Laura B Byther Realtor

First impressions matter, and in real estate, your home's exterior can make all the difference. Typically, you have only a few seconds to make your mark on potential buyers. Thoughtful landscaping not only boosts curb appeal but can also increase your property’s value.

Fall is coming, so some great ideas to consider in the coming months are mums, pumpkins, and fall decor.

Whether you're selling soon or just want to enjoy your outdoor space more, investing in your landscape is always a good idea.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, there are 3 reasons you may want to make your move this fall.

1) Inventory is growing, giving you more options
2) Newly built homes may be more budget-friendly than you’d expect
3) Mortgage rates have come down from their peak last October

Want to talk about what this means for your move? DM me.

Maine’s coast isn’t just about the beaches—there’s so much more to explore! Hidden coves, lighthouses, rocky shores... coastal living in Maine offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. And the best part is, it’s right out your front door! What’s your favorite spot to relax along the coast?

Did you know? You don’t always need a perfect credit score to buy a home.
Loan types and qualifications vary, so you may be closer to owning a home than you think.
If you want to explore options that might work for you, reach out to a trusted lender.

Support local! Fresh, seasonal produce from one of Southern Maine's many farmers’ markets is the best way to go. Not to mention all of the local artisans. What’s your favorite Maine farmers or makers market?

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Good news for all the buyers out there.

The supply of homes for sale has grown significantly this year. There are 36.6% more homes actively for sale compared to 2023. This means more options for you.

But this doesn’t mean we have an oversupply. Inventory is still almost 29% lower compared to more normal years like 2017-2019.

If you’re thinking about selling your house, it’s important to know what the home inspection is and what inspectors look for. As supply grows and buyers regain negotiation power, you may find you want to do some select repairs with a good return on investment before listing to get ahead of things a buyer may ask you to fix. To decide what's worth tackling, you need expert advice. Let's chat so you know what to prioritize.

Home Inspections For Sellers: How To Prepare If you’re thinking about selling your house, it’s important to know what the home inspection is and what inspectors look for.

Curious about selling your home? Understanding how much equity you have is the first step to unlocking what you can afford when you move. And since home prices rose so much over the past few years, most people have much more equity than they may realize.

Here’s a deeper look at what you need to know if you’re ready to cash in on your investment and put your equity toward your next home.

Home Equity: What Is It and How Much Do You Have?

Home equity is the difference between how much your house is worth and how much you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is worth $400,000 and you only owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your equity would be $200,000.

Recent data from the Census and ATTOM shows Americans have significant equity right now. In fact, more than two out of three homeowners have either completely paid off their mortgages.

Today, more homeowners are getting a larger return on their...

What Every Homeowner Should Know About Their Equity Curious about selling your home?

While we still have a few more weeks of summer before the cooler weather begins to set it, it's never too early to start preparing your home for the upcoming fall season. Here are some items to consider:

Schedule a maintenance check for your furnace or heat pump to ensure it’s ready to go. A well-maintained system can keep your home warm and efficient all season long.

With leaves starting to fall soon, make sure your gutters are clear of debris to prevent water damage and ice dams later on.

As temperatures drop, keep your home cozy by sealing any gaps around windows and doors. This simple step can help reduce drafts and lower your heating bills.

Consider planting fall-friendly flowers like mums or adding some fresh mulch. A well-maintained yard can enhance your home’s curb appeal as the seasons change.

Bring in outdoor furniture, clean and cover your grill, and store garden tools. Getting these tasks done now will save you from last-minute rushes when the weather cools.

By taking care of these preparations now, you'll be ready to enjoy Maine's beautiful fall season to the fullest.

And if you’re thinking about moving this fall, there are a few extra things you’ll want to keep in mind before starting the selling process. Give me a call and let’s chat about what those are for your situation.

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Getting ready to sell your house? Here’s the scoop on home inspections and how to prep for them.

As more homes hit the market, buyers are regaining some negotiating power. That means it might be a good idea to tackle some key repairs before listing.

But how do you know which ones are worth it?

Expert advice is key. Let's chat so you know what to prioritize.

Portland is not only a bustling city but also a haven for nature lovers. For those looking for a quick escape into the great outdoors, there are plenty of easily accessible trails right in the area. One of our favorites? The Stroudwater Trail!

Stroudwater Trail: Just a short walk from the Portland Jetport hotels, the Stroudwater Trail offers a peaceful retreat along the Stroudwater River. With its lush greenery and scenic views, it's perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick morning jog.

Southern Maine's trails offer something for everyone. Where's your favorite place to take a nature walk? Share your go-to trails! 🌳

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Have you heard the good news?

Mortgage rates are down a full percent from their recent peak.

And if higher rates were the biggest thing keeping you on the sidelines, this may be exactly what you were waiting for.

If you’re ready to jump back into the market, DM me.

Thinking about selling, but not sure where you’ll go?

The good news is the supply of newly built and existing homes for sale has grown this year. That gives you more options – each with their own perks.

So, which will you choose? A charming existing home or a shiny new build?

Let me know which features you’re looking for in your next home. Drop your answer below.

Property taxes can be confusing, but it's an important part of owning a home. Here’s a quick breakdown to keep in mind:

👉🏻 Assessed Value vs. Market Value: Your property’s assessed value is used to calculate taxes and may differ from the market value (what it could sell for if you listed it on the market).

👉🏻 Mill Rate: This is the amount per $1,000 of property value that's used to calculate taxes. Each town sets its own mill rate, which can vary widely. It’s a good idea to have an understanding of what your town’s rate is.

👉🏻 Exemptions: Maine offers various property tax exemptions for veterans, seniors, and others. It’s worth exploring if you qualify and ensuring that when property taxes come around, your rate takes these into consideration.

Understanding these factors can help you better plan for your expenses. Have questions about property taxes? Feel free to give me a call!

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Wondering if a housing market crash is on the horizon? Think again.

Unlike 2008's oversupply issue, today we're facing an undersupply of homes.

From existing homes to new builds and even foreclosures, all inventory levels are significantly lower than during the last housing crisis.

The numbers are clear—today's inventory conditions are simply not the same.

Right now, over 2/3 of homeowners have at least 50% equity in their homes.

And that much equity can go a long way toward buying a new place.

Curious about how much equity you have? I can walk you through a Professional Equity Assessment Report on your house. Drop a comment below if you’re interested.

Back in 2008, there was an oversupply of homes for sale. Today, there’s an undersupply. The three main sources of inventory show this isn’t like the last time. Existing homes, new homes, and foreclosures are all way below the levels we saw during the housing crash. Inventory data shows there just aren’t enough homes available to have a repeat of what happened back in 2008.

3 Reasons Why We’re Not Headed for a Housing Crash Back in 2008, there was an oversupply of homes for sale.

One of the best parts about living in Southern Maine? The amazing communities! There’s just something special about Maine and the people who call it home. From the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland to quiet, picturesque neighborhoods and small towns, there's a place for everyone. What’s your favorite thing about where you live?

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Here’s a look at some of the most common mistakes – and how an agent will help you avoid them when you sell.

1. Overpricing Your House

Many sellers set their asking price too high and that’s why there’s an uptick in homes with price reductions today. An unrealistic price will deter potential buyers, cause an appraisal issue, or lead to your house sitting on the market longer.

2. Skipping the Small Stuff

You may try to skip important repairs, thinking you can pass the task on to your buyer. But visible issues (even if they’re small) can turn off potential buyers and result in lower offers or demands for concessions.

3. Not Looking at Things Objectively

Buyers today are feeling the pinch of high home prices and mortgage rates. With affordability that tight, they may come in with an offer that’s lower than you’d want to see – especially if you didn’t stage, price, or market the house well.

4. Being Unwilling To...

The Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now The housing market is going through a transition.

Are you a part of the Sandwich Generation? According to Realtor.com, that’s a name for the roughly one in six Americans who take care of their children and their parents or grandparents at the same time.

If that sounds familiar to you, juggling all the responsibilities involved certainly must have its challenges. But it turns out there’s one pretty significant benefit: it can actually make it a bit easier for you to buy a home.

How Can It Help You Buy a Home?

Here are a few ways their caretaking situation might be helping those 33% buy a home:

• Sharing Expenses

• Built-In Childcare

Beyond just the financial reasons, buying a multi-generational home has other advantages. The Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlights some of the most popular, including:

• Easier To Care for Aging Parents

• Spending More Time Together

How a Real Estate Agent Can Help

If you’re in...

Why the Sandwich Generation Is Buying Multi-Generational Homes Are you a part of the Sandwich Generation?

Living in Maine means having the coast right at your doorstep. Whether it’s a day trip to a charming seaside town or a weekend getaway to the rugged coastal cliffs in Acadia, there's always a new spot to explore. Not to mention the beautiful sandy beaches along the southern coast. Whether you're a longtime resident or dreaming of moving here, the beauty of Maine's coastline never gets old.

Where’s your FAVORITE spot along the coast? 🌊

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Ready to find your dream home in Southern Maine?

Here’s a tip: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can streamline your home search and give you a competitive edge. It helps you know your budget (so we can shop within in) and shows sellers you're serious.

Need a connection to a local lender? Give me a call and I’m happy to send you some options!

If you're thinking of buying or selling, call me and put my 30+ years of experience to work for you!

Laura B Byther
The Laura B Team
207.838.9990
[email protected]
www.LauraByther.com

Caught between caring for your kids and aging parents? Here’s some good news.

In a recent survey, 1 in 3 people in this same situation find it actually makes it easier to afford a home.

That’s because a multi-generational home has big financial perks like sharing expenses and built-in childcare.

If you want to talk about whether this type of home is right for you, DM me.

Trying to decide if you want to sell or rent out your house once you move?
There’s a lot to consider – especially when it comes to figuring out if the profit is really worth the potential pains you might come up against.
Pro tip: Talking to another landlord plus professionals (like me) can help you decide what’s best for you and your situation.

Today’s headlines and news stories about home prices are confusing and make it tough to know what’s really happening. Some say home prices are heading for a correction, but what do the facts say? Well, it helps to start by looking at what a correction means.

Here’s what Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says: “In stock market terms, a correction is generally referred to as a 10 to 20% drop in prices . . . We don't have the same established definitions in the housing market.”

In the context of today’s housing market, it doesn’t mean home prices are going to fall dramatically. It only means prices, which have been increasing rapidly over the last couple years, are normalizing a bit. In other words, they’re now growing at a slower pace. Prices vary a lot by local market, but rest assured, a big drop off isn’t what’s happening at a national level.

From 2020 to 2022, home prices skyrocketed. But, that kind of...

Are Home Prices Going To Come Down? Today’s headlines and news stories about home prices are confusing and make it tough to know what’s really happening.

During the pandemic, home prices soared due to high demand coupled with low inventory and mortgage rates. But that rapid appreciation couldn’t last forever.

Now, data confirms prices are still rising, just more moderately.

This healthier pace is actually a good thing. It means home price growth is normalizing.

DM me if you want more details on prices in our area.

Portland, Maine isn’t just about beautiful homes and charming communities—it’s also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From the scenic trails of Back Cove to the lush greenery of Eastern Promenade, there's no shortage of places to explore and enjoy nature.

Not to mention, the STUNNING ferry rides with perfect views of Portland, Casco Bay, and iconic sights around Southern Maine.

Whether you’re hiking, biking, or hitting the waterPortland’s outdoor spaces offer something for everyone.

What are you up to this weekend?

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Let’s talk about equity.

On average, homeowners gained $28,000 over the past year and have a grand total of $305,000 worth of equity in their homes. That’s a whole lot of leverage for your next move.

Curious about how much you have? Let’s do a Professional Equity Assessment Report. Comment “Equity” below if you’re interested.

Whether you're looking to find your dream home or sell your current property for top value, I'm here to help. With over 30 years of experience in the Southern Maine market, I can guide you through every step of the process. Let's make your real estate journey smooth and successful. Give me a call to get the process started!

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