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Author: Kevin Murphy
My brother Jack and I co-own The Real Estate Store. I grew up and live in Scarborough, ME. I became a real estate broker in 2005, but Real Estate is a family business for us. We are second generation Real Estate Brokers. My experience working with apartments and with residential construction has given me insight into cost-aware construction and green construction and design.

Remote Features to Take Advantage of While House Hunting

As social distancing is becoming a regular and necessary practice during these times, we are recommending that people do not attend open houses or go to in-person showings. Although Real Estate brokerage has been deemed an essential service at the

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Setting Up a Temporary Work-From-Home Space

In recent days, many people are finding themselves working from home. Remote work allows for ease of flexibility as many workplaces are asking employees to work from home during this crisis. However, people who have never worked from home before

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Affordability in Home Ownership

For someone who wants to stop renting and start owning a home, the goal may feel like steep climb. With housing prices and rent rising, it can be hard to imagine making a large purchase such as a home. However,

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Maine Homeowners: Check your Mailbox in Early 2020!

Are you a homeowner in the state of Maine? You may be seeing a $100 check early next year! The Property Tax Relief Fund (https://www.maine.gov/treasurer/property_tax_relief/) in Maine is planning to distribute excess funds to households that qualified for the homestead

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Why Should You Have Pre-Inspection

pre-inspection

When it comes to changing homes, one of the most stressful parts is selling your home. In the process of packing and looking for your new home, a potential buyer may find an issue during the inspection that will throw

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Sweat Equity & “Fixer-Uppers”

sweat equity -before/after home

Buying fixer-uppers and pouring sweat equity into those properties trended almost a decade ago. While there are still plenty of investors who “flip” homes for a profit, buyers are trending toward homes that are move-in ready.  As this trend continues, the

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Building your Dream Home in Maine

dream home

Building a dream home has many benefits! New construction homes are: Tailored to you and your family’s needs Built using new materials that will last longer Need less maintenance and repair in the near future Meet current safety codes and

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Recent Tax Re-Evaluation in Scarborough

anxious about re-evaluation

Have you recently received a letter about the assessed value of your home increasing as a result of the recent re-evaluation? Should you sell your house before it takes effect? Is your house worth more now than it was two

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Sustainable Home Improvements Before Selling

Sustainable Granite Countertops

With sustainable home improvements, it’s hard to decide what to do before selling a home. Many home buyers are enticed by the idea of sustainability.  Moreover, home improvements that address concerns about energy savings and efficiency can give your home a huge

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Short-Term Rentals as Investment Properties

Short-term rentals are an up-and-coming way for travelers to stay in places that are not the conventional hotel or resort. For a generation looking for “authentic experiences,” it’s a fun and exciting market to tap into.  However, there are many things

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