Just across the million dollar bridge however the real estate markets of South Portland saw 29 homes sell at a median price point of 196K, up 13% from a year prior. Transaction volume was up about 7% for the time period year over year.

The first time homebuyers continue to buy and with the extension of the tax credit, look for more of the same going forward in the southern Maine housing markets.

Thanks for reading,

John
Maine Buyers Agent

Many homes or buildings built before 1980 may still contain asbestos or old corrosive building materials. This should not make you overly concerned, because asbestos exposure is easily avoidable by taking simple precautions.  Many green, eco-friendly alternatives are available which not only provide a safe and health method of insulation, they can even help in reducing annual energy costs.

Tips and Prevention

If any asbestos is located in the home, most experts suggest to just leave it alone and undisturbed. Asbestos that is not deteriorated and left alone will almost always not pose any risks. The best action may be no action at all. When its fibers are disturbed and become airborne, it can be a cause for concern.

If a home inspector suggests removal is necessary, it must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained and equipped in handling hazardous materials. They can perform the removal in public facilities, homes and work places.

Exposure to damaged asbestos can cause a rare but severe lung ailment known as malignant mesothelioma. Diagnosis of these forms of asbestos lung cancer has been a difficult task because mesothelioma symptoms are so similar to other, less serious conditions.

Maine Going GREEN

Living in the 21^st century, there is a renewed importance towards environmental sustainability, green construction and lowering your carbon footprint.  Many realtors have understood this important aspect of our lives and can greatly assist clients in achieving a green home.

Recently, congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law. Included in this act were extensions to the tax incentives placed for energy efficiency in 2005, as well as new credits for homeowners who remodel or build using eco-sustainable methods. Some of the measures that are eligible for tax credits include added insulation to walls, ceilings, or other part of the building envelope that meets the 2009 IECC specifications, sealing cracks in the building shell and ducts to reduce heat loss. Storm doors paired with U-factored rated wood doors are also eligible.

The use of cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose are viable alternatives that possess many of its superior qualities without the toxicity. The United Nations Environmental Program states that the use of these recycled building materials, on top of the installation of energy saving appliances and the maximization of natural lighting in a building, can reduce energy use energy use by 25 percent.

Of interest to those involved in real estate, a citizen based environmental advocacy group called Environment Maine, is combining independent research and a tough minded strategy to overcome the opposition of special interests who seek to undermine pro environment approaches. Focusing to rid the state of asbestos use and other harmful materials, they also focus to protect the water and open spaces. Environment Maine is working hard to give the state the healthy environment that the people deserve.

Please click here for more information on South Portland Maine Homes for sale.

Thanks for reading,

John Herrigel
Green Tree Buyers Agent

Thanks for reading!
John Herrigel – Green Tree Realty

Thanks for reading,

John Herrigel
Maine Buyers Agent

The Portland Museum of Art – located on Fore Street and always offering wonderful art exhibits from world famous artists.

Maine schooner tours – Travel aboard the Frances, a 72 foot schooner exploring Portland harbor and the nearby lighhouses. Leaving from the Maine state pier off of Commercial Street.

Old Port  Shopping  – Shop at one of the numerous boutique stores and stay the evening to enjoy a Maine microbrew at one of the many local taverns.

Thanks for reading and enjoy.

As of June 2009, there here are currently103  homes for sale in Cape Elizabeth at a median asking price  of about 475K . A classic suburb of Portland situated on the ocean, the real estate in this southern Maine community has kept good value through the economic downturn.  Volume has picked up significantly since the winter months whilst median pricing remains significantly down by about 50% from a year prior.

Thanks for reading,

John
Southern Maine real estate Agent