Sprague & Curtis Real Estate Blog

Congratulations! You've found yourself in a position most sellers dream of — having multiple offers on your home. While this is a positive development, some sellers may be unsure of how to proceed. Should you choose the buyer with the highest offer or consider other options? There is no black and white answer — the best solution will be the one that fits your needs appropriately.

Our real estate agents have spent years negotiating Augusta homes for sale and have plenty of experience helping a seller manage multiple bids. We know this may seem overwhelming! However, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to ensure your needs are met and that you conduct a mutually beneficial real estate transaction with a deserving buyer.

Before you make a decision, we encourage you to consider these helpful tips:

1. Look for Offers that Stand Out
   Before you sort your offers into categories based on price, funding, contingencies, and preapprovals, we suggest taking a moment to acknowledge the offers that stand out. You can separate them into two piles: ordinary offers and extraordinary offers. Examples of exceptional offers are those with a personalized letter, those offering to cover closing costs and those having added an escalation clause. These small details can make a significant difference later on in the process.

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Many of the best Augusta homes for sale offer plenty of storage space. However, one of the biggest challenges in moving is getting "stuff" from Point A to Point B. Our real estate agents advise taking a structured and systematic approach to your move. The keys are starting early and making decluttering a priority.

Most of us have more stuff than we know what to do with. Over time, it's easy to forget the things we bought and put away. Everything purchased by a person, a couple, or a family is a snapshot of needs they had at a particular time. But those needs change. 

So, how can you tackle the intimidating task of decluttering before your big move?

Take a deep breath and follow these tips:

1. Start Decluttering as Soon as You Can
   The earlier you start, the less stressful the process will be, since you can tackle it at your own pace. Plus, it can offer you a fresh perspective. You might be surprised just how many things you don't use often.
2. Incentivize Donating
   To keep yourself from carting things you don't want, figure out a nearby location for donations. Many charities accept used clothes, and some will take food, toiletries, or electronic goods. Start with a "donate" pile from the beginning.

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Every year on September 5, people around the world come together to support those in need for International Day of Charity. This annual holiday is the perfect opportunity to learn more about local causes and offer support. Whether you're currently shopping for Augusta homes for sale or you're a long-time resident, you'll find plenty of worthy, local non-profit organizations to support on International Day of Charity. Our real estate agents have all the details on 5 local Augusta charities you can support this year.

1. Maine Greyhound Placement Service – 231 Old Belgrade Rd., Augusta 04330
   The Maine Greyhound Placement Service (MGPS) is a local charity working to find new homes for retired racing greyhounds, typically between two and five years old. These well-trained dogs often make great family pets. Besides finding the dogs homes, the organization also operates a spay/neuter clinic, and a greyhound pet supply store to help raise funds. Volunteer to help greyhounds find homes, or make a financial donation to support the cause.

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Whether you're buying or selling a home, you must understand how some aspects of the house may impact the sale of the property. For many prospective home buyers and homesellers, a strong focus is placed on aspects like curb appeal, remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, and new paint throughout the house. Each of these features can influence the price of a home. However, they aren't alone in impacting the success of a real estate transaction. The age of these five things could affect a home sale.

1. Roof
   The roof is one of the most important and expensive elements of a home, so it should be no surprise that its age may impact the sale. The average roof has a lifespan between 20 and 30 years. Depending on the age of the roof, the seller may consider replacing it to maximize their potential selling price. Although the buyer may negotiate the cost of the home based on the old age of the roof, they may have trouble securing homeowners insurance until it's replaced. There's a possibility that an insurer will deny a policy renewal on homes with roofs over 20 years old without first passing an inspection.

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According to Shakespeare, all the world's a stage, and he would be delighted with Theater at Monmouth, the year-round repertory company that's been entertaining local audiences since 1970. Here's a closer look at one of the most popular attractions near Monmouth homes for sale.

Bringing Shakespeare to Monmouth

Theater at Monmouth was established as a way to enrich the cultural landscape around Monmouth and the state of Maine. Professional actors from across the country present innovative approaches to the works of Shakespeare and other fascinating plays, from comedies to dramas.

Five years after it was founded, Theater at Monmouth was officially recognized as the Shakespearean Theater of Maine by the state legislature. Throughout 49 years of the three-month summer repertory season, TAM has staged upwards of 340 productions, including 28 world premieres.

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