From Milking Cows to Tidal Waves - This Newsletter Has It All!
Happy Labor Day – A Time for Gratitude
As summer winds down and we step into fall; I want to take a moment to express gratitude. Labor Day isn’t just a long weekend — it’s a celebration of the workers who built this country, generation after generation.
I grew up the youngest of 10 kids in Steep Falls (part of Standish) on a small farm with a vegetable stand. From a young age, I worked with my brother rototilling gardens, mowing lawns, clearing snow, and waking up at 3 a.m. on weekends to milk cows at a neighbor’s farm. Summers meant long days baling hay in 100-degree weather.
During college, while many of my friends were in the Old Port, I was buying my first homes and putting in countless hours fixing them up — all while working full-time at Barber Foods and attending school full-time.
To me, it’s the epitome of the American dream: to work tirelessly to bring that dream to life and to lift others along the way. So, thank you — to my mom and dad, my siblings, and to the coworkers, supervisors, and business owners who influenced me and helped shape our country.
Enjoy this Labor Day weekend, and keep up the great work.
The Fall Market at a Glance
The market is active — but complex. Here’s what we’re seeing now:
Multi-family & Single-Family Homes - Smaller properties are moving quickly, often at top-of-market prices.
Condos & Larger Buildings - Experiencing some softening, with notable price adjustments in select areas.
Interest Rates - Expected drops this fall could re-energize buyer demand.
Tips for Sellers
- Avoid listing right before or after Labor Day — distractions can hurt momentum.
- Fall is the second-best season after spring for selling.
- Presentation matters — year-round.
Tips for Buyers
- Remember the “Two P’s”: Patience and Pounce.
- Don’t settle — but if you see the right home at a fair price, act fast.
- Negotiation opportunities are improving with more motivated sellers.
It's About People
Our work is — and always will be — about people.
We recently worked with repeat clients, David and Charisse, to sell their home on William Street in Portland’s Oakdale neighborhood. Multiple offers led to a smooth, successful sale @ $1,325,000
“Working with Tom and the Benchmark team has been an incredible experience — every single time. Their expertise, kindness, and genuine care made the entire process seamless and even fun. After multiple purchases and sales over the years, we can’t imagine trusting anyone else with something as important as our home.” — Charrisse & David
Aurora – Portland’s Next Landmark
Our newest project, Aurora, is officially launching in Portland’s coveted West End.
Learn more: https://auroraportland.com
- 13-unit mixed-use building with a wellness-inspired café and market
- 12 high-end ~1,550 sq. ft. condos, each with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths
- Protected views — waterfront, ocean, and mountains
- Near-passive-house construction with a massive rooftop solar array
Grand Opening Open Houses
64 Pine Street, Portland
September 25–28 | 11 AM – 1 PM
First three buyers receive full customization opportunities plus $20,000 in additional upgrades.
Portland’s Property Revaluation
Portland’s latest revaluation shows a staggering 43% average increase in residential property values over the past year — up from $396,700 in 2024 to $566,600 in 2025. Though the mill rate dropped to $11.98, the substantial increase in assessed values means many homeowners will still see higher tax bills.
Two key solutions:
- Fiscal responsibility — City Hall must get smarter about spending.
- Expand the tax base — Support growth that generates revenue and eases the burden on homeowners.
Policy changes like eliminating inclusionary zoning (IZ) and rethinking rent control could have an immediate impact on affordability and stabilize taxes.
Read the full Press Herald article: https://www.pressherald.com/2025/08/28/residential-property-values-in-portland-increased-43-in-a-year/
For my full take on this issue, visit my Facebook page: https://facebook.com/benchmarkmaine
A White Tsunami. A Gray Tidal Wave.
The Perfect Storm.... Markets like Maine — with both an older population and a high number of second homes — are experiencing a unique shift. Every day, 17,000 Baby Boomers retire nationwide, creating a “white tsunami” of listings.
For buyers, this moment offers rare value opportunities across condos, lakefront retreats, and coastal escapes — though this window won’t last.
For sellers, strategy is key. Partnering with an experienced agent ensures you price, position, and market effectively in a shifting environment.
For the complete story and my thoughts, visit my Facebook page: https://facebook.com/benchmarkmaine
Enjoy Labor Day, keep those referrals coming and keep in touch!
