
Chances are one of your New Year's resolutions involved getting healthier in 2020. Luckily, there are many places that are perfect for your fitness goals. Our real estate agents recommend the following gyms where you can do all the exercises your heart desires.

Deciding to buy a home can be daunting, but educating yourself about what's involved can help you understand what to expect. Our REALTORS® guide clients through the process every day and share some tips to make your home buying journey a breeze.
Think about what you'd like in a house today and in the future. Are you planning to have a family and want a big yard for kids and pets? Is a garage a requirement for you? Write down everything you want and need and start checking out your local real estate market online. It's important to look at the area as a whole—it's always a good idea to buy in a neighborhood where property values will most likely appreciate.
First, you'll need to save for a down payment. Generally, a down payment should be about 20 percent, but can be as low as 10, 5 or even 0 percent for certain types of mortgages like FHA and VA loans. When you feel confident that you've saved enough, check your credit. Annual Credit Report.com offers a free yearly credit report from the three major reporting agencies, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Making sure your credit is in order can help to ensure you get a decent interest rate.
Also, get pre-approved by a lender before you start looking at Augusta homes for sale. To do a pre-approval, lenders will review your credit report, income, and other finances. They will then issue a letter stating the amount for which you've been pre-approved. Keep in mind that pre-approval is not the same thing as being approved for a mortgage loan. When you're ready to do that, make sure you choose at least three with competitive rates.

Did you know that maple syrup has its own holiday? National Maple Syrup Day is observed every year on December 17, and our corner of Maine is the perfect place to celebrate this sweet holiday. Local, family-owned businesses have been producing fresh maple syrup for generations, using old-fashioned harvesting practices producing some of the best maple syrup in the world. Whether you're a maple syrup aficionado or you want to enjoy something sweet, this is the holiday for you. Our REALTORS® have all the delicious details on four great spots to celebrate National Maple Syrup Day near Augusta this year.
Bacon Farm Maple Products – 415 Goodhue Rd., Sidney, ME 04330
Conveniently located close to Sidney homes for sale, you'll find Bacon Farm Maple Products, the perfect place to celebrate National Maple Syrup Day. This farm is one of the oldest continually operating maple syrup shops in the area and has been delighting visitors ever since it was first founded in 1881. Today, the Bacon family sticks to the classic methods that have served them well for generations, starting with the sap harvest in the early spring. The sap is boiled down on-site to create fresh, delicious maple syrup. If you're interested in creating your own maple syrup, Bacon Farm also sells sugaring products and supplies.

Every year on the weekend after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday gives shoppers an opportunity to support their local businesses. It's a great chance to get your holiday shopping done and show your favorite mom-and-pop stores some love.
In honor of the occasion, our REALTORS® are excited to share some of their favorite small businesses in the Augusta, ME area. Be sure to check out these amazing local shops this season!

The leaves are changing colors, and that means that brewmasters across town are changing the kegs behind the bar. As the days get shorter and the weather starts to cool off, you are going to have plenty of time to sample some of the finest beers in the state. You might even see one or two of our real estate agents tipping a glass to celebrate a new home purchase with our clients.