Is it risky for me to act really quickly on a house I think I like?

John Bettis
Associate Broker

Realty of Maine - BuyInMaine.com

Locations all over Maine!

207-370-8894 call or text

email - John@BuyInMaine.com

SOLD - $450,000 for Oceanfront Log-Cabin Style Home in Franklin

I was so happy to help Joan, Clarence and the extended family to sell their late father's home on beautiful Taunton Bay in Franklin. Thank you for entrusting me with this big life change. If you need help selling or buying, John Bettis would love to work with you.  Start with a phone call to 207-370-8894.  I look forward to working with you!

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Having a hard time acting quickly enough when a great home first hits the market?  Here’s an idea…

If you have been working closely with me over a period of time, trying to find the right home, you may be familiar with the idea of a “backup contract”.  If not, you should know about this idea because it could be a great way to find the right home.

Over the past three years, continuing still, when a great home comes on the market in Maine there are usually swarms of buyers waiting and then pouncing as quickly as they can.  For many of my out-of-state buyer clients this can be frustrating and very difficult.  A home comes on the market, and before you can even read all the details, you need to make plans to come to Maine to see it or you else will miss out.  It can be very discouraging!

But this situation has also resulted in many potential home sales falling through because the buyer was not really ready.  It could be that they made a hasty offer, sometimes even sight-unseen, but later decided it was not quite right.  It could be that the finances just didn’t work out, so they need to back away.  It could be that the inspection process uncovers issues that they do not want to deal with.  But whatever the reason, the deal falls through and the home comes right back on the market again.  I’m sure you have seen some of these listings going from Active, to Active Under Contract, then back to Active again.

As I said, this can really be a great opportunity for a discerning and frustrated buyer.  While that home is “Active Under Contract”, it is still on the market.  It can still be shown, and the deal just might fall through.  It is a little bit of a long shot, but really not that much of one.  A pretty significant number of these sales fall through and cause the home to go back to the Active status.  So, what do you do?  While that home is in the Active Under Contract status, you have some much-needed time to review the details of the home more closely and to make some plans to come see it in person if you really like it.  There may be more homes that you can see at the same time, making the trip a good use of your time anyway.  Then, we make what is called a “backup offer”.  This is exactly the same as any other offer we would make, but in this case if the seller accepts your offer, then you become contractually entitled to purchase that home if the primary deal falls through.  It becomes officially a “backup contract” and you just wait to see if the primary deal does not go to fruition.  

So, one thing I can help you with is to find properties that are Active Under Contract and may be an option for you.  If this approach sounds like it might be useful for you, please reach out to me.  I will locate homes in the areas you like, and we will keep a close eye on those that are Active Under Contract.  So what do you say – let’s give it a try!

If you're considering building on the perfect waterfront parcel in Maine, maybe this will inspire you.  Check out this gorgeous, modern design for an off-grid home and just picture it on your oceanfront or lakefront parcel.

https://www.dwell.com/article/manitoulin-island-off-grid-house-solares-a9e88f41/6760357577282113536

Hi there - As with many areas around the country now, Maine is going through a very hot real estate market with not enough homes out there to satisfy the demand for buyers.  But, you CAN act quickly enough to snag that home you love, before someone else gets it.  Even if you're out of state. Here's how...

1. Review photos and virtual tour for the home, if available. We can even try to do a live video walkthrough of the home using FaceTime, Zoom, etc.
   
   
2. Ready to make an offer? We can do it very quickly. You do not need to worry about earnest money deposit just to make an offer. That only comes into play if your offer is accepted, and even then you have several days to mail it in. In the offer, we will request 3-4 weeks so that we can complete all "due diligence". This includes any and all inspections you may want to have done on the home. If you're not happy with the results of inspections, the contract contains means for you to withdraw.

So, don't let this hectic and seemingly frantic real estate market get you down. Using this approach, you can still react very quickly when a new listing pops up that you love. Just contact us right away at (207) 370-8894. We look forward to getting you that Maine home of your dreams!

Check out this recent article from Downeast Magazine.  You too can build your own modern home in Maine.  Call John today to get started - 207-370-8894

https://mainehomes.com/modern-lincolnville-abode/

** Image courtesy of Downeast Magazine

SOLD - $225,000 for Oceanfront Home with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath

I am excited to welcome Sherri and Jim who are the new owners of 38 Petit Point in Milbridge, Maine.  We know that you're going to just love your new Rays Point neighborhood, just a few miles from downtown Milbridge.  For more homes like this, just call John today at (207) 370-8894.

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Summer is here, and the market for coastal waterfront homes in Maine has really picked up over the past month or two.  Many lovely homes are only staying on the market for a few days or a couple weeks.  If you see something you really like, don't wait!  Call me soon at 207-370-8894.  I want to help you!!

These are difficult times for all of us as we struggle with the Coronavirus. However, I did want to mention that Maine real estate is still considered essential business by our governor.  So, with the help of some strict rules and available personal protection, we can still welcome you to showings. Alternatively, don't hesitate to contact us and we'll find a way to do a live virtual tour for you by using Zoom, FaceTime, etc.  Just ask!

I can never seem to get a glimpse of the Hermit Thrush, but I hear its intoxicating song from now until August! Take a listen and come hear them for yourself - come to Downeast Maine. 

https://youtu.be/o0mATRdzZSc