Behind the Scenes at Newcastle Square Realty

   There are two ladies who work here at the World Headquarters of Newcastle Square Realty who take care of the behind the scenes action while the Brokers are busy meeting with Listers and Buyers, showing property, negotiating contracts, holding open houses and all of the other activities that fill up their days.  These two ladies keep the information flowing and produce the high quality advertising and promotional pieces that we use as well as meeting and greeting those folks that walk in our door both literally and figuratively via our Internet portal.  Let me introduce them to you:

   On the right is Stacey Cole.  Stacey has been the long time assistant to Becky Brown and Miles Geisler and came to our organization with them when they joined us a few years back.  Both of them are superstars in their own right but it's Stacey doing the paperwork behind them that frees them up to be doing what they do best which is to list and sell a lot of property.    We've been able to pry Stacey away from them for a few hours a week and she has proven invaluable to us.   She has the ability to shift gears and jump right into what ever needs to be done and if she's ever gotten flustered I've missed it.

   Stacey grew up in this area, lives in Bristol with her fiance Jimmy a local lobster man and in her spare time likes to make jewelry and wicked good chocolate treats!

   On the left in the picture above is Linda Mitkus, our long time Office Manager. Previous to joining Newcastle Square Realty, Linda worked as a legal assistant for a local attorney and before that in a law office in Massachusetts from where she and her family moved 14 years ago.

   In addition to being the first person clients usually come in contact with here, Linda also does all of our computer input and has become quite skilled with Adobe photoshop and with creating most of our varied advertising pieces.  Linda and I have a deal, we're walking out the door here together at the end of our careers in real estate. I don't want to even think about trying to replace her.

   Linda's husband John is well known in his own right having been a long time bus driver for the local elementary school. Many children (and their parents) consider John an integral part of the faculty. Linda and John love "the hunt" when it come to antiques and we lose them when they go off to Wallace Nutting conventions.  If you come into the office be sure and ask Linda to see the pictures of their dogs Ruffian and Finnegan.  Linda has been known to provide what practically amounts to concierge service for many of our clients whose needs can be varied and complex at times. 

   Now you know the secret of what really keeps our office running so smoothly and makes all of our brokerage staff look good!

Jim Cosgrove 

OPEN HOUSE Saturday in Nobleboro

   This Saturday, August 25, we'll be showcasing two terrific properties in Nobleboro.  From 11 AM until 1 PM Tom Field will be at 350 Waldoboro Road (aka Route 1).  With it's highly visible location almost right at the head of Pemaquid Lake this home would be an outstanding spot for almost any type of home occupation.  The home has been extensively remodeled and updated including a wonderful new kitchen with brand new appliances, a new bathroom and fresh paint inside and out.

   Even though it has a great high visibility location it also has a peaceful wooded back yard , three bedrooms, a spacious living room with a fireplace and a great sun porch. 

At $214,900 this is real value!

   Also from 11 to 1 on Saturday and just around the corner and across from the Post Office, Debby Schling will be holding open 53 Nobleboro Woods Road.  This three or possibly four bedroom Colonial is only 6 years young, sits on almost 5 acres and is located at the end of a cul de sac in a small and very quiet sub division. 

   A 3 bay garage connected by a breezeway has been added and there is a large finished room above that could be the ultimate game room, artist studio, home office or mother in law quarters. This is a lot of house for $259,000!

   For those who may not be familiar with our area, Nobleboro is a quiet town just north of Damariscotta that bills itself as 'The Little Town with a Big Heart".  They have a highly regarded K-8 school and children receive a tuition voucher to attend the high school of their choice. There is a public boat landing and recreation area on Pemaquid Lake that is within walking distance of both of these properties.  Enjoy all the best of country living yet be just a 5 minute drive from the center of activity in downtown Damariscotta.

   Please visit with Debby and Tom this Saturday from 11 to 1 in Nobleboro and feel free to call our office at 563-1003 for directions. 

High Season in Mid Coast Maine

   Things are hoppin' here in the Mid coast area of Maine, that's for sure.  Our downtown beautification project is only half done but folks sure do seem to like strolling the new sidewalks, shopping and coming into our office to look at all of the homes for sale. Now, it's true many are just dreaming of being able to live, work and play in the greatest spot on earth but some do make the move and we enjoy talking with everyone regardless.

   You also never know what you're going to see coming through town or out in the back parking lot. We get cell phone calls from people on boats and in kayaks who have seen "For Sale" signs.  Planes are landing on the water in the harbor and pulling up to the town dock, and all manner of vehicles and travel trailers can be found in the parking lot here behind Newcastle Square Realty World Headquarters.

   If you're in the area please stop in and say "hi'.

Jim Cosgrove

Saturday "Solds"

   Another in an occasional series showing a random sampling of properties in our market area that have "closed" recently.

Fish Point Road, near Pemaquid Beach. Listed at $995,000 and sold for $950,000 after 346 days on the market.

Summer Cove Road, Nobleboro with frontage on Duck Puddle Pond.  Listed at $499,000 and sold for $450,000 after 74 days on the market.

 

Timber Lane in Newcastle.  Listed for $365,000 and sold for $355,000 after 39 days on the market.

Damariscotta Lakefront camp in Nobleboro.  Listed for $275,000 and sold for $265,000 after 435 days on market.

   If you'd like to discuss the real estate market in Mid Coast Maine and the Pemaquid peninsula please call one of our brokers today.  We'll be glad to give you an opinion of where your property fits and also discuss strategies to help you maximize your return on your investment.

Jim Cosgrove

World Class Musicians Visit Maine

    One of the marvelous things about Damariscotta and the Mid Coast area is the variety and quality of arts events available all year, and of course especially in the summer.  One particular event that Newcastle Square Realty and The Cheney Companies Financial Group support, and on whose board I've been active for several years is the Salt Bay Chamberfest.

   The founder of this event, Wilhelmina Smith, who was brought up in South Bristol, is now a celebrated cellist who plays all over the world and has recently formed a string trio called Variation Trio.  "Mina" has brought us some of the greatest talent in the world over the last 13 years, including the Brentano Quartet!

   We have provided housing for the musicians and their families in the nearby towns of Bristol, South Bristol, Newcastle and Nobleboro.  One of the reasons they keep coming back is that they find our area so delightful.  I hope you'll follow this link to the Salt Bay Chamberfest site where you will find a complete program for the concerts on August 14, 17, 21 and 24.  Remember, children under 12 are admitted free of charge! I've watched the rapt faces of even 4 year olds as they watch these spirited musicians and realize instantly what it means to be "good" at something.

   There are free rehearsal events and master classes as well.  A part of this series I wouldn't dream of missing is the pre concert talks given by Mark Mandarano, Mina's husband and an accomplished teacher and conductor.  He's charming, entertaining and so informative that the music takes on a new life with added historical and personal perspective. 

   Please, come and enjoy these extraordinary concerts in the acoustically superb Darrows Barn formerly the Round Top Center for the Arts, in Damariscotta.

Rebecca Brown

Get Ready For "Woofstock" 2007

    Pack up the babies and grab the old Ladies and head on down to Woofstock 2007 tomorrow, August 4, on the grounds of The Lincoln Home by the Damariscotta River in Newcastle.

   This is the major event of the year in Maine for dog lovers. Starting at 10 AM there will be seminars and demonstrations, pet services such as nail clipping, toothbrushing and micro chipping, make your own doggie sundaes ( I confess to have no knowledge of this particular facet, it's new this year) and games for pooches and their people.

   Over 40 pet related vendors are expected with plenty of freebies and product demonstrations, there will be face painting for the young and young at heart, a silent auction, raffles, food (hot dogs of course) and the world famous Family Fun Dog Show.

   Registration for the dog show is from 10 to 12 and is open to all. There is a small registration fee which allows each dog to participate in the Parade of Pooches as well as 4 other highly competitive events such as Best Costume, Best Trick, and the popular Dog With The Waggiest Tail! The Show will begin promptly at 1.  Before that will be an exciting Police Dog demonstration at 12:30 where the Lincoln County Sheriffs Department's new dog will make his stage debut!

   All proceeds from the silent auction and raffle go to support local animal rescues and shelters.  Some of those will be in attendance and include The Lincoln County Animal Shelter, Safe Harbor Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue, The Humane Society of Knox County, Maine Greyhound Placement, Maine Australian Shepherd Rescue and Placement Helpline, and the Camden Rockport Animal Rescue League.  They will have information about their respective organizations as well as adoption applications and available pets.

    Woofstock is a combination of two well known events, The Damariscotta Newcastle Rotary Clubs "Family Fun Dog Show" and The Animal House's "Pet Education Fair".  This year both events have been combined for one great day. All leashed well behaved pets are welcome and I'm told that Bob Laird may even be prevailed upon to demonstrate his famous "Doggy Doo Pick Up Maneuver".

   Don't miss this event which is sure to be talked about for the rest of the summer!  See you there.

Jim Cosgrove