John Bettis
Associate Broker, Realtor®
Realty of Maine
Specialties: Buyer's Agent, Vacation homes, Investment properties, Listing Agent
I specialize in waterfront properties from southern Maine, along the coastline up to Lubec and Eastport, and inland to include our pristine lakes, ponds and rivers
I take great pride in working closely with my clients to understand what they are looking for and matching them with properties I am confident recommending. After having a home for almost 25 years in the Acadia and Downeast region of Maine, I have developed a deep appreciation and understanding of the exceptional values and extraordinary buying opportunities that can be found here for oceanfront properties. Having personally bought and sold oceanfront properties here for investment and recreation, I am intimately familiar with the quaint villages, peninsulas, and unique characteristics of this region - just far enough away from the highly developed tourist areas of the state's southern and mid-coast regions. However, I am also very familiar with the Midcoast Region and Maine's southern coast, so I am able to assist my clients anywhere in the state.
Stretching north along the coast from Blue Hill Bay - through Acadia National Park - and up to Englishman Bay, the Downeast region has retained its authentic Maine character and revels in abundant natural beauty and wildlife. That’s why I specialize in coastal properties here. Whether tucked into secluded bays or with vast views of the open Atlantic, this magnificent area offers everything from small cottages to sophisticated New England estates, accommodating an array of price points and all available as primary residences, second homes (vacation homes), investment properties (vacation rentals), and undeveloped land for building a dream home or retirement home in the future.
With more than 25 years of sales and marketing experience in corporate manufacturing and international travel, I am energetic, personable, conscientious, thorough, and dependable. I am very excited to work closely with you to buy or sell along the coast in this special, stunning area of Maine.
I believe wholeheartedly in the amazing real estate deals offered here for buyers from around the country and especially for people coming from the Northeast urban areas like metropolitan Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC, as well as New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland. This area is truly quintessential New England with lighthouses, quaint seaside villages, sparkling granite shorefront, crashing surf, scenic bays, abundant wildlife, and an exceptional variety of outdoor activities all while offering some of the most beautiful, affordable, and untapped coastal real estate in America. Major airline service is within an hour’s drive from much of the area, and best of all is the grandeur of Acadia National Park located in the heart of this region.
Yet, many people are simply unaware of this area. It’s still basically off the radar, and that means beautiful, untouched bayfront land is available for as low as $20,000 an acre, while stunning, undeveloped oceanfront parcels start as low as $55,000 an acre. In fact, cute turnkey waterfront cottages can be had for as low as $160,000, and magnificent waterfront estates start at under $600,000 and go as high as $15,000,000. You can even purchase your very own island with a small, furnished cottage for as low as $250,000!
As I said, the opportunities here are exceptional, and during my almost 20 years of having a home here, I have bought and sold properties across the area both as investments and for development. As a result, I have developed a number of good contacts such as inspectors, surveyors, builders, property managers, and real estate attorneys. I love the real estate here, and I know the area extremely well which makes it easy for me to offer solid recommendations and provide sound guidance to others. So, it has been a very natural transition for me to begin serving as a buyer’s agent for other people who may be looking for their own investment, retirement, or vacation properties in this unique and affordable setting.
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Testimonials
I recently had the pleasure of working with John Bettis to sell my coastal property in Milbridge, Maine. I must say his ability to do so while away or virtually was incredibly impressive. From the beginning John demonstrated a deep understanding of the local market and a thorough understanding of the Real Estate industry. After evaluating my property, it was quickly placed on the market. John arranged for excellent photography and the listing was spot on. We had a full price offer within a week of the listing. Subsequently John made excellent use of technology to keep in touch, share documents and keep me informed about the progress of the sale. He was incredibly responsive, always getting back to me promptly whenever I reached out. Overall, I cannot recommend John Bettis highly enough. If you are looking for a Realtor that will go above and beyond to help you buy or sell a home, look no further than John Bettis!
Mike and Rebecca Samson, 2023
MLS #1545441
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My husband and I looked for a property in Maine for a while. During that time, John Bettis was patient, kind, communicative, educational, polite and extremely responsive to any email correspondence. In short, he could not have been a better agent, during our search. We are thankful to have had him helping us with this journey. Happily, we did find and purchase a property! If I ever need an agent in Maine in the future, I would not hesitate to contact John Bettis. He is truly one in a million!
John David Curtis & Regina Meadows Moore, 2022
MLS #1507440
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Working with John Bettis was exactly the way I've always imagined buying property should be. He is personable, knows the market very well, and he solves problems quickly. He is also honest and smart.
John Pearson, 2022
MLS #1547215
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John made it easy to buy property in Maine when living out in NH. He was extremely responsive and went to go look at lots for me! I would highly recommend John as a realtor to anyone!
Steve Couture, 2022
MLS #1511925
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John Bettis provided outstanding service and assistance during our recent move from Colorado to Maine. His calm manner was very helpful during a rushed, hectic time. John is extremely prompt and on top of things, was super responsive and got offers in on houses in record time. John's knowledge of Maine was most helpful. He and his team went way out of their way to help us find a lovely home in Maine. We highly recommend John Bettis as an honest, ethical realtor who works hard for his clients. Sincerely, Gillian Wilks and Gordon Scott
Gillian Wilks and Gordon Scott, July 2021
MLS #1491200
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In twelve real estate purchases or sales over the years, with all the various real estate agents we've dealt with, John would be our first choice for any future transaction. He did what any solid agent would do: be available at any time, including weekends and evenings; competently handle all the paperwork; give advice when asked. But he sets himself apart when it comes to the details. He dug through old city records to find what was filed regarding something relatively minor we were concerned with, which we didn't ask him to do or even consider as an option. He was constantly anticipating potential problems so that we could resolve them early, whether it was zoning, flood insurance, or lending hurdles. When unavoidable issues did come up, he gave great solutions and was willing to work through novel ideas with the other parties. Overall, we were very impressed with his ability to strike the right balance between being involved and giving guidance but still always with the goal of making sure we ended up with the right property (and not just getting the purchase done and over).
Justin and Erin Strong and family, August 2020
MLS #1448595
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We first met John online and later by phone from more than a thousand miles away when we were looking to buy a home in Maine. Being extremely knowledgeable about the state he guided us through the various locations and, at the same time, was keen to learn about us and identify our priorities in order to help guide our search and find the right house for our family. With his expert help we could compile a list of suitable properties to view. John went out of his way to set up showings when we finally visited the area. His input and local expertise was invaluable and he ultimately helped us negotiate a favorable transaction on our house. When we encountered any problems while out of state such as scheduling appraisals and coastal insurance John took everything in his stride, recommending people and alternatives, negotiating extensions and worked with our bank and insurance provider. He reassured us, calmly resolved every issue and kept us informed throughout the entire process. With John’s help we experienced one of our least stressful property transactions ever and were able to purchase a wonderful home. He is a consummate professional, kind, knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile. We wholeheartedly recommend using John as your agent!
Walter and Linda Van den Heever, October 2020
MLS #1361320
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I recently purchased a new home and was represented by John Bettis. John is truly a professional realtor. His level of care for his clients is exemplary. He goes out of his way to address his clients' needs and personalizes his approach to everything he does. He is responsive and a great communicator. I highly recommend John Bettis as your real estate professional.
John and Susan Clause, January 2021
MLS #1472165
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John was our agent in the purchase of a small cottage and land in Harrington. John has extraordinary communication skills which, coupled with excellent follow up, makes for a professional not found often in the real estate world. We purchased the property for use by us and our family, but also to rent occasionally to cover costs. Having never used VRBO, John used his existing skills to completely set up our account and get us ready to go. If you want a real estate agent who has a great attitude, always has a smile, and is most willing to go the extra mile; John is your guy.
Mike and Diane Kennedy, January 2020
MLS #1423089
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John Bettis facilitated our purchase of a home in Milbridge. He was honest to a fault, straightforward, energetic, and responsive to the things that needed to be done. He was unfailingly available. He managed the relationship between us and the sellers with great sensitivity, protecting both our interests. He made knowledge of resources available, which was helpful to us in evaluating the house and the supports that were necessary in purchasing it.
Scotty and Beckie, September 2019
MLS #1424327
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We have known John for several years, and felt comfortable giving him our business. As we expected, he was very diligent with all aspects of the property sale. He navigated through several deed issues, and selected professionals to do the pre-sale interior photos and exterior drone footage. Highly recommend him to future real estate clients.
Donald and Rebecca Eldridge, September 2019
MLS #1424327
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John sold our home within 3 months, after having it on the market for several years with another agent. He brought a level of enthusiasm and perseverance that went beyond our expectations. It felt as if we were his only clients, addressing our questions and concerns within minutes of our texting or calling. We were able to list and sell our home remotely, through John's guidance, as we were not in Maine at the time. It felt as if he was right next door, offering a personal touch to the often onerous business of selling a home. John worked with us in developing a plan to show our house in the best possible way: a spectacular virtual tour that potential buyers could view anywhere. He promoted our home on social media and in written literature (agency brochure, newspapers, etc.) Best of all, John was always very positive and communicative. He checked in with us frequently, asking how we were doing or letting us know about an upcoming viewing. We had more people look at our home in the 3 months we had listed with John than in the 4 years our home was on the market with the previous realtor. John Bettis is a talented agent who brings professionalism, skills, and a great personality to anyone listing or buying a home.
Margie, April 2019
MLS #1400710
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Working with John is a true pleasure in today’s real estate world because he listens, he responds, he cares, and he is genuine. That’s just not something I find much anymore and why I would recommend him in a heartbeat.
Kelly N.
Michigan
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John helped us find the perfect home along the coast of Maine. We wanted something what we could use as a vacation home for ourselves but also be able to rent out to other vacationers when we were not using it. John found us a great house in a truly amazing value. He understood the location and why it was a great buy. In addition, he introduced us to a great local property manager and an excellent local vacation rental company to look after and manage the home as a vacation rental when we were away.
Anthony S.
Vermont
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How difficult it can be to find the home you really want and an agent who really listens. John was/is that person. Finding and purchasing our home could not have gone any better. He was easy to communicate with, prompt in answering our questions and very helpful from the time we set foot on the property, through settlement and the turning of the key that opened the door of our new home.
The Knicley Family, 2019
Maryland
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John was very helpful! I purchased the property sight unseen. I am from out of state and John guided me through the process and sent all the paperwork via email quickly and efficiently. I visited the property afterward and it was very satisfactory.
Scott Mills, 2019
Missouri
Where is Downeast Maine? Click here for a larger map and description of the region.
Contact Me
John Bettis, Realtor®
Associate Broker
Realty of Maine
185 State St
Ellsworth, ME 04605
Email: John@BuyInMaine.com
Cell: (207) 370-8894 - call or text
