Utility Easements through the Shoreland Zone

Posted on August 2, 2007
Filed Under General Maine Real Estate, Southern Maine real estate | Leave a Comment

After having dealt with a couple deals involving easement issues, when looking to purchase waterfront real estate or waterview real estate be sure to read the deeds carefully, consult with professionals, never assume and be sure to check with these 3 authorities when looking to obtain permits for easements over resource protection and Shoreland Zoning regions
1) The town hall, specifically the Codes Enforcement Officer (CEO) who can determine if he/she has the authority to issue a permit or if one might need the approval of the local planning board to proceed, a process that can take multiple months.
2) The Department of Environmental Protection will most likely want to take a look at the site as well to determine if a Permit by Rule (quick 2 week version) can be issued or a full permit that can take as long as 2-3 months to obtain will be necessary.
3) The Army Corps of Engineers is the last organization to consult with if any disruption to a marine habitat will occur.

Spring Home Sale Price Decreases

Posted on July 28, 2007
Filed Under General Maine Real Estate, Maine housing statistics, Maine real estate news, Southern Maine real estate | Leave a Comment

Southern Maine Housing transaction volume remained down holding steady for the 2^nd month in a row at 82% of its 2006 levels. Average prices were down in 3 out of the 4 counties with a cumulative weighted sales price drop of 2% overall, but one should take note in York County 10 properties sold for over 1 Million in June; an abnormally high number. Removing these from the equation brings the average sales price in York down to 282K and more in line with the other 3 counties. The net result then being a 5-7% overall price drop for southern Maine real estate in June

Southern Maine Real Estate Housing Statistics

Posted on July 23, 2007
Filed Under General Maine Real Estate, Maine housing statistics, Southern Maine real estate, Coastal maine real estate | Leave a Comment

Maine State Housing Authority recently released a newly designed website www.mainehousing.org that offers a wealth or great housing statistics to peruse. Here is the direct link to these statistics. For a good oveview of the current real estate prices in Southern Maine this new website seems to do a more indepth job of historical analysis of pricing as well as some interesting ratios than any other site other then my own that I have come across. June Housing statisitics shall be released on this site by the weeks end as well