Buying and selling Maine coastal real estate has long been about conveying the magic of living by the ocean. Increasingly, it’s also about prepping clients with the latest flood zone maps, projections for sea level rise and insurance availability.
These and other tools can give coastal home buyers critical information for making a risk-reward calculation about living on the edge — literally — in an era of strengthening storms fed by a changing climate.
With that new reality in mind, more than 100 real estate professionals packed a hotel conference room in Freeport on the last day of January for a presentation dubbed, “Living on the Edge.”
Periodic storms and flooding have always been a part of living on the Maine coast. But for some in the real estate business, the impacts of climate change may have seemed abstract and far off.
Advertisement
That changed, however, with historic flooding during the Dec. 18 wind and rain storm, and the back-to-back, record-breaking January storms that inundated the coast. Along with many buildings, they washed away the notion that a waterfront home is out of harm’s way, just because it has stood for a century or more.
Some takeaways from the presentation:
Coastal property owners should plan now for rising sea levels. Tides could come up on average 1.5 feet by 2050, and 3.9 feet by 2100, depending on future global emissions, according to the Maine Climate Council.
The trend already is compounding the impact of storm surge and storm tides, according to Peter Slovinsky, a marine geologist with the Maine Geological Survey. The Jan. 13 storm provided an illustration. Storm surge during an 11.2-foot monthly high tide in Portland pushed water to a record 14.57 feet.
Maine has five options for responding, Slovinksy said. Property owners on higher ground may be able to do nothing. Avoiding new development in high-hazard areas is a second consideration.
Advertisement
Maintaining undeveloped vegetative buffers to provide space for future water levels, and elevating or setting back structures beyond minimum requirements, are ways to accommodate and adapt. Sand dune restoration and other nature-based solutions can help protect developed uplands, although they aren’t always effective against the worst storms.
As a last resort, Slovinsky said, buildings can be relocated, but sometimes they must be removed.
He showed slides of Higgins Beach in Scarborough, when the historic Silver Sands hotel stood on the beach between the sea and Bayview Avenue. The hotel suffered severe damage and was torn down after a major winter storm in 1978.
Photos from last month show the hotel’s vacant lot, and a rock seawall now running where dunes had existed.
Buildings too close to the rising sea may not survive. The historic Silver Sands Hotel stood above sand dunes on Higgins Beach in Scarborough until it was damaged beyond repair in a 1978 winter storm and torn down. Today, the vacant lot is flanked by seawalls, which have replaced the dunes in a bid to protect the resort community. Courtesy of Maine Geological Survey.
Hard decisions also are coming to property owners in Portland. The city is studying zoning changes aimed at making buildings and infrastructure more resilient.
Advertisement
Current floodplain maps use historic data and don’t account for sea level rise. Troy Moon, the city’s sustainability director, displayed a map of Portland’s downtown peninsula with areas that would be underwater in a 100-year flood.
They mostly covered previously filled land around the margins of the harbor wharfs, Bayside and Back Cove.
But plugging in a new computer model using the state’s projected 3.9-foot sea level rise created an alarming map. Large sections of Bayside next to Interstate 295 were flooded, as was much of Commercial Street.
That’s a glimpse of the future.
Home buyers can get a sense of how vulnerable a property may be to storm damage by reviewing federal flood hazard maps. Revised FEMA maps for York and Cumberland counties will be available this summer, showing whether a home with a federally backed or insured mortgage needs mandatory flood insurance. Regular homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding.
Advertisement
The current FEMA floodplain map (on left), based on historical flood levels, shows marginal flooding around Portland Harbor, Bayside and East Deering in a 100-year storm. But a new computer model (on right) using projections for a 3.9-foot sea level rise by 2100 shows those areas inundated by rising waters. Composite of maps provided by the City of Portland.
But don’t count on a home being safe from flooding just because it’s outside a mapped flood zone, James Nadeau told the group. A Portland Realtor and land surveyor, Nadeau noted that 40% of flood claims over the past five years came from homes outside designated Special Hazard Flood Areas.
And don’t put much faith in Maine’s property disclosure paperwork that sellers fill out, Nadeau said. It gives a false sense of security because it doesn’t mention flooding, except to ask if the house is covered by flood insurance. It also provides an optional check-off for “unknown.”
Nadeau suggested home buyers can perform some of their own due diligence by typing the property address into the Climate Check web site, which estimates storm, flood and other weather risks based on 2050 national projections.
‘You can’t turn away from this’
Julia Bassett Schwerin couldn’t have anticipated the timing of these extreme weather events.
A certified Green and Smart Home broker in Cape Elizabeth, Schwerin began months ago preparing Living on the Edge, her fourth annual Sustainability Matters class, for professionals including agents, lenders, insurers and builders. She heads the Sustainability Advisory Group, a committee within the Greater Portland Board of Realtors. Past courses have covered topics including weatherization, electrification and building energy codes.
Advertisement
Realtor Julia Bassett Schwerin organized a class in January to help Portland area real estate professionals prepare for selling coastal properties as sea levels rise. She couldn’t have anticipated the timing — right after three record-breaking storms. Photo by Tux Turkel.
Schwerin said she had long contemplated a workshop on the future of flooding in the Casco Bay region and its effects on waterfront property. She said she didn’t want to scare people, “but now felt like the time.”
Still, Schwerin couldn’t have guessed that the course would take place as Mainers continued to clean up from epic storm damage, a day after Gov. Janet Mills made storm preparation a highlight of her State of the State address and just as President Biden was approving federal disaster relief for 10 Maine counties.
As moderator, Schwerin also used the forum to draw a connection between threats to Maine’s tourism and coastal housing markets, and the burning of fossil fuels that is at the root of climate change.
“I was taking (the storms) as a positive wakeup call for people,” she said. “You can’t turn away from this. Everything we’re doing is bringing this on.”
Class participants heard from five experts on topics that included sea level projections, government flood insurance, revised flood maps, impacts on property values, and adapting for a future of rising water and stronger storms. (View the slide presentations.)
Inland owners also at risk
Advertisement
Coastal storms have done the most recent damage. But as December’s pelting rains demonstrated inland, rising rivers and streams can wreak havoc most anywhere in Maine. These events brought renewed attention to the value of insurance coverage, said Cale Pickford, an agent at Allen Insurance and Financial.
Homeowners can take steps to lower risk, he said. Make sure gutters are clear to handle heavy rain. Install water and freeze alarms to warn of catastrophic flooding potential.
Consider a whole-house generator to keep systems operating if the power goes out. But as financial losses mount, expect flood insurance rates to rise and underwriting guidelines in the private flood insurance market to tighten, Pickford said.
“Knowing the insurability of a property when buying a new home can be just as important as location,” he noted.
Even property owners who have flood insurance may find it doesn’t cover the contents of a building, or that the bar for proving water damage is higher than owners expect.
Advertisement
Does all this mean that property values are likely to fall in flood zones or areas with a history of flooding? Maybe, but maybe not, said Robert Lynch, senior vice president and chief appraiser at United Valuation Group in Scarborough.
As an exercise, Lynch studied 14 sales over the past three years at Camp Ellis in Saco, an oceanfront neighborhood long prone to flooding. He noted eight sales outside the current FEMA mapped flood zone with a median sale price of $712,000. Six homes inside the flood zone sold for a median price of $593,750. That’s a nearly 17% difference.
But this group data analysis has flaws, Lynch explained. It’s a small sample. And it doesn’t account for the age, condition or size of the homes.
A risk-reward calculation
Still, there’s evidence that the impact of climate change on home values is becoming part of the conversation.
Advertisement
One example is a recent blog from Rockland-based Cates Real Estate.
“January came in like a dragon,” it began, citing the unprecedented storm damage, an image of homes on a flooded street and a link to the state government’s assistance page. One of the brokers, Kerry Lee Hall of Scarborough, included a YouTube video of waves breaking over homes at Higgins Beach.
In a late-January article about home prices, a Cape Elizabeth realtor said she’ll be interested in seeing how coastal flooding will affect property values in her town and other coastal communities.
“The Cape has always been a desirable area,” Mary Libby told the Bangor Daily News, “but I think we’re going to have to watch what’s going on with the climate. I get calls from clients who are on the water saying, ‘What should we do?’ ”
Advertisement
The new reality may compel some buyers to revise their risk-reward calculations, according to Leanne Barschdorf Nichols, who started the Sustainability Advisory Group.
“It depends on how consumers perceive the risk,” she said. “People are going to have to make those decisions on an individual basis.”
A principal founder of the Keller Williams Realty franchise in Maine, Nichols said the recent storms make it imperative that realtors and clients talk frankly about the impacts of climate change. At the same time, she said she expects the market to adjust with mitigation strategies, such as raising structures or building farther back from the water.
“People cherish the waterfront in Maine,” she said. “They will find ways to adapt.”
Harpswell, Brunswick, Freeport, Kennebunkport, Belfast, St. George, Bath, and now Phippsburg. These are the towns where Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering sustainable fisheries in the Gulf of Maine and supporting Maine’s fishing businesses, has co-hosted panels to discuss the variety of issues facing Maine’s working waterfronts.
The next in the series, titled “Hidden Working Waterfronts,” will be held in Phippsburg from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on May 23 at the Maine Oyster Company’s basecamp. This will be a discussion of the small working waterfronts that often go unnoticed along the coast of Maine, particularly those in Phippsburg and Georgetown, and their significance to the waterfront economy and heritage of this area.
Panelists will include those involved in shellfish harvesting, oyster farming, commercial fishing and management of coastal resources. It will be moderated by MCFA Director of Community Programs Monique Coombs, with space for questions and discussion from participants. The event is free, but registration is required. Maine Oyster Company will also have lobster lunch boxes and oysters for sale on site. More information as well as registration is available at maine-coast-fishermens-association.networkforgood.com/events/71734-hidden-working-waterfronts-a-working-waterfront-conversation.
This panel follows on the heels of another panel recently held in Bath to address the impacts of this winter’s storms on the coast of Maine. Held at the Maine Maritime Museum on April 3, that panel discussed the future of maritime industry and the challenges that lay ahead in recovering and rebuilding the coast’s working waterfront infrastructure. Resources related to storm recovery as well as a synopsis of that panel as well as recordings and information about previous panels are available at mainecoastfishermen.org/working-waterfront.
Advertisement
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Advertisement
Use the form below to reset your password. When you’ve submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.
« Previous
Advertisement
Water flowing, oysters growing at Harpswell hatchery
Over time, Maine has affectionately earned the nickname “Vacationland,” a title that comes as no surprise to those who have made the trek to visit it. Beautiful shores, lush forests, shimmering lakes, and native wildlife abound, creating an atmosphere of untouched beauty. Charming little towns, steeped in history and brimming with stories passed down through generations, are tucked away within these natural wonders. As the weekend approaches, these towns come alive with a vibrant energy, beckoning travelers from far and wide who seek the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Swan’s Island
A walkway in Swan’s Island, Maine.
Swan’s Island is the ideal destination for a short weekend getaway. The 7,000-acre island is easily explorable within a couple of days. Stunning rocky coastlines and dense forests populate the island. The adventure begins during the journey to reach the island, which is accessible exclusively through the Maine State Ferry Service. Outdoor lovers can venture along the island’s 1.8-mile marked trails and explore its four public beaches, three of which require hiking for access.
Visitors can explore the island’s rich history at the Swan’s Island Lobster & Marine Museum, showcasing artifacts from its fishing industry past. The Swan’s Island Historical Society offers additional insight through various exhibits. Those wanting to disconnect can stay at the Harbor Watch Inn, one of the Island’s few hotels.
Boothbay Harbor
Downtown Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Image credit EQRoy via Shutterstock.com
Those who love spending the day out on the water will love Boothbay Harbor. Many travelers take to sailing, fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, enjoying the sea breeze and scenic views of the rocky coastline. The picturesque views continue, with travelers having various waterfront restaurants to select from, including McSeagull’s and 727 Ocean Sunset Bar.
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, featuring over 300 acres of gardens, is also a Boothbay favorite. Charming bed and breakfasts line the downtown area, making it easy to find a place to spend the night. Harbour Towne Inn, a waterfront inn surrounded by lush gardens, will enchant visitors with Boothbay’s relaxed spirit.
Advertisement
Castine
The marina in Castine, Maine. Image credit Kristi Blokhin via Shutterstock.com
Despite its modest population of just over 900, Castine’s 400-year history, adorned with Greek and Federal Revival architecture, coupled with its enchanting harbor, promises an abundance of activities for a weekend escape. Castine does not shy away from recreational activities. Between sailing, kayaking, tennis, and golf, the town has a sport for everyone.
Visitors can also hike a short footpath around the Dyce Head Lighthouse, established in 1829. Shoppers can easily spend a Saturday afternoon strolling through Castine’s village of shops and galleries before stopping at a mouthwatering restaurant. Pentagoet Inn completes the Castine experience with its charming Queen Anne Victorian architecture. It also features a wine bar with delicious food and drinks!
Greenville
A closeup of a seaplane in Moosehead Lake, Greenville, Maine.
Nestled alongside Maine’s largest lake, Moosehead Lake, Greenville emerges as an ideal hub for fishing, boating, canoeing, and hiking enthusiasts. Positioned amidst this expansive 40-by-20-mile lake, intrepid travelers can embark on a hike up Mount Kineo, a towering 763-foot cliff, to relish breathtaking 360-degree vistas from its summit. Lily Bay State Park, nestled on the shores of Moosehead Lake, offers ample room for swimming and boasts a sandy beach perfect for sun-seekers.
Wishing for a memorable excursion? Book a Moose Safari on Moosehead Lake to encounter majestic moose in their natural habitat. The Greenville Inn is an excellent place to stay. It showcases the town’s history through photographs and paintings splayed on the walls, accompanied by a well-preserved historic interior.
Rockland
Rockland Harbor during Rockland Lobster Festival in summer, Rockland, Maine. Image credit Wangkun Jia via Shutterstock.com
Rockland has a plethora of activities, from summer festivals to island explorations and water sports. Every July, the renowned North Atlantic Blues Festival attracts visitors worldwide, showcasing acclaimed jazz performers like Jr. Wells and Koko Taylor alongside delectable seafood, embodying the essence of the Atlantic Coast. While most beaches in Rockland host rocky shores, Barrett’s Cove on Megunticook Lake provides a rare sandy oasis for sunbathing and swimming without the usual crowds, even during peak summer.
For a sophisticated dining experience to cap off the day, 18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill stands out with its upscale ambiance and locally sourced seafood delicacies, ensuring a memorable culinary journey. Nestled in Rockland’s quaint historic district, the LimeRock Inn is a Victorian mansion converted into a cozy bed and breakfast that is a great lodging option for a short getaway.
Harpswell
Lowell’s Cove in Harpswell, Maine.
Harpswell stands out as a truly distinctive town, on Harpswell Neck, a cluster of sizable islands interconnected by bridges. The best way to become quickly familiar with Harpswell is by embarking on a kayak tour. Those who have always wanted to sail but have never known where to begin are in luck. Orr’s Bailey Yacht Club provides beginner sailing sessions that will take its students through racers to practice. Back on solid ground, Harpswell has lots of history to share. The colonial era Old Meeting House is a fascinating landmark, dating back to the 1750s and used by generations to host church services.
Additionally, a historic colonial burial ground lies just behind it. For hikers, Cliff Trail is a true gem. The rugged, 2.3-mile trail features stunning views overlooking 150-foot cliffs. Heading back into town for the night, The Harpswell Inn, dating back to the 1700s, offers a comfortable retreat at the waterfront.
Rumford
Overlooking downtown Rumford, Maine.
Fishers and hikers flock to Rumford in the summer months due to its scenic and relaxing surroundings. Androscoggin River becomes a haven as the weather warms, with locals and tourists participating in fishing, boating, and paddling. Those up for a challenge can hike up Rumford’s Whitecap Mountain, which has two trails that lead to panoramic views of the forests and hills below. Back in town, Rumford offers an array of antique, collectible, and thrift shops, making it easy to find a unique souvenir. The J. Eugene Boivin Park along the river is a great place to wrap up an afternoon before heading to your lodging. Hotel Rumford is a classic; a cozy stay right on the river.
Although travelers could easily spend beyond a month exploring Maine’s treasures, a weekend trip provides a fantastic taste of what this state has to offer. From coastal paradises like Boothbay Harbor to serene island escapes like Swan’s Island, each destination represents a unique side of Maine’s rugged culture. As you prepare your weekend itinerary for some much-needed time away, do not shy away from these memorable destinations in Vacationland.
The Maine’s Black Future podcast boldly visits stories of historic Black Mainers and the legacies they carved into the state. Then we connect this longstanding history to Black changemakers weaving Maine’s Black future today!
We define terminology, keep it real, and invite you to connect deeply with Black Mainers creating the future that we want to live in. We showcase Black excellence occurring all over Maine and feature original music production from the GEM CITY Maine collective, throughout.
Episode 6 opens with Genius Black telling the story of John D. Carter, who lived in Augusta during the 19th century.
In the 1830s and 1840s, Carter and his wife Mary lived above his barbershop. Carter was a successful businessman, and a vocal opponent of slavery, which he considered a sin. He proposed anti-slavery resolutions that challenged First Baptist Church of Augusta’s commitment to act against enslavers and the institution of slavery. He was an early activist, paving the way.
Advertisement
Lisa Jones
Later in the episode, Genius and Lisa Jones connect about founding Black Travel Maine, growing up in the Tri-State area, and lobbying on behalf of small businesses in Washington D.C.
Genius touches on the Black history that drew Jones to the state of Maine, and how much the people of Maine mean to her.
She talks about entering the travel industry, and early impact she created there. Jones recalls some of the reasons for starting Black Travel Maine, and how she connects travelers’ needs to the solutions she offers.
She also highlights the economic impact of increasing tourism, particularly Black tourism to the state.
As Jones shares a list of career honors and reflects on their relevance, we get a peek into Black excellence within the travel industry. The conversation concludes with a discussion about her vision and proclamations for Maine’s Black future.
Advertisement
You can listen below to the episode or you can find it on some of your favorite podcast hosting platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Deezer, Player FM, Listen Notes, Podcast Index, Goodpods and Pocket Casts.
Past Episodes
Episode 1: The history of London Atus and an interview with Alfine Nathalie.
Episode 2: The history of Pedro Tovookan Parris and an interview with Junes Thete
Advertisement
Episode 3: The history of John Brown Russwurm and an interview with Adilah Muhammad
Episode 4: A story of Sherman Kentucky Ferguson and an interview with David Patrick
Episode 5: A story of Gerald E. Talbot and an interview with Angela Okafor
Podcast Series Notes
Maine’s Black Future Podcast is supported by Maine Initiative’s Grants for Change program and receives editing and multimedia support from The Maine Monitor, which also serves as the fiscal sponsor for Maine’s Black Future.
Advertisement
This relationship also means you can now give your tax deductible gift or donation to the Maine’s Black Future Podcast, via The Maine Monitor.
Genius Black, or Jerry Edwards, was awarded the 2024 Media Arts Fellow for the Maine Arts Commission. This podcast is funded in part by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Theme music produced by Genius Black, composed by Genius along with Bill Giordano on bass and Ben Noyes on acoustic piano.
Podcast recorded, and produced by Genius Black at Portland Media Center, for The Maine Monitor.
Episode References & Links
Advertisement
Maine’s Visible Black History, The First Chronicles of its People by H.H. Price and Gerald E. Talbot.
Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Blacks in Maine – Part 2
Augusta, Maine Wikipedia
Visit Black Travel Maine
Connect with Genius on Instagram
Advertisement
Genius Black
Genius Black, also known as Jerry Edwards, is a social innovator, entrepreneur, and musical artist based in South Portland, Maine. Naturally a storyteller and motivator, he focuses on collaboration and audio/video production as a craft. Genius curates a collaborative network and collective of musical talent, GEM CITY, driving the intersection of art, culture, and quality of place unique to Maine’s coast. He holds a degree in Africana Studies and an English minor from Bowdoin College. He is the father of two teenagers, 15 and 19 years old. Genius is a media and communications organizer for TheThirdPlace and a proud board member of Portland Media Center.
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you’ve submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.