A trend in Maine’s real estate market is homes for sale that also promise a steady stream of income from short-term rental businesses.
It can be an attractive prospect not only to investors but to regular homeowners looking to offset some of the increasing property taxes and utility bills they’ve seen in recent years.
“Airbnb has given people an option, to be able to enjoy what Maine has to offer, but yet make it available for other people to enjoy it and thereby pay for your property,” Sheila Helmuth, a real estate agent with Maine Real Estate Experts, said.
We rounded up some examples of homes on the market right now that double as successful short-term rental businesses.
A western Maine cabin
77 Paradis Road, Peru, $735,000
For the past few years, the owner of this 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom cabin on Worthley Pond in Peru has rented it out on Airbnb. It’s busy year-round thanks to being close to the Black Mountain ski resort and other recreation opportunities, Helmuth, the property’s listing agent, said.
“It’s just such a nice place, and it’s close enough to skiing that he books it at winter time, because people come from other states and want to be in the country in Maine,” she said.
A Down East home
338 Johnson Cove Road, Roque Bluffs. $300,000
This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom coastal property would be fitting as either a year-round family home or as an Airbnb, which it has been used for in the past, according to its online listing.
The home is minutes from the Roque Bluffs State Park and public beach, making it attractive living for visitors, but is only 15 minutes from Machias and its schools and services, making it a good prospect for families, too. It’s also the cheapest of six homes for sale in the area.
An oceanside ‘chalet’
71 Singing Woods Lane, Hancock. $998,000
This 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom chalet is minutes from Ellsworth, but it is surrounded by woods and conserved land with access to the ocean and walking trails throughout. Given its serene location and the fact it can sleep 12 people, its listing agent said the property could be a family or summer home, but it would also make a great rental.
“This could house a local family who wants to have a chance to make some income and just rent out the bottom,” the agent, Sarah Eremita, said. “Or, you know, for multi-generational living. There’s its own separate driveway and entrance to the bottom level.”
Eremita, an associate broker with NextHome Experience, said everyone who has toured the home so far is interested in living on its upper floor while renting out the bottom one.
The home, available turnkey, has recently been upgraded with a new kitchen, new flooring and new light fixtures, and was constructed using wood from pine trees on the property.
A central Maine townhome
11 Summer St, Hallowell. $350,000
This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom townhome is currently operating as an Airbnb rental property, according to its online listing, but it would also make a good family residence given its central location in downtown Hallowell and the proximity to Augusta. It has a two-car garage, an elegant paint job and original hardwood floors, according to its listing.
