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Happy New Year,
It feels pretty good to have closed the books on 2008. It was a year we will all remember, albeit with fewer fond memories than any time in recent history. First and foremost, we want to extend our gratitude to our clients for entrusting us with your real estate business. We value the confidence which led to the sale of many of the finest homes in Maine. Be mindful that we are always there to help you with any real estate transfers most anywhere in the world.
Now is a time to reflect on the achievements of the past and the prospects for a new year. There are many reasons to be more optimistic for 2009. We continue to enjoy relative stability in the financial markets as well as a steady stream of activity in the Maine real estate markets. Maine real estate continues to adjust to new lower valuations set in the turmoil of October and November. A period of stability will be met with buyers returning to the market place looking for well priced properties.
Our coastal communities continue to offer a very attractive lifestyle with homes at reasonable prices relative to the rest of the eastern seaboard. Waterfront and water view properties in Maine still offer exceptional value. Given the revaluation seen in many locations, there are terrific buying opportunities in all of the markets we service.
As for Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty, 2008 offered tremendous growth opportunities. In January, we opened a very successful Camden office extending our reach to service the first 1,000 miles of Maine Coastline. Since then, our Camden office has expanded to eight agents and generated the top sales for the year in Rockport, Islesboro and Lincolnville.
Our Brunswick office, also with eight full time agents, continues to have exceptional results with buyers and sellers along the southern Mid-Coast with top sales for the year in Bath, Arrowsic, Georgetown, Phippsburg, Saint George and South Thomaston.
Our Portland and Kennebunk offices account for top sales in Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Portland, Raymond, Saco, South Portland and Yarmouth. As a company we are proud to have sold 4 of the top 5 residential sales in Cape Elizabeth for the year. In summary, we have grown our business 35% versus 2007 as we complete our third year of operations.
We are optimistic for 2009. From a financial perspective, Maine real estate continues to be an attractive asset for potential investment buyers looking for financial stability and portfolio diversification. It is also clear that buyers are coming from many parts of the world to enjoy the fabulous Maine lifestyle. We will continue to do our market outreach programs by travelling to feeder markets for Maine property buyers. Our personal approach to educating buyers and sellers with respect to the breathtaking beauty of the Maine Coast combined with easy access to the lakes, rivers, mountains and forests will be the hallmark of our growth. Our unique ability, through our affiliations with Sotheby's International Realty, to reach buyers for Maine properties from around the globe will be an important element of our continued growth in markets sand market share.
Please don't hesitate to contact one of our experienced professionals if you are currently considering a home purchase or sale in Maine. We are certain our agents will be able to assist you with the knowledge and professionalism you've come to expect from Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty.
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FEATURED PROPERTIES
F O R S A L E | |
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2 0 0 8 S T A T I S T I C A L R E V I E W A N D
A C C O M P L I S H M E N T H I G H L I G H T S
Despite significant economic headwinds, Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty is pleased to report a 35% increase in sales revenues over 2007. The sustained growth can be attributed to quality service from our experienced agent network, selective recruiting, investments in people and technology and the global reach of the Sotheby's Internatinal Realty network.
Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty had strong growth in both Buyer and Seller representation from 2006 to date. Strategic growth into new markets combined with improved market share in their existing markets fueled our growth.
Their unique marketing reach has been critical in selling our clients' homes and serving our buyer clients with a portfolio of beautiful Maine properties. Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty's ability to sell across multiple towns provided our clients access to several of the finest properties in Maine.
Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty's ability to cross sell quality properties across a broad range of towns and price points has proven effective. In fact, they generated record or near record sales in 20 different towns we serve.
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LEGACY PROPERTIES SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
A N N O U N C E S R E N T A L S E R V I C E S
Whether you're seeking an 8,000 square foot bold oceanfront property with private beach in Cape Elizabeth, or more modest downtown waterfront condo, vacationers in search of the most breathtaking and desirable accommodations in Maine should consider contacting the Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty rental department. With a portfolio of approximately 20 properties and access to dozens more, Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty provides a high level of personal service in order to make your vacation in Maine an once-in-a-lifetime experience.
They offer properties which range in rent from $1,000 to $60,000 per month. Week-long stays are also available. The goal of the rental department is to expand the range of services offered by Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty in order to provide the highest level of customer care, according to Troy Wilkins, director of rental services.
"In a relatively short time, we've developed a nice varied portfolio of rental properties," said Wilkins. "We also have unsurpassed access to many other top-notch vacation retreats."
For more information about rental properties e-mail Troy Wilkins or call (207) 770-2242. |
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W I N T E R I N M A I N E
OFFERS WORLD-CLASS RECREATION, FESTIVALS AND CULTURAL EVENTS
With some of the best Alpine and Nordic skiing in the East, countless snowmobile and snow shoeing trails and a calendar packed with winter festivals and fun activities, Maine offers the perfect winter retreat or year-round destination.
The two largest alpine ski areas, both located in western Maine, are Sugarloaf and Sunday River. Both Sugarloaf and Sunday River also offer opportunities for Nordic and show shoe fans, as well as a full range of resort services. Nordic skiers should also consider a visit to Pineland Farms, located in New Gloucester, Maine, featuring over 2,500 acres of rolling countryside and panoramic views of Mount Washington. Adventure seekers interested in the thrill of experiencing a 400' toboggan chute should visit the Camden Snow Bowl, which includes downhill and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and a terrain park.
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C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S
A sampling of winter events in Maine includes:
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LEGACY PROPERTIES SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
S E E K S M A R K E T E X P A N S I O N
With four strategically located offices and more than 45 agents, Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty is seeking to expand their marketplace and build on their market presence by adding 18 new associates. "Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty is currently recruiting agents with expertise in Belgrade Lakes, Rangeley, Bethel/Sunday River, Sugarloaf, and Sebago Lake/Lakes region", according to Chris Lynch, company owner and president.
"We'd like to add new agents in several lake and resort destinations," said Lynch. "We'd also like to add as many as three in each of our existing offices including Kennebunkport, Portland and Brunswick and two agent teams in the new destination markets."
Licensed real estate agents interested in learning more about real estate opportunities with Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty can e-mail their interest to Chris Lynch. |
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D E S T I N A T I O N S P O T L I G H T : C A M D E N
Where the Mountains Meet the Sea
Situated about 1 1/2 hour's drive north of Portland is the charming coastal village of Camden. This year-round town hugs the shores of sparkling Penobscot Bay. The beauty of Camden has been captured in art and film for decades.
Camden is a quintessential Maine fishing village that has become a regional cultural center offering performing arts featuring everything from barbershop to ballet. A host of concerts and stage performances take place at the Strand Theater, located in nearby Rockland. Fancy boutiques, galleries and libraries along with an eclectic mix of excellent restaurants and bakeries. Nearby art museums include the renowned Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center. Stroll Merryspring, a harbor-side public garden. A biannual juried arts and crafts shop takes place near the harbor in July and October.
Outdooor adventure-seekers should consider a day cruise or overnight trip on one of the historic Maine Windjammers, with home ports in Camden and nearby Rockland and Rockport. If you enjoy hiking, visit the 6,500-acre Camden Hills State Park and ascent to Mt. Battie, offering spectacular views of Penobscot Bay. Mt. Battie is also accessible by car. Golfers with enjoy a number of nearby public, daily-fee courses, as well as the Samoset resort, referred by some as the Pebble Beach of the East.
Accommodations in the Camden area are plentiful and many Bed & Breakfasts and Inns were the homes of 19th Century ship captains.
Source:
Maine: An Explorer's Guide; 1999, The Countryman Press, Christina Tree & Elizabeth Roundy |
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F R O M S O T H E B Y ' S
A U C T I O N H O U S E
This month's "From Sotheby's Auction House" highlights a rare offering by German Gothic sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider. Carolyn Miner, specialist in the European Scultpture & Works of Art department for Sotheby's London, explains the unique stylistic language expressed by this prolific and versatile 15th Century wood carver.
Also, Gretchen Burns, from Sotheby's New York American painting's department, provides an overview of renowned American artist Winslow Homer. Burns explains how Homer's work, beginning as a Civil War artist-correspondent for Harper's Weekly, paralleled the American psyche after the war from America's blissful youth to a more somber and reflective nation in the Reconstruction era. | |
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