Augusta, ME - July 8, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — State regulators today issued orders directing 15 separate foreclosure rescue companies to cease doing business with Maine consumers. The companies, all located out of state, enticed consumers with radio, television and internet advertisements promising to help the consumers avoid foreclosure but then took the consumers’ advance fees and did nothing to assist the consumers.

AUGUSTA, ME - June 23, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — As of July 1, 2009 all new and replacement home heating oil tanks within the wellhead protection zone of community drinking water wells must be double-walled or have additional spill containment. The wellhead protection zone is the area around a well where it is most susceptible to contamination.“Protecting this area helps to keep Maine’s drinking water safe,” says Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) engineer David McCaskill. “The DEP responds, on average, to more than one spill a day from residential home heating oil tanks, and corrosion is the single largest cause.”

Combined with federal tax credits, total incentives for first time buyers can be as high as $15,000. PORTLAND, ME - June 18, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Governor John E. Baldacci announced today some good news for first-time homebuyers – and for Maine’s housing market. MaineHousing is starting a new “Gift of Green” homeownership initiative that provides eligible First Home program borrowers with up to $5,500 in financial incentives to purchase a home

Foreclosures and Loan Delinquencies Continue to Trend Upward but the Number of Completed Foreclosures Declines for Second Consecutive Quarter. AUGUSTA, ME - June 11, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Superintendent Lloyd P. LaFountain, III announced this week that recently completed analysis by the Bureau of Financial Institutions of first quarter 2009 data submitted by Maine-chartered banks and credit unions shows a continuing modest increase in home foreclosures in Maine.

AUGUSTA, ME - June 10, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Governor John E. Baldacci today ceremonially signed LD 1127, An Act To Define Services for Maine Runaway and Homeless Youth. The law establishes a comprehensive program for homeless youth and runaways. The Department of Health and Human Services will enter into performance-based contracts with agencies and organizations to provide street and community outreach, drop-in programs, emergency shelter and transitioning living services. Monitoring will be in place to ensure quality and track rates of homelessness.

AUGUSTA, ME - June 10, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Governor John E. Baldacci today highlighted five of the 56 communities who have benefited from Community Development Block Grants over the past year. The Governor participated in a press conference to acknowledge the work done around Maine through the CDBG program.

PORTLAND, ME - June 9, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — The Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Maine will present its first ever President’s Award to MaineHousing Director Dale McCormick at the Association’s annual meeting Wednesday at the Holiday Inn West in Portland.

AUGUSTA, ME - May 19, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Providing permanent supportive housing for homeless people in rural Maine is less expensive than serving them while they are homeless, and provides a better qualify of life at the same time, according to the results of a new study.

Professional & Financial Regulation - Financial Institutions. April 13, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Foreclosures and Loan Delinquencies Continue to Trend Upward but the Number of Completed and Initiated Foreclosure Proceedings Declines in Fourth Quarter

AUGUSTA - March 24, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Federal recovery funds coming to Maine through MaineHousing will create and retain housing jobs, but it is impossible to determine how much employment will be created until more federal guidelines are provided, MaineHousing Director Dale McCormick told a meeting of about 300 housing professionals Monday

AUGUSTA, ME - March 12, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Governor John E. Baldacci announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the process by which specific transportation projects in Caribou and Presque Isle will be completed. The MOU was signed by the Governor, Maine Department of Transportation Commission David Cole and the managers of the cities of Caribou and Presque Isle

AUGUSTA - February 26, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — MaineHousing and several Maine lenders are now offering ENERGY STAR mortgages, a benefit for Maine families who own or are buying homes.

AUGUSTA, ME - February 26, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — More than $1 million in federal aid has been disbursed to help Maine communities recover from last December's ice storm after the presidential disaster declaration on January 9 made local governments and municipalities in seven counties eligible for federal assistance.

Waiting Period for Insurance to Take Effect Means NOW is the Time to Act to be Covered for Spring Flooding February 25, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Insurance Superintendent Mila Kofman is urging all Maine residents to evaluate their need for flood insurance, especially with spring approaching and a typical 30-day waiting period before a new flood insurance policy takes effect.

AUGUSTA, ME - February 18, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — More than $1.4 million in Recreational Trails Program grants has been announced for local and state trail projects, according to the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands