Designated stop for the Mountain Explorer shuttle
*Private entrances with mudroom
*Interior storage locker

Interested in learning more about the benefits of condo living?  Contact us.

A 4-bedroom, classic cape style home in Bethel. 

Our buyer traffic has continued to increase and it’s clear that consumer confidence is returning.  Additionally, many potential purchasers from last winter who decided to wait have since purchased or are now actively looking.  We are not only working with more buyers, we are closing more deals.

The last quarter of 2009 was the strongest in our Sunday River Real Estate history.  We also entered  2010 with more pending sales scheduled to close in the first part of the year than ever before.

The Sunday River/Bethel region continues to attract people purchasing vacation homes and relocating to the area.

What is a market adjustment?

Buyers often ask us what a market adjustment is.  They want to know if the market  is stable and have price adjustments been made. To understand this, it is necessary to understand market value.  The simplest definition of market value means the average price sellers are willing to accept and buyers are willing to pay are equal and trending across related properties.  When this is not the case, an adjustment is necessary.  In the past 12-24 months, when real estate slowed, buyers were not willing to pay the prices that we saw in 2005/2006, the most recent height of the market.  Since then, motivated sellers have had to strategize accordingly.  This happens in two ways:
1) Sellers negotiate significantly off the selling price.  Even through last winter, we saw offers coming in at 80-85% of the list price (sometimes lower depending on the motivation and need of a seller).
2) Sellers adjust their prices down in hopes of attracting more buyers.  This is what we have been experiencing in the past 6-9 months.  Offers are now coming in at 85-95% of list price.

What does this mean?

Area sales have increased this winter. Why?  In large part it’s due to sellers making the needed price adjustments.  Today, we are seeing an average of 5-15% difference between offers and list prices. From a buyer’s perspective, these are still very good values and often still represent a significant reduction of the original list price.
  
How low can you go?

Most buyers are choosing not to view overpriced properties. Sellers have faced the fact that listing 20% higher than the competition is taking them out of consideration. The majority of sellers, whether they own slopeside or in town, have reduced their list prices to stay competitive with the market. They understand that pricing sensibly entices the largest number of buyers, which greatly increases their chances of selling.

Due to these market adjustments buyers are making more competitive offers. This increases the number of offers that are negotiated, which improves the offer-to-sale conversion rate. 

We are in a market that still affords the buyer a great value but there are indicators that the market is shifting into a more balanced market and the time for deals will soon be over.

As a leading agency in the Sunday River/Bethel area we work closely with our buyers to educate them on current sales data. We want their negotiation to be successful- not only in terms of price, but in terms of securing the vacation home of their dreams.