Calais area ? (Washington, Hope, Perry: rent, insurance, mortgage)

[maureengld]

Originally Posted by diablogun

Thank you for the continuing information; it is my hope that I can put up a very nice modular for not much more than 100, which would be especially good if I can avoid the extra utility costs associated with an older home. I can go higher, but I don't want to :-) The area looks quite beautiful, and I will be visiting there in 2 weeks. If possible, I would love to get information about any builders that may be in that area or Bangor :-)

Here's a link to the homes w/ the best reputation. They use enegy calculation software...etc.

Maple Leaf Homes - Fredericton NB - Multi Units

Good Luck

[RMoore007]

Originally Posted by maureengld

Here's a link to the homes w/ the best reputation. They use enegy calculation software...etc.

Maple Leaf Homes - Fredericton NB - Multi Units

Good Luck

I have a nephew over in Madison who had a large two story colonial built on the Kenebec several years ago. Looks like the colonial example in the Maple Leaf Homes site above. Cost then was over $200k but nice craftmanship and quality.

[diablogun]

Originally Posted by RMoore007

I have a nephew over in Madison who had a large two story colonial built on the Kenebec several years ago. Looks like the colonial example in the Maple Leaf Homes site above. Cost then was over $200k but nice craftmanship and quality.

Did that include the price of land/foundation/permits/etc? Some of the houses on the website look pretty nice, I am sure they would be perfect for what I am looking for :-)

[RMoore007]

Originally Posted by diablogun

Did that include the price of land/foundation/permits/etc? Some of the houses on the website look pretty nice, I am sure they would be perfect for what I am looking for :-)

I can't tell you for certainty but I do believe in 2002 it was the total price at the time. The house looked huge to me with 4 tall pillars on the front porch. But adjusted for inflation, the same house would cost you $245k today. CPI Inflation Calculator HTH

[mensaguy]

Based my own observation of real estate values in the area, I would think that $200K to $245K would buy a very nice home in the Calais area.

[diablogun]

Yes, I can see from searching the net there are many places for quite a bit less than 245; I really don't want to be a slave to a mortgage, so I'd like to stay under 150...and closer to 100. I can't tell from the modular websites how much they charge for each model, but I can't imagine it would be too much for say a 1500 sf model, seems they would have to compete with pre-existing homes. Any more ideas or thoughts are appreciated :-)

[Ezlivn]

That would buy you a mansion here. I have a few freinds in real estate if you need help. Have fun with your search!

[maureengld]

Originally Posted by diablogun

Yes, I can see from searching the net there are many places for quite a bit less than 245; I really don't want to be a slave to a mortgage, so I'd like to stay under 150...and closer to 100. I can't tell from the modular websites how much they charge for each model, but I can't imagine it would be too much for say a 1500 sf model, seems they would have to compete with pre-existing homes. Any more ideas or thoughts are appreciated :-)

I would recommend checking pricing on your own since the Calais area is right accross the American Border. ...those prices seem too high...also ....do they include site work etc...private or pubic septic...some lots are already cleared etc. Most any home in Calais or this area is so old that the cost of heating is going to outweigh any savings you'll receive on purchase price....also...I'm not one for mobile homes but have seen some double wide mobile homes on private lots and they use only 1 tank of oil per season. The tax advantage of a mobile home is incredible and the double wides feel like a regular ranch home inside. Otherwise....the taxes in Calais are so high on a high priced home..you may not be able to afford them. Things to consider....taxes/water/sewer/site work/heat/electricity...going outside of calais a bit you'll see a huge difference in all of these...good to do your homework. The realtors here weren't helpful at all. They don't work weekends....don't have time...won't help you find a rental while you're shopping or don't answer calls...totally rediculous....if you can find a realtor that thinks "outside the box"..good luck...there are like 3 companies. You'll save lots of money driving around for a few weekends looking at FSBO's...in fact you may be able to buy a house/lot/or double wide cash for very little and have better luck. They may even owner finance if you can't pay cash.
I recommend trying all avenues.

[mollysmiles]

wow, that's quite a slam against our local realtors. It's too bad that your experience wasn't good, but thankfully that's rare and out of the norm. We've bought and sold property here, along with many friends, and there's nary a complaint to be had. There are also more than three companies, and if you only found three through the MSL then your research was lacking. Typically this part of Maine still values it's weekend time as personal time, and we don't like the "jump when I say jump" attitude either. You may have run into that.

Diablo, best of luck with everything. If you decide to relocate, please feel free to DM me. I'll help anyway I can, including providing a few names of realtors

[diablogun]

Thank you Molly, I just got back a few days ago; it is a nice area, though I have to admit I liked Eastport a bit better :-) I will send you a Dm if the job offer comes soon :-)