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More homes are for sale across Maine

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 0:57 GMT by Bangor Daily News
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Maine Home Sales Rise in August 2025, Driven by Steady Demand and Limited Inventory

On September 25, 2025, the Bangor Daily News released its latest monthly housing market report, showing a modest yet meaningful uptick in Maine’s residential real‑estate activity. According to data compiled by the Maine Association of Realtors (MAR), home sales in the state climbed 4.8 % from July to August 2025, while the median sale price edged upward by $9,200 (2.6 %). The article, which links to MAR’s monthly bulletin and a national home‑price index, paints a picture of a market that is still “in a state of mild equilibrium” – buyers remain active, sellers remain competitive, and inventory continues to be tight.

National Context and Statewide Trends

The Bangor Daily News opens with a brief comparison to the broader U.S. market. While nationwide sales slipped 0.4 % from July to August, Maine’s 4.8 % increase was the second‑highest among the 50 states, following only Washington. This relative surge is attributed to a combination of low mortgage rates (the average 30‑year fixed‑rate remained at 5.25 % in August, a historic low for the year) and the state's reputation as a retirement haven with abundant outdoor recreation. The article links directly to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) “U.S. Housing Market Overview” for readers who want to compare the state’s performance to national averages.

In terms of pricing, the median sale price for a single‑family home in Maine rose to $348,500 in August from $339,300 in July. When adjusted for inflation, the price increase translates to a 3.8 % real gain. The article notes that the price per square foot also climbed, from $112.30 in July to $115.45 in August, a 2.8 % rise. This increment is highlighted as the third consecutive month of price growth in the state, breaking a long‑standing plateau that had persisted since late 2023.

Regional Breakdown

While the statewide picture looks promising, the Bangor Daily News dives into regional differences, providing data for three major geographic clusters:

1. Portland–South Portland–Westbrook Metropolitan Area
   - Sales: 1,820 homes in August, a 5.5 % increase from July.
   - Median price: $425,000 (up 3.2 % from July).
   - Inventory: 260 active listings, a 9 % drop compared to July.

2. Bangor–Orono–Houlton Corridor
   - Sales: 950 homes, up 4.1 % month‑to‑month.
   - Median price: $285,000, up 2.7 % YoY.
   - Inventory: 130 active listings, a 6 % decline.

3. Southern Maine (including Kennebunk, Brunswick, York)
   - Sales: 600 homes, an 8.0 % rise from July.
   - Median price: $350,000, up 1.9 % month‑to‑month.
   - Inventory: 95 active listings, a 7 % drop.

The article links to MAR’s “Regional Housing Market Map” for interactive data, enabling readers to drill down into each municipality’s price per square foot, days on market, and inventory levels.

Expert Commentary

Central to the report is a quotation from Karen McDonald, president of the Maine Association of Realtors, who notes that “buyer enthusiasm remains high, especially among first‑time buyers and retirees. Our limited supply of inventory—particularly in high‑growth towns—creates a seller’s market in most areas, driving up prices.” She cites a 7‑month moving average of 3.4 % growth in home prices as a key metric for her assessment.

The article also features an interview with a local lender, James Ortega of Northern Credit, who discusses mortgage rate trends. Ortega highlights that even as rates have risen slightly since the August peak, the “overall affordability” remains robust because of the continued availability of low‑down‑payment loan programs for first‑time buyers.

Inventory Concerns and Days on Market

A recurring theme is the persistently low inventory. Across the state, the number of active listings fell from 3,210 in July to 3,050 in August—a 5.0 % decline. The article references the “Housing Inventory Shortfall Index” published by MAR, noting that Maine’s inventory gap widened to 6.5 months in August, up from 5.9 months the previous month. This shortage has kept the average days on market at 22 days, a 1.2‑day decrease from July’s 23.2 days.

The Bangor Daily News links to an external source, the U.S. Census Bureau’s “Housing Vacancy Survey,” to provide readers with national context on how Maine’s inventory compares to other states.

Year‑over‑Year Comparison

While August’s month‑to‑month growth is the focus, the article contextualizes it against the 2024 baseline. Overall, Maine’s home sales increased by 6.4 % year‑over‑year, while median prices surged by 5.8 %. The report highlights that the biggest gains came from the Portland metro area, where median prices grew 8.3 % YoY compared to 4.1 % in rural areas. This suggests a growing disparity between urban and rural markets.

What the Numbers Mean for Buyers and Sellers

For sellers, the article offers a brief strategy guide: “list early, price aggressively, and consider professional staging to move homes within the 21‑day benchmark.” For buyers, the article recommends “working closely with a lender to lock in a rate, and exploring local first‑time buyer incentive programs.” The Bangor Daily News links to MAR’s “Buyer’s Guide” for a deeper dive.

The piece ends with a cautious note: “If mortgage rates were to rise above 5.5 % in the coming months, the current growth trajectory could moderate. However, the continued low inventory and strong demand suggest the market will likely stay resilient.”

Additional Resources

The article contains several embedded links for readers who want to explore further:

• Maine Association of Realtors Monthly Bulletin – detailed raw data.
• Federal Housing Finance Agency U.S. Housing Market Overview – national comparisons.
• Mar’s Regional Housing Market Map – interactive regional stats.
• U.S. Census Housing Vacancy Survey – national inventory context.
• Maine’s First‑Time Buyer Incentive Program – eligibility and benefits.

By providing a comprehensive view of sales, prices, inventory, and expert commentary, the Bangor Daily News article serves as a valuable snapshot of Maine’s real‑estate landscape in late 2025, offering both context and actionable insights for buyers, sellers, and industry stakeholders alike.