An elegant, chic town on the coast of Maine, York promises a beach-centered life, with historic homes and hiking all within reach. If you are interested in buying a home in York, you may be wondering how to determine whether or not the area is the perfect fit for you. Read on for some of the key points to keep in mind.
Community features
York, Maine, is a charming coastal oasis with sandy beaches, breathtaking mountain ranges, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Loved by seasonal visitors and annual residents alike, this beautiful town has something for everyone and has only grown in popularity over the years.
A popular summer destination
As a well-known vacation spot, York is a lively town that is sure to provide you and your family with endless entertainment. Not only that, but living in such a highly desired area ensures that if you ever decide to resell, your York home will command a high price and plenty of appeal. So, purchasing a property in York can provide you with a gorgeous home and a solid investment all in one.
A tight-knit community
You will find countless attractions and activities in York that are perfectly suited for families of all ages. There are beaches and parks, museums and local art, and an exceptional school system that sets students up for success. The town is tight-knit and supportive, providing the perfect location to bring up children and feel connected to your neighbors.
The York real estate market
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the national real estate market in the United States, York has seen numbers that can make both buyers and sellers happy. York luxury homes continue to appeal to real estate seekers across the board, as they are architecturally historic and internally modernized. The gorgeous landscape of homes here adds to the town's allure.
Top neighborhoods in York
Here are some of the best neighborhoods in York for you to consider:
Cape Neddick
The neighborhood of Cape Neddick is incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike and provides ample opportunities for entertainment as well as an elegant coastal lifestyle. The architecture in Cape Neddick is known for being historic and lovingly maintained, which adds to the charming atmosphere. It is a downtown area that is especially wonderful for foodies, and the stunning views and lush gardens make it look like paradise.
Long Sands Beach
If you are interested in a beach neighborhood that makes everyday feel like a vacation, look no further than Long Sands Beach. This gorgeous area is calming and peaceful, where you will be able to see historic buildings with the ocean glistening in the distance. Long Sands Beach is a walkable community dotted with quaint inns and elegant coastal resorts where you can get lost in the beauty of your surroundings.
York Harbor
The neighborhood of York Harbor is one of the more popular areas in town, filled with cafes and boutiques and lined with beaches and walking trails. It is a neighborhood that always has something going on and where locals can be found enjoying the great outdoors or supporting the local businesses.
Tips for purchasing York real estate
As you move forward in your house-hunting quest, you might be wondering what you can expect from the process. Here’s an overview.
The housing scene
In York, you will be able to find homes in a variety of architectural styles, sizes, and locations. Whether you are looking for a house right on the water or one nestled within a private street, this town has what you seek.
Closing costs
The term “closing costs” encompasses a variety of fees that are paid at the end of a real estate transaction, including but not limited to legal fees, home insurance, and property taxes. The exact closing costs will vary depending on the specific property, but buyers can expect to pay anywhere from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price. Be sure to talk with your Realtor® about available programs that could potentially lower your closing costs.
Property taxes
Property taxes are determined by the tax assessor on a property-by-property basis and, therefore, will vary depending on which specific home you purchase. To give you a rough idea of your annual taxes, however, that number can be estimated. If you were to buy a home for the median home price of $615,000, your estimated annual property tax would be around $6,450.
Money-saving tips for buying a home in York
Purchasing a property can be a pricey investment, but there are ways to save some money during the process.
Find the best mortgage rate
There are a host of reasons to work with a Realtor®, and one of them is having access to your Realtor®’s contacts in the real estate industry and hearing all of the tips and tricks they have learned over the years. There are many ways to get a good mortgage rate and lower it, and your Realtor® will be able to guide you to lenders who have excelled in helping people secure their dream homes. When seeking loan pre approval, it is essential to get quotes from multiple lenders to find the one who can offer you the best rate.
Consider increasing your down payment to save in the long run
If you are looking to keep your monthly payments as low as possible, consider putting down a more substantial down payment. While this will be more costly upfront, you will have less to pay off for the property, and your monthly payments will significantly decrease.
Ready to get started?
Anchor Real Estate is a team of real estate professionals who have a strong passion for the industry and a desire to see their clients achieve their dreams. They have extensive knowledge of the York real estate market and are well-equipped to help you find your coastal dream home. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them today.
