Celebrate the opening of the Ocean Avenue Elementary School

Community Update

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Ocean Avenue Elementary School will take place this Thursday, September 1st at 4:30 p.m.at 150 Ocean Avenue. The ceremony will include brief remarks by Mayor Nick Mavodones, Portland Superintendent James C. Morse, Sr., Portland School Board Chair Kate Snyder and Portland City Councilor Cheryl Leeman.

Students, families, staff and community members are invited to attend. For more information, please call 874-8180.

Students from the former Clifford Elementary School moved into Ocean Avenue Elementary School last February. Beginning in September, the school will fully open to students from the Back Cove neighborhood.

 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Open House Weekend in Maine on September 17 & 18, 2011

Are you planning to vist an Open House in Maine on September 17 & 18, 2011? Hundreds of Maine homes for sale will be open for you to check out. To start your search, go to: http://mainelistings.com/openhouse

John Hatcher

Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Hurricane Irene - Flood Preperation Checklist

Hurricane Irene - Flood Preperation Checklist

1. Safeguard your possessions.

• Create a personal flood file containing information about all your valuable possessions and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container. This file should include:
• A copy of your insurance policies with your agents’ contact information.
• A household inventory: For insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., videotaped or photographed) record of all major household items and valuables, even those stored in basements, attics or garages. Create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents are critically important when filing insurance claims. For more information visit http://www.knowyourstuff.org/.
• Copies of all other critical documents, including finance records or receipts of major purchases.

 

2. Prepare your house.

 

• Inspect your sump pump. If you have a sump pump, make sure it’s working and then install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure. Installing a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement. 
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Anchor fuel tanks.
• Raise your electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home's projected flood elevation.
• Place the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on cement blocks at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
• Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.

 

3. Develop a family emergency plan.

• Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio, and a flashlight.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach your children how to dial 911.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Know safe routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency family contact.
• Have a plan to protect your pets.

 

Take this time to prepare your family and business from the potential impact of the storm.
 

Jeff Lunt

Exclusive Buyer Agent

Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group

6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us

Jeff@JohnHatcher.us

Summer recipes

CURRY CARROT SOUP WITH CROUTONS

In the heat of summer, I don’t like spending all evening in front of the hot stove, but I still have cravings for something warm and satisfying. This soup fits the bill. It’s a cinch to make and wonderfully creamy without a spot of dairy. Just a warning, these curry croutons are entirely addictive and nice to have on hand for a little crunch on a salad.



Serves 4



Croutons:

1 small loaf focaccia, cut into

small cubes, about 2 cups total

2 teaspoons olive oil

¼ teaspoon curry powder

kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper

Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pounds carrots, chopped into

rough chunks, about 4 cups

1 cup finely chopped onion

½ cup finely chopped celery

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon curry powder

4–5 cups low-sodium chicken stock

1 lime

kosher salt

1 radish, cut into slivers (optional)

freshly ground black pepper



Croutons:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Toss bread cubes with olive oil, curry powder, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until crunchy and golden brown.



Soup:

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until beginning to brown. Add the onions and celery, and cook another 3 to 4 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add the garlic and curry powder, and cook about 1 minute or until fragrant.



Add 4 cups of chicken stock to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer; cover and cook for 30 minutes or until carrots are very tender when pierced with a fork. Carefully transfer to a blender and puree until smooth, working in batches as necessary. Season to taste with a squeeze of lime juice and a few pinches of salt. Add additional broth for a thinner soup.



Divide soup among four bowls. Garnish each with a few pinches of radish slivers, curry croutons, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

More yummy recipes here: http://article.homebydesign.com/pages/article/HBD_AUG_11_03/1148/index.html

 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Sactuaries

When creating your own backyard conservatory, start by identifying its intended purpose. Consider all possible uses before choosing the size and style. Commonly, screened-in porches are used for personal relaxation and casual dining; however, if you would like to conduct all your outdoor entertaining in the conservatory, be sure to include room for an extended table. Alternatively, the space can be utilized as a sleeping porch, a stylish storage space, or any combination of uses as long as the size and shape are accounted for beforehand. 

Finish the article here: http://article.yourhomeandlifestyle.com/pages/article/YHL_JUL_11_05/18979/index.html

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Top Five Mistakes Sellers Make

Top Five Mistakes Sellers Make

It can be a tough market for selling a home, but those conditions can get even worse if sellers aren't careful. While a seller doesn't control the real estate market, his actions can significantly contribute to how long and how much their home is sold for.

Underestimating Cleaning Up: It may seem obvious, but real estate agents everywhere are nodding their heads in agreement as they read this. Inviting potential buyers in to see an unkempt home is like going on a job interview without freshening up after you cleaned your garage. How can the employer notice your fantastic talents and skills if they're hidden underneath a sloppy exterior? How you show your home tells the buyer what type of care you, the seller, has put into the home?

If you can't take the time to wipe the grime off the refrigerator doors, tidy up the kids' rooms, take out the messy diapers, put away the food, and take the dogs out of the house for a while, then you'll likely find buyers will quickly move on to the next home on their list.

Lingering During Showings: Yes, we all want to know how the open house or showing went, but hanging around during either of those events is not a good idea. Sellers who tend to linger during showings often make the buyers uncomfortable. Buyers like to have time to explore the home at their own pace and without feeling any pressure. Sometimes buyers want to sit on the porch or out in the backyard as they discuss the home's possibilities. And if buyers are willing to sit for a bit and talk about the home, that's a great sign. However, the chances of their doing that with the seller present is unlikely. Many times buyers will say, "Let's skip the home if the sellers are there."

If you're selling your home, do yourself a favor and hit the road. Take a walk or head to the coffee shop. As soon as the showing is over, you can get all the details from your agent. That's why you're paying your agent! Let him do his job. Just make sure that your agent has all the home's selling points and any additional features that make this home standout.

For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Trap: Some people are convinced that they can do it on their own. Maybe they can sell their own home, but it likely won't happen without some headaches. Trained specialists are called "experts" for a reason. An expert real estate agent knows the market, has connections, guides you through the process, negotiates on your behalf, and will make the process of selling your home simpler.

One potential land mine that FSBOs face is the flood of people popping in to see their home. It sounds great that there's so much traffic, but the problem is that many times the people who pop into FSBO properties aren't actually qualified for a mortgage or may not be serious buyers. Instead they're just looking and satisfying their curiosity at your expense. Agents know to ask the right questions to make certain the lookers are truly potential home buyers.

Not interviewing agents: If you have kids, chances are you interviewed the nanny or babysitter. Take the time to seek out top real estate agents in your area. Setting up interviews with them is equally important. Choosing the wrong agent for the job will be a headache and slow the process down. There must be a connection, an understanding, and good communication between the seller and the agent. There are many things that go on during the sale of a home. Communicating with the agent should be one of the easier tasks.

Pricing a home incorrectly: This could be the worst mistake sellers make. Yet, this is where so much help can be found. Real estate agents see homes every single day. They know the neighborhoods and the comps. They are there to help you understand what homes have sold for in the recent past and what they'll likely sell for during the current market conditions. Get a market evaluation from your agent and understand what is a fair price for your home in today's market.

Written by Phoebe Chongchua

Wondering What Your Home Is Worth? -- It would be our pleasure to show you! We will be happy to gather detailed information for your street, your neighborhood or your city. Let us assist you. Thank you.

 

John Hatcher

Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

LD 1198 An Act To Reduce Regulations For Residential Rental Property Owners

There has recently been legislation passed that affects those of you who are landlords.  We are passing this along for informational purposes; please read the bulletin below and consult your attorney if you have questions.   Feel free to pass it along to other landlords that you know.

From the Maine Insurance Agents Association August 2011 Bulletin: Many agents who sell insurance to landlords are asking about the new laws that passed regarding rental properties. The following is a summary of LD 1198. The first time in a long time Maine law has been changed to make it more conducive to invest in apartment buildings. 

LD 1198 An Act To Reduce Regulations For Residential Rental Property Owners was passed.

The bill does the following:

1. It clarifies that if an eviction is brought for failure to pay rent or causing substantial damage to the premises that those are the issues before the Court and that other issues are not defenses to an eviction brought for those reasons.

2. It clarifies the affirmative defense of reasonable accommodation. In particular, reasonable accommodations requested by a tenant must have a link to the conduct that is the subject of the eviction proceeding in order to be an affirmative defense.

 

3. It requires tenants to attach to the Notice of Appeal of an eviction an affidavit stating that they are in compliance with the law regarding payment of rent. It is designed to discourage frivolous appeals.

4. It shortens the period for a notice of abandoned property from 14 to 7 days and shortens the period for a tenant to pick up abandoned property from 24 days to 14 days. It also allows a notice of abandoned property to be sent immediately after the eviction hearing rather than when the tenant vacates the premises.

 

5. It allows a lease to have a provision stating that the landlord is not responsible for property abandoned by the tenant provided the landlord sends notices of abandoned property according to Maine law. The intent of this is actually is to alleviate landlords of the process of documenting that the property is worthless before they throw it away. But it is important to understand that landlords would still have to send the notice of abandoned property.

6. It repeals the requirement that landlords make loans for bedbugs.

7. It also makes changes to energy efficiency disclosure requirements. A landlord may include the statement in the application that “you have the right to obtain a 12-month history of energy consumption and the cost of that consumption from the energy supplier”. If that wording is included in the application, the energy efficiency disclosure does not have need to be given. It also limits the energy efficiency disclosures to tenants who will be paying for the utilities.

 

If you have questions or concerns about the changes in law, we suggest you consult your attorney. As always, if you have questions about your insurance needs, please call me. Also, we would appreciate any referrals you can send our way. Our valued customers are the best source to grow our business. Thank you!

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Portland Symphony Orchestra: Designers' Show House in the West End

Portland Symphony Orchestra proudly presents


Designers' Show House 2011!

Over a dozen local designers will participate in renovating 149 Western Promenade, Portland. Each designer is charged with bringing their own color, style and flair to this Portland landmark to transform the home into a showcase. Tours and events happening daily from September 9 - October 2.
 
For more information: http://www.portlandsymphony.org/content/support/special-events/2011-designers-show-house/
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

“Buy low, sell high” By Jeff Lunt, Exclusive Buyer Agent

“Buy low, sell high”

I’ve been engaged in Portland’s residential real estate market for almost 28 years; this is the tail end of my third recession. After each of the last two, a regularly heard comment was “I didn’t have the foresight to buy when they were giving that place away!”

What are YOU waiting for?

Rates are lower than they have been in 40 years, and there’s plenty of money for all with good credit and verifiable income. Many of the mortgage programs for low down payments are still running strong, including FHA, VA, and Rural Development. Some of my local banks are especially active promoting their own custom first-time home buyer programs.

The selection of homes and asking prices hasn’t been this attractive since the early 1980s. Don’t drag your feet when the right property comes on the market, though. A well-maintained home with a market-proven price is often under contract quickly.

Most of us realize that real estate is a great long-term investment. Whether you are trading up or down, or buying for the first time, make your move now. Enjoy the next several years bragging about the great price and low interest rate you got with the perfect home and smile when your friends say “I didn’t have the foresight to buy when they were giving that place away!”

Jeff Lunt

The Hatcher Group

Keller Williams Realty

6 Deering Street, Portland, Me. 04101

Office: 207 775 2121 x4

Fax: 207 775 2122

E-Mail: jclunt@kw.com
 
http://johnhatcher.us/

Smart Meals for Me

Calories Count Lunch Tomorrow


Wednesday, Sebago Brewing Company and DiMillo’s On the Water will offer a Calories Count Lunch, during which a variety of lunch options will be available for the price of their calorie count in an effort to make the easy choice, the healthy choice for their patrons. From a bowl of white chicken chili (310 calories/$3.10, savings of $2.89) to a plate of whole wheat pasta with meatballs (676 calories/$6.76, savings of $2.24), patrons can enjoy a satisfying and healthier meal while saving a few dollars.

Smart Meals for Me, a city initiative that encourages restaurants to provide calorie information on their menus, supplied the participating restaurants with nutritional analysis for their menus from the city’s registered dietician and helped identify meal options for Wednesday’s Calories Count Lunch.

Wednesday’s lunch menu includes:



Sebago Brewing Company

White chicken chili 155/310 calories (cup/bowl) (normal price $4.79/5.99)

Hummus and tzatziki 673 calories (normal price $8.99)

Sudden summer salad 610 calories (normal price $10.99)

Greek falafel salad 637 calories (normal price $9.99)

Baked haddock sandwich 532 calories (normal price $9.49)



DiMillo’s On the Water

Clubhouse Salmon Sandwich 802 calories (normal price $9.50)

Chicken broccoli and bacon Mac & cheese 943 calories (normal price $13.00)

Whole wheat pasta and meatball 676 calories (normal price $9.00)

Chicken Parmigiana 1036 calories (normal price $12.00)

For more information about Smart Meals for ME, email smartmealsforme@gmail.com or become a follower on Facebook, www.facebook.com/smartmealsforme

When: Wednesday, August 10, 2011



Lunch – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM



Where: DiMillo’s On the Water



25 Long Wharf, Portland





Sebago Brewing Company

211 Fore Street, Portland
 
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

RAD Class Starts in September

RAD Class Starts in September

This September, the Portland Police Department will offer its Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Training class. R.A.D. provides women with the tools they need to both avoid dangerous situations and escape them. The course is specifically designed to help women survive situations in which their lives are in jeopardy.



This class is open to all women, ages 13 and older, in the Greater Portland area who would like to develop real life defensive tools and tactics. The Basic Self-Defense Course consists of a series of four classes and one scenario day. The class is scheduled for September 6, 8, 13, and 15, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and September 17 from 8:00 AM to noon (registration deadline August 31). All classes must be attended to complete the course. The classes will be held at the Portland Police Department, 109 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.



A donation of $25.00 for the course is suggested. All donations support the Amy St. Laurent Fund, which sponsors the R.A.D. trainings. Due to attendance issues, all donations must be paid prior to the first class (send checks to ASLF/PPD RAD Program, Portland Police Department, 109 Middle Street, Portland ME 04101). To sign up for the class or receive more information about Portland R.A.D., e-mail ppdrad@portlandmaine.gov or call 874-8643.





When: September 6, 8, 13, 15, and 17, 2011



6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (9/17 class 8:00 AM – noon)



Where: Portland Police Department

109 Middle Street, Portland

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us

Maine Women’s Fund needs female entrepenuers

On August 11^th the Maine Women’s Fund is going to allow female entrepreneurs to pitch for a spot on their Women Standing Together calendar in the upcoming year.  Women Standing Together is a program offered by the MWF that allows an entrepreneur to present a business challenge to a group of 30-40 business women (and men) to receive creative solutions from the group that they can put into action.  If you know of any female entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their business and would like some free creative ideas pass:  http://prezi.com/skttn0iaiwim/learn-more/ 

John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us