Home sales on the rise, mortgage rates still low!

According to the National Association of Realtors the market is slowly but surely recovering.  This is good news as buyers and sellers have been weathering this challenging economy for far too long.  In March, it was recorded the number of home sales that were pending had increased by nearly 5%.  The number of contracts submitted in this March was the highest since April of 2010 and the NAR predicts the same strong results in the coming months. This is great news for motivated sellers who want their home to move in today’s market.

There is also motivating news for buyers; at the moment mortgage rates are still very low.  With current rate between 3.7% and 3.9% for a 30-year conventional fixed rate mortgage.  Buyers who are ready for their first or next home are in a great position to achieve their goal at a reasonable price.  Although this is good news according to market specialist, it will not last forever.  Experts predict that by the end of the year rates could bounce back to as much as 4.5%.

 Flynn & Company Real Estate is feeling the rise in homes with a strong record of business in April and a promising May.  Flynn & Company brokers are also seeing many happy customers taking advantage of the low rates.  And despite the uncertainty of the economy, Flynn & Company is one of the leading real estate offices in the Greater Portland Area. To list or sell with a Flynn & Company broker call 207-767-0022 or visit their office in the heart of Meeting House Hill and Willard Beach area at 372 Cottage Road, South Portland.  To view current listings or read other blog articles go to www.flynnisin.com.

This month the South Portland Historical Society Museum will feature an exhibition on one of South Portland’s most established boroughs, Thornton Heights.  Through a complete photographic display the Historical society asks South Portland natives if

they remember  Bennett’s Ice Cream Bar, Taylor’s Drug Store, or perhaps going to the Thornton Heights School?  In November the SP Historical Society held a series of “chat nights” about “Thornton Heights Memories” as well as other key neighborhoods.  From these “chat nights” came the ideas and inspiration for the 2012 exhibit.  The Museum has decided extend the Thornton Heights exhibit to include Sunset Park and Country Gardens, as well.

For those less familiar with our neighborhoods, this is the area just west of Cash Corner, running down Main Street all the way to the Scarborough line, and the neighborhoods alongside Westbrook Street from Main Street to Broadway.  The Thornton Heights neighborhood was one of the first areas of South Portland to prosper with small and big business as well as brimming neighborhoods with families living and working in the area.

Flynn & Company Real Estate is proud to sponsor this exhibit that will open with the Museum on May 7th.  This is an exhibit close to the hearts of owner/broker Jeff Flynn and his sister Broker Linda Flynn as they grew up on the site of the Larry Row Golf Course (now the South Portland Municipal Golf Course).  Both Linda and Jeff have fond memories of the area and continue to sell numerous homes every year in this popular area.  Museum hours are 10am – 4pm daily.  The South Portland Historical Society is located at 55 Bug Light Park.  For homes for sale in the Thornton Heights area go to www.flynnisin.com.

Open House Saturday, April 28th

12 pm to 3 pm

668 Seashore Avenue, Peaks Island

$875,000 – Peaks Island at it’s best! 3 bedroom and 2 bath post and beam home with details throughout, cathedral ceilings, skylights, gourmet kitchen, updated baths, incredible ocean views from almost every room and deck with unobstructed views! Directions; Peaks Island landing to Welch St to Island Ave to Whitehead St left onto Seashore Ave.

Open House Sunday, April 29

1 pm to 3 pm

70 Elderberry Drive, South Portland

$319,900 – This is a pristine 4 bedroom 4 bath Colonial home with hardwood & tile floors, granite and stainless steel kitchen, open floor plan, gas fireplace, master bedroom suite, covered porch, large sun deck and finished daylight basement. A truly nice home. Directions; Highland Ave to Elderberry Dr.

Open House Sunday, April 29th

1 pm to 3 pm

170 Alfred Street, South Portland

$174,900 – Rare 4 bedroom ranch style home with eat in kitchen, living room with gas fireplace / stove, rear sun deck and 2 custom garden sheds. Near schools, recreation center and city pool! Directions; Evans St to Alfred St.

Open House Sunday, April 29th

1 pm to 3 pm

11 Dimar Drive, South Portland

$329,900 – Secluded English tudor style home with gourmet kitchen overlooking family room, 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, formal living room with fireplace, dining room, attached 2 car garage and a nice yard. Directions; Highland Ave to Evans St., Ext. left onto Dimar Dr.

Bug Light is one of South Portland’s most beautiful assets. First lit in 1875, this active lighthouse stretches out into Casco Bay.  A quarter mile of meticulously placed bed rock makes for an exciting walk from the shore.  Bug Light Park is located just miles from the Flynn & Company Real Estate office and seconds away from Southern Maine Community College.   

While you are rock jumping at Bug Light Park, you may stop in the check out the South Portland Historical Society. The SPHS opened May 7^th  and its hours are 10pm-4pm daily. The South Portland Historical Society is busy every month with fun events for the whole family. 

On Saturday, May 19, 2012 the South Portland Historical Society will celebrate the 3rd annual Bug Light Kite Festival from11am to 4pm. The SPHS invites you to join them for a day of old-fashioned, kite-flying and fun family activities. Members of the Nor’easters Kite Club and KONE (Kites Over New England) will lend their expertise and offer many activities, including a “How to Fly a Kite” workshop, demonstrations of show kites, boll racing and a candy drop for the kids. The club will also have a kite hospital to help with kite assembly and fixes. Kites will be available for purchase in the South Portland Historical Society’s museum gift shop.

As if kites weren’t enough, the Kite Festival will feature music too as the blue grass band, Tricky Britches will be playing from the museum front porch at 11am. Visitors can plan on a picnic lunch right there at the festival as food and drink will available for purchase at a barbecue at the museum. One of the most exciting aspects of the festival is not the kites but the chance to see inside the lighthouse itself.  Bug Light will be open to the public during the festival giving a rare chance to see the inner workings of this South Portland landmark.

Love the lighthouse so much you want to live near it?  Check out www.flynnisin.com for South Portland area listings and you might find just the place near this beloved South Portland icon.

There has always been something very special about Peaks Island.  It is not only a classic Maine vacation spot, but a year-round home to many Mainers.   Peak’s offers the ultimate of both worlds, rustic island living with the convenience of city life only minutes away.  Here in Maine, islands aren’t just for vacation; they are the way life should be.  Peak’s has a bustling population with its own established mini commerce. Right there on the island are some of Portland’s the best restaurants, markets and shops along with a variety of desirable properties. Visitors and residents enjoy delicious dinners at Jones’ Landing and tasty ice cream treats from Hannigan’s Island Market.

If you have always dreamed of living on an Island or are simply looking for an excuse for an adventure out to Peaks, Flynn & Company has a something new to show you.  Flynn & Company recently listed two charming properties on Peak’s Island. With their primo location, there is no telling how long these seaside gems will stay on the market. But before you hop on the next ferry to check this place keep reading to find out  some of the impressive details you should know about this properties. 

668 Seashore Avenue:

At $875,000 Peak Island at its best!  This 3 bedroom and 2 bath, post and beam home has wonderful details throughout.  Not only does it have cathedral ceilings, skylights, gourmet kitchen, updated baths, but also incredible unobstructed ocean views from almost every room.

284 Seashore Avenue:

At $670,000, 284 Seashore Avenue, is a delightful bedroom, one bathroom cottage is a year round residence.  Not only is it nestled right on Peaks’ rocky coast, but it has panoramic views from nearly every side.  Water can be seen from all the windows in this quaint cottage, including other islands such as Cushing and Ram Island.  Built at the turn of the 20^th century, this home has unmistakable character and would make the perfect authentic island getaway. 

Just like Peak’s Island, both of these homes are the ideal residence for those who want to keep one foot in an urban enviroment, but also achieve the quality of life that island living brings. For more information on these properties or to set up a showing contact Flynn & Company Real Estate at flynnisin.com or call (207) 767-0022.

South Portland is full of intriguing hamlets and boroughs, but few carry as much potential as the waterfront neighborhood of Ferry Village.  Once home to fishermen and their families, this eclectic seaside village has really come to life in the past decade.   Establishments such as Saltwater Grille, Joe’s Boathouse and Centerboard Yacht Club are just a few of the places that make Ferry Village a true original.  Residents in this area are close to marinas and boating as well as shopping and dining.  The Greenbelt walking paths bring pedestrians from Ferry Village into Millcreek Park and shopping plazas.  This low-key suburban neighborhood is a desirable location for just about any homebuyer.

 This dream location could be a reality for the right buyer as Flynn and Company listed a home in Ferry Village this week.  New to the MLS and Flynnisin.com, you’ll find 121 High Street, a lovely farmhouse nestled in on a quiet side street.  Built in 1850 this recently remodeled home has 5 bedrooms and 2 baths.  Amenities include refinished wood floors, double parlor, formal dining room, updated systems, original period detail, and extensive landscaping with brick walk ways.  And at $209,000, this home is a great deal.

Better yet, this home is only a five-minute walk to the marina and Saltwater Grille.  So, if you are into boating or simply enjoy the ambiance of the ocean this home could be the perfect match for you.  Also, rumor has it the deck is open at Saltwater Grille!  What better way to start your spring home search than checking out 121 High Street followed by a visit to Saltwater Grille for a bite to eat on their deck?  To see this home or others like it go to Flynnisin.com or call us at (207) 767-0022.

Flynn & Company is holding 3 open houses in South Portland on Sunday 1 to 3 pm.  Questions?  Call us at 207-767-0022

40 Chase Street – $244,900 – 3 bedrooms and 1 bath colonial home extensively rehabbed throughout with new roof, siding, windows, kitchen, bath, systems and more!  Directions; Cottage Rd. to Pillsbury Rd to Chase St or Sawyer St to Chase St.

11 Dimar Drive - $329,900 – Secluded English tudor style home with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, gourmet kitchen, family room, formal living room with fireplace, dining room and 2 car attached garage.  Directions; Highland Ave to Evans St., Ext left onto Dimar Dr.

6 Applewood Circle – $285,000 – Classic 4 bedroom and 2.5 bath Colonial in Sylva Sites neighborhood with attached 2 car garage, hardwood floors, den with fireplace, formal living and dining rooms.  Directions; Sawyer St to Whitworth Dr. to Applewood Cir.

Questions?  Call us at 207-767-0022

Maine Restaurant week is upon us and Flynn and Company has been out and about sampling some of Maine’s finest foods.  Jeff and Jane Flynn kicked off the week long celebration by visiting

Saltwater Grille in South Portland.  They took advantage of the first day of Maine Restaurant Week in order to celebrate Jeff’s mother’s 80^th Birthday.  The Flynn family dined on a pan seared scallops and lobster risotto dish that all agreed was delicious.  “It was a great experience, Mark Loring, the owner, stopped by as usual to say hello to us and congratulated Sally on her birthday,“ said Jane about the pleasant experience.

Foodies from all over the area gravitate toward this week long event that showcases all the amazing restaurants Maine has to offer.  In 2009, Portland was voted one of the top ten places for foodies in the United States by Bon Appetit Magazine and it continues to receive accolades for it’s impressive restaurant offerings. But even if you’re not a foodie, you can enjoy something new with one of Maine Restaurant Week’s diverse menus that have a little something for every one. So whether you’ve had a long day at the office or a long day of house hunting visiting one of Maine’s Restaurant Week eateries is a great way to spice up your week.

 Also, don’t forget about the Maine Flower show! This is one more event that will be sure to satisfy the senses.  The show will start March 7^th and run until March 12^th at the Portland Company Complex. This event will showcase the many of Maine’s most popular florist and their delightful arrangements.  And just a reminder, fresh flowers can make a great addition to a home you are trying to sell.  So pick up some beauties at the Portland Flower show to prep your home for that big open house or showing.

After a long day of helping those in the greater Portland area find their dream homes, there is nothing Flynn and Company Realtors like better than stopping into the Terra Cotta Pasta Company for a take-out treat.  Right down the street from the Flynn and Company office, Terra Cotta Pasta Company is located on Cottage Road just before the Cape Elizabeth line.  Once a car garage, the bright yellow façade draws its customers in for handmade gourmet pasta and other fresh Italian cuisine.  Their offerings are simple, delicious Italian style food but their options are endless from pumpkin cranberry ravioli to fresh flat bread.  Terra Cotta makes hot meals to go as well as frozen meals and pastas for the future. 

A Flynn and Company favorite?  For Jane, it’s the lobster ravioli with Champaign sauce and for Jeff, it’s the vegetable lasagna.  Not sure what kind of pasta will be your favorite? Just stop in and the friendly staff at Terra Cotta will probably offer you a sample. So whether you’ve had a full day and want a delicious no fuss meal, or you are planning a party and want a unique crowd pleasing appetizer Terra Cotta has a little something for everyone.  And while you are in the charming Cape Cottage area don’t forget to take a drive by our many area listings.  For more information about South Portland and Cape Elizabeth listings visit Flynnisin.com.

Flynn and Company is working hard through the weekend with four open houses.  On Sunday, February 19^th Flynn and Company invites you to visit any or all of their open properties.  Each open house showcases a unique property with ample offerings to its potential buyers.  Whether you are in the process of house hunting or are considering a change, what could be more fun then making your weekend an open house adventure and meeting the friendly and knowledgeable brokers from Flynn and Company?  Here is just a little bit of information to get you started and a sample of what you will find:

 108 Loveitt’s Field, South Portland $499,900

Hosted by Jeff Flynn 1:00pm-3:00pm

This confident looking home is minutes away from the ocean and beaches.  Nestled in a quaint seaside neighborhood, this home is complete with 2412 square feet of living space and sits on a quarter of an acre.  Built in 1940, this property has five bedrooms, two bathrooms and other features including a garage.

 70 Elderberry Drive, South Portland  $329,900

Hosted by Jane Flynn  1:00pm-3:00pm

 This farmhouse/colonial home is situated in a cozy neighborhood community.  Its attractive amenities include hardwood and tile floors, a granite and stainless kitchen, open floor plan, gas fireplace, master bedroom suite, covered porch, large sun deck and finished daylight basement.  What more could you ask for!

18 B Street, South Portland $225,00

Hosted by Linda Flynn 12:00pm-2:00pm

 Totally remodeled, this classic New Englander is complete with hardwood floors, updated systems, a new kitchen, two new baths , a new roof and new replacement windows. Located in Knightville-Waterfront Market, homeowners would be close to all the conveniences of the Millcreek Park area including shops and the Greenbelt Walkway.

11 Dimar Drive, South Portland  334,000

Hosted by Chris Caswell 1:00pm-3:00pm

 This secluded English Tudor style home with gourmet kitchen creates a calm and comfortable setting for any homeowner.  This home has a spacious family room, three bedrooms, three and a half baths, formal living with a fireplace, dining room, attached two-car garage and sits on a quarter of an acre.

For directions to any or all of these properties visit www.flynnisin.com