Rachel Davey - Maine Realtor

🏡 Happy National Homeownership Month!

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make, but it doesn't have to feel overwhelming.

A lot of buyers are surprised to learn that you don't need a 20% down payment to purchase a home. There are more options available than many people realize, and understanding what's possible is often the first step.

Homeownership can create stability, build equity over time, and give you a space that's truly your own.

Whether you're hoping to buy this year or you're simply starting to think about it, June is a great reminder that it's never too early to ask questions and make a plan.

If homeownership is on your mind, I'd be happy to chat and help you understand your options. 🔑 ♥️

https://www.rachelmainerealtor.com/

This sweet couple found their ideal home just in time for their family to grow. When we first started their search, we were looking at smaller homes in Portland without much yard space. But as their search evolved and life shifted, they realized having a yard and a little more room was what they truly needed.

So excited for them to start this next chapter in this sweet home in the heart of Cumberland. 💛🔐

Hi everyone! I wanted to take a moment to reintroduce myself to anyone I haven't had the chance to meet yet. ✨

I'm Rachel, a real estate broker specializing in the Greater Portland market. I've been helping clients buy, sell, and invest in Maine real estate since 2016, with experience in single-family homes, condos, multi-units, and investment properties.

I'm grateful to be part of this community and look forward to continuing to help people find their place in Maine. 🏡💕

There’s truly nothing like summer in Maine. 🌊 Growing up here, there are certain places, traditions, and little moments I look forward to every single year, and somehow, the beauty of a Maine summer never gets old.

Here are a few things that make my summer bucket list year after year:

🦞 Eat Seafood by the Ocean: Nothing beats a lobster roll or fried clams with a view of the Atlantic. The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth is one of my favorite spots to enjoy fresh seafood and explore the rocky coastline afterward.

🏖️ Visit One of Maine's Iconic Beaches: Pack a picnic, go for a swim, or take a sunset stroll. Kettle Cove, Higgins Beach, and Willard Beach are all beautiful spots to spend a summer day.

🌊 Take a Refreshing Dip in a Lake: On a hot summer day, there's nothing better than cooling off in one of Maine's lakes. Sebago is a favorite close to Portland, but Moosehead offers a more remote Maine experience.

🥾 Go for a Hike Along the Coast: Maine's rocky shoreline offers some incredible views. Wolfe's Neck State Park is one of my favorites for coastal scenery, wildlife sightings, and walking trails.

🌲 Explore a State Park: From mountains to beaches, Maine's state parks are worth adding to your summer plans. A state park pass makes it easy to explore them throughout the season.

🍓 Visit a Local Farmers Market: Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Maine's fresh produce, flowers, and local goods. Native Maine strawberries alone are worth the trip.

Whether you've lived in Maine your whole life or are visiting for the first time, these experiences capture so much of what makes summers here special. Check out my latest blog for all 10 of my favorite summer traditions and destinations.
https://www.rachelmainerealtor.com/blog/maine-summer-bucket-list

As soon as the weather starts warming up again, I always find myself back at The Porthole. ☀️

It’s my go-to spot in Portland to grab a drink on the deck, soak in the waterfront views, and order fresh seafood. Definitely one of those classic Maine summer spots that both locals and tourists love for a reason 🦞

I spend a lot of time in different parts of Portland, and these are the neighborhoods I always come back to when buyers ask about family-friendly areas:

📍 Deering Center
Tree-lined streets, sidewalks, and a true neighborhood feel. You’re close to schools and parks, with an easy drive into downtown. 🌳

📍 Rosemont
Quiet and residential, but really convenient. Near Capisic Pond Park and the Fore River Sanctuary, plus quick access to I-295, shops, and restaurants.🌿

📍 North Deering
A little more space and a more suburban feel while still being in Portland. Close to shopping, trails, and a great option if you’re looking for something a bit quieter. 🏡

Each one offers something a little different, but all are great options if you’re thinking about putting down roots here. Always happy to talk through what might be the best fit. 🤍

Your inspection is just one piece of the puzzle. A strong due diligence period is what protects you long after closing. A buyer’s due diligence period is your opportunity to research anything that would impact your decision to buy a property. This goes beyond the home inspection.

✨Here are some other items to consider during your due diligence period:

🏡 Drive through the neighborhood at different times of day. Find out what the vibe of the neighborhood is at night and during the day.

🏡 Have specific concerns about something on the property, such as the roof? Get a roofer in to get a quote so you know what it could cost you to make a repair or replacement.

🏡 Want to have the ability to make additions to the property in the future or add a garage or accessory dwelling unit. Check the municipality’s zoning and setback requirements to be sure this is possible.

🏡 Get insurance quotes early. Make sure that the insurance company won’t require costly repairs in order to provide coverage and get an idea of the cost of homeowner’s insurance so it’s not a surprise later in the transaction.

🏡 If buying a property with land, review the survey (if available) and find out if there are any easements or rights-of-way on the property.

Higgins Beach is one of my favorite spots in Southern Maine to go with my dog 🐾🤍. There’s nothing better than a beach walk there in the early morning or at sunset.

A lot of people don’t realize it’s dog-friendly year-round, but the rules do change depending on the season, so here’s a quick breakdown before you go:

Summer Rules (May 15–Labor Day)
✔ No dogs on the beach from 9 AM–5 PM
✔ Dogs are allowed from sunrise to 9 AM on leash or voice control
✔ After 5 PM to sunset, dogs are allowed on leash only

Off-Season Rules (After Labor Day–May 14)
✔ Dogs must be on leash from 1–3 PM
✔ All other hours, dogs are allowed on voice control