Kim Tarbox, FIV Realty Maine

07/09/2026

Student loans are back in the spotlight. And whether you've been following the headlines closely or just catching bits and pieces here and there, there's a good chance they've been on your mind lately.

07/08/2026

07/07/2026

Here are 8 things that will weirdly decrease the value of your Maine home:

1. Too much personalization.
That moose mural, bright red kitchen, or built-in fish tank? Buyers see dollar signs… and not in a good way.

2. Ignoring moisture issues.
A damp basement, musty smell, or crawlspace moisture is a huge red flag in Maine, even if it’s “always been like that.”

3. DIY renovations that look… DIY.
Crooked tile, uneven trim, mismatched flooring. Buyers assume if they can see the shortcuts, there are more hiding behind the walls.

4. An overgrown yard.
In Maine, buyers love nature. They don’t love wondering if they’re about to get eaten alive by mosquitoes trying to find the front door.

5. Old windows that fog up or won’t open.
Buyers immediately start calculating heating bills.

6. Deferred maintenance.
Missing shingles. Peeling paint. Rotting trim. One small issue makes buyers wonder, “What else haven’t they fixed?”

7. The smell.
Cigarette smoke, pet odors, mildew, heavy air fresheners… buyers remember smells longer than they remember square footage.

8. Turning the garage into living space.
Many Maine buyers want the garage back.

Which one surprised you the most? Or… which one have you seen in a house? 👀

07/07/2026

07/06/2026

Confession: New construction might be my love language. 😂🏡

Huge congratulations to my buyer on closing on this beautiful, brand-new condo in Windham! 🎉

There’s just something about being the very first person to call a house home. No previous owners. No mystery paint colors. No “we’ll get around to fixing that.” Just a blank canvas and a whole lot of exciting possibilities.

One of my favorite parts of this journey? Watching my buyer choose finishes and make this home uniquely theirs before they ever got the keys.

Congratulations on this exciting new chapter, and thank you for trusting me to help you get here. ❤️🔑

Now I have to know…

Are you Team New Construction 🏡✨ or Team Older Homes With Character 🏠❤️?
Tell me why in the comments. 👇

07/06/2026

Buying or selling a home is a big financial decision. And right now, it feels even bigger.

07/05/2026

Halfway through 2026 and here’s what it looks like from my camera roll…

A lot of Maine.
A little travel.
A few concerts.
Some really good martinis.
Two tuxedo cats who clearly think they own the place.
The people I love.
Helping some incredible clients buy and sell homes.
And a whole lot of gratitude.

The older I get, the more I realize the best years aren’t the busiest ones, they’re the ones filled with moments you actually remember.

Thank you to everyone who’s trusted me with one of the biggest chapters of your lives this year, and to everyone who’s followed along for the ride. I don’t take either for granted. 🩷

Now your turn…
What’s one photo that sums up your 2026 so far? 👇

07/05/2026

You've probably heard that home prices are cooling off.