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In this week's episode we are going to talk about how to find the right retirement home in Maine. Downsizing and moving into a retirement home can be a difficult and emotional process, but with proper planning and organization, it can also be a positive experience. Here are some tips to help make the transition as smooth as possible.   When it comes to finding the right retirement home, it's important to take the time to research and visit different options. Here are some steps to take to ensure you find the perfect place for your retirement: 1.Determine your needs and wants. Before you start looking for a retirement home, make a list of what you need and want in a living situation. Consider the cost. Retirement homes can vary greatly in cost, so it's important to consider your budget and compare costs before making a decision. Consider things like location, amenities, and services offered. when touring, look at cleanliness, friendliness, and trust yourself.   2.Research different options. Look into different types of retirement homes, such as independent living communities, assisted living facilities, and continuing care retirement communities. Research the pros and cons of each option to help you make a decision. 3.Visit potential homes. Once you've narrowed down your list of options, schedule tours of the homes that interest you. Take note of the overall atmosphere, the cleanliness of the facility, and the friendliness of the staff. 4.Focus on the positives, better quality of life – leaving behind the yardwork, home maintenance, cooking, and cleaning. Adventure is waiting, you just need to take the first step. 5.Get organized and pack with a purpose: Once you've sorted through your belongings, it's important to get organized before you move. Pack your items carefully, label boxes, and make sure you have a plan for where everything will go in your new home. Sort through your belongings: Go through your belongings room by room and decide what to keep, what to sell, and what to give away. Consider hiring a professional organizer to help with this process. 6.Plan your move. Start planning the logistics of your move, such as hiring movers, packing, and arranging for transportation of your belongings. 7.Start planning early: Don't wait until the last minute to start thinking about downsizing. Give yourself plenty of time to sort through your belongings and make decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of.  Donate or sell items you no longer need: Instead of throwing away items you no longer need, consider donating them to a local charity or selling them at a garage sale or online. This will help you declutter your home and also give back to your community. 8.Get support: Downsizing and moving can be a lot to handle, so don't be afraid to ask for help. Consider hiring a moving company, or ask family and friends to assist with the process. 9.Schedule a move-in date. Once you've chosen a retirement home, schedule a move-in date with the facility. 10. Be prepared for the emotional aspect: Downsizing and moving into a retirement home can be an emotional process, especially when it comes to letting go of sentimental items. It's important to remember that the memories you have with the items will stay with you, even if the items themselves don't. 11.Notify important parties. Notify your family, friends, and any relevant organizations or companies of your move, such as the post office, banks, and utility companies. 12.Set up your new home. Once you've moved in, take the time to set up your new home. This may include hanging curtains, setting up furniture, and personalizing your space. 13. Have Fun!! By following these tips, you can make the transition to your new home as smooth as possible. Remember to take your time and focus on the things that matter most to you. You will be able to enjoy a new chapter of life in your retirement home, and remember if you Make Maine Your Home, you don't have to do it alone! View the blog post on my website...   XXXXX   To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.       00:00-01:24 Finding the right community for you 01:24-01:57 Focus on the positives 01:57-02:28 Pack with a purpose   02:28-02:14 Take your time to pack and move 03:20-03:43 Make a Record 03:44-04:10 Arrange your medications 04:10-04:33 Keep track of everything and update documents 04:33-04:55 Ask for help 04:55-05:15 Have fun! 05:15-05:38 If you Make Maine Your Home you don’t have to do it alone!

Moving into a new home can be an exciting and hectic time. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, it's important to have a checklist of tasks to complete before, during, and after your move. In this blog post, we will discuss a checklist of tasks to complete after closing on your new home. 1.Clean and paint the home: Before you start unpacking, it's a good idea to clean the home. This will give you a fresh start and make it easier to unpack and organize your belongings. Doing the flooring before you move in will also allow you to easily move in! 2. Clean out he HVAC system: Make sure you are breathing fresh air and have all your filters changed! 3.Change the locks: It's important to change the locks on your new home as soon as you move in. You never know who may have a copy of the key, so it's best to be safe and change the locks to ensure the security of your new home. 4. Test the Smoke Detectors: Make sure to test any smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors. You want to make sure you and your family are safe and you don’t want to miss this step. 5.Turn your home-inspection report into a maintenance to do list: Before you start moving in, it's important to inspect the home for any damages or issues that may have been missed during the home inspection. Make sure to take note of any damages or issues, and contact the previous homeowner or the real estate agent to have them resolved. 6. Put documents in a safe place: Make sure in your new home you keep all of your important documents in a safe place.  In case of an emergency or time sensitive matter, you want to make sure you can easily access these documents at any time! 7.Update your address: Remember to update your address with the post office, your bank, and any other important contacts. You don't want to miss any important mail or bills. 8. Update your drivers license: Make sure that you update your license and that all legal documents are up to date. 9. Research Tax Deductions: Check out your local assessor and see what deductions your home qualifies for!   10.Meet your neighbors: Take some time to meet your new neighbors. This is a great way to get to know the community and make new friends. Finally, enjoy your new home and make it your own. Add your personal touch and make it a place you love to come home to. Moving into a new home can be a daunting task, but with a checklist of tasks to complete, it can be made much easier. Follow these tips and you'll be able to move into your new home with confidence and ease. Happy moving, and if you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone! View the blog post on my website...   XXXXX   To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.     00:00-01:09 Cleaning your new home 01:09-01:25 Clean out the HVAC System 01:25-01:47 Change the locks   01:47-02:14 Test the smoke detectors   02:14-02:47 Turn your home-inspection report into a maintenance to do list 02:47-02:58 Put your documents in a safe place   02:58-03:10 Change your address   03:10-03:20 Update your Drivers License   03:20-03:58 Look for deductions 03:58-04:15 Meet the neighbors   04:15-04:39 If you Make Maine Your Home you don’t have to do it alone!  

Portland, Maine is a vibrant and thriving city that offers a great environment for remote workers. Here are three reasons why you should consider working remotely in Portland:   1.A strong and supportive community. Portland has a strong and growing community of remote workers, and there are many resources and support groups available to help you succeed. This includes coworking spaces, networking events, and online forums, where you can connect with other remote workers and share tips and advice.   2.Beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Portland is located in southern Maine, close to the coast and surrounded by beautiful forests and rivers. This provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. You can also enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape.   3.A thriving economy and job market. Portland is home to a diverse range of businesses and industries, and the city has a strong and growing economy. This provides plenty of opportunities for remote workers, whether you're looking for freelance work or a full-time remote job. Portland is also home to several large employers, such as L.L. Bean and Idexx Laboratories, which offer remote work options for their employees.   In conclusion, Portland, Maine is a great place to work remotely, with a strong and supportive community, beautiful scenery, and a thriving economy. Whether you're a freelancer or an employee, Portland has something to offer for remote workers. Let us know in the comments if you work remotely or are moving to Portland, and remember, if you Make Maine Your Home, you don't have to do it alone!     View the blog post on my website...   XXXXX   To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.     00:00-00:55 Community in Portland Maine 00:55-01:38 Maine is beautiful 01:38-02:02 The economy in Portland Maine 02:02-02:30 If you Make Maine Your Home you don’t have to do it alone!  

In today's episode we are going to talk about what's it like living in Westbrook Maine, and go into 3 reasons to live in Westbrook Maine. Westbrook, Maine is a beautiful and vibrant city with a lot to offer residents. Here are three reasons why you should consider living in Westbrook:   1.Beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Westbrook is located in southern Maine, close to the coast and surrounded by beautiful forests and rivers. This provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and boating. You can also enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape.   2.A growing economy and job market. Westbrook is home to a diverse range of businesses and industries, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The city is also home to several large employers, such as Maine Medical Center and Idexx Laboratories. This provides plenty of opportunities for employment and career growth.   3.A vibrant and diverse community. Westbrook is a diverse and welcoming community with a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and cultural events, including the Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church and the Westbrook Historical Society. You can also enjoy a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Westbrook Arts and Cultural Fair and the Westbrook Farmer's Market.   In conclusion, Westbrook, Maine is a great place to live, with beautiful scenery, a growing economy, and a vibrant and diverse community. Whether you're looking for a new place to call home or just want to visit, Westbrook has something for everyone.   View the blog post on my website...   XXXXX   To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.     00:00-00:43 what's it like living in Westbrook   00:43-01:14 where is Westbrook located   01:14-01:43 The economy in Westbrook Maine   01:43-02:50 Westbrook's vibrant community   02:50-03:12 If you Make Maine Your Home you don’t have to do it alone!

In this week’s episode we are going to talk about5 questions to ask when interviewing a realtor. When it comes to finding a realtor to help you buy or sell a home, it's important to do your due diligence and ask the right questions. A good realtor will be able to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision, and will also be able to answer any questions you may have about the process. Here are five questions to consider asking a realtor: What is your experience level in the real estate industry? It's important to find a realtor who has a good amount of experience in the industry. A realtor with a lot of experience will have a better understanding of the market and will be able to provide you with valuable insights and advice. Can you provide references from past clients? A good realtor will be able to provide you with references from past clients who can speak to the quality of their services. This will give you a better idea of what to expect from the realtor and will help you make a more informed decision. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest real estate market trends? The real estate market is constantly changing, and it's important to find a realtor who stays up-to-date on the latest trends. Ask the realtor about their strategies for staying informed, such as attending industry conferences or subscribing to relevant publications. What sets you apart from other realtors in the area? Every realtor is different, so it's important to ask about what sets the realtor you're interviewing apart from their competitors. This could include unique services they offer or specialized knowledge they have about a particular area or type of property. Can you provide an estimated timeline for the home buying or selling process? Buying or selling a home can be a time-consuming process, so it's important to have a rough idea of how long it will take. Ask the realtor for an estimated timeline, including how long it will take to find a property, negotiate a contract, and close on the sale. This will help you plan and prepare for the process ahead. Asking these questions can help you find a realtor who is a good fit for your needs and will work diligently to help you achieve your real estate goals. Thanks for watching and remember if you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone!   View the blog post on my website...   XXXXX To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/ Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.   To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.   00:00-00:38  5 Questions to Ask when Interviewing a Realtor 00:38-00:41 Doug Puts on His Glasses   00:42-01:36 What is your experience level in the real estate industry? 01:36-02:34 Can you provide references from past clients? 02:34-04:02 How do you stay up-to-date on the latest real estate market trends? 04:02-04:45 What sets you apart from other realtors in the area? 04:55-05:50 Can you provide an estimated timeline for the home buying or selling process? 05:50-06:23 If you Make Maine Your Home you don’t have to do it alone!

Portland, Maine is a great place to raise a family and there are plenty of playgrounds to choose from. Here are five of the best playgrounds in the Portland area: 1.Fort Williams Park: Located in Cape Elizabeth, just a short drive from Portland, Fort Williams Park is home to Portland Head Light, the oldest lighthouse in Maine. The park also features a large playground called the children's garden with a variety of play structures, swings, and climbing equipment, as well as a picnic area and a beautiful oceanfront view. 2.Deering Oaks Park: Located in the West End neighborhood of Portland, Deering Oaks Park is a popular spot for families with young children. It features a large playground with a variety of play structures, swings, and climbing equipment, as well as a pond, a duck sanctuary, and a large open field perfect for a game of frisbee or soccer. 3.Reiche School Playground: Located in the West End neighborhood of Portland, this playground is known for its unique, inclusive design. It features a variety of play structures and equipment suitable for children of all ages and abilities. 4.Willard Park: Located in South Portland near Willard Beach, Willard Park is a popular spot for families with young children. It features a large, modern playground with a variety of play structures, swings, and climbing equipment. There is also a basketball court, a skate park, and a picnic area with tables and grills, and amazing views of the beach, and not to mention the beach itself! 5.Eastern Promenade Children's Playground: Located along Portland's beautiful Eastern Promenade, this playground is a favorite among local families. It features a large, fenced-in play area with a variety of play structures, swings, and climbing equipment. There is also a small beach nearby, perfect for a summertime picnic or a quick dip in the ocean. No matter which playground you choose, you'll find plenty of fun and adventure for the whole family in Portland, Maine, and remember if you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone!     View the blog post on my website...   https://www.makemaineyourhome.com/5-best-playgrounds-in-the-greater-portland-area/   To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.     00:00-0:32 5 best playgrounds in the greater portland area 00:32-00:35 Doug puts on his glasses 00:36-01:12 Fort Williams Park Cape Elizabeth Maine 01:12-01:43 Deering Oaks Park Portland Maine 01:43-02:11 Reiche School Playground 02:11-02:31 Willard Park   02:31-04:01 The Eastern Promenade    

In this week’s episode we are going to give you an housing market update for 2023. There has been a lot of conversation and speculation in the media. This video is based on the opinions of some experts but by no means is this what will definitely happen, because the market can always change! We are going to talk about the possibility of a housing crash, a recession, and rising interest rates. There are still a lot of opportunities for buyers in this current market and we want to make sure you are aware of them! So let us know in the comments are you looking for a house now or waiting, and remember if you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone!   View the blog post on my website...   XXXXX   To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.     00:00-01:02 Market Update 2023 01:02-02:22 Are we heading for a housing crash? 02:33-03:06 When will interest rates drop?   03:06-03:57 Are we in a recession? 03:57-04:29 Buying a house in 2023 04:30-06:03 Housing supply 2023 06:03-06:30 If you Make Maine Your Home you don’t have to do it alone!

In this week’s episode we are going to talk about getting approved to buy a house in Maine. The first step we recommend is to find or work with a trusted lender. We know a bunch of qualified lenders who can help you get financing for your home, and take you through the steps in the video. During the mortgage pre approval process, you will fill out a mortgage application. Once that is filled out you will show all of your financial information to prove you can afford the mortgage. They will check your credit report and verify your employment. There are different types of loans that have different requirements. Government backed loans are one kind of loan that you might not need as high a credit score for. As far as how much money to put down, depending on the loan you may not have to put down that much or you may want to put down more to have a lower monthly payment. Once you have gone through the pre approval process you will be given a pre approval letter and that shows you are approved for a loan! Then you can look at houses and let sellers know you are serious about making an offer! If you don’t get pre approved there are a lot of great things you can do to help. Improving your credit score, and improving your debt to income ratio. Most lenders will come up with a timeline so you are on the road to get a home! Let us know in the comments if have any questions, and remember, if you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone!     To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.   00:00-00:19 How to get approved to buy house in Maine 00:19-00:22 Doug puts on his glasses 00:22-0:54 How to find a lender 00:55-02:46 Mortgage pre approval process 02:46-03:41 Different types of loans 03:41-04:01 Pre approval letter 04:01-01:10 What to do if you are not pre approved 05:10-05:38 If you Make Maine Your Home you don’t have to do it alone!

In this week’s episode we are going to talk about 3 reasons to live in Falmouth Maine. Located in Cumberland County, Falmouth Maine is such an easy commute to Portland, while still being near trails, the ocean, and the freedom to have more space! If you like boating, the beach, and swimming, Falmouth is perfect for you. With amazing trail systems, parks, beaches, the autobahn, Mackworth Island, and the list goes on! There is so much to enjoy in nature! Falmouth Maine has great schools and great community programs for its residents. So let us know! Do you live in Falmouth? If so, what is your favorite thing about living there? Make sure to leave us a comment and remember, if you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone!     To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.   00:00-00:33 3 reasons to live in Falmouth Maine 00:33-00:35 Doug puts on his glasses 00:35-01:12 Where is Falmouth Maine Located 01:13-01:54 Enjoying Nature in Falmouth   01:55-03:00 Community and Schools in Falmouth Maine 03:00-03:14 If you Make Maine Your Home you don’t have to do it alone!

In this week’s episode we are going to talk about how long it takes to buy a house in Maine. From the time that you go under contract to closing day is normally 30 days. Now, there are a lot of factors that go into that. What kind of financing do you have? Are you playing cash? Are you doing inspections? All of these questions can add or subtract time to your closing. Time from start to finish depends on many factors. Where do you want to live? What are your wants and needs? Of course the right Real Estate Broker can help all with all of these questions and get you in the right place for you. So let us know, how long did it take you to buy your home, and remember, if you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone!   To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.   00:00-00:21 How long does it take to buy a house in Maine 00:22-00:25 Doug puts on his glasses 00:25-01:49 What goes into closing on a house   01:50-02:54 Start to Finish buying a house   02:55-03:30 Negotiating and due diligence period   03:30-03:45 If you Make Maine Your Home you don’t have to do it alone!

In this week’s episode we are going to talk all about Saco Maine. Saco has a very interesting history. Located in York County, Saco has a population of roughly 20,000. Saco is home to some really great attractions. If you want to go to the beach, Ferry Beach is fantastic. Also Funtown Splashtown USA is in Saco, which is one of the best amusement parks in Maine. Also for commuting Saco is fantastic, located 20 minutes from Portland, and with its own Downeaster stop you can easily get down to Boston.  Saco is a waterfront town with amazing beaches including Ferry Beach, Camp Ellis, and is bordered by Biddeford and Old Orchard Beach. There are fantastic neighborhoods in Saco, with cul de sacs, older neighborhoods with a ton of charm, and a very suburban layout all with reasonable price tags. If you are looking to get around there is a great public transportation system in Saco. Saco really is a fantastic place to live with so many things to do, and just a short ride to Portland. So check out Saco Maine, and remember if you Make Maine Your Home you don’t have to do it alone!     View the blog post on my website...       To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.   00:00-00:47 All about Saco Maine 00:47-01:16 Local Attractions in Saco Maine   01:17-02:02 Saco Maine History 02:02-02:39 Waterfront town in Maine 02:39-03:10 towns in maine with neighborhoods 03:10-03:20 Public Transportation   03:20-03:59 If you Make Maine Your Home you don’t have to do it alone!

In this week’s episode we are going to talk about garbage collection in Portland Maine. Portland Maine has a pay as you go trash collection system. You buy Portland purple bags for $1.75 (as for 11/4/2022) a bag. Then the city comes and picks up your trash! Then the recycling goes in blue bins that the city comes to collect. Luckily the city of Portland has a fantastic app that allows you to view routes, see what can or can’t be recycled and how to break it down, and much more! If you need to throw away large items you can do so at the Riverside Recycling Facility. Waste that can not be recycled is utilized at the EcoMaine  Zero Waste Power Plant where items are safely burned and turned into electricity that has the ability to power 15000 homes! Outside of what the city does there are great programs like Garbage to Garden that is a composting program that takes your compost and then provides it to local farms and farmers! If you have any questions let us know below and remember, if you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone!   View the blog post on my website...       To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.   00:00-00:48 garbage collection in portland maine 00:49-00:51 Doug puts on his glasses 00:51-01:21 Portland Maine Purple Bags 01:21-01:32 Recycling in Portland Maine   01:33-01:52 Portland Maine Trash App 01:52-02:08 Throwing away large items in Portland Maine   02:08-02:33 EcoMaine Zero Waste Power Plant   02:33-03:10 Garbage to Garden   03:10-03:41 If you Make Maine Your Home you don’t have to do it alone!       Links: Garbage to Garden:   https://garbagetogarden.org/   Portland Maine Waste Management: https://www.portlandmaine.gov/533/Trash-Recycling  

In this week's episode, we are going to talk about last-minute creative Halloween costumes that are Maine based. Maine is a very spooky place and is perfect for coming up with ideas for last-minute Halloween costumes! Why not dress up as a Lobsterman and show how amazing the fishing community in Maine is. Or dress up as a Manlobster, which is a half-man half-lobster hybrid! You could even be a regular lobster, and have a friend go as a lobsterman! Of course, you could go as a classic Maine lumberjack! Luckily there is a ton of wildlife in Maine so with a little creativity you can go as a deer, moose, or bear! Hungry? Why not go as some Maine food, a blueberry, a can of moxie, or maybe a bean suppa! If you are technical, turn yourself into a lighthouse. Last but not least go as a classic Maine villain Pennywise! There are so many fun things to be for Halloween, why not be something classically Maine! So if you Make Maine Your Home, or your costume, you don’t have to do it alone!       View the blog post on my website...       To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.   00:00-00:43 maine based halloween costumes 00:44-00:50 Doug puts on his glasses 00:50-01:11 Lobsterman Halloween Costume 01:11-01:20 Manlobster Costume 01:21-01:37 Lobster Costune   01:38-01:50 Lumberjack Costume   01:50-02:07 Maine Wildlife 02:07-02:23 Maine Food   02:23-02:29 Lighthouse Costume   02:29-02:53 Pennywise Costume   02:53-03:22 If you Make Maine Your Home you don’t have to do it alone!

In this week’s episode, we are going to be focusing on Stephen King. Stephen King was born in Portland Maine and is definitely the most famous person from Maine. In today’s episode, we will focus on his upbringing and the events that made him who he is! Stephen King attended the University of Maine where he met his wife Tabitha. Together they have donated to a tremendous amount of charities. Of course, Stephen King is of course known for his horror literature and film adaptations, so in this video, we will really dive into how he became such an amazing author and Maine legend. Let us know your favorite Stephen King story or fact in the comments below, and remember if you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone!   View the blog post on my website...     To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.   00:00-00:41 Focus on Stephen King 00:41-01:47 Stephen King’s History   01:47-02:15 Stephen King at USM Oreno   02:15-03:30 Stephen King writer   03:21-04:06 Stephen King today

In this week’s episode, we are going to talk about the history of Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. Portland Headlight is the most photographed lighthouse in America and also the oldest in Maine. Fort Williams has an amazing history. We are going to go into some really interesting facts about Fort Williams as well as Portland Headlight.  Also, there are a ton of activities to do at Fort Williams today including a museum, lighthouse, beach, playground, forts, children's garden, the cliff walk, and fantastic views of Cape Elizabeth. We love Fort Williams and we highly recommend checking it out. So what is your favorite thing to do at Fort Williams? Let us know in the comments below and remember, if you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone    View the blog post on my website...     To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.   00:00-00:34 Fort Willams and Portland Headlight   00:34-00:37 Doug puts on his glasses 00:38-02:20 The History of Fort Williams 02:20-02:30 Portland Headlight Today   02:20-04:23 What to do at Fort Williams  

In this week's episode we are going to talk about What To Do In Halloween In Maine. There are a bunch of amazing things to do in Maine for Halloween, in this video we are going to discuss activities for adults, children, and families! The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is presenting After Dark a 21+ fundraiser for the CMTM’s Community fund! If you are looking for an activity for the whole family head on down to Kennebunk to the Seashore Trolly Museum for the Annual Pumpkin Patch Trolley, board at the Visitors Center and take a trolley ride on our heritage railroad to The Pumpkin Patch! Scavenger hunt, costume contest, and more, you don’t want to miss this great event! Last but not least check out Damnationland at the State Theater! This film festival is full of horror films made by Maine locals! Las tbut not least check out all the cool Halloween events at Aquabogan! These are just some of the amazing activities to do this Halloween, so let us know in the comments what is your favorite thing to do in Maine for Halloween, and remember, if you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone!     View the blog post on my website...     To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.   00:00-00:40 What To Do In Halloween In Maine 00:41-00:42 Doug puts on his glasses 00:42-01:38 The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine  After Dark 01:39-03:35 Seashore Trolly Museum  the Annual Pumpkin Patch 03:36-04:55 Damnationland 04:56-06:03 Aquabogan     Links: https://www.kitetails.org/events-calendar/after-dark-halloween-event-21 https://trolleymuseum.org/ https://damnationland.com/

In this week's episode w,e are going to talk about the historic working waterfront in Portland Maine. When we talk about the waterfront in Portland Maine, we are referring to the area down at the bottom of Commercial street and all the wharves that are home to some amazing businesses. If you are in the area make sure to check out the Casco Bay Lines. You can take the mail run and cruise around all the islands in Casco Bay, stop into Becky’s Diner for a meal, or take a diving class at Aquadiving Academy. Also located on the waterfront is the U.S. Coast Guard, so if you are walking by at the right time you may see a cool ship! The fishing industry is a major part of Maine's economy. Down at the waterfront, you can stop at the harbor fish market, and check out the amazing fishermen who are the backbone of Maine. Situated down on the waterfront are some fantastic restaurants including Jay’s Oyster House, and the famous floating restaurant Dimillo's is docked off the wharves. The Gulf of Maine Research Institute which works to protect Maines's ecosystems is also located at the waterfront! If you want to charter a boat, there are a bunch of options in the area. Right next to the Portland Oceangateway is the Maine State Pier where you can check out the view or even a concert! Make sure to check out the Walk the Working Waterfront event next year and remember if you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone!       View the blog post on my website...       To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/     Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome     You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.       To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.     00:00-00:43 Portland Maine’s working waterfront   00:43-00:45 Doug puts on his glasses 00:46-01:13 Where is Portland's waterfront? 01:14-01:54 Casco Bay lines   01:54-02:04 Becky’s Diner Portland Maine   02:05-02:15 U.S. Coast Guard Portland Maine 02:16-02:25 Portland Maine’s Fishing industry 02:26-02:43 Where to eat in Portland Maine 02:43-02:57 Gulf of Maine Research institute   02:59-03:22 Chartering a Boat in Portland Maine 03:23-03:35 National Marine Fisheries Services 03:36-03:49 Portland Ocean Gateway 03:50-04:05 the Maine State Pier   04:05-03:44 Walk the Working Waterfront   03:45-05:00 See you next time!       Links:     Walk the Working WaterFront - https://www.walktheworkingwaterfront.com/ Virtual Tours - https://www.portlandlandmarks.org/portlandwaterfront

In this week’s episode, we are going to talk about each step to buying a home in Maine. If you are buying a new home or if you are a first-time home buyer, this video will walk you through the steps to buying a home. The first step is definitely to speak with a lender and get your financing in order. In this market, you want to make sure you have all of your ducks in a row before looking at properties so you can be ready to make an offer right away! Figure out how much you can afford, and what options you have when buying a house. If all goes well they will provide you with a pre-approval letter that will state you are ready to start your home buying process. Next is the time to narrow down your search. We recommend driving by properties you are interested in and getting a feel for what you truly want. Once you have narrowed down the search then we go look at the properties! Once you find a property you like we are going to make an offer on the property! If that offer is accepted you are officially under contract.  When you are under contract you will take care of the business of buying a house, such as the due diligence period where you can have a home inspection and then negotiate to have any issues fixed. Then you will be clear to close! Closing is pretty simple because everything is done and you are there to sign the paperwork! Then you are officially a homeowner! If you have any questions let us know down below and remember if you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone!       View the blog post on my website...   https://www.makemaineyourhome.com/each-step-to-buying-a-house-in-maine/   To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.   00:00-00:35 Buying a house in Maine   00:35-00:41 Doug puts on his glasses 00:42-01:49 Financing and Lenders   01:49-02:05 Pre-Aprroval Letter 02:05-03:03 Narrow down your search 03:03-03:21 Looking at houses   03:21-04:06 Making an offer on a house 04:06-04:38  Being under contract on a house 04:39-05:27 Clear to close 05:28-06:23 Being a homeowner!    

In this week's episode, we are going to talk about 3 reasons why we still live in Cape Elizabeth Maine. We did a video on this a couple of years ago we did a video on why we live in Cape Elizabeth and we wanted to do an update and go into why we stuck around! We have three kids and having them live in Cape Elizabeth has been fantastic. They love their school and we have been nothing but happy with the Cape Elizabeth school system. Cape Elizabeth has an amazing sense of community that we all really love. Another thing we really like about Cape Elizabeth is that it is a waterfront community. We love the Beach and Cape Elizabeth is the place to go to the beach! Also, Cape Elizabeth has an amazing trail system that we have grown to love. You need to check it out if you have a chance. Being outside in the Cape has become a big part of our lives. We especially love Great Pond and the great winter sports that you can experience there! These are just some of the reasons why we have stayed in Cape Elizabeth! Do you live here? What are your favorite things about Cape Elizabeth? Let us know in the comments, and remember, if you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone.     View the blog post on my website...   https://www.makemaineyourhome.com/why-we-live-in-cape-elizabeth-maine-update-2-years-later/   To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.     00:00 - 00:56 - Why we live in Cape Elizabeth Maine 00:56 - 01:41 - Cape Elizabeth Schools 01:41 - 02:02 - Community   02:02 - 03:14- Water Front Communities in Maine   03:14 - 03:45 - Trails and Hiking in Cape Elizabeth 03:45 - 04:25 - Great Pond in Cape Elizabeth 04:25 - 05:01 - What is your favorite thing about Cape Elizabeth?

In this week’s episode, Doug is going to react to the Cindy Adams review of Maine in the New York Post. We love Maine and everything about this great state and we think that this opinion piece was not accurate. She says that all Mainers are fat, and you know what - we think all bodies are great! There is no need to body shame, anyone. She goes on to criticize Maine fashion. While we may not be home to couturières, Maine has many amazing boutiques and fashion brands that started in this great state. Also, being against comfort and sportswear may be for some but give us a plaid shirt any day! She may not like beer - but the amazing breweries and local companies that are built on it help Portland's thriving economy! While she may not want to check out the Portland Observatory, Portlanders know it is housed in the amazing East End neighborhood, filled with restaurants, shops, and amazing houses! Now, this is just one person's opinion.  If you want to see how amazing Maine is check out our other videos. What do you think about this article? If you love Maine let us know in the comments below and remember if you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone!     View the blog post on my website...   XXXXX   To checkout listings all over southern Maine visit: https://www.makemaineyourhome.realestate/   Check out our Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MakeMaineYourHome   You can listen to the audio podcast on any podcast app.  Just search for Make Maine Your Home. Be sure to subscribe, like, share and tell your friends.     To contact Doug you can call or text to 207-838-5593, email to doug@makemaineyourhome.com or check out http://www.MakeMaineYourHome.com.     00:00 - 00:30 - Cindy Adams New York Post   00:30 - 00:35 - Doug Puts on His Glasses   00:35 - 01:09 - Criticizing Mainer's bodies   01:09 - 02:38- Clothing in Maine and Maine Businesses 02:38 - 02:46 - Beer in Portland Maine 02:47 - 03:23 - Portland Maine Observatory   03:23 - 03:39 - Downeast 03:39 - 04:03 - Maine Celebrities 04:03 - 05:03 - We love Maine