There just aren’t enough houses on the market to satisfy buyer demand, meaning sellers are
in the driver’s seat. This may be the year it makes the most sense to list your house during the
holiday season. Here are seven great reasons not to wait to sell your house this holiday season!

Our agents now have over 6 months of experience selling houses using the current protocols
and technology recommendations from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Our
extensive efforts are making it possible to sell houses right now, while continuing to abide
first and foremost by state and local regulations.

We're pleased to announce the addition of Melissa Guimond to the team at our Auburn location!
Melissa looks forward to continuing her love of helping people find their forever home. She can
be reached at (207)577-0918 or melissaguimond@fontaineteam.com.

Opening your doors up to new approaches could be game-changing when it comes to selling
your house right now. While following CDC guidelines and listening to the current needs of
our clients, the majority of 2020 was spent figuring out how to sell homes safely, and it’s
paying off for those who are choosing to move this year.

In today's competitive real estate market, sellers often question if renovations should be done
to their home before they put it on the market. Here's why you may be able to skip the headache
of renovations and continue moving forward with a successful home sale.

Equity can help a homeowner grow their confidence in a more stable financial future. It provides
near-term move-up options and creates a positive impact for future generations. In many cases,
the largest single investment a person has is their home. As that investment appreciates in value,
financial options increase too.

With so few houses available on the market today, being ready for a bidding war is
essential for prospective homebuyers. Be sure you have the guidance you need as
the competition for homes heats up this season.

Don't let the lack of knowledge about the homebuying process is keep you on the sidelines
when considering your real estate goals. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t always have
to put 20% down to buy a house. Here’s how it breaks down.

Welcoming new agent Melissa Cutler-Rinaldi to the team at our Auburn location! Melissa comes
to Fontaine as a licensed sales agent and looks forward to dedicating her time helping both buyers
and sellers navigate their real estate goals. Melissa can be reached at (207)440-0139 or
melissarinaldi@fontaineteam.com. 

Single-story homes provide a safe and easily accessible environment for all, easy maintenance
and efficiency. All of which are the many benefits to downsizing into a one-story home. Find out
why now may be a great time to consider selling your house and downsizing while demand for
your current house is still high.

As a seller, you might be thinking about pricing your house on the high end while so many of today’s
buyers are searching harder than ever just to find a home to purchase. It’s important to make sure
your house is priced correctly by working in partnership with a trusted real estate professional.

Buying and selling confidence in real estate has increased in every region of the country meaning
newly constructed homes are on the rise. While the demand for housing inventory increases, new
homes being built stayed strong as the job market continued to recover. If you’re thinking about
putting your house on the market, now's the time to consider building your dream home!

So much of this year has been up in the air, you may be wondering where Is the housing market
headed for the remainder of 2020? With the help of historically low mortgage rates and rising home
sales, the forecast seems to be a strong one allowing you to maximize on homeownership.

With new realities and norms shifting the way we live, this year’s real estate market is
certainly no exception to that shift, with historic highlights continuing to break records
and challenge what many thought possible in the housing market. Here’s a look at four
key areas that are fundamentally defining the market this year.

We're pleased to announce the addition of Nykki Stevens to the team at our Auburn location!
Nykki can be reached at (207)576-3803 or n.stevens710@gmail.com. 

We're pleased to announce the addition of Lisa Collins to the team at our Scarborough location!
Lisa can be reached at (207)710-3326 or lisa@fontaineteam.com. 

With so few houses for sale today and low mortgage rates driving buyer activity, bidding wars
are becoming more common. Essentially, if you take your time, it may not be available when
you’re ready to commit. Find out what you need to do now so when the time comes your
ready to compete and WIN!

In a competitive market with low inventory, the temptation to fall in love with a house that’s
outside your budget is very real. So, before you start shopping around, it’s helpful to know
your price range and ultimately how much money you can borrow for your loan. Pre-approval
from a lender is the only way to do this.

Many families’ needs have changed throughout the year enabling them to re-evaluate what
homeownership means and what they find most important in a home. For those who now
spend the majority of their hours at home, there’s a growing wish list of what they’d change
about their homes.

Through these challenging times, you may have found your home becoming your office, your
children’s classroom, your workout facility, and your family’s safe haven. Making a move into a
larger home may be exactly what you need to set your family up for optimal long-term success.

If you’ve been taking a closer look at your house recently and are thinking it might be time for
you to make a move, determining your equity position is a great place to start. Find out now
how you can better understand your home equity position and take one step closer to the
home of your dreams.

If you’re among the first-time homebuyers who feel the home buying process is complicated,
you’re not alone. A real estate professional can help you understand the process, review your
current situation, and guide you with a plan to help you to feel confident when buying a home.

The residential real estate market is remaining resilient as the country still struggles to
beat the COVID-19 pandemic. Three separate reports recently revealed how the housing
market is still showing growth. Here’s a look at each one.

While buyer activity is surging, the number of listings has fallen to an all-time low. And
there’s no better time to sell than when demand for it is high and supply is low. Let's
connect now so we can help you achieve your real estate goals!

We're pleased to announce the addition of Stephen Miller to the team at our Auburn location!
Stephen can be reached at (207)212-8634 or at smillerrealtor@gmail.com.

So, how do you choose the perfect agent? It starts with trust. Hiring a trusted real estate professional
who is eager to help you learn will make your experience an informed and educated one. We'll guide
you through the process which will give you a huge advantage when you’re ready to sell your house!

The pandemic has caused many to re-examine the location and layout of their existing
home. Moving out of the city and finding a need for more privacy while working from
home are two driving factors. Working with a qualified real estate agent to achieve your
goals can make your home ownership dreams a reality!

With mortgage rates hovering at such compelling places, ongoing buyer interest is bound
to keep driving the housing market forward. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, there’s
great motivation to be in the housing market and make your move today!

Welcome Bruce Mason to our Auburn location! Bruce can be reached
at 207-576-4638 or brucemasonrealtor@gmail.com.

Welcome Deb Brackett to our Auburn location! Deb can be reached
at 207-650-2348 or debbrackett12@gmail.com.

Buyers are actively looking for homes right now. Thanks for updated industry guidelines
and best practices, you can confidently sell your home and keep your family safe. Here's
7 tips to move toward hosting an Open House in 2020.

In a recent survey, 53% of all homebuyers are more likely to buy a home in the next year, even
amid the current health crisis. Let’s break down a few of the key factors motivating buyers to
actively engage in the home search process, and the corresponding wins for sellers as well.

While home prices are holding strong due to the lack of inventory, it’s hard to know how long
it will take for summer travelers to be back in action. If you’re considering selling your vacation
property, there are two key factors indicating selling now may be your best move.

Homeownership helps families build financial freedom, find greater happiness and satisfaction,
and make a positive impact on our local communities. National Homeownership Month is a
great time to reflect on how we can each promote stronger community growth.

At Fontaine Family Team we continue to be mindful and proactive as the coronavirus pandemic
continues to impact the real estate industry. Our agency is open and conducting business in a
safe manor using the following safety guidelines to assist our clients throughout the entire real
estate process.

During challenging times like the one we face today, it becomes even more important to
have an expert help guide you through the process. If you’re thinking of selling soon,
here's a few aspects to consider on why you should partner with a knowledgeable agent.

In this new era of life, it’s more important than ever to make sure you have a digital game plan and
an effective online marketing strategy when selling your house. Take note of these tips to help you
safely and effectively navigate through all that’s new when it comes to making your next move.

We may be staying home more often this summer, so why not get as much joy out of your outdoor
space as possible. No matter the size of your yard, you can enhance your lawn and garden in a
number of budget friendly ways. Home life has never been more precious than now!

Nothing feels normal right now and your typical ?Mother's Day plans may have changed due
to the pandemic and social distancing, but there are other ways for you to give your mom
the special day she deserves. With a little love and inspiration, here's some simple ideas to
celebrate mom this weekend!

Our lives are put on hold as the country deals with the worst pandemic in over one hundred
years. Even when businesses are fully operational, the American public may be reluctant to
jump right back in. So the big question is: how long will it take the economy to fully recover? 

The housing industry is a major piece of the overall economy in this country. There's no doubt
the country hasn’t seen job losses this quickly in almost one hundred years. Because the health
crisis brought the economy to a screeching halt, what effects will be seen in home sales?

Whenever you purchase a home, you’re an economic driver. Even if you’re not ready
or able to make a move now, there are things you can do to keep your own process
moving forward so you’re set when the time is right for you.

Every day that passes, people have a need to buy and sell homes. While you probably
feel like timing with the current pandemic isn’t on your side, making a move is still
possible. Find out how we an help to keep your real estate needs on track.

We're living in unprecedented times and facing challenges we've never seen before. While daily
routines have been turned upside down, parents have had to quickly navigate how to ensure
their family comes out of this with a positive outcome. Kudos to our everyday heroes...parents!

Buyers are still considering moving forward with the homebuying process, even if they
can’t see the home in-person. Find out the top list of tech specs buyers find most
helpful in today’s home search process.

Our need for housing is a constant, so what happens if you find your dream home
in the midst of a worldwide health crisis? Here are six realities every buyer and seller
should know when it comes to transacting real estate during this tough time.

Your real estate plans don’t have to be completely on hold even while we’ve hit
the pause button on other parts of daily life. Here's a few things you can do to
prep your house for a sale without even going to the store.

Important questions arise in uncertain times. One of them for you and your family might
be "Can we sell our home even during a health crisis?". The answer may surprise you so
we've provided more information so you can make the best decision for your family.

Given the current situation throughout the world, homebuyers need every advantage they can
get to make a strong offer and close the deal. Do this #1 thing to show the sellers you’re serious
about buying a home and put you in a stronger position to buy a home when you’re ready. 

There are so many things you can do during this time at home…you are only limited
to your imagination! Here's a few ideas for making the most of your time together
and avoid driving each other crazy!

At Fontaine Family Team we continue to be mindful and proactive regarding our
business practices and COVID-19. We remain committed to our clients, team, and
community and are doing the following for the well-being, health and safety of all.

From incorporating movement breaks to instituting a “no pajamas” rule, we hope
these few tips will help you do your best work outside of your typical office setting.

Concerns about the global impact COVID-19 will have on the economy are real, so
it’s important to take an objective look at what has transpired over the years and
how the housing market has successfully weathered these storms.

We are open for business and have taken proactive measures to prevent the
spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Here’s what we are doing to help you.

There are many questions that likely pop into your head when considering the best time
to sell your home. Don't go it alone. Our team of qualified agents are always here to help
provide answers to your questions and help you move forward.

Most homeowners don’t realize that you can actually make your home TOO nice!
This may be the most important article you’ll ever read regarding home
improvements and the “money drain” that they can cause.

While there are still many additional steps you’ll need to take in the homebuying process,
it’s clear why pre-approval is always the best place to begin. It’s your chance to gain the
competitive edge you may need if you’re serious about owning a home.

Receive a FREE signed copy of Brenda's book by taking advantage of a FREE no obligation
homebuyer or homeseller consultation with one of our trusted advisers. Only the first
50 homebuyers and first 50 homesellers will receive a book, don’t wait - contact us now!

We talk to people all the time that had no idea they could create a small portfolio of
properties with the entire mortgage being paid by high quality tenants. When you
go about this the right way, the benefits can be outstanding!

Submit a review of your past experience with Fontaine Family Team on our Facebook
page or our GoogleMyBusiness pages and be entered to WIN a $200 Gift Card to
Lowe's Home Improvement! Ends 2/13/2020.

Buying or selling a home in 2020 will offer some opportunities regarding price,
you might need to be more patient with the inventory. Check out the 2020
housing market trends and let us know when you're ready to make the move!

The demand for smaller houses will continue to rise throughout 2020. It might
be time for you to take advantage of this trend and sell your smaller home!

Welcome Jennifer Jalbert to our Auburn location! Jennifer can be reached
at 207-312-4373 or jennifer@fontaineteam.com.

Homeowners who are deciding between whether they should list their home during
the holidays or if they should wait and prepare for the spring market, must consider
these 7 reasons first before deciding.

You finally decided to sell your home, and you can’t wait to buy a new place. But there's just one
thing standing in your way: you've got to sell your current home first and hope it doesn't take
months to get an offer. Consider these 3 ways to sell your home fast!

Welcome Anna Waldman to our Auburn location! Anna can be reached
at 207-212-9633 or anna@fontaineteam.com.

Welcome Dave Foster to our Auburn/Scarborough locations! Dave can be reached
at 207-415-7501 or davidfoster@fontaineteam.com.

Despite gaining an extra hour to sleep in, many people have a hard time adjusting as
the days seem much longer. If you're one that dislikes the time change, you're certainly
not alone. But, what exactly does this seasonal time change mean for real estate? 

The thought of buying a home can be scary if you don't know the process. Find out the facts
to help take the fear out of the home buying and finally move into your forever home!

Quality living in a 55+ community with tennis court, fitness room & clubhouse. Contact
Clay Larochelle for more information or to schedule a private showing - 207-576-6524 or
clay@fontaineteam.com

With school in session and summer winding down, the week of Sept. 22-28 has been considered
the 'Black Friday' of home shopping. Buyers will see lower competition and increase in price
reductions presenting them with a win/win situation. Find out how to score the best deal this week!

Welcome Crystal Gardner to our Auburn location! Crystal can be reached at
(207)740-2958 or CrystalGardnerRealtor@yahoo.com. 

Now more than ever, home sellers and buyers greatly benefit when they have a professional
to guide them through a complex real estate transaction, rather than a real estate hobbyist.
Find out why you should choose a professional to get the results you want!

Stunning 2012 quality built home in a more than desirable private location on 20 acres! Contact
Megan Fortin for more information or to schedule a private showing - 207-330-0858 or
megan@fontaineteam.com

Welcome Sue Fournier to our Auburn location! Sue can be reached at
(207)576-0366 or sue.fontainefamily@gmail.com. 

Taking time now to tackle a few simple chores is sure to make winter more pleasant and
prevent some nasty surprises next spring. Prepare your home for the elements with our
quick and easy fall home maintenance checklist!

You will feel like you are living at a getaway destination at this wonderful property! Contact Tim Cyr
for more information or to schedule a private showing - 860-559-2911 or tim@fontaineteam.com

This inviting and spacious colonial sits on 5.50 private acres in a desirable location! Contact Teri
Campbell for a private showing or more information - (207)576-4180 or teri@fontaineteam.com.

When you’re in the middle of your real estate-themed TV show marathon, you might start
to think everything you see on the screen must be how it works in real life. Find out our
top 5 real estate reality TV show myths compared to real life.

Beautiful colonial home with great curb appeal in a quiet neighborhood! Contact Bill Bergeron
for a private showing or more information - (207)576-6523 or bill@fontaineteam.com

Whether you’ve owned a home before, or you’re ready to jump into homeownership
for the first time, there are always a lot of questions swirling around about what is
truly required for a down payment. Let’s tackle these questions today!

Welcome Michelle Gosselin to our Auburn location! Michelle can be reached at
(207)577-7626 or michellegosselin@fontaineteam.com.

Quality craftsmanship with superb taste designed for gracious entertaining
and comfortable family living! Contact Clay Larochelle for a private showing
or more information - (207)576-6524 or clay@fontaineteam.com

Welcome Nicki Therrien to our Auburn location! Nicki can be reached at
(207)754-2858 or nickitherrien@live.com.

Classic in-town Bungalow! Contact Maria Morrissette for a private showing or
more information - 749-8779 or maria@fontaineteam.com

Well cared for colonial has four bedrooms and two bathrooms! Contact
Pat Long-Cressey for a private showing or more information - 207-212-9541
or pat@fontaineteam.com

Whether buying your first home or moving up to your dream home, knowing your
options will make the home buying process easier. Your dream home may already
be within your reach!

There is no finer address for this striking, quality built 4 bedroom plus office 4 bathroom
home! Contact Melissa Field for a private showing or more information - 207-576-6521 or
melissa@fontaineteam.com.

EXQUISITE PROPERTY is truly a home of distinction! Contact Charmaine Raby for a private
showing or more information - 207-577-1034 charmaine@fontaineteam.com

Fontaine Family – The Real Estate Leader is honored to have been selected as winner
of the Holiday Inn By The Bay First Generation Maine Family Business of the Year Award!

Welcome Julianna to our Scarborough location! Julianna can be reached at (207)491-6282
or julianna.acheson@hotmail.com.

MOVE IN READY home in one of Gorham's newest developments! Contact Gail Laprino
for a private showing or more information - 207-400-9504 or gail@fontaineteam.com

Join us for our 6th Annual Bid For Wishes Silent Auction!

The most exciting part of purchasing a new home has finally come - MOVING DAY! However,
it can quickly turn into a very stressful experience, especially without proper planning. Here's
our 17 essential moving tips for a smooth moving day from beginning to end. Happy moving!

Real estate agent ads are everywhere! We’re sure you’ve seen one or more of these already
today and cutting through the advertising hype to find the right agent can be tough. Choose
an agent that works for you by asking the important questions at your first hand shake.

Do you have a dream of owning your own business, but haven't had the courage to
make that first step? For the month of May, Brenda's offering future entrepreneurs
a FREE copy of her book - don't wait, stop in our office, call or email us today!

Welcome Dustin to our Auburn location! Dustin can be reached at (207)576-0953
or at dustin@fontaineteam.com.

Deciding to sell your home is a huge decision that you should not be taken lightly. While
there are many things to think about before listing it, the time of year (and time in your life)
should be a top consideration. Here’s a few other points to think about before selling!

We're so excited to announce we're among 24 other amazing family businesses selected
by the Institute for Family-Owned Business as FINALISTS for the Maine Family Business
Awards! Winners will be announced live at their annual gala on June 5th!

Finally, we made it through another Maine winter! Although there is a light at the end of
the winter tunnel, the melting snow also uncovers some potential damage that occurred
through the cold winter months. Complete a few tasks to start spring on the right foot!

Looking to downsize or move to a low maintenance property? Find out what makes a condo
different and weigh the pros and cons of condo living to decide if it’s right for you!

If you’re selling a home for the first time, it’s quite a different ballgame from what you
experienced as a first-time buyer. Ultimately, you’re in control of the process. Read through
our best tips since you call the shots on a host of factors during the selling process.

Comps? Staging? Note? Confused by the terminology used when buying home? To start
you on your home buying path with confidence, here’s a short list of some of the most
common terms used when buying a home.

Just like our clocks this past weekend in the majority of the country, the housing market will soon
“spring forward!”  as well!  And with the time change comes Spring fever. Buyer demand increases
considerably in the Spring and Summer months. Now's the time to benefit from selling your home!

Do you spend all winter dreaming of summer? You’re not alone! The dream of retreating to your
very own beach side condo, cabin in the woods or lakeside cottage may not be as far off from
reality as you may think. Maybe all you need is a firm vision of your long-term goals. 

We know you're very excited to get in your new home and start making it your own.  So you're
starting with a clean slate, there are a few quick tasks you should take care of before moving
into your new home. Here’s a simple checklist to start your new home on the right foot.

It goes without saying if you want to sell your home as quickly as possible and get the price
you’re asking, setting the stage for success should be first on the list of things to do. Read
through these 10 tips and tricks to style your home to put your best foot forward!

It is common knowledge that a great number of homes sell during the spring buying season.
For that reason, many homeowners hold off putting their homes on the market until then. The
question is whether or not that is a good strategy this year. And we are here to help you decide!

One of the biggest challenges sellers face when listing their house is decluttering.
Cleaning out some of the more personal decorating choices allows buyers to imagine
themselves living in the house. Find out how to set-up your home to sell fast!

Make a no obligation appointment with one of our Top Realtors through March 2019 and
receive a FREE signed copy of Brenda's book, "The Limitless Real Estate Leader"!

Our first priority is to get your property sold for top dollar and in a timely manner in today's
market. In order to achieve this, you'll need a skilled, experienced real estate agent to help
you gather the information to make an informed decision about how to price your property.

Whether you are looking for a home, land, or multi-unit, and even foreclosure homes that
are listed for sale...you can find it all in one place. Start your search today!

Are you ready to sell your home, but think you should wait until after the holidays to list? Here are 10 great reasons
you may want to list now! 

Thank you for continuing to support us! 

Christmas is coming fast, and many people are putting up their trees and decorating for
the holiday. Every year we hear about Christmas tree fires and that is a sure way to ruin
the holiday. Remember these tips when decorating to make your holiday one to remember! 

Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment”

Wouldn't it be nice to not have a mortgage payment?  

Paying off your mortgage early might be easier than you think!  
Here are 3 easy ways to pay off your mortgage faster...

Selling a home can be an emotional undertaking.  You have poured your time and money into a home that is now filled with memories.  It can be difficult, but if you can keep your emotional distance and try to view your home as a financial asset, it will be easier to make decisions that will likely benefit you and a profitable sale!

It is once again, that spooky time of year when it is perfectly acceptable to try to scare the stuffing out of your kids or friends.  Are you ready to get out and see the sights and frights?  We put together a list of some of the spooky attractions waiting for you in Maine in 2018.  Time to haunt out some screams and scares...if you dare!

Mountain of Terror

at Lost Valley in Auburn, Maine

Did you know that 1 out of 10 wells in Maine has water that is high in Arsenic?

We would like to welcome two agents to the Fontaine Team in our Scarborough office...

Everybody knows someone affected by cancer.
so we are collecting cans!

Are you looking for something to do this fall in Maine?

Just because summer is coming to and end doesn't mean there is nothing to do...

Check out our A-Z list and get out and enjoy fall in Maine!!

Beware of this Scam Targeting Real Estate Deals...
It could happen to you without you noticing!

B2B Trade Show is Thursday!

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist:

Fall is the time to take care of items that can keep you safe and save you money this fall and winter.

July was a busy month in the Maine Real Estate market!  

According to Maine Listings, 5304 properties sold from May 1st - July 31st in the state of Maine with a median sale price of $225,000.  That is a 9.76% increase in the median sold price during the same timeframe in 2017!  While not all markets in Maine are experiencing an increase in the number of sales and increased sale prices, the state overall is!  It is a great time to sell with plenty of gorgeous Maine weather left this year!  

Have You Outgrown Your Starter Home?

The #1 Reason to Put Your House on The Market TODAY!

Maine Home Prices Are Up From Last Year!

According to the Maine Association of Realtors, Maine home prices statewide are up 10.69% for the quarter from April 1st - June 30th over the same time frame in 2017.  The median sale price for the quarter this year was $218,000 up from $197,400 in 2017. Not only are prices up, but the number of properties sold us also up by 2.7%.  

The Fontaine Unique Team System

Anytime you are buying a home, it can be stressful. It is especially important to be prepared
and to avoid missteps that could cost you a home that you have fallen in love with. Here are
our top 6 mistakes to avoid when buying a home!