Hi Donna – Generally speaking, coastal Maine is more expensive the further south you go. It’s all relative, of course.

Maine has a lot of older homes (late 1800’s-early 1900’s) plus, unlike many other states, Maine no contractor’s license board (something I did not realize until recently). Anyone can be a contractor/home-builder. Accordingly, repairs run the gamut from completely unacceptable to 100% fine.

We love Maine, too, and can’t wait to get back!

Thanks for commenting.

Steve

Sounds good. Good luck on your search!

I remember the first time I rented an Airbnb we paid rent, cleaning and management plus all the taxes available. So the key I guess will be to make sure maintenance won’t come out of the rental.

I am glad you have been able to set everything on track and decided to share your adventure with the rest of all. Well if I get a place there will let you know. Good luck to you and your family.

When I was in the planning stages, I also figured we would rent in the winter. However, to rent during the winter you need a local tenant. Unless you’re in a ski area, all of the seasonal visitors are gone. Also, keep in mind that to keep a place open in winter, you need the heat running all the time because you aren’t winterized, not just when you have a tenant. Otherwise, you risk frozen pipes. Basically, you locked into very high utility bills while your rental income prospects are not good.

If you’re on AirBnB, look at the availability calendars of homes in Jonesboro and surrounding areas. For the most part, they’re all closed by mid-September. It’s not that they wouldn’t love more income, it just does not pencil out, in my experience.

You may have better luck just opening up th early and late parts of the summer for tenants while you keep the other weeks for yourself.

Bangor is the closest airport to Jonesport.

For the most part, people have been very respectful of our home. My theory is that it’s not a “party” kind of destination where people go to get crazy like Las Vegas. Most of our guest are adults with families looking for a quiet get away.

There are a few people in town where we’re at who do house cleaning. I’m sure Jonesboro has local cleaners, as well. You should look for a local property manager to help with check-ins and check-outs.

Most towns in Maine appreciate their seasonal tourist traffic and are very laid back. I’ve not run into any issues with regulations or problems with full time residents.

Do you live close to Jonesboro or are you coming for out of state?

My idea was to rent during winter and use it during summer months for the family. I did check on AIRBNB to see if any homes have been book no luck . Perhaps I want to see if the cat have 5 legs. May have to rent during summers to make enough for property taxes. Incredible high taxes by the water.

Today I was researching for utilities companies to have better understanding of the enormous financial craziness I am planing to undertake. Yes I am the one taking the risk. My husband no so much.

I am just in the planning process. Do you know if there a forum in Maine for AiRBNB host . Is Bangor airport the closer to Jonesport? We may visit next weekend to get a real feel of the area pending the homes are still available. Have the guess been respectful of your home? Does your town have any regulations that you must meet before starting your rental? Whom clean your home after each rental? I have so much to learn. Just taking baby steps. Thanks

Hi Carmen – Thanks for commenting.

– We have electric heating which is relatively expensive to use but we don’t use it too much in season.
– Jonesport is a quiet area with lots of great waterfront/waterview locations. It’s a little light on stores/restaurants but nonetheless very scenic. I have not heard much about flooding issues.
– There’s is very little winter-demand for Airbnb on the coast in Washington County unless you are in a ski area. Most people look to maximize rental income in-season and just close up for winter. The heating/utility bills will likely exceed any rental income.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Thanks- Steve