Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Merry Merry & Happy Happy


Christmas 2010 - What a difference 1 year makes! Although the holidays are a mix of many emotions, I'm glad to say I'm much happier than I was last year! So much has changed in 1 year, for the worst yet for the best. What a difference it makes spending Christmas morning with a 3 year old rather than a 2 year old too!! My niece Willa, recently 3, entertained us all on Christmas morning with her enthusiasm and excitement. It was great to have a relaxed holiday with my family. Talking to a friend about Christmas we laughed about every family having their own traditions (sometimes strange!) around the holidays and how it often takes a while to get used to other families traditions. Lucky for me I was able to be with my family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

As 2010 comes to an end (unbelievably), I am reflecting on all that has happened in the last 365 days. I have become a stronger person overall but I never would have made it without the love and support of my dear friends and family (OK..and champagne and Lady Gaga too). To think 1 year ago I wanted to hideaway and sleep forever seems unreal. There still are the occasional meltdowns, but I suppose that is to be expected. The ups and downs of life are amazing to me. I am looking forward to 2011, a new year and a new life for me.

Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

December...so far so great!

Since the last time I've blogged SO many awesome things have happened. I visited some great friends and family in Colorado where I lived for a year in 05-06. It was a little strange to be back - but it was so great connecting with friends and family again. I even went to my first Roger Waters/Pink Floyd concert in Denver which was incredible! As I came home it was time for Thanksgiving...which I had been dreading, however, I had an amazing, relaxing day with my family. I realized that I have become more comfortable and relaxed with life over the last year.

In the midst of all that, I sold this great little cottage in Seal Harbor to amazing clients - very, very happy for them. Tis the season of course for holiday happenings and I have already been to a few great holiday gatherings - one that was entitled "cupcakes and champagne" umm, the best party yet! This weekend our house will host a holiday party which will be so great - I love showing off our fabulous home and even better I love having all my darling friends in one spot to celebrate!!! I'm thinking I'll make a champagne punch...ha.

I'm sure this month will have its ups and downs but I am thankful I have fabulous people in my life to share with!

Friday, November 5, 2010

60k can buy you a piece of the "rock"!?


I am so happy to have represented the buyers of this great piece of land in Bar Harbor - near Town Hill. They got a GREAT deal as this lot sold for $60,000. It is a great time to consider buying land on MDI since prices have come down and contractors are eager for the business.

Here is another land listing that is also a great deal - new subdivsion on MDI. White Deer Circle


Sunday, October 31, 2010

Lazy yet productive Sunday!

Happy Halloween!
Before gearing up to see the all the kids in their costumes and attending a few Halloween parties myself, I'm having fun (yes FUN!) doing some statistical research on the Maine real estate market. Here is a snippet of what I've been looking at:
Hancock County
GeneralLive
Active Listings2478
Under Contract117
Open Houses
0

Year To Date2010
New Listings in 20101955
Sold Listings in 2010501
Refresh Hancock






Monday, October 25, 2010

October on Mount Desert Island....

I am LOVING this month! I've had more business this month than all summer combined - crazy! Plus things in-town are winding down a bit which is great....such a funny life here with the seasons and craziness. It has been great to take a deep breath from time to time and get outside and enjoy Acadia - so gorgeous this time of year!



Last weekend I took a mini-vacation despite being busier than ever...but it was great to catch up with some of the best girls on the planet and soak up some long lost Boston. I love the mixture of new and old architecture.....this picture is from Copley Square - the John Hancock building with the Trinity Church reflection.

Funny story on this house above, the seller in his eighties is my Grandmother's cousin and I just found that out - who would have thought! Small world.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

A few things I've been up to....

Time to get blogging!!
For now all I can do is upload some pictures of recent activities...so far October has been a lucrative and busy month....unlike some of the non-lucrative busy months from summer, ha :-)

SOLD!!! A great start to October! Friends, Peter & Christina bought a house in Bar Harbor - love it!

Having SO much fun dancing my pants off at Zamirski-Kloko Wedding!


Martha Zamirski Kloko's wedding! Molly, Martha and I...love these girls!

A visit to the Pumkin Patch with my nieces!

I've taken up house-sitting for some clients....this one included horse-sitting too!!!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Newest Pending!!!


I love representing friends and helping them buy their first home!!
This house has a ton of potential and is a great deal very close to downtown Bar Harbor.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Business AND Busy-ness


Summer in Maine - what a treat! This is the time of year we wait for all winter...hot, sunny weather, all of the local businesses are open, real estate is picking up, taking trips to the beach (once for me so far this summer), and bbq-ing with friends (less and less as the craziness of August arrives). It sometimes feels like living here on the coast of Maine is all or nothing! No complaints though from me....it feels great to be busy with work and busy with life. In the craziness of it all, I am fortunate that I recently got to visit some dear friends who camp annually on Hermit Island near Bath, Maine. It was so great to take a couple of days to visit, beach it, enjoy the campfire, and even take in a lip sync concert care of my favorite 3 and 5 year olds.
Here are a few pictures from the days that I was lucky enough to "play" tourist.








Wednesday, June 16, 2010

my how time flies!

It is already mid-June, hard to believe! I was visiting with a friend last night and we were talking about how much has changed in one year!!!! Babies, weddings, engagements, divorces, buying and selling homes, moving, and SO much more. As we were chatting it made me so thankful to have such great friends in my life, especially over the last year of crazy transition. What a lucky girl!!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Incredible views of MDI and beyond!!!!



This magical property has over 40 acres of enchanting forests and rolling fields plus over 700 feet of shorefrontage on Frenchman's Bay and Skillings River. There is just something about this home that speaks to you when you're there....I love that!!!!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

New Listings galore!!!!

I'm happy to share 3 new listings! Tis the season, and so far so good with the incredible spring weather we've been having here in Bar Harbor!! I have a great feeling about the upcoming season. It seems that all the buyers I've talked with recently are realizing the bottom of the market is here and NOW is the time to invest in real estate.
Thank you Mr. Dow Jones...helping out the consumer confidence a little.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

April Showers...


Pretty cool shot from the Shore Path in Bar Harbor last week...couldn't help but think how lucky I am to live here!

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

MDI Young Professionals Host First Meeting

Finally, after over a year of talking about it we officially launched the group MDI Young Professionals. At the first meeting there were over 20 Young Professionals which really shows how much of a need there is for something like this. I am so excited to get the ball rolling and grow this group from our informal "thirsty Thursday" crowd to a real deal networking group of young professionals that will actually make a difference in community growth and development. At this point we've all agreed to let the group shape into what it will be, without too much formality, hoping that will keep it real.


Here are a few pictures from our first meeting held at Side Street Cafe in Bar Harbor.
We'll host a meeting the last Thursday of each month, with the next one being April 29th at Leary's Landing Irish Pub in Bar Harbor.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Wall Street Journal Weekend Edition


Another great reason to list with a Sotheby's Affiliate like The Swan Agency Sotheby's International Realty - stellar advertising opportunities! My listing at 452 Phillips Way in Ellsworth just happened to get the PERFECT center placement!

Sunday, February 28, 2010

In like a Lion and out like a Lion.


I was so glad to see February get here, and I am SO glad it is over. There have been so many changes in my life over the last 3 months, but over the last 3 weeks things have been ALL over the place. From a newborn niece, to a new apartment, to turning 28...what a roller coaster.
I am so thankful to have such great friends and family who have been supportive and that is an understatement. After a few mini breakdowns in February I am welcoming a new month with open arms. Somehow I must have subconsciously known that by the beginning of March I would need a break - so I am very pleased that a mini vacation to Palm Beach will be in store the first weekend in March. I am looking forward (another understatement) to spending some time with my friend Martha while sipping Dark and Stormies in the hot sun. With my early March recharging who knows what the end of the month could bring...but I have a great feeling about it already.

Monday, February 15, 2010

New addition to the family!


My niece, Olivia Marion Bond, was born yesterday on Valentine's Day. What a GREAT Vday gift....in fact, the only Vday gift....
I'm so glad that Valentine's Day will no longer be the most useless holiday out there!! Yay for birthdays!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Cold day for showings, but look at that VIEW!


I was lucky enough to show Highland Rose with Kim Swan the other day. A very COLD and windy Mid-Winter day, but just LOOK at that view!! Highland Rose is an exceptional waterfront listing nestled into the rocky coast of Maine overlooking Frenchman Bay. It was a great day in my real estate world to have shown this property!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

I heart Bon Appetit magazine...


For some reason I seem to forget I subscribe to the wonderful Bon Appetit magazine and when it arrives in my mailbox each month it is like a mini Christmas!! This month, the wonderful and fabulous February, is my FAVORITE month of the year and to my surprise, the Editor in Chief of Bon Appetit concurs! So many great people born in this month....if I do say so myself.

As I read through Barbara Fairchild, Editor in Chief's, monthly letter I could not help but smile.
Here is a snippet to show you why:

So to my fellow partyers: Go ahead and jump into February, issue in hand - no fear, no frostbite, no fooling. I guarantee there's a delicious something or other waiting for you wherever you land.


Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Lakefront Estate for sale - new listing!


I am so pleased to share this incredible new listing in Ellsworth, Maine on the shore of Branch Lake. Set on 5 gorgeous and well landscaped acres this lakeside estate is breathtaking. Over 1000 feet of shore frontage on a pristine fresh water lake but only 30 minutes to Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park.

Set on an island, "Isle Wood" is the perfect destination location. As you cross the bridge to your own island, the worries slip away. Once pulling in the circular drive surrounded by gorgeous landscaping you'll see views of the water. Across the lake there are no other cottages to scar the view, rather a conservation of tall pines and natural wildlife. If dipping in the lake isn't your cup of tea, spend some time near the heated pool. The in-ground pool surrounded by lush perennial beds creates a haven for relaxation. Head inside the French Country style home and enjoy the design and construction that have spared no expense. Custom mahogany panels in the study create the perfect atmosphere to work from home or just enjoy a snifter of Scotch while reading a favorite novel. Drift off to sleep in the oversized master suite while the loons serenade you; this peaceful setting is one of a kind. In total 4 bedrooms, two of which have en suite baths. The pool house offers a sleeping loft for additional family or guests. When owning a lakefront estate in Maine, you know you will have guests!

Call or email for a viewing today.

Listed Exclusively by Erica Brooks Bates, The Swan Agency Sotheby's International Realty
207.288.5818 ext 18
erica.bates@swanagency.com