Posts with tag 'Sprague & Curtis Real Estate'

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.

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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.

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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. 

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Nothing (and we mean nothing!) beats a fresh, delicious lobster roll made from succulent, flavorful Maine lobster fresh off the boat. You don't have to take our word for it—ask any of our real estate agents, experts all in great Augusta homes and lobster rolls. Here's where to go in Augusta and surrounding areas for this Down East delicacy. 

1. The Red Barn - 455 Riverside Drive, Augusta
   You drive, and drive, and drive to take in all the great Augusta homes for sale. Finally, hunger overwhelms you, and you pull into The Red Barn. Jackpot! Or, er ... lobster pot.
   
   Few places compare to lobster rolls from The Red Barn. Choose between 1/4-pound or 1/2-pound of lobster meat on a soft, warm roll. Or, go for the greatness with Crustacean Elation—a foot-long lobster roll! Worth every dollar.

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Are you looking for cost-effective ways to boost the value of your Augusta home for sale? According to USA TODAY, painting a home's interior produces an average 109 percent return on investment (ROI), and landscaping service LawnStarter cites an average 90 percent ROI on exterior paint jobs.

While painting is a relatively easy upgrade, whether you hire a professional or go the DIY route, you still need a strategy to optimize results. Here are some expert painting tips to make a visual statement buyers won't be able to resist.

• Stick with the Basics
  You might think that chevron-filled accent wall is the height of style, but not every buyer is going to share your opinion. In addition, many people want to purchase a home that's move-in ready, not one that needs changes right off the bat. Light neutral shades such as ivory, tan and "greige," a hybrid of gray and beige, have timeless appeal.

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