Let's be real with each other for a second about affordability. Because you deserve someone who will be honest and transparent about what’s going on, especially if you’ve got a move on your [...]
According to Google Trends, online searches for down payment information recently hit an all-time high. And that’s a clear sign more buyers are trying to figure out what they really need to save before making a move (see graph below):
If you’re wondering the same thing, you can always turn to the internet for answers. But a lot of the [...]
Comparing Cumberland County housing sales vs Knox County, the median sales price in Knox County for March 2026 was $421,000, vs $643,000 in Cumberland County. Looking to make a move? Call us to speak with a seasoned Agent to discuss the local housing market.
Cates Real Estate | 207-701-5600 | info@catesre.com
You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now? It’s a question a lot of people are asking.
With today’s home prices and mortgage rates, renting can feel like the easier path. In some cases, it might even seem like the only realistic option right now. And if that’s where you are, there’s nothing wrong with [...]
If you’re getting a tax refund this year, here’s something worth thinking about. That money could actually help you get closer to buying a home.
It may not be something you’ve factored into your plan yet, but it can give your savings a nice boost right when you need it most. And whether your refund is a few thousand dollars or more, [...]
If you’ve been looking for a home lately, you’ve probably felt how tough affordability still is. And that's exactly why more buyers are opting for adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs.
Here's what you need to understand about how they work, and whether they make sense for you.
Since a lot of people aren’t familiar with this type of loan, let’s start with a definition. This is how [...]
Mortgage rates have already dropped into the upper 5s twice this year. But after just a few days, they ticked back up into the low 6% range. If you saw that and thought, “Great. I missed it,” you’re not the only one.
Many buyers are treating the 5s like some kind of magic number. As if moving from 6.1% to 5.99% suddenly changes [...]
What if you didn’t have a mortgage payment on your next house? It may sound a little unrealistic. But for a number of homeowners, it’s actually doable.
Nearly 3 in 10 homes purchased today are bought in cash, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). That’s far more than the pre-pandemic norm [...]
The entire team at Cates Real Estate is profoundly saddened by the passing of Rick Whelan, a truly remarkable and respected Broker who was a cherished member of our family. Rick served the local real estate market for over 50 years, and his legacy of kindness, integrity, and genuine passion will live on through all of us who had the honor of working alongside him.
We first welcomed Rick to our firm in 2014, when he and his partner Jim Ianello merged Rock Maple Realty with Cates Real Estate. He continued to share his unparalleled expertise with us until his well-deserved retirement in March of 2023.
Rick was so much more than a colleague; he was a mentor, a friend, and a man whose warmth touched everyone he met. He was known for being kind and honest, and for having that unforgettable "professional grade gift of gab" that made every conversation a pleasure. He always asked about our families and celebrated our accomplishments as if they were his own. His deep love for nature—from his "gentleman's farm" to diligently tending his bird feeders—reflected his gentle spirit. We’ll always remember his signature look: his leather boots, light blue Oxford shirt, and that ever-present compass around his neck.
For Rick, real estate was a calling, and his passion was undeniably the land. He didn't just sell property; he mastered his craft. To watch him walk a large tract, following boundaries with just a deed and his simple compass, was to witness a true expert at work. His commitment to his clients was absolute, and he always ensured every transaction was handled with the utmost care. He was the first person in the office to lend a hand, patiently sharing his time and deep knowledge with every agent who asked. We truly have missed his guidance and presence these last few years.
We are certain that Rick now has his compass in hand, at peace, traversing boundaries in a beautiful landscape. His legacy of patience, integrity, and deep love for Maine's land will continue to inspire the whole team at Cates Real Estate.
Rest in peace, Rick. We will miss you greatly.
— The Team at Cates Real Estate