REMAX relocates for higher visibility, customer accessibility

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — “It was meant to be,” said Greg Miller of REMAX Central’s recent relocation from Houlton’s historic downtown district to the fringe of the commercial zone at the intersection of Kendall Street and Route 1. The office’s one-year lease on Main Street expired at just the right time says Miller, a REMAX associate broker. He added that the team was able to take advantage of the highly visible location that most recently had been an insurance office and, before that, a photo developing business. “The move took about three weeks in stages to coordinate the internet and phone service,” said Miller.
Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
REMAX RELOCATED — Brokers Greg Miller and Diane Hires say the move of REMAX Central’s office in Houlton to its new location with parking facilities at the intersection of Kendall Street and U.S. 1 heightens visibility since an estimated 6,500 vehicles pass by each day.
     Now decked out in the corporate colors of red, white and blue with an American flag waving in the breeze, the freshly appointed offices required little more than paint and a few decorative touches. “The move made us more visible. People would drive by [the Maine Street office] and not know we were there. With this office, people drive by and stop in. Over 6,500 cars pass by this intersection every day,” said Miller.   
    Diane Hires, also an associate broker with REMAX, agreed “the new spot is much better. We’re visible from all sides.” And, both brokers say the parking situation is a real advantage since they often see clients driving in from outside the area as well as local residents.
    The lower real estate prices in Aroostook County, low crime rate and lack of traffic congestion said Hires, add up to a big plus, drawing people “from away” as well as other parts of the state like Bangor. “Some people find a property on the internet and are retiring here or they are in a position to bring their work with them.”
    With housing stock ranging in price from about $40,000 to $350,000 on average, Hires says there is something for everyone – homes, land, lakefront property, in-town residences or country living, cabins and camps. And, she adds that it’s still a buyer’s market. “There are some beautiful, beautiful homes. And, we are here to make your home-buying experience a happy experience.”
    Miller says the hotly sought after properties are three- and four- bedroom homes in good condition. And, although the market is not the same as a couple of years ago, if a buyer is pre-approved there are some programs with 100 percent financing.
Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
AWARD WINNERS — The USDA Rural Development Homeownership Partner of the Year award was presented to REMAX Central for helping put Maine residents into homes of their own.
    Although the window of opportunity for the homebuyer’s stimulus incentive is closing with an expiration date of Nov. 30, Congress may extend the deadline to close on a new home. Nonetheless, there are several other government programs to put people in homes. REMAX Central recently won an award for its partnership with the USDA’s homeownership programs. “If you can afford to rent, in most cases you can afford to buy,” says Hires. She does stipulate that a prospective buyer should have a job and “good or decent” credit.
    “I’m addicted to my  job in real estate,” she says. “”I love being able to show people how they can own their own home when they never though they could. And, I’m addicted to being creative.” Hires says she’s working on a trade — something she has done in the past. A farmer wants to sell his farm and has a ceiling on what he can spend. “It’s not only about money. It’s about getting these people where they need to be in life and it’s very rewarding.”