From Chaos to Clarity: Finishing Strong & Maine's Summer Market Momentum

Hi everyone,

Hope you're gearing up for what looks to be a fantastic Memorial Day weekend! I wanted to share some exciting updates from my world - both the final push on our cottage project and what I'm seeing in Maine's distinctive properties market as we head into summer.

1 – The Final Countdown: Almost There!

When the finish line comes with a punch list

We're coming down to the wire on finishing up our second floor renovation, with a target goal of being ready to move furniture back in next weekend! The walls and ceilings have all been finished, and we've installed beautiful new southern yellow pine flooring in the three lakeside bedrooms. I'll be spending Memorial Day weekend putting two coats of polyurethane on those floors, as well as putting together a final punch list of items like ceiling fan switches and curtains, and starting to tackle all the debris that somehow gets scattered everywhere during a project like this.

It's exciting to see it all come together - a little nerve-wracking too as we realize there are so many little details to attend to before we can put all the furniture back. Some of the items we wanted to do ended up not being feasible, while other items had to be done that we didn't count on - like replacing the vinyl planking in the bathroom floors because they were so damaged during the roof destruction. But the space is so much brighter with the new wood, which is such a contrast to the deep amber color of the old wood. My daughter-in-law says it feels so fresh - and not haunted anymore!!!

2 – Love, History, and Happy Endings

When old homes find new families to love them

Working with older homes has a lot of surprises, which I'm experiencing firsthand, but they're also filled with so much love and history. One of our recent clients had an antique farmhouse that she and her husband had renovated throughout their married life and raised several children and foster children in. Like our cottage, it was built at the turn of the century and had that special character that only comes with age and the care of families who truly love these old homes.

We put it on the market and almost immediately, another family came along that fell in love with the house and put it under contract. They loved the detail and the charm that only an older home can convey. We closed on the property in 30 days.

My seller was emotional to let it go, but also happy that a new family would be there to enjoy it. Helping the seller through that emotional process was probably the most rewarding part for me. There's something special about guiding someone through letting go of a home filled with decades of memories while knowing it's going to a family who truly appreciates what they've created. Having my own turn-of-the-century renovation project gives me an even deeper understanding of the love and effort that goes into preserving these special places

3 – Maine's Summer Market: Strong Momentum Ahead

Luxury and waterfront properties showing resilience

As we head into the peak summer season, Maine's higher-end and waterfront market is showing some really encouraging trends. Despite broader economic concerns, luxury homes are projected to outperform the general housing market throughout 2026, and we're seeing that play out locally.

The first quarter of 2026 showed clear market stability and strong demand momentum in Maine. What's particularly interesting is that in southern Maine, we're still seeing bidding wars in the $2-3 million price range, especially for turnkey properties that buyers can move right into. The lesson from pricing strategies across the state remains crucial: right pricing from day one is more important than ever.

For waterfront properties specifically, buyer demand continues to be strong for well-maintained homes with character and modern amenities. Inventory remains selective, which means quality properties are still moving quickly when priced correctly. As we move into summer - traditionally our strongest season - I'm optimistic about continued momentum for distinctive properties across Maine.

If you're thinking about making a move this summer, now's a great time to start the conversation about timing and strategy.

Warmly,

Charlene

Harcourts Waterfront & Fine Properties
Waterfront homes and distinctive properties across the state of Maine

Cell: 207-671-0085
Office: 877-276-5859 x10
Website: www.harcourtswfp.com