Why Work With Us?

The kindness, respect and professionalism in the approach to working with clients is of the highest level of service. Simply put, this is just his professional nature. First class always.

The follow-up from expert listing procedures and covering all the issues to the excellent follow-up, it was a good experience from start to finish.

I have always relied on the professional and personal performance of Martin Cates & Associates. He is trustworthy and has a pulse on economic changes and fair property values. I feel a genuine sense of personal and professional interest in my goals when I talk with Martin.

Thank you for all of your help and guidance, your patience and time, for making buying a home “as easy as Pie”.

Suzanne (Lufkin Weiss) works very hard and keeps track of every detail of her listings. She is always available and capable of anything to aid in the progress of the sale. She is trustworthy and competent and always gives me, her client, a feeling of security. I highly recommend her.

Patricia listed our late 1800’s home located in Thomaston. It was a 3000 sq ft, a semi-remodeled house placed on a new foundation. The house originally set nearer to the street. It was a Federal style home with an ell connecting to the garage. The ell area was in need of much repair…ceilings were falling down, the kitchen consisted of a few metal cabinets. Because of the deterioration in the ell section, we decided to tear that all down and place the original Federal section of home onto a new foundation, setting back away from the street. A full foundation was poured and the house was picked up and moved using 3 cranes. Many people stopped by to watch this event.

After it was placed on the new foundation the ell was added back and connected to the garage. The original part of the house remained original…including the 2 fireplaces made of Thomaston marble, that were at each end of the living room.These fireplaces had to be taken apart somewhat when the house was picked up and moved. Because we took pictures, we were able to replace them to the original condition.

Because the house was now only partially original, although we did maintain an old look to the kitchen using oak cabinets, and the downstairs bathroom had a bearclaw tub, we knew it probably was not going to sell as a total historical home would.

It was placed on the market after we enjoyed living in it for 10 yrs with our 4 children. Patricia suggested having an open house, I believe it was at Christmas when the house was fully decorated. I believe it was a successful open house because the home was sold by March.

It was nice working with Patricia, she was very professional. We had our home listed for quite some time with another realtor with no success. Patricia approached me after she became a realtor and was interested in working with us. Once our contract was up with the previous company we signed on with Patricia.

Would like to write this note to tell you how much we have enjoyed working with Diane, on the Sale of our home in Chelsea, Maine. Also, on the purchase of our new home in Jefferson, Maine. Since we first started, she has been there for us, during the day, after hours and out of state. She has done a excellent job and has gone above and beyond. Diane is a valuable asset to Cates Real Estate and just ask us “The Smith’s.” She is very knowledgeable in explaining what every document has been and we have had a some laughs on problems. We will miss seeing and talking to her on the phone. You are always welcomed in our house. Do you drink coffee or tea? Thanks Again!!!!

I have a great client, Dave. I’ve been working with Dave and his brother Tom for about a month. Not only are they sharp cookies and lots of fun, but they gave me a tremendous compliment saying that they agreed they “really got an honest one”, meaning REALTOR in me. Then Dave reminded me not to “get a big head

I know it was a challenge and I appreciate all your advice and hard work. I picked you not only because Paul recommended you, but also because of your positive, encouraging attitude from the very beginning all the way through the closing. Thank you so much. It was a pleasure doing business with you.

My wife and I live in Florida and have been looking for about two years to buy something in Maine, to eventually retire to. About a year ago we found some land in Union ME on the internet and got in contact with the Barker Team. They were very helpful, but had some concerns that we were not there to actually see the property for ourselves. They still did everything they could to help us and guided us through every step. They even walked through mud and snow to video the property for us. This was very helpful in our decision to try to purchase it. We loved everything about it and were very excited to finally have a start on our future retirement.

This property would up having some title issues. The town had taken the property due to back taxes, which complicated things. Needless to say we were very disappointed, but the Barker Team did not give up, and did everything they possibly could to get this property for us.

After months and months of working on getting clear title, and waiting on the town lawyer, my wife and I decided to throw in the towel, and just look for an existing home.

The Barker Team who were like family to us by now were our only choice. Again they went all out for us, and helped us find a few properties. There were still some concerns that we were trying to do this from Florida, and couldn’t be there to see the properties in person, due to some work and family obligations. The Barker Team were very understanding of this and did everything they possibly could to help us make a decision. I think they ran all over Maine checking the properties for us.

We eventually found a very nice home in Saint George that we fell in love with. The Barker Team again went all out doing everything they could, to provide us with whatever they could to help us make our decision on purchasing this house. I am very happy to say that due to the Barker Team’s patients, help and understanding we are now the proud owners of a great little house in Maine. I will recommend them to everyone I know, and cannot thank them enough for all of their help. They helped us make our dreams come true.