Business spotlight on Assist2Sell with E. Leonard Scott by Michelle Libby

Buying and selling homes can be a stressful time for people who want to get the best deal for the money or make as much as possible on the sale of their property. Assist 2 Sell at 510 Main Street in Gorham can help buyers and sellers make and keep more money as well as provide the same services offered by a traditional real estate office.
 

E. Leonard Scott has been involved in real estate for 43 years. He started as a funeral director in Calais then sold the business after 10 years. He started a real estate business in Calais, but got cabin fever and moved to Portland. 

“I was in northern Maine where real estate is a blood sport,” Scott said. When he first arrived in Portland, he bounced from agency to agency, picking up information and tricks of the trade along the way. He took CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) Institute courses to sell commercial real estate, but never got his designation. He is a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), however. 

“I’m a curious person,” Scott said. He uses the knowledge he has learned to help his clients, and he keeps on top of what is happening in the industry with different websites. He found Assist 2 Sell and became the 53rd agency to join the company 17 years ago. Now there are hundreds  of Assist 2 Sell offices in the United States. 

“Assist 2 Sell is based on high volume, reduced commissions, full-service real estate,” he said. Agents with Assist 2 Sell can be listing agents, selling agents or disclosed dual agencies, but Scott said that is very rare within Assist 2 Sell. 

E. Scott Leonard

“We save people 50 to 60 percent in the cost of selling their home. We represent them exclusively,” Scott said. “It takes 66 hours of training to get a real estate license in Maine. It takes 2,500 hours to be a barber. Screw up a real estate transaction and it could cost someone a lot of money.” With a barber, hair grows back, he finished. 

“I try to teach and try to help them,” Scott said. “We’re real estate agents just like any other agent.” The hardest part of his job is spreading the word that Assist 2 Sell is just like other agencies, but they will save money for their clients. 

Last December, Scott moved from Falmouth, where he had been for 17 years, to the present location in Gorham. He is happy with the space and location of the new office he shares with his daughter, Kris Clark, and agent Jon Tupper. Between the three of them, they have over 80 years of experience. 

When a client comes to meet with Scott or his team, he helps them set a price; he does a competitive market analysis, holds open houses, and once ready, will put the listing on all of the multiple listing sites (MLS). Scott estimates that it takes approximately 23 hours to list a house. Some properties sell quickly at an open house, others might need a little more time. Assist 2 Sell is there through the whole process. 

The times have changed in the real estate market. “The buyers are very knowledgeable. They come to the table knowing exactly what they want,” Scott said. With dual agency, a client working with a broker acting as the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent “might not be getting full service. We provide full service in the straightest sense,” he added. Agents at Assist 2 Sell are Realtors® in all ways, except they do not do disclosed dual agency.” 

Assist 2 Sell agents charge $3,250 as a listing commission regardless of how much your home sells for. This can save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars especially on more expensive homes. The agents help clients save money, and if they can’t, Scott will tell the customer that as well.

To see if Assist 2 Sell can help sell a property, visit www.MaineMLS.com, call 207-781-2856 or email Leonard@MaineMLS.com. <

Moving? Don't forget to make insurance changes too by State Farm

We all know how stressful moving can be - there's a massive list of tasks to perform. So it's no surprise that making new insurance arrangements might not jump out as your first priority.

But do yourself a favor: Don't wait. The process isn't as tough as it seems. Below are a few key questions to investigate about moving and transferring insurance. They don't cover everything, but they should get you going in the right direction.

Have you talked to your agent?

If you're happy with your insurance company, give your agent a call. Your agent should be able to tell you whether you'll need to find a new agent and how to transfer your policies to your new address.

What about new insurance? And transferring insurance?

Talking with an agent is the best way to find out what you'll need to do to get new insurance or transfer your insurance to your new address. Your agent will also help you understand insurance requirements in your new location.

If you're moving between states, keep in mind that insurance coverage varies across states. For example, in California, due to the high frequency of earthquakes, you need to take special precautions to make sure your home is safe and secure in case of an earthquake. That's not the case in Indiana! Different states also have different auto insurance laws, and if you're moving to a new state, you'll need a new auto insurance policy - plain and simple.

Most state laws require you to have homeowner's insurance before you even buy a home. If you're
covered by State Farm, you should be able to get a prorated credit from your old homeowner's policy when you're signing up for a new one in a new state.

Are your possessions covered while you're moving?

Depending on how you've chosen to move - hired movers, rental truck, a portable container, or DIY in the back of your old Honda - your property may or may not be covered between the time it leaves your home and arrives at its final destination. Some homeowner policies will cover your property everywhere, regardless of whether it's in your home or in a moving truck. Other policies won't cover anything once it's out your door. So double-check your policy or call your agent.

If your own insurance policy won't cover your property, you can get coverage through your moving company. By federal law, moving companies have to offer supplemental insurance for your property that will cover a set percentage of replacement costs, but you'll need to increase that amount to get full coverage.

Business Spotlight on Fishermens Catch by Michelle Libby

The red A-frame proclaiming lobsters is an icon on Route 302 in Raymond. Fishermens Catch is known for its lobster rolls, but also has a fresh seafood market in the same building. Open from Mother’s Day to Columbus Day, Fishermens Catch serves typical Maine seafood like fried clams, steamers, mussels and of course, lobster and lobster rolls. 
 

Owner Bill Coppersmith, Jr. grew up in the seafood business. He lobstered in Portland, worked in the industry during high school before going to college for one semester to major in business administration. He decided he wanted to work in a business, not just learn about business. He established the restaurant in 2009. Working at Fishermens Catch for 14 and 15 hour days, 7 days a week, has taught him more than he could have learned in school. 

Lobster rolls are the biggest seller at Fishermens Catch. “We stuff them heavy with all fresh, never frozen meat. We grill the roll. There’s no complicated method,” Coppersmith said. The lobster rolls were named one of the best lobster rolls by Down East Magazine two years ago; something Coppersmith takes pride in mentioning. In a weekend, it is not unusual for them to make between 500 and 600 lobster rolls.

Coppersmith and his family

“We give them quantity and quality and that’s what they’re looking for,” said Coppersmith. “What you see for prices is what you get. There’s no bait and switch.” They also don’t use tricks like putting egg whites in the roll or using imitation crab meat. “We take the tricks out of the equation,” he added. “People work hard for their vacation. They worked hard for their money and we want to give them something good.” 

The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, all lobster friendly, with an eye toward extreme cleanliness, according to Coppersmith. “We slave over trying to keep this place clean,” he said.

For all the land-lovers, Fishermens Catch also serves chicken fingers and chicken sandwiches.

Quality food is the mission of the 12 employees at Fishermens Catch. There is no typical fishy smell inside the building, which is a bonus for some. 

“Raymond has the most amount of shorefront,” said Coppersmith. His location is perfect to catch summer people traveling up Routes 302, 85 and 121. He hooks people from all area lakes and ponds.

“We see repeat customers, friendly faces. Some we might see every night. Or we see them at lunch then see them at dinner,” he said. One group bought Fishermens Catch T-shirts and it’s become a tradition to wear them to dinner, all 12 of them. 

Fishermens Catch provides all of the lobsters for the area summer camps and Point Sebago for their lobster bakes. They can cook 400 to 500 lobsters at a time in specialty pots Coppersmith had made.

When looking for steamed lobsters, it is recommended that customers order ahead Thursday through Sunday, as it’s a busy time. 

Coppersmith offers the Maine experience of a lobster bake, fresh seafood and more within a 50 mile radius of Raymond. Lobster bakes are great for: rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, anniversaries or to celebrate summer in Maine. From Cape Elizabeth to Frye Island and anywhere in between, Fishermens Catch will provide all of the fixings for a down east lobster bake. The minimum size is 30 people. 

“Four hundred is the biggest we’ve done, but the sky’s the limit,” said Coppersmith.

For those who don’t get enough lobsters on vacation, live hard shelled lobsters can be shipped next day air.  

In the fish market, most of the items are from the Gulf of Maine including lobster meat, scallops, Maine caught halibut, tuna, and swordfish. Additional items are big shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico and Alaskan sock-eye salmon. Items are fresh daily from local fishermen. With the biggest tank system in the lakes region, the capacity to have on hand and cook large quantities is massive, Coppersmith said. “It sets us apart. Don’t call around. We can do it,” he said. “I like cooking the lobsters - being on the back deck at 140 degrees out there. The owner is out back cooking the lobsters, so you know we’re doing it right.” The lobsters are steamed, unlike at most lobster pounds. On average they steam 1,000 lobsters a day. 

Coppersmith is married and is the father to a 6-year-old son, Eli, and a 4-year-old daughter, Haddie. His wife, Whitney, makes the homemade seafood chowder and the homemade tartar sauce.

Fishermens Catch is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. They have live music every other Saturday in the summer. 

For more information or to order ahead, visit www.fishermenscatchraymond.com, find them on Facebook, or call 207-655-2244.

Business spotlight on K.J. Bancroft LLC by Michelle Libby

Kyle Bancroft has been moving earth since he was 14. He started out in landscaping before starting his own landscaping company. In 2006, he went to school to earn his national heavy equipment operator’s certificate through National Construction Center for Education and Research (NCCER), which he is putting to good use all over the Sebago region.
 

“There is a lot of work available,” said Bancroft. “I knew being outside is where I was meant to be. I enjoyed my job and basic maintenance landscaping, walkways and retaining walls.” The business evolved into where Bancroft is now a general contractor for his clients. As a LLC, K.J. Bancroft will be able to grow as business needs grow. Now he works with a team of one full time employee and one part time employee focusing on residential and light commercial development. 

The connections in various industries he has vetted over the years, allows him to pick and choose who he will work with on different projects, to have the best of the best working for the clients from CAD drafters and plumbers to electricians and builders. Bancroft examines the work history, Internet and social media presence for everyone he works with. “Essentially they’re carrying our name. We try to vet them very carefully,” he said.    

The company is insured, but is not required to be licensed in the State of Maine. “Being nationally certified stands out among the competition. It puts us ahead of the curve to take the step to legitimize ourselves,” he said. “What I was taught and learned was like spending 25 years in the business.”

As a rule, he travels within a 25 mile radius of his home base in Raymond. He does work in Falmouth, Scarborough and is involved in a development project in the Standish/Buxton area.

“We’re proud of every project we roll out of,” he said. 

K.J.Bancroft clears, stump grinds and moves trees, they cover the earthwork side and then they manage the project to completion. 

“Our goal is to take it from A to Z, so the homeowner can sit back and have a point of contact,” Bancroft said. People who don’t use a general contractor can often have set backs that can throw off the entire timetable for subcontractors, putting projects behind for months. 

K.J.Bancroft offers three different construction plans for homes featuring a ranch, a cape and a colonial, but all can be customized, he said. “They are canvases to start. What would you like to see?”

Land can already be owned or found first, then the home built, or K.J.Bancroft can do a whole building package from start to finish. 

“We make sure the customer is completely happy. Communication is effective. Customers say it’s so easy to get in touch with me. It’s about customer service whether it’s a small $800 job or building a house,” Bancroft said. “If you’ve got a spot for us, we can make it happen.”

The company was named for himself and his son Kolton James. “I wanted to start something for him to continue,” he said. 

Bancroft is very involved in the Raymond community. He was born and raised there. He is on the planning board, making him familiar with permitting in Raymond and thus in other towns. He is part of the Raymond Fire and Rescue Department and is a pilot for the Raymond Fire and Rescue boat. 

He is a member of the Raymond Rattlers Snowmobile Club and donates from the business as well.

K.J. Bancroft wants the opportunity to use their skills to create projects that enhance the communities of the area. 

K.J. Bancroft is a member of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. 

For more information, visit www.kjbancroft.com, call 207-807-0842 or email kyle@kjbancroft.com.

Business Spotlight: Dyer Septic & Excavation by Michelle Libby

Very few people think about their septic system until it’s too late. Dyer Septic & Excavation can help with the needs of all residential homeowners and commercial businesses. With 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days-a-year coverage, the team at Dyer can help build a new system, fix an existing system or do routine maintenance. 
 

Run by Rick Dyer, Pam Dyer and Nick Dyer, Dyer Septic has been in business for more than 40 years. The company started with a backhoe installing tanks, before Rick began pumping with an old fire truck. Eventually the company expanded and now Nick, the son, does the septic work and Rick still works the excavator. 

“We offer septic tank pumping, emergency services and tank locating,” said Nick. “It’s a septic

company. It’s not glamourous. It’s something that has to be done.”

From installing new systems and septic pumps to baffle instillations and excavations for foundations and driveways, Dyer Septic & Excavation can do it all. With one stop shopping, they can help residential and commercial customers get into a routine that will insure that the project will be done right the first time and have proper upkeep in the future. 

“People who don’t get their tank pumped eventually will call us with problems,” said Nick. “They get into a routine because they don’t want it to back up into their house ever again.” 

Dyer Septic & Excavation covers 30 towns in the Sebago Lake and Oxford Hills regions. The 10 employees, with 20 plus years of experience each, work as teams to meet the needs of their customers. 

“There’s high demand in the field for trades for people who want to work,” Nick said.

Pumping is scheduled Monday through Friday, but emergencies are 24/7/365. 

“We come out whether it’s Christmas or the Fourth of July,” Nick said. “We like to think we have the best service and most competitive rates.” A tank up to 1,000 gallons, which are the most common tanks they pump, costs $225. “It’s the lowest around. We do a lot of service when we are there: filter cleaning, clear blockages, root removal, tank inspection and snaking the line at no additional charges. 

The excavation side of the business can dig any hole or help with projects like foundations, installing risers for tanks that need to be moved closer to the surface, and driveway preparation. 

“We’re one company that can come routinely to help you out and come back and fix everything, tank, pump and leach field. We can come help you out,” Nick said. “I’ve been to some tanks that have five inches of water left in a five foot tank.” That’s not a good situation. He’s also seen animals and tree roots in the tanks. After pumping a laundromat’s tank, they found four IDs and money to name a few things. 

The teams at Dyer are very responsive to phone calls. They are almost always available to answer the phones or will be sure to call a customer back soon after a message is left. “Word gets around if you’re good, or bad,” Nick said. Usually appointments can be booked within the week or that very day. 

The company stands out from its competitors because it is fully eco-friendly. They use DEP certified tanks to treat the waste brought in to their facility. All the solids are then treated to make compost. The composting and water system they have makes them able to be more competitive in the marketplace. 

“Half the job is educating people,” Nick said. 

A family of four should have their septic tank pumped ever three or four years based on use. “If they party every weekend with friends, they might need it more,” said Nick. Seasonal camps might only need to be pumped every four or five years. 

For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.DyerSeptic.com, or call 583-6015 or email DyerExcavating@roadrunner.com.