Real Estate & Elegant Maine Living - The Way Life Should Be

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What does it really mean to build a life on one of Maine’s most enchanting islands? In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, I sit down with my friend and client, Erika Gabrielsen Neumann, to talk about the unique joys and challenges of living year-round on Chebeague Island.

Erika shares her remarkable journey from California to Chebeague Island where she and her family settled in the signature Log House, raised children, and became deeply woven into the island community. We talk about:

• The magic of Chebeague — why the island itself feels like a character in residents’ lives.
• Community at its finest — from civic engagement to the unforgettable “chicken funeral” that brought neighbors of all ages together.
• Raising a family on an island — the logistics of raising children and going off island for middle and high schools, and how island life gave her children independence, resilience, and confidence.
• Tradition and change — how Chebeague seceded to become its own town, and how its small scale fosters civility and meaningful conversation across differences.
• The natural beauty and daily rhythm — from her porch at the Log House overlooking Casco Bay to lobstering at age eleven, life here is grounded in both hard work and extraordinary beauty.

Erika also reflects on the deeper lessons of island living: tolerance, resourcefulness, and the elegance of welcoming others to share in what makes Chebeague so special.

Whether you’re curious about Maine’s islands, dreaming of a more connected community, or simply love a good story, this conversation will make you smile, nod in recognition, and maybe even long for a ferry ride across Casco Bay.

✨ Don’t miss the follow-up episode, where Erika and I dive into her career, conscious capitalism, and the next chapter of her life centered on “the Log House.”

The Log House

Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

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In this month’s Elegant Maine Living, Elise Kiely unpacks what the national real estate market is whispering to Maine — and why timing, strategy, and local insight matter more than ever. From national affordability challenges to Maine’s rising inventory, Elise explains how trends from other markets eventually make their way up the coast, giving Maine buyers and sellers a chance to prepare and act wisely.

You’ll learn:

• National Market Trends: Why buyer jitters persist despite stable mortgage rates, how equity gains are shaping seller decisions, and why today’s market is nothing like 2008.
• Maine Market Highlights:
  • Statewide home sales up 10.5% year-over-year in June.
  • Inventory up 14% over May — the highest since 2020.
  • Cumberland County’s rolling 2nd quarter sales up 15%, median price just over $600K.
  • Lincoln County’s sales up 20% with a 24% jump in median price to $507K.
• New Maine Legislation: How a tripling of the real estate transfer tax on the portion of sales above $1M (effective Nov 1, 2025) could impact timing for luxury transactions.
• Strategic Takeaways: Why late summer and early fall could be a sweet spot for buyers, and why sellers may want to move before spring competition heats up.

Plus, Elise takes you inside her stunning new $5.95M listing at 10 Cromwell Cove in Harpswell — a private 3-acre coastal retreat with 315 feet of sandy beach frontage, sweeping ocean views, classic shingle-style architecture, and a sleek contemporary interior. Whether you dream of hosting a wedding on the lawn, enjoying barefoot walks to the shore, or simply soaking in Harpswell’s magical light, this home is pure Maine coastal elegance.

Links & Resources:

• View the full listing for 10 Cromwell Cove, Harpswell: See Listing

Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

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In this heartfelt episode of Elegant Maine Living, Elise sits down with her dear friend and co-leadership advisor, Timi Carter, to reflect on the impact of mentorship, community, and living a life of intentional service.

A longtime resident of Yarmouth, Maine, Timi is known for her calm strength, generous spirit, and ability to quietly build community wherever she goes—from the halls of Portland High School to her church and food pantry board, and through her leadership role with the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute.

Together, Elise and Timi reflect on:

• The experience of mentoring five high school girls over three years
• How those relationships changed both the mentors and the mentees
• The emotional power of seeing the girls graduate and step into their next chapter
• What it means to create community through friendship, service, and faith
• Timi’s own journey—from moving to Maine in the 1970s to traveling the world and sharing those experiences with the next generation
• Why “being all in” as a mentor made all the difference
• The story behind a powerful vision board session and why it should become part of every mentorship curriculum

This episode is a quiet celebration of showing up, listening deeply, and believing in the potential of young women. Timi reminds us that elegance is found in simple acts of service, small-town traditions, and friendships that span decades.

🔗 Highlights & Mentions:

• 🏫 Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute: www.snoweleadershipinstitute.org
• 📍 Timi’s beloved hometown: Yarmouth, Maine – known for its Clam Festival, tight-knit community, and timeless New England charm
• 🎓 A shoutout to Poland Regional High School’s graduating class of 2025 —and five exceptional young women
• 💡 The Go-Giver by Bob Burg – the quote that inspired this episode’s theme

💬 Memorable Quote:

Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

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In this inspiring second half of Elise’s conversation with Elizabeth Moss, owner of the Elizabeth Moss Galleries, we explore the intersection of art, commerce, and community in Maine. Liz shares how her dream of building a cultural salon has blossomed into two vibrant gallery spaces—one in Portland and one in Falmouth—where visual art, music, and conversation create an elegant third space for connection.

Elise and Liz discuss:

• How Liz curates exhibitions and builds relationships with artists and collectors
• The power of art as investment and how Maine-based artist Lynn Drexler's work has soared from $10,000 to over $1 million
• The role of galleries as “third spaces” in a post-COVID world
• How Elizabeth is championing emerging artists like Alice Jones, Elijah Ober, and Nick Benfey
• Why collectors—from first-time buyers to seasoned investors—trust her eye
• Liz’s view on elegance, memory, and the transformational power of standing before the right painting

This episode is a love letter to art, Maine, and the magic that happens when passion meets purpose.

🔗 Links & Mentions:

🖼️ Elizabeth Moss Galleries
Website: www.elizabethmossgalleries.com
Instagram: @elizabethmossgalleries
Facebook: Elizabeth Moss Galleries on Facebook

🎨 Artists Highlighted in This Episode

• Lynn Drexler
  Lynn Drexler Foundation
  Article: “The Rediscovery of Lynn Drexler” – ArtNews
• Lois Dodd
   
• Katherine Bradford
   
• Billy Gerard Frank
  Billy Gerard Frank – Official Site
• Samira Abbassy
   
• Gail Spaien
  Gail Spaien – Artist Page at ICON Contemporary Art
• Emerging Maine Artists
  • Alice Jones
  • Elijah Ober
  • Nick Benfey

Bonus: Learn about the gallery’s musical evenings, including a recent string quartet performance that created an unforgettable blend of music and visual art.

Join the Gallery Community:

Want to be invited to gallery openings and artist talks?
 ➡️ Sign up for the newsletter to receive exclusive invitations and exhibition updates.

✨ Quote of the Episode:

Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

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Host: Elise Kiely
Guest: Elizabeth Moss, Founder & Owner of Elizabeth Moss Galleries in Falmouth and Portland, Maine
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | eliseKiely.com

Episode Overview:

In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, host Elise Kiely welcomes Elizabeth Moss, a central figure in Maine’s vibrant art scene and the visionary founder of Elizabeth Moss Galleries. With locations in Falmouth and Portland, Elizabeth has been curating and promoting both emerging and established artists—many with strong Maine connections—since 2004.

Together, Elise and Elizabeth explore the power of art as a reflection of community, history, and culture. From the spiritual pull of Monhegan Island to the rediscovery of underrepresented women artists like Lynn Drexler, this conversation is a testament to Maine’s enduring artistic legacy. They also reflect on the intersections of entrepreneurship, family, and female empowerment, sharing personal stories from the early days of their careers while building businesses.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• 🎨 The significance of Monhegan Island in American art history
• 💡 How Provenance in art parallels the value of storytelling in real estate
• 🖼️ The overlooked brilliance of mid-century female abstract artists
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 How Maine’s creative community is uniquely collaborative and welcoming
• 👩‍💼 The power of partnerships—from real estate to art and design—with Nicola Manganello
• 👶 Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood: lessons from Liz and Elise

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Elizabeth Moss Galleries website - 
• Elizabeth Moss Galleries on Instagram
• Elizabeth Moss Galleries on Facebook

Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

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In the second half of my conversation with Margo Walsh—founder of MaineWorks and co-founder of United Recovery Fund—we explore how employment, structure, and community can change the course of someone’s life.

Margo shares powerful statistics: if individuals can stay employed for just two weeks through MaineWorks, relapse and re-incarceration rates drop dramatically. We also share deeply personal stories of individuals who, with a second chance and meaningful work, have rebuilt their lives, built families and become proud contributors to their communities.

We discuss:

• The transformative power of a paycheck
• Misconceptions around criminality and addiction
• The role of empathy, structure, and accountability in recovery
• How construction companies in Maine are increasingly welcoming second-chance employees
• The critical role of supportive partnerships—like that with Androscoggin Bank—in rebuilding financial independence
• A look ahead: MaineWorks' ambitious goal to expand into housing and social impact investing

Finally, Margo offers a heartfelt invitation to the public to attend their Friday morning fire circles—a grounding and moving weekly gathering that exemplifies the spirit of connection and accountability at MaineWorks.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• MaineWorks
• United Recovery Fund
• Email Elise to join a Friday fire circle or learn more: [email protected]

📌 Quote of the Episode:

“Your past does not have to define your future. A dignified job makes all the difference.” — Margo Walsh

Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

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Host: Elise Kiely
Guest: Margo Walsh, Founder of MaineWorks and Co-Founder of United Recovery Fund

Episode Summary:
In this compelling episode of Elegant Maine Living, Elise Kiely sits down with Margo Walsh—founder of the groundbreaking employment company MaineWorks and co-founder of the nonprofit United Recovery Fund. Together, they explore the intersection of Maine’s workforce, real estate, and recovery communities.

Margo shares her inspiring personal journey—from Wall Street to rehabilitation, and ultimately, to her calling in Maine. Learn how she turned a volunteer role at the Cumberland County Jail into a bold business model that helps people transitioning from incarceration and addiction find dignified, paying work in Maine’s construction industry.

Elise and Margo also discuss:

• Why MaineWorks hires exclusively from the recovery and reentry population
• The logistics, risks, and rewards of employing people from pre-release programs
• The critical role of housing, transportation, and basic necessities in helping people rebuild their lives
• The genesis and growth of United Recovery Fund, which helps bridge the gap with direct financial support for essentials like rent, steel-toed boots, and bus fare
• How Maine’s values and tight-knit communities create fertile ground for meaningful reintegration and employment
• Why every community member deserves the chance to add value and reclaim their place in society

Featured Quote:

Resources Mentioned:

• MaineWorks
• United Recovery Fund
• Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty

Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

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In this insightful solo episode, Elise Kiely provides a comprehensive spring 2025 market update, starting with the national landscape and zooming in to Maine's distinctive market dynamics. Elise breaks down data on the Northeast region’s strong performance, and Maine’s county-level insights—focusing particularly on Cumberland, York, and Lincoln counties.

She also explores what’s driving the luxury market, why it remains a seller’s market in Maine, and the growing impact of private, off-market transactions in the high-end segment. Elise shares two real-life stories from recent private sales to illustrate how discretion, privacy, and decisiveness define success in this niche market.  She also shares thoughts for first time homebuyers hesitant to enter the market.

🔹 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• 📊 National Market Trends: What modest growth and increasing inventory mean for buyers and sellers
• 🌎 Northeast Regional Insights: How this region is outperforming national averages
• 🏡 Maine-Specific Data:
  • Statewide sales and pricing trends
  • Notable updates from Cumberland, York, and Lincoln counties
• 💎 Luxury Market Realities:
  • Why Maine's high-end market still strongly favors sellers
  • The significance of 393 listings vs. 500+ sold in 2024
  • What high-end buyers—from Boomers to Gen Z—are truly seeking
• 🤫 The Private Market Advantage:
  • Why elite sellers choose curated, off-market transactions
  • What buyers gain from exclusive, discreet opportunities
  • Two recent stories that bring this world to life
• 🧭 Thoughts for Buyers, Sellers, and Advisors:
  Strategic tips for navigating today’s crosscurrents with clarity and confidence

🔹 Quotable Moments:

🔹 Mentioned in This Episode:

• Episodes 5 & 6: Leading in Luxury with Chris Lynch
• Episodes 12 & 13: Naples market insights with Melinda Gunther
• Episode 9: May 2025 Market Snapshot

Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

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In the second half of this insightful conversation, Elise sits down again with Melinda Gunther of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty to talk all things Naples real estate. From $24 million sight-unseen purchases to lifestyle-driven second-home decisions, Melinda shares remarkable stories and strategic insights. They discuss the shifting luxury market, buyer psychology, and why many are still choosing Naples—just with more precision than during the pandemic rush. You’ll also hear how trends in what is happening in other markets often foreshadow what’s coming in Maine, and why having an experienced advisor on the ground is more critical than ever. Elise and Melinda wrap with their favorite podcasts and tools for staying sharp in this dynamic market.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• A jaw-dropping story of a $24M sight-unseen home purchase—and resale
• How Naples' real estate market has evolved post-COVID
• Why increased inventory doesn’t mean panic, but opportunity
• The emotional and strategic decisions behind second-home buying
• The importance of market timing and local expertise in discretionary markets
• How trends in Naples may signal what’s coming in Maine
• Tools Melinda uses to stay at the top of her game—including the Jim Miller Podcast and Jere Metcalf Podcast

Connect with Melinda

• Website
• Primary phone - 239.297.2155
• Email [email protected]
• Address 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd N #100, Naples, FL 34103

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

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 Guest: Melinda Gunther, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty – Naples, FL

In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, Elise sits down with Florida real estate powerhouse Melinda Gunther to explore why Naples, Florida is such an attractive destination for second home buyers and those seeking a future primary home. 

They discuss:

• The lifestyle and tax benefits of owning in Naples
• Why Naples and Maine complement each other as luxury markets
• The appeal of club culture, gated communities, and outdoor living
• Smart strategies for second-home ownership in Florida
• How different buyers are navigating insurance issues in Florida

Melinda also shares her journey to Naples and why she believes real estate should always follow lifestyle first.

🎙️ Part 1 of a 2-part series

Connect with Melinda

• Website
• Primary phone - 239.297.2155
• Email [email protected]
• Address 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd N #100, Naples, FL 34103

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate 
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely 

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at 

• [email protected]
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.