Maine Insider Newsletter

March - April 2024

Are we really already in the middle of March?? Crazy! And also beautiful - the ponds are quickly thawing the crocuses and tulips are coming up. It’s the sweetest time of the year (maple sweet 🙂). I loved looking back at our community event last year and seeing familiar smiles.

This month’s real estate insider has some of biggest real estate news I may ever share 🤯 I look forward to hearing your feedback and any questions you may have. Thank you for your continued support and love! Please share the newsletter!

Much Love,
Michael Hamilton

📸 The Maine Shot

A look back at Maple Sunday 2023 with

Home Sweet Maine Team!

Things to do:

March & april

March 17 (Sunday) - Learn Roller Derby Basics! - Lewiston
March 17 (Sunday) - Maine Mineral & Gem Show (Free Admission for Maine Residents) - Bethel
March 24 (Sunday) - Public Skating - Colisee, Lewiston
March 23-24 (Sat & Sun) - List of Maple Sunday Events Across the State!
April 12 & 13 (Fri & Sat) - Broadway Tour of "Jesus Christ, Superstar" - Merrill Hall
April 14 (Sunday) - Women's Basic Pistol Class - Windham Indoor Shooting Range
April 5-8 - "SkiClipse" at Sugarloaf

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Big Changes in the Real Estate World

An item making national news over the last couple of years (and even more so in the past few months) is a class action lawsuit brought by a group of sellers against various real estate brokerages and the National Association of Realtors.

The judge ruled on behalf of the plaintiffs (sellers) and the real estate brokerages immediately appealed.

Since then, there has been an ongoing battle as to what would happen with this case.

The case addresses the fact that, historically, buyer agents are compensated in the MLS via the listing (selling) agent and paid at closing out of the proceeds.

The sellers accused the brokerages and National Association of Realtors of having violated antitrust laws by forcing them to pay the buyers' agents, and inflating commissions by doing this.

This morning very big news came out that the National Association of Realtors may have reached a settlement. That includes some very big stipulations.

Two of the largest stipulations are:

Sellers and listing agents can no longer offer compensation in the MLS to buyer agents;
Buyer agents working in the MLS system with a buyer are required to have a written buyer agreement with their client.

If this settlement is accepted, the rules will be in full force by the end of July - this year. Yes, that quick.

Watch the video below, as I explain more in depth, how these changes may affect agents, buyers, sellers, lenders.

Here are some of the questions addressed the video:

• Will changes in lending policies be required?

• Will buyers have to pay their own agents?

• Will sellers save money on the sale?

• Will the prices of homes go down?

• Will buyers still get to be represented by a buyer agent?

• Is it still possible for buyer agents to get paid?

• Are overall cost of commissions going to go down?

• Will agents quit?

contact Michael

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FlavorME

sMOKED: AN OLD FAVORITE, WITH A NEW NAME

This was my first time going - as Smoked or Bingas! The atmosphere was fun and laid-back. I ordered the Buffalo Chicken Dip which was EXCELLENT. So good I went back the next week and got it to go!

Bethany Ward, Director of Operations, Home Sweet Maine

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Spirit of Maine

Turner fire department gets grilled

A generous stranger exemplifies the Spirit of Maine by surprising the volunteer Fire Department

Turner Fire Dept
'The crew went to the Northland True Value this afternoon to get a simple gas can. They noticed this beautiful grill sitting by the door. The comment was “man we should have this for the station” without hesitation this unknown lady says yes you should. Crew proceeded to purchase gas can and leave. Next thing the crew knows is a box van pulling in with this beautiful grill. Still unknown what the ladies name is but we are very grateful for this awesome surprise and donation to Turner Fire Rescue! It’ll get put to good use! Thank you again and always pay it forward!'

Maine (Maple) Trivia!

Maple syrup is more than just a sweet treat! Did you know it has real-world medical benefits? In 2015, researchers discovered that a compound in maple syrup causes antibiotics to be more powerful when taken, and could lead to lower rates of long-term antibiotic use! Who would have thought?! Time to put away the Aunt Jemima, and get the real (healthy!) stuff! Read more about it here.

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