In this insightful solo episode, Elise Kiely provides a comprehensive spring 2025 market update, starting with the national landscape and zooming in to Maine's distinctive market dynamics. Elise breaks down data on the Northeast region’s strong performance, and Maine’s county-level insights—focusing particularly on Cumberland, York, and Lincoln counties.

She also explores what’s driving the luxury market, why it remains a seller’s market in Maine, and the growing impact of private, off-market transactions in the high-end segment. Elise shares two real-life stories from recent private sales to illustrate how discretion, privacy, and decisiveness define success in this niche market. She also shares thoughts for first time homebuyers hesitant to enter the market.

🔹 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• 📊 National Market Trends: What modest growth and increasing inventory mean for buyers and sellers
• 🌎 Northeast Regional Insights: How this region is outperforming national averages
• 🏡 Maine-Specific Data:
  • Statewide sales and pricing trends
  • Notable updates from Cumberland, York, and Lincoln counties
• 💎 Luxury Market Realities:
  • Why Maine's high-end market still strongly favors sellers
  • The significance of 393 listings vs. 500+ sold in 2024
  • What high-end buyers—from Boomers to Gen Z—are truly seeking
• 🤫 The Private Market Advantage:
  • Why elite sellers choose curated, off-market transactions
  • What buyers gain from exclusive, discreet opportunities
  • Two recent stories that bring this world to life
• 🧭 Thoughts for Buyers, Sellers, and Advisors:
  Strategic tips for navigating today’s crosscurrents with clarity and confidence

🔹 Quotable Moments:

🔹 Mentioned in This Episode:

• Episodes 5 & 6: Leading in Luxury with Chris Lynch
• Episodes 12 & 13: Naples market insights with Melinda Gunther
• Episode 9: May 2025 Market Snapshot

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at

• Elise@EliseKiely.com
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

In the second half of this insightful conversation, Elise sits down again with Melinda Gunther of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty to talk all things Naples real estate. From $24 million sight-unseen purchases to lifestyle-driven second-home decisions, Melinda shares remarkable stories and strategic insights. They discuss the shifting luxury market, buyer psychology, and why many are still choosing Naples—just with more precision than during the pandemic rush. You’ll also hear how trends in what is happening in other markets often foreshadow what’s coming in Maine, and why having an experienced advisor on the ground is more critical than ever. Elise and Melinda wrap with their favorite podcasts and tools for staying sharp in this dynamic market.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• A jaw-dropping story of a $24M sight-unseen home purchase—and resale
• How Naples' real estate market has evolved post-COVID
• Why increased inventory doesn’t mean panic, but opportunity
• The emotional and strategic decisions behind second-home buying
• The importance of market timing and local expertise in discretionary markets
• How trends in Naples may signal what’s coming in Maine
• Tools Melinda uses to stay at the top of her game—including the Jim Miller Podcast and Jere Metcalf Podcast

Connect with Melinda

• Website
• Primary phone - 239.297.2155
• Email melinda.gunther@premiersir.com
• Address 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd N #100, Naples, FL 34103

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at

• Elise@EliseKiely.com
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

Guest: Melinda Gunther, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty – Naples, FL

In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, Elise sits down with Florida real estate powerhouse Melinda Gunther to explore why Naples, Florida is such an attractive destination for second home buyers and those seeking a future primary home.

They discuss:

• The lifestyle and tax benefits of owning in Naples
• Why Naples and Maine complement each other as luxury markets
• The appeal of club culture, gated communities, and outdoor living
• Smart strategies for second-home ownership in Florida
• How different buyers are navigating insurance issues in Florida

Melinda also shares her journey to Naples and why she believes real estate should always follow lifestyle first.

🎙️ Part 1 of a 2-part series

Connect with Melinda

• Website
• Primary phone - 239.297.2155
• Email melinda.gunther@premiersir.com
• Address 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd N #100, Naples, FL 34103

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at

• Elise@EliseKiely.com
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

“Protecting Your Maine Life: A Continued Conversation with Tate Ficker”

In Part 2 of Elise's conversation with Tate Ficker, founder of the Ficker Insurance Group, we dive deeper into the real-world concerns homeowners face when it comes to wind, rain, flooding, and rising insurance premiums—especially in today’s shifting climate.

We explore how natural disasters in other parts of the country are subtly but steadily influencing insurance costs in Maine, which—despite these pressures—still boasts some of the lowest premiums nationwide. Tate explains how local property owners can protect themselves by being proactive, conducting annual insurance reviews, and understanding what’s in (and out) of their policy.

Tate also shares his two top recommendations for Maine homeowners this spring, and we wrap up the episode with some of his favorite podcasts, books, and what he’s working on to keep his own work-life balance in check.

Highlights:

• 🌊 How coastal property buyers can manage flood and wind risk
• 🏠 Why home maintenance affects your insurability—and what to do about it
• 📉 How insurance can affect a property's market value
• 🔍 The importance of understanding your policy (and how to start)
• 🛠️ Why a pre-listing inspection matters for homeowners and sellers
• 📚 Tate’s favorite book for business owners: The Education of a Coach
• 🎧 Podcast recommendations for history lovers and thoughtful professionals

Whether you're buying your dream home in Maine or already living it, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to safeguard their lifestyle and real estate investment.

Connect with Tate Ficker of the Ficker Insurance Group - fickerinsurancegroup@allstate.com

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at

• Elise@EliseKiely.com
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, Elise Kiely sits down with Tate Ficker, owner of the Ficker Insurance Group and a deeply rooted Mainer, to explore the role of insurance in Maine’s real estate landscape and lifestyle.

Together, they discuss:

• Tate’s journey from growing up in Fryeburg to returning to Maine to raise a family after a decade in Boston.
• Why Maine’s unique sense of community plays a vital role in both real estate and business.
• How Tate built a client-centric insurance firm that blends old-fashioned service with modern technology.
• The importance of annual insurance reviews for homeowners and how life changes—like renovations, pets, or new purchases—should prompt updates.
• The rising impact of climate-related disasters on national insurance trends, even here in Maine.
• Practical tips to simplify your homeowner’s insurance strategy and ensure adequate coverage when it matters most.

Elise also shares her personal experience with a devastating home fire and emphasizes the power of preparedness, neighborly support, and trusted advisors in navigating life's unexpected turns.

Whether you're buying your dream home in Maine or already living it, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to safeguard their lifestyle and real estate investment.

Connect with Tate Ficker of the Ficker Insurance Group - fickerinsurancegroup@allstate.com

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at

• Elise@EliseKiely.com
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

This solo episode offers a timely and insightful snapshot of Maine’s real estate market in spring 2025. Elise shares national trends and how they contrast with local realities in Greater Portland and across Cumberland County. From shifting buyer behavior to surging entry-level demand and once-in-a-generation coastal listings, this episode is your guide to what’s moving—and what’s holding—in Maine real estate.

🔍 In this episode, Elise covers:

• Why the national market is hesitant—and how Maine is writing its own story
• How interest rates and equity trends are impacting sellers and buyers
• The surge in entry-level demand ($500K–$700K) and continued strength in rare waterfront homes
• The "three-legged stool" of Maine real estate: location, condition, price
• Strategic advice for first-time buyers, especially in the rent-vs-buy debate
• A look at Cumberland County’s standout towns—Brunswick, Freeport, Harpswell
• What’s happening with cash buyers, wealth transfer, and Portland’s development slowdowns
• Key takeaways for sellers, buyers, and investors this spring and summer

Whether you’re preparing to list, considering your first home, or simply keeping a pulse on Maine’s evolving market, this episode is rich with perspective, data, and lived experience.

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at

• Elise@EliseKiely.com
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

“Financing with Confidence: Local Lending Strategies with Greg Dauphinee (Part 2)”

In the second half of my conversation with Greg Dauphinee, Senior Loan Officer at Androscoggin Bank, we explore how working with a local community lender can give buyers a meaningful edge in Maine’s competitive real estate market.

Greg shares insightful stories from the field—moments where common-sense lending and local control made all the difference in getting deals done. From navigating unique title issues to helping clients purchase new homes before selling their current ones, this episode is full of smart strategies and actionable advice.

We discuss:

• Why a local bank’s flexibility and cultural understanding matters—especially in Maine.
• The increasing prevalence of parental and grandparental gifts for first-time buyers and high-end purchases alike
• How Androscoggin Bank supports medical professionals with 0% down loans based on signed contracts—even before they’ve started work
• Greg’s practical exercise for first-time buyers to test their mortgage budget and build savings
• The importance of relationships, community, and trust in Maine’s real estate and lending networks

This episode is a must-listen for anyone buying in Maine—whether you're a first-time buyer or making a lifestyle move to your dream home.

🔗 Links & Contact Info

💼 Learn more about Androscoggin Bank:
https://www.androscogginbank.com

Contact Greg: GDauphinee@androscogginbank.com (or just run into him at Standard Baking, where he loves to get his coffee!)

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at

• Elise@EliseKiely.com
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

“Financing with Confidence: Navigating Interest Rates and Lending in Maine with Greg Dauphinee”

In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, I sit down with Greg Dauphinee, Vice President and Senior Loan Officer at Androscoggin Bank, to discuss financing options in today’s real estate market and how buyers—particularly those not purchasing with cash—can still be competitive in Maine’s dynamic housing environment.

With over 24 years of experience and an impressive track record of service, Greg brings both data and heart to this conversation. We explore:

• The current interest rate landscape and how it’s affecting buyers at all price points
• How out-of-state buyers are impacting local affordability
• Why strong public schools, community, and lifestyle continue to drive value
• Tips for setting smart expectations during the loan process
• How to tailor financing strategy to your personality, timeline, and needs

Greg also shares his fascinating background as a U.S. Navy rescue swimmer and how that experience shaped his methodical, high-integrity approach to client service.

This is a must-listen for buyers, sellers, and anyone curious about how lending fits into Maine’s evolving real estate story.

🔗 Links & Contact Info

Contact Greg via his email - GDauphinee@androscogginbank.com, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregdauphinee/

💼 Learn more about Androscoggin Bank:
https://www.androscogginbank.com

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at

• Elise@EliseKiely.com
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.