Posts made by author 'Sprague and Curtis'

Home buyers know which features they want to see in Augusta homes for sale—do you? As a seller, you want to position your home for success, but this means more than just updating the kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. Even though interior features like smart appliances and gorgeous countertops do entice buyers to purchase your home, you can't forget that buyers also desire fantastic exterior features. Our real estate agents want to help you get the most of your home, that's why we've identified the top five exterior features buyers desire in their new Augusta homes.

1. Energy Efficient Windows
   Summers in Augusta can reach temperatures in the 80s, while winter can drop those numbers into the teens. Attractive-looking windows can increase curb appeal, but if they aren't energy efficient, they aren't a buyer's first choice. Energy efficient windows regulate the heat that enters and exits the home. Old windows that aren't energy efficient or are in poor condition are one of the most common issues found during a home inspection. These features are expensive to replace, which means that buyers are willing to pay more for a home with new energy efficient windows to save themselves the hassle.

   Click Here to Read More...

When you were in school, a failing grade remained on your permanent record. Fortunately, as a home buyer, you don't need to despair if there less-than-favorable results on a home inspection report. 

Our real estate agents have extensive experience helping buyers understand and work through common problems uncovered by home inspection reports on Augusta homes for sale. Take these proactive steps before deciding the report is a deal-breaker.

• Include a Well-Written Inspection Clause
  Groundwork should be laid before the inspection even takes place. Many sale agreements provide latitude for a buyer to have an inspection completed, but there are no consequences for the seller. Make sure the home inspection clause includes recourse for a problematic report, such as renegotiating the price or walking away if you're not satisfied.

  Click Here to Read More...

For cyclists, it's hard to imagine a place more ripe for exploration than Maine. With countless trails and endless meandering back roads, our real estate agents think it's a truly extraordinary landscape to pedal through.

The 35th Annual Trek Across Maine, coming up this June, puts that landscape front and center. Traversing the Kennebec Valley and passing through the capital city of Augusta, Trek Across Maine offers bicycle enthusiasts of all stripes an opportunity to see just what makes Maine so special. 

Bike for a Cause

Now in its 35th year, Trek Across Maine is a three-day cycling event, with multiple route options that highlight the spectacular beauty of the Kennebec Valley. It's also the largest fundraiser in the nation for the American Lung Association and has raised more than $24 million in the years since the event started. 

More than 2,000 cyclists and 750 volunteers are expected to participate in this year's event, which takes place on June 14-16. Riders start and finish in Brunswick, Maine, and have three options: a 56-mile one-day route, a 102-mile two-day route, and a spectacular 180-mile full route over three days. Those who choose to bike the two- and three-day versions of the event will have overnight accommodations provided at Bates College in Lewiston and Colby College in Waterville.

Click Here to Read More...

Mother's Day is the perfect time to give mom a break from all she does for the family throughout the year. Our real estate agents recommend taking her out for brunch at one of these six fantastic Augusta area restaurants. 

1. Cloud 9 - 284 Western Ave., Augusta
   The award-winning Cloud 9 restaurant is nestled within the Senator Inn & Spa. Mom can enjoy her mimosa and brick oven pizza in a beautiful, relaxing setting the whole family will enjoy. When the meal's over, mom can have a relaxing massage and review listings for the many beautiful Augusta homes for sale.

   Click Here to Read More...

It's a question that our real estate agents get asked all the time. When should you pay off your mortgage early, and when shouldn't you? It would seem that if one can pay off debt sooner rather than later, then there's no reason not to do so. But of course, mortgages are a bit more complex, and the answer depends on a variety of factors. 

Your Situation is Unique

The biggest advantage of paying off your mortgage early is saving money on interest costs. Just like any loan, the longer you take to pay off your mortgage, the more you'll end up paying in interest. It's worth noting that a 15-year mortgage comes with a much lower interest rate than the more common 30-year mortgage. 

Still, there are certain situations in which financial experts tend to advise against paying off a mortgage early. For example, if you're locked into a 30-year mortgage at a low interest rate, you can reap greater financial rewards by investing your money elsewhere rather than using it to repay your mortgage.

But for many homeowners, there are financial benefits to paying off your home loan early. And just as importantly, it's not always purely a financial decision. It's also an emotional one. The relief that comes with being free from debt is no small thing. It comes down to what you value the most. 

Click Here to Read More...