Thanksgiving is when "home" means the most, and in Southern Maine, it means a lot.
There's something about late November here. The summer crowds are gone, the light glows over Casco Bay, and the smell of a wood burning fire fills the home. Families come home, tables get crowded, and the kitchen becomes the busiest room in the house. After a lifetime in Cape Elizabeth and many years helping people find their place here, this is the season that reminds me why I love what I do.
What I'm thankful for this year
My clients. Every family who trusted me with one of the biggest decisions of their lives. The first-time buyers, the downsizers, the folks relocating from across the country, and the families settling a loved one's estate. Thank you for letting me be part of your story.
This community. I grew up in Cape Elizabeth, and I'm still grateful every day for neighbors who show up for each other, from helping to shovel out from a snowstorm or just check in to say hello.
Maine's makers. The builders, craftsmen, artists and tradespeople who make homes here so special. Their work is a big part of why people fall in love with Maine houses.
My team at Town & Shore. I get to work alongside partners and colleagues who care deeply about our community.
Some of my favorite ways to bring a little local flavor to the holiday:
Shop local for the table. Order a turkey from a Maine farm, pick up apples and squash at a farm stand, and grab potatoes grown right here in Maine. Winter farmers' markets are a great one-stop shop.
Leave room for pie. Our local bakeries turn out some incredible pies this time of year. Order early before they sell out.
Start the day outside. Lots of Southern Maine towns host Thanksgiving morning road races and turkey trots. Or just take a walk on the beach or a coastal trail before the cooking starts.
Give back. Local food pantries and shelters need extra help this time of year. A donation or a few volunteer hours go a long way.
Toast with something local. Maine's breweries, wineries and cider makers have plenty to pair with the meal.
My favorite local bakeries
Greater Portland has an amazing bakery scene. A few local spots worth a stop before the big day:
The Cookie Jar, 554 Shore Rd., Cape Elizabeth. A hometown institution since the 1950s, famous for its doughnuts, plus breads, pastries and custom cakes.
Scratch Baking Co., 416 Preble St., South Portland. The Willard Square favorite for sourdough bagels, breads, pies and holiday desserts.
Standard Baking Co., 75 Commercial St., Portland. The Old Port bakery that set the bar for artisan bread here back in 1995.
Two Fat Cats Bakery, Portland. Known for classic pies and some of the best whoopie pies in Maine.
Tandem Coffee + Bakery, Portland. Great coffee, biscuits and house-made pastries for the morning after.
ZUbakery, 81 Clark St., Portland. A West End gem for handcrafted bread.
Tip: Holiday pre-orders fill up fast, so call or order online a week or two ahead.
Thinking about a move? The holidays can be a smart time
A lot of people put real estate on hold until spring. That's exactly why the holidays can work in your favor.
For buyers:
Less competition. Fewer buyers are out looking, so you may have more room to negotiate.
Motivated sellers. Homes on the market in late November are usually there for a reason, and sellers are often ready to make a deal.
A true test drive. You get to see how a home handles Maine's colder months - the heating, the drafts, the driveway.
For sellers:
Serious buyers. People touring homes over Thanksgiving weekend usually mean it, including relocating buyers in town visiting family.
A home that shows warm. Holiday touches, a fire in the fireplace and a cozy kitchen help buyers picture themselves celebrating there.
A head start on spring. Getting ready now means you can list early and beat the spring rush.
If you're hosting while your home is on the market, keep the decorations simple, clear the counters after the big meal and plan showings around family time.
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is celebrated in many ways. For some, it is a gathering of extended family, with generations seated around one table and traditions passed down over the years. For others, it is a quiet evening shared with loved ones, or a meal among friends and neighbors who have become family. Whatever form your celebration takes, I extend my warmest wishes for a holiday filled with good company, abundance and peace. And I hope you take a moment to appreciate the place you call home and the people who make it feel that way.
With gratitude,
Erin Haber, Associate Broker + Owner, Town & Shore Real Estate
