
The Truth About Affordability Today
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 [...]

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 [...]
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

The bad news is that the Northeast is trailing the rest of the country in pending sales and affordability - If you have been searching for your new home, this is not news to you. The good news is that this is typically the time of year when we see more inventory come on the [...]

Summary of charts showing median sales prices for Maine SFR and condo sales for 2025 as follows as of January 2, 2026::
*Based on stats from Maine Real Estate Info Systems, inc., dba, Maine Listings

After several years of high mortgage rates and hesitation from buyers, momentum is quietly building beneath the surface of the housing market. Sellers are reappearing. Buyers are re-engaging. And for the first time in what feels like forever, there’s movement happening [...]
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The Maine housing market demonstrated a notable increase in sales activity from September 2024 to September 2025, with home sales rising by 5.12%. This positive momentum in transaction volume comes amid a slight moderation in the median sales price (MSP), which decreased by 1.35% during the same period, settling at $402,500.
This local trend in Maine contrasts somewhat with national and regional data, as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported an upward trajectory in existing home sales and prices across both the nation and the Northeast for the identical September 2024 to September 2025 timeframe. While Maine's sales growth aligns with the broader positive sentiment, its slight dip in median price presents a unique dynamic within the larger market context.
The 5.12% increase in home sales in Maine indicates a robust demand and continued interest from buyers in the state's diverse housing offerings. This could be attributed to a variety of factors, including the state's quality of life, economic stability, and evolving demographics. The willingness of buyers to engage in transactions suggests a degree of confidence in the long-term value of homeownership in Maine, even as affordability remains a key consideration for many.
Conversely, the 1.35% decrease in the median sales price, while modest, warrants careful observation. This slight adjustment could indicate a market recalibration, driven by increased inventory, shifts in the types of homes sold, or prevailing interest rate conditions that may be influencing buyer purchasing power. It could also suggest that, while demand remains strong, sellers are adjusting their expectations to align with market realities. This position Maine as a more balanced market, offering increased transaction opportunities without the rapid price escalation seen in some other regions.

If you've put your move plans on hold due to high rates or prices, it may be time to reassess your numbers. Affordability is improving in 39 of the top 50 markets, according to First American. And that’s the 5th straight month where buying a home has become slightly easier.
Let’s break this down into real dollars, so you can see the difference this could make for you (and your [...]

In a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has once again been voted the best long-term investment. And it’s claimed that top spot for 12 straight years now. Homeownership is one of the top ways to build wealth, even with home price growth moderating and ongoing economic uncertainty. If you’ve been trying to decide if it makes sense to buy a home today, let’s connect and talk about the programs that can help you become a homeowner.
Let's talk! To reach an agent in Midcoast or Greater Portland email us at info@catesre.com

Let’s connect so you have help every step along the way. Contact one of our Team Members at Cates Real Estate at 207-701-5600 or [...]