GAZPACHO

While gazpacho is typically served cold as a summer soup, this dish is also delicious as a hot tomato soup on a chilly evening.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours

3 small fennel bulbs, roughly chopped
4 celery stalks, roughly chopped
1 bunch scallions, roughly chopped
1 medium sweet onion, roughly chopped
2 small garlic cloves, chopped
3 red bell peppers, roughly chopped
2 large tomatoes, diced, or one
14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
½ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 32-ounce container tomato or vegetable juice
½ cup fresh lemon juice
celery leaves (optional)
fresh dill (optional)

Place fennel, celery stalks, scallions, onions, garlic, and bell peppers in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and combined but not pureed. Pour the mixture into a large glass or plastic bowl. Stir in the tomatoes with their juices, oil, salt, black pepper, tomato or vegetable juice, and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. To serve, sprinkle with celery leaves, dill, or both.
 
More great vegetarian recipies here: http://article.homebydesign.com/pages/article/HBD_FEB_12_08/1148/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

Building a Bouquet

If you have ever planned or hosted an event that featured floral arrangements, you know that those fragrant statement pieces come at a pretty price. The investment is well worth it for weddings and other formal celebrations but can be difficult to justify on a regular basis. If you would like to have breathtaking bouquets in your home year-round, summon your inner florist. Soon you will be able to showcase your home-grown stems or a carefully purchased assortment with personalized flair.

Space, Shape, and Color To ensure that your arrangement will serve its purpose appropriately, plan ahead. Assess the space and scale of the featured location. If the bouquet is intended for a dinner table, keep the arrangement low so it won’t interfere with conversation. If you plan to place the bouquet on a mantel or in a formal entryway, feel free to go tall. When choosing a color scheme, draw inspiration from your existing interior decor, the season, or, as authors Jane Durbridge and Antonia Swinson suggest in Easy Flowers: Ideas for Every Room in Your Home, coordinate with the tableware for a dinner-party centerpiece. Keep the number of colors in the arrangement to a minimum for maximum impact, but add interest with unexpected containers. Pitchers, stylish boxes, teapots, large shells, tin buckets, mason jars, or even old perfume bottles can make a simple bouquet stand out in a crowd.

Finish reading the article here:
http://article.yourhomeandlifestyle.com/pages/article/YHL_MAR_12_04/18979/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

Landscaping Techniques to Maximize Small Landscapes

Having a small backyard can make landscaping a challenge. While you want your space to be detail oriented, too much packed into a small area can make it seem crowded or overwhelming.
Below are three basic design techniques that all designers and homeowners can follow to maximize small yard landscapes.
Plan for multiple focal points. This idea centers around creating a space that is visually engaging to guests, allowing them to find new focal points throughout the space.

Design for square inches rather than square feet. Because these spaces are so small and require a precise layout, designers must be sure that all desired amenities fit accordingly. A few inches lost because of design errors may mean leaving out a desired fire pit or water feature.

Splurge on higher-end materials and décor that can greatly enhance the space. Designing for a small front or backyard may allow for opportunities to indulge in higher quality products that still fit well within the set budget.

Source: http://www.LandscapingNetwork.com
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia, publisher of Real Estate magazine. www.rismedia.com.
 
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

Rare opportunity to now own at Peabbles Cove

Rare opportunity to now own at Peabbles Cove. Ocean views from property, this offers many options to the new owner. Shared beach access, as well as other water front shared. Current cottage may be expanded per Cape Elizabeth Code Officer.

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

Erin Go Bragh - Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Erin Go Bragh - Saint Patrick's Day


Saint Patrick's day is in honor of the Patron Saint of Ireland, who brought christianity to the Emerald Isles, as Ireland is known. It is truly a day of celebrating Irish history, ancestry, traditions and customs.

Are you Irish perchance? Well, the saying goes everyone is a little Irish on Saint Patricks's Day.

Saint Patrick's day is held in honor of Saint Patrick, the missionary who brought christianity to the Irish people in the 400's AD.

Erin Go Braugh is perhaps the most common Irish term you will hear. It means "Ireland Forever"

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

6 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value

Homeowners nationwide have seen their home values dip over the past few years, more in some areas than others. But homes are still selling, noted California REALTOR® Ellen Parker, who recently sold a $1 million property in an Orange County neighborhood where sales have been relatively slow.

“People have to sell their homes for a variety of reasons,” Parker said, “and buyers are out there for a home that has good curb appeal, is fairly priced, and is well-maintained inside and out.”

Parker shares six ways homeowners can be assured their homes will continue to gain value, even in a slow market:

Make repairs – It’s hard to spend money when budgets are tight, but don’t procrastinate on needed repairs such as roof work, painting, or landscaping. Making repairs are a necessary component of homeownership, and staying on top of them is a sure way to safeguard your home’s value.

Update the kitchen – Kitchens are a major selling point, and little turns a buyer off more than outdated cabinets, counters, and appliances. On the other hand, don’t go overboard with expensive amenities without researching neighborhood comparables.

Update bathrooms – Handsome low profile toilets can cost under $100, and stained or damaged tubs or showers are inexpensive to repair or replace. Attractive lighting fixtures and/or updated sinks also appeal to today’s buyers.

Energy savings - Buyers want homes that are energy efficient. Low-flush toilets, solar panels, water filtration systems, and insulated windows are all inexpensive but worthwhile fixes.

Keep the neighborhood desirable – Get involved in local organizations, such as the PTA or service clubs, which have a stake in school and community improvement. Involvement is a good way to keep track of what’s going on in your schools and neighborhoods, and can increase the odds that yours is the neighborhood most desired by new and move-up buyers.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia, publisher of Real Estate magazine. www.rismedia.com. By Barbara Pronin 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

Lots of space & land! New Listing

Great opportunity for someone looking for development potential and/or land for privacy. Many new updates and systems. Spacious home with an open floor plan, large bonus room, hot tub, stainless appliances, 2-car garage, shed & 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

Historic Moses Gould House

Historic Moses Gould House C:1854 Rare East End brick duplex townhouse w/gracious staircase, high ceilings, spacious rooms. 10 rooms of flexible living, this home has an exceptional size yard & updated systems.

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

March 2012 Market Update

Opportunities in the housing market continue to grow for buyers and sellers. Home affordability, driven mostly by record low interest rates, is among the lowest it has ever been. According to the National Association of Realtors, and based on national averages, the payments on a home today represent 12.8% of the median household income. This is both a good sign for those looking to purchase a home, and for the economy overall as consumers are keeping more money in their pockets.
If you're a seller, the housing market shows signs of transitioning from a buyers' market to a more balanced one. This means that home owners should start to see prices stabilize and begin to grow, presenting more favorable opportunities for those looking to sell their homes. In regards to the number of homes on the market, a key indicator of the health of the housing market, Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said, "The broad inventory condition can be described as moving into a rough balance, not favoring buyers or sellers."

With continuing job creation, the improving housing sector, and signs that the banks are beginning to lend more, 2012 looks to offer promising opportunities to both those looking to buy or sell a home.

Source: National Association of Realtors
 
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

UPCOMING FHA CHANGES

FHA has announced significant changes effective April 1, 2012 for FHA Underwriting guidelines on mortgage loan approvals.

Here is a summary of the changes, prepared by Ed Gosselin with Bank of America (edmond.t.gosselin@bankofamerica.com):
"a.) The definition for Family member will expand to include brother, sister, aunt, uncle and step siblings. This guideline defining family members may result in a reduced loan amount when a family member is selling to a family member and require maximum financing: 

b.) New self employed guidelines require Profit & Loss Statements to show recent income. This is necessary if more than a calendar quarter since the fiscal year end tax return has been filed by the Borrower(s). Disputed credit accounts or collections totaling less than $1000 over 2 years old are no longer referred for full Underwriting. If the balances are equal or greater than $1000 the accounts must be resolved prior to closing. Acceptable resolutions include a 3 mo history of repayment or disputes paid in full; 

c.) Disputes resulting from identity theft need to have a case binder indicating a police report filed. Court ordered judgments exceeding $1000 have to have a 3 mo repayment history or paid in full at time of closing. FHA will require judgments to be paid in full for FHA mortgage insurance eligibility." 

For the complete FHA Mortgagee Letter:http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=12-03ml.pdf

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

March Forclosure list for Cumberland County Maine

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

Preparing to Sell Your Home

Preparing your home for sale can seem daunting, but these tips will help you get the best price in the least amount of time.

1. Organizing and cleaning are crucial when prepping a home for sale. Potential homebuyers have a more positive reaction to a home that is clutter-free and that gives them the feeling it is "move-in ready."

2. Determine replacement estimates before listing your home, even if you are not planning on making the replacements yourself. This information can help buyers make informed decisions.

3. Have your warranties ready—especially for home appliances that will stay with the home after the sale.

4. Curb appeal is a crucial factor because it determines first impressions. A poor first impression can cloud their entire opinion about the home.
 
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

Public meeting on the busy USM Intersection

City to Study Busy USM Intersection


On Tuesday, District 2 City Council David Marshall and District 3 City Council Ed Suslovic, the City of Portland and PACTS, the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System, will host a site walk and public meeting to kick-off the Brighton Avenue-Deering Avenue-Falmouth Street Intersection Study. The study, funded by a PACTS grant and local match, will study the complex six-legged intersection near the University of Southern Maine campus and evaluate different configurations to better meet traffic, bicycle, pedestrian, transit access, and safety needs. Currently wide expanses of pavement make pedestrian crossings difficult and unsafe. Bicycle lanes are discontinuous, and high volumes of traffic along a principal arterial, Route 25, create significant congestion and long signal delays.

As part of its recent campus expansion, the University of Southern Maine contributed $250,000 to make improvements to the intersection for motor vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users as well as to improve the quality of the streetscape. Tuesday’s discussion will be the first of three anticipated public meetings for the study and will help determine the outcome for the study and what improvements to fund.

When: Tuesday, March 13, 2012
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Site Walk, Meet in front of USM Law Building (Deering Avenue)
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM Open House
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Public Meeting
Where: USM Wishcamper Center, Room 102
Bedford 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

Portland seeks input from the public on sewer/stormwater improvements

Clean Water Creates Clean Growth

On Monday, the Portland City Council’s Sustainable Stormwater Funding Task Force will host the first in a series of meetings to discuss and seek input from the public for how the city should pay for maintaining and improving its stormwater and sewer system in a way that improves the quality of the city’s natural water systems and is fair and equitable for all property owners.

Currently, more than half of the city’s sewer system combines sewage and stormwater into a single drainage system. During wet weather, a portion of this combined sewage, which includes stormwater, residential sewage and industrial waste, overflows into Portland’s streams, rivers and coastal waters untreated. This water pollution carries pathogens that can make swimmers sick, can contaminate seafood and overall, has serious impacts on the health of the Casco Bay. Under federal order between 1993 and 2010, the City Council funded projects totaling $70 Million through the city’s sewer fund, reducing sewer overflow volumes by 42% from 1993 levels of 720 million gallons to 420 million gallons annually. Last year, the City Council approved a plan supporting $170 million of additional projects that would reduce sewer overflow volumes to 87 million gallons annually (an 88% reduction since 1993). This plan is set to begin in 2014.

Beyond these investments in the sewer and stormwater system, the city needs to improve the overall quality of the city’s sewer system. Tens of thousands of feet of sewer pipe predate the Civil War. Investments to maintain and improve the sewer system is crucial not just for the environment but for the city’s economic growth as they create jobs, support the local economy, encourage development and help make Portland a competitive destination for business and industry.

Currently, residents and businesses pay for both stormwater runoff management and sewage treatment as a part of their regular sewer bill, which is set by the amount of sewage discharged into the drainage system. This payment structure means that the costs associated with managing stormwater are born solely by the sewer customer and determined by the amount of sewage discharged into the system. The Sustainable Stormwater Funding Task Force is recommending changing this sewer rate structure to a more equitable and fair method that includes a fee based upon sewage as well as a fee based upon stormwater runoff for residents and businesses. This new structure would remove the financial burden for those who do not contribute or contribute small amounts of stormwater to the system and make sure that the heaviest users pay their fair share.

For more information about the Task Force and its work to date, visit the city’s website at http://www.portlandmaine.gov/sustainablestormwaterfunding.htm

When: Monday, March 12, 2012
6:30 PM
Where: Room 24, City Hall
 
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

public forum for Portland's Walking and Biking Plan

City to Host Pedestrian-Bicycle Forum


Next Wednesday, the City of Portland will host a public forum to present highlights from a developing draft Pedestrian and Bicycle Chapter for the city’s Comprehensive Plan. The chapter will propose a vision for biking and walking in Portland along with goals, objectives, strategies, and performance measures to promote, improve and increase bicycle and pedestrian transportation. This forum offers the public an opportunity discuss the Plan and to provide comments prior to review for adoption by City Council committees, the Planning Board, and the full City Council. To review the draft materials, visit the city’s website at http://www.portlandmaine.gov/transcomm.htm.

The Plan includes written polices and mapped routes to help inform future infrastructure and transportation decision-making. Several proposed new ideas for Portland in the Plan include:

More than 20 miles of ‘Neighborhood Byways ‘ that designate and promote a network of local, residential streets to connect neighborhoods, schools, parks and businesses (a pilot Byway is being implemented now in the Deering Center neighborhood)

Performance Measures that establish numerical targets to track implementation of the Plan

‘Quality of Service’ indicators for bicycling and walking to allow similar analysis to that done for motor vehicles (the A to F Level of Service measurements).

The Plan is being developed by key staff within the Department of Public Services, Planning Division, and Healthy Portland as well as bicycle, pedestrian and transportation advocates. The Plan builds upon the 2009 Portland Peninsula Transit Study, the 2010 Bicycle Forum, Maine DOT’s Safe Routes to School Program, the 2011 “TDM2Go” website, and other efforts to increase physical activity, expand transportation choices, and reduce automobile dependence.

Questions or comments regarding this process or the forum can be directed to: Bruce Hyman, Bicycle – Pedestrian Program Coordinator, bhyman@portlandmaine.gov, 874-8833.

When: Wednesday, March 14, 2012
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Merrill Rehearsal Hall
City Hall, 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

7 Secrets to Winter Home Sales

Winter may be a slow time for real estate in many parts of Maine, keep your property more competitive in the off-season market with these tips:

If the house is still occupied, make sure all clutter is removed and the exterior and interior are clean.

Clear a path. Visitors need to be able to get into and out of the home easily and safely. Make sure driveways and walkways are clear of snow and ice. If necessary, sprinkle sand over steps and the sidewalk so visitors have extra foot traction.

Keep it outside. If it’s raining or snowing during a tour, protect the inside of the house by placing an umbrella stand and rubber mat by the front door.

Set the scene. People spend a lot of time indoors during cold weather, so make the house look extra inviting. Showcase items reminiscent of a cozy afternoon — a warm throw blanket over a sofa, a thick comforter on the bed or hardcover books on the end tables.

Add warmth. Make sure the temperature is comfortable during a showing. Though many people turn down their thermostats during the day, now isn’t the time to worry about the utility bill. If possible, turn on a gas fireplace right before a showing. Consider having hot apple cider for guests.

Tap into the season. Even with the holidays over, you can leverage the festive spirit of the season by adding a winter wreath to the front door or displaying winter flowers around the house.

Make it as bright as possible. Open the shades, blinds and drapes to let natural light in. Turn on the lights in each room, and add extra indoor lighting for dark rooms. Consider setting up floor spotlights behind furniture.
 
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

Health care tax info

NAR has created a series of materials including a video, FAQ and downloadable brochure to help you better understand a 3.8% tax that happened as part of health care reform, that goes into effect in 2013. It is not a real estate transfer tax. For info: http://speakingofrealestate.blogs.realtor.org/2010/11/24/the-3-8-tax-is-not-a-real-estate-transfer-tax/

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

Making a House a Home: On Happiness & Home Ownership

A survey by Harris Interactive reveals that home owners are "much more likely to be satisfied with the quality of their family and community life than renters." In fact, 93% of home owners surveyed are happy with their decision to purchase a home. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of renters want to own their own home in the future.

Do you agree?  Read the entire article here: http://www.baylor.edu/business/kellercenter/index.php?id=87343

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

Great Maine Outdoor Weekend

Bradbury Mountain State Park
528 Hallowell Road, Pownal, ME 04069. FMI: (207) 688-4712

Hike, Ski, or Ski Bradbury to Pineland – 2-4 p.m., Friday, March 2. Sponsored by the Royal River Conservation Trust (207-632-6112), participants will explore the new trail from the State Park to Pineland Farms. Variable trips to match the interests of participants. The group will meet at the Tryon Mountain trailhead in Pownal, on Lawrence Road 1 mile north of the intersection of Elmwood and Lawrence roads.

Winter Hike/Snowshoe with the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club – 10 a.m., Saturday, March 3. Participants should bring their own gear. A limited number of rental snowshoes are available for $5 per half-day.

Bradbury Blizzard Snowshoe Race – 11:00 am, Sunday, March 4. Pre-registration is required; spectators welcome.

Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park
426 Wolf Neck Road, Freeport, ME 04032, FMI: (207) 865-4465

Wabanaki Nature Legends – 2 p.m., Saturday, March 3. A short walk on the White Pines Trail with stops for stories based on Wabanaki Legends.

Winter Steamer Dig – 2 p.m. Sunday, March 4. Try your hand at digging steamer clams!

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

MAINEHOUSING RATE DECREASE

MaineHousing has announced interest Rate decreases, effective for loan reservations submitted after 9:00 AM on March 1. For info, go to: http://www.mainehousing.org/

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