Sprague & Curtis Real Estate Blog

There are always compromises to consider when buying a house, and sometimes you have to compromise on something you want for something you need. So, do you need a short commute time? While it may be tempting to accept a long commute if it means landing the "perfect" house, it's a compromise that many homeowners wind up regretting.

After all, how can you enjoy the home if you're spending all of your time traveling to and from work? Our real estate agents know how to strike the right balance when buying a home.  Let's take a look at how much commute time matters when searching for the right home.

How Much Time Are You Willing to Spend on the Road Each Day?

For many home shoppers, commute time feels like a right place to compromise, and that might be true if you're talking about a difference of a few minutes in either direction. The risk is that even a very long commute might suddenly start to feel palatable if you find a home located far from your target destination.

Click Here to Read More...

Augusta homes for sale benefit from some genuinely unique amenities. The city of Augusta is at the heart of so much of what's exciting about Maine: The best employers, dining, shopping, and education are all within reach. It still maintains the charm that makes Maine "Vacationland." 

Our real estate agents recognize that, when it comes to real estate, time is of the essence! You might want to slow down and enjoy your new Augusta lifestyle. That's when you'll discover it's a great place to go for a walk.

If you want to take in the sights and also help maintain your health, you're in luck: Many parts of Augusta are highly walkable, and there are some great bike paths also.

But what is walkability and how can you measure it when you compare neighborhoods?

How to Determine if a Neighborhood is Walkable

The website WalkScore.com has been an ambassador of the concept of walkability. It rates a neighborhood where "most errands can be accomplished on foot" as walkable.

The most walkable neighborhoods are those where a car isn't required at all. Naturally, though, this is rare outside larger cities in the U.S. and is more likely in urban centers.

Although WalkScore.com is convenient and can get you started, it's not the last word. Whether or not an area is walkable depends on many factors, including your interests.

Walkability combines many factors:

Click Here to Read More...

At Sprague & Curtis Real Estate, we know that once you decide to sell your home, you're anxious to get it listed and visible to potential buyers, and we're certainly excited to help you sell your home. Experience has proven that there are steps that you can take to make your home stand out to buyers, and these simple preparations can make all the difference in making your home sale successful.

1. The Right Agent for You
   Deciding on an agent who will work hard for you is probably one of the most important steps in getting your home sold. It's perfectly acceptable for you to interview a few to determine who will be your ideal partner in marketing your home. Our real estate agents know the market and offer both experience and superior service.
   
   

Click Here to Read More...

Nearly everyone loves a good slice of pizza, and the local pizzerias in Augusta serve up some pretty impressive pies. Satisfying, quick and delicious, pizza makes mealtime fun, and once you get to know these area pizza stops, you may have trouble deciding which one to choose. With their unique atmosphere, menu offerings and specials, each of these Augusta pizzerias are sure to rank high on your list of favorite places to dine. Our real estate agents want you to become acquainted with the area, and a great way to start is by checking out our six favorite pizza shops.

1. Amato's - 284 Civic Ctr Dr, Augusta, ME 04330
   One bite of Amato's mouth-watering pizza will win you over, and you'll understand why this Augusta pizza stop is a local favorite. What began as Giovanni Amato's dockside Italian sandwich cart in Portland has grown into a Maine tradition offering pizza, sandwiches and more. Try the "Giovanni" pizza for an unbeatable Italian flavor, or go for one of their other specialty pizzas. Build your own pie from a great variety of toppings, and don't forget to bring your appetite!
   
   

Click Here to Read More...

The merits of taking a spa day are extensive, and many people are making periodic spa visits a part of their overall wellness routine. First and foremost, a spa day helps you relax and unwind from the rigors and stress of everyday life. What you may not know is that a trip to the spa can also help you detox, improve circulation, skin tone and sleep patterns, as well as fighting those annoying signs of aging. While you're considering some of the beautiful Augusta homes for sale during your house hunt, take some time to get to know our five favorite places to enjoy a spa day.

Click Here to Read More...