SALES AND VALUES UP IN APRIL:

In a press release to the media today, Maine home sales increased 17.51% comparing April 2024 to April 2023. The median sales price (MSP) was $382,000, a 3.95% increase in that same time period. NAR reports that single family home sales were down, and median sales prices were up nationally and in the northeast comparing April 2024 to April 2023. Read the full release here.

BREAKING NEWS: VA BUYER ADVOCACY WIN!

Last night the Department of Veterans Affairs annoucned it's plans to temporarily lift its ban on buyers directly paying for professional real estate representation, read the update here .Additional guidance should be released soon.

FACTS.REALTOR:

On March 15, the National Association of REALTORS® announced a proposed $418 million settlement agreement that would end litigation of claims brought on behalf of home sellers related to broker commissions. On April 19, the Plaintiff’s counsel filed a Motion for Preliminary Approval, and the judge has granted that motion for preliminary approval.

Visit  facts.realtor to find a copy of the proposed litigation settlement, a regularly updated Q&A document, and media releases. Check back often for updates.

Visit mainerealtors.com for additional resources with a Maine focus. New information will be added as available. 

UNCLAIMED PROPERTY IN MAINE:

Each year millions of dollars (“Unclaimed Property”) are forwarded to the Maine State Treasurer’s office from businesses and organizations that have lost contact with owners of financial assets such as bank accounts, pay checks, etc. Check this website to see if you have property on this list. There’s more than $346 million waiting to be claimed!

LOCAL REALTOR® OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED:

Congratulations to this recently announced 2024 local REALTORS® of the Year!

Greater Bangor Association of REALTORS®:

Corenna Quirk (NextHome Experience; Bangor) 

GPBR SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY GROUP’S

REALTOR® GREEN DAY 2024:

Join REALTORS® and industry partners, earn 6 CEU’s, and gain insights from local leaders on building energy efficiency measures and sources of financing. June 20, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Southern Maine Community College Oceanfront Dining Hall. For additional information and to register: REALTOR® Green Day 2024 - Greater Portland Board of REALTORS®

MAINE PAINT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM:

Maine’s Paint Stewardship Law requires that the paint manufacturing industry develop a financially sustainable and environmentally responsible program to recycle leftover paints, stains, and varnish. PaintCare is the program set up in Maine and accepts all brands of paint, stains and varnish – even if they are 20 years old! All PaintCare sites accept up to 5 gallons per visit, but some sites accept more.

Help your clients make environmentally appropriate decisions regarding those old cans in the basement or garage. More information and for drop-off locations near your zipcode.

FLOOD RISK DISCLOSURE:

Effective August 9, 2024, Maine law will require flood risk disclosure as it relates to the sale of Maine real estate. Edits to MAR's legal forms are already underway to ensure sellers and REALTORS® are compliant when the law goes into effect. MAR will release an updated property disclosure form as it relates to the new Maine law prior to August 9. Watch the MAR E-NEWS for updates. 

FUTURE MAR OFFICERS: 

The MAR Nominating Committee meets in June to recommend potential candidates for future Maine Association of REALTORS® officer positions (President-Elect, First Vice President, and Treasurer). If you are interested in learning more and presenting your qualifications to the committee for consideration, please email Suzanne before June 3 for copies of the candidate information questionnaire and outlines of officer responsibilities. Thank you!

ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST SITE IS OPEN:

Registered Maine voters may now request an absentee ballot for the June 11 Primary Election at your local town office or at this site

IN-PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING:

The window to vote absentee at your municipal clerk's office is open. You don't need to complete an application for an absentee ballot if you vote in person at the clerk's office.

NOT REGISTERED TO VOTE? 

There is no cut-off date for registering to vote in person at your town office or city hall. 

MAINE LISTINGS NEWS:

Click on the following links to learn about:

• Maine Listings Board of Director Actions
• Benefit Spotlight
• New Rental Beast Feature
• Training Corner

MEMORIAL DAY:

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Let us remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice during their loyal service to our country.

HOLIDAY HOURS:

The MAR and Maine Listings offices will be closed on Monday, May 27 for the Memorial Day holiday. The Maine Listings Member Success Team will monitor the systems and Help Desk email over the holiday weekend. If you notice any issues, please email help@mainelistings.com