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Text Box: Communiqué                                                                      

Text Box: REAL ESTATE

Text Box: 609 Forest Avenue, Portland, Maine  04101 207-774-4022  info@lucasrealestate.com

Text Box: It’s not about us … It’s about you.

Text Box: WINTER 2007

Text Box: Market Update

Text Box: First impressions count. Roll out the red carpet for potential homebuyers by sprucing up your entryways, especially the one on a lockbox. Welcome mats, planters filled with seasonal flowers, and clutter-free foyers and hallways set the stage.   Sell the space, not your stuff. Remember that the goal of a successful showing is to make a prospect feel at home – like it’s theirs, not yours. Put away your extensive personal collections. Less is more: open up your space so prospects can actually see what they’re buying.   Paint and elbow grease work wonders. Fresh paint and a thorough cleaning will give you the greatest “bang for your buck.” Remember that neutral walls are your best bet when staging a home for sale.   Go with the flow. Arrange furniture for easy traffic flow. Consider placing a major piece of furniture at an angle, such as a couch or desk. Angles add interest and can create a more open feel.   See the light. Move lamps to dark corners and arrange window treatments so that natural light floods your rooms. Brighter is better, and your rooms will look larger.   Go green. Live plants can add decorative flair, without spending a bundle. Plants and cut flowers have a way of warming up a room.   Make the kitchen sparkle. De-clutter the countertops by removing toasters, food processors and other non-decorative items. If you have a breakfast table or counter, put out a couple of table settings complete with place mats, napkins and dinnerware.   Warm up an empty home. If your home is vacant, consider renting furniture for key rooms, but don’t go overboard. Ask your real estate professional for advice, based on your home’s unique features and selling points.

Text Box: The Greater Portland real estate market is a stable and responsible marketplace.   The Market is Steady Home appreciation in Greater Portland remained steady from 1995 to 2005 and the current market continues to show appreciation in some sectors.  Greater Portland has a stable economy, a low unemployment rate and currently provides many opportunities for new growth.   Greater Portland is Different People choose to live in Maine and in Greater Portland because of it’s incredible natural beauty, convenient life style, “big city” amenities and its real estate prices.  Mainers love their home!  With the in-migration growth just beginning, opportunities are plentiful.   The Market is Stable Current average sold prices in Greater Portland are similar to 2006 sold prices.  We are currently experiencing a 99% list to sold averages in Greater Portland.  To date in 2007, we have closed $2,160,496,330.00 in sales in Greater Portland!   Greater Portland is Balanced The key to stability in the residential real estate market is balance.  There is a healthy supply of inventory from which to choose.  The Greater Portland average market time is 90 days.  These facts represent a normalizing market and a good balance, for both Buyers and Sellers.   Facts About Foreclosures The foreclosure rate in Greater Portland is negligible and has not increased significantly over the past 10 years.   Now is a Great Time to Buy           Call us to get the facts: 207-774-4022 or email us at: info@lucasrealestate.com  

Text Box: Home Staging Tips

Text Box: LUCAS

Text Box: Purchasing a home in Greater Portland is an excellent long term investment.  Interest rates are low, inventory is balanced and prices are competitive.  Nobody knows Greater Portland real estate like the REALTORS® at Lucas Real Estate.

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Text Box: Warm Winter Sales

Text Box: A home that is prepared for the weather will attract more buyers and sell faster. Even though your home is on the market, you’ll want to get it ready for the winter season. A home that is prepared for the weather will attract more buyers and sell faster. The cooler temperatures and shorter days keep many buyers at home during the winter months so you’ll want to make your home as warm and inviting as possible for the buyers who do come.   Check the Heating System 1. Replace furnace filters 2. Fill oil or propane tanks 3. Vacuum around registers and air ducts 4. Check for proper venting of furnace, water heater and fireplace 5. Arrange for a chimney inspection   Block Drafts 1. Caulk around windows and pipes that exit the house 2. Add or replace weather stripping around doors 3. Install storm doors and windows if you have them 4. Seal foundation holes   Stop Leaks 1. Check and clean the gutters 2. Inspect and fix loose roof shingles or leaks   Insulate 1. Add attic insulation if needed 2. Place an insulation blanket around the water heater 3. Install heat tape on pipes if necessary    

Text Box: Clean Up the Yard 1. Put away outdoor furniture and grills 2. Drain and put away garden hoses 3. Close and cover the swimming pool 4. Shut off the outside water 5. Install storm doors and windows if you have them.   Keep Up With the Weather 1. Clear snow, mud and puddles from walkways and driveways 2. Place evergreen boughs or seasonal flowers in pots near the entrance 3. Light up a specimen tree with a spotlight 4. Show off decks, patios, gardens and walkways with accent lights 5. Install timers or light sensors to turn indoor and outdoor lights on and off automatically   Create A Warm Interior 1. Instead of plastic window coverings, add heavier drapes or insulated shades to block drafts 2. Set the temperature at a comfortable level during showings 3. Insert warm accent colors such as red or gold throws and pillows to cozy up any room 4. Turn on lamps and overhead lights 5. Add can lights in the corners to brighten up those dark days   Call us to get the facts: 207-774-4022 or email us at: info@lucasrealestate.com