The race to buy a home in the Greater Portland real estate market is on, and it 's one of the most competitive ever. Open houses are packed, sellers are receiving multiple offers, and homes are under contract in days with many selling at far over asking [...]

As the owner of an older home, you are the keeper of an archive of stories. Whether joyful, fanciful, wondrous, or raucous, those stories and the memories they imprint are what makes a house a [...]

Improvements that will help you use less energy but may not have a positive impact on the sale price:

• Add foam insulation to outlets and switch plates
• Caulk or apply spray foam areas where air might be escaping, entering or moving
• Install CFL light bulbs
• Install programmable thermostats
• Weatherstrip all exterior doors
• Weatherstrip, seal and/or insulate attic access hatch, house vent, and fireplace
[...]

Is there a lsquo;selling season ' or an ideal time to list and sell your home?

Sellers typically follow this up with statements/questions like:

• Everyone lists in the spring because that is when buyers are looking, right?
• We 're heading into winter - no one moves in winter or over the holidays, right?
• It 's the middle of summer - there is usually a lull and very few showings or sales,
[...]

With the time change and the colder weather, what are some tips for home sellers?

• Leave the house lit up and showing ready when you leave for work.
• Leave all exterior and several interior lights on all the time.
• Turn the heat higher than you may normally keep it.

Are there items buyers should be more aware of this time of year?

• Bring a flashlight so you can really look
[...]