Athens, Maine / Sold
As the president and designated broker for Harcourts Waterfront & Fine Properties, Charlene Hamiwka brings a unique blend of sales, marketing, and consulting skills. Harcourts' slogan is "Rethink Real Estate," and they provide innovative services to sell unique properties, including a luxury non-distressed auction platform that provides global exposure and an online streaming bidding platform.
Here, Charlene shares her insights into the Maine market with Haute Residence.
What is the best thing about your market?
Maine offers something for everyone: oceans, lakes, forests, mountains, urban and rural areas, historic homes, and modern architecture. Comparatively speaking, our real estate still offers the best value for the money.
What do you foresee as the future of your market in 2024?
In 2023, Maine was the top state in the US for inbound moves, and home prices increased. For 2024, I foresee a relatively stable market, with prices staying about the same or maybe even declining slightly, depending on the area. Mortgage rates are still impacting primary homes, but historically, rates are about average, so buyers are settling into the new norm. The presidential election will also have an impact in terms of softening the market due to just the general unknowns of what will happen - but once the election is over, the market tends to recover.
Bristol, Maine - $2,200,000/Sold
What advice would you give someone who wants to buy or sell in your market?
If you are a buyer and find the house you want - and can afford the payments, don't wait. If rates drop, many more buyers will jump into the market and prices will be pushed higher. We work with lenders who offer some fantastic, no fee refinancing programs.
For sellers, inventory is still low, so there is pent-up demand. We offer an auction platform that will provide the best market price under the current conditions, which is a good way to gauge market demand with no risk to the seller.
Why do you love living in your market?
As I mentioned earlier, Maine has a lifestyle for everyone. It is a large state with a relatively small population (1.3 Million), so we are big enough to have all the conveniences but small enough to have a small town or even a remote feel in many places. Being close to major population areas and also having good airports is one of the reasons so many people have vacation homes in Maine!
Charlene M. Hamiwka is one of the exclusive agents representing the Maine real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.
For more information, please contact Charlene M. Hamiwka at charlene@harcourtswfp.com or 207-671-0085
