Archive for April, 2010

MOOSEHEAD LAKE ICE OUT

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

The newly approved Burnt Jacket Shores at Moosehead Lake experienced its first ice out on Maine’s biggest lake which was on tax day, 2010.  This was the second earliest since records have been kept dating back to the 1800’s.  It missed tying the record by one day.

 This early ice out on Moosehead coincides with the early spring that we have been experiencing in Maine.  Winter really lost its grip here in early February and the weather has been the nicest in years.

 Because of this, Wilderness Realty is excited about the long season and beautiful weather to promote this unique lakeside community.  We are in the preliminary stages of planning an open house or two.  The roads and trails are all constructed, the snow is melted and brokers are now taking appointments for those who plan to be in the area or may have scheduling conflicts with the open house dates.

 In addition, if you would like to be on our mailing list and receive special notices, kindly contact us by phone (207-947-7957) or e-mail (matt@wildernessrealty.com).

 This should give folks plenty of time to plan a visit.  Hope to see you this year!

Posted in BURNT JACKET | No Comments »

BUSH TAX CUTS EXPIRE

Monday, April 12th, 2010

George W. Bush’s tax cuts implemented in 2003 are set to expire at the end of this year.  President Obama has indicated that he will let them expire and not extend them. 

 One aspect of Bush’s plan is the long term capital gains tax which was lowered to 15%.  At the end of this year this rate will increase to 20%.

 What does this mean for land prices?  Most likely sellers will recoup this tax increase by passing it along to buyers in the sales price.  It is expected that land prices next year could be at least 5% more than they are currently.   

 This can be a tempting time for those who have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for something to happen.  That “something” can very well be higher prices next year. 

 Wilderness Realty has an inventory of prime Maine land properties ready for sale.  Call today and make an appointment for a showing, 207-947-7957.

Posted in LAND 101 | No Comments »

ECONOMIC RECOVERY?!

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Some points to ponder regarding the economy:

  • The market is up 75% on average one year since the stock market lows of March, 2009.  The DOW  is poised to break 11,000 for the first time since the end of September, 2008.

 

  • Personal spending is up for the 5th straight month.

 

  • Manufacturing is growing faster than expected.

 

  • Home values are increasing.

 

  • Consumer confidence increased in March.

 

  • Foreign markets are on the rise too, especially in Europe and China.

 

 This is all good news.  Does this mean that demand for land is on the rise?  From our experience, phone calls are up over 100% in March when compared to February and January of this year.

 Couple this with some of the most unbelievably favorable weather in central Maine this year.  We escaped the big snowstorms that socked southern New England and the mid Atlantic.  Temperatures have been mild since early February.  Most lakes shed their ice last week, a phenomenon that rarely occurs before April 1st.  Even though we did get some heavy rain in the past two weeks, it was far less than southern Maine and points further south.

 The bottom line is our snow is gone, grass is starting to green and we have incredibly warm temperatures.  We have not seen this kind of weather pattern for 30+ years.

 This is the perfect time to look at land.  Prices are low and interest is increasing.  If you have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for improvement, now is a good time to look around.

 Brokers at Wilderness Realty are available weekdays and weekends to show property.  Give us a call and make an appointment, 207-947-7957.

Posted in LAND ECONOMICS | No Comments »