Maine is again receiving more national recognition! This time by Coastal Living magazine.  Kennebunkport graces the top ten list for the top ten “happiest seaside towns” in the country.

Coastal Living editors revealed a list of their “Happiest Seaside Towns” in the February 2013 issue and then asked the rest of America to vote for their favorite.  Fans rallied around their favorite towns and voted often. Beaufort came in first place followed by Harwich Port, Massachusetts.

It’s true that folks from New England and especially “Mainers” take pride in their hometowns and this is an example of that from Kennebunkport.  Editor-in-Chief Antonia Van Der Meer said, “People take great pride in their home towns and we at Coastal Living are thrilled to share their happy little secret with the rest of America.”  We couldn’t agree more.

The top ten looks like this:

1.   Beaufort, SC

2.   Harwich Port, MA

3.   Sanibel Island, FL

4.   Sag Harbor, NY

5.   Newport, RI

6.   Rowayton, CT

7.   Kennebunkport, ME

8.   Pā’ia Town, Maui, HI

9.   La Jolla, CA

10. Pescadero, CA

For a full list of towns visit http://www.coastalliving.com/happytowns2013.

The Universal Properties team at Keller Williams Realty Greater Portland, would like to welcome two new team members: Anne Maclean, as Lead Listing Specialist and Emily Palmer, as Lead Coordinator.

Anne has been serving clients in real estate for over six years.  She is dedicated to providing her clients with the finest customer service, extensive market knowledge and outstanding negotiating skills.  Anne prides herself on being an expert in bringing home sellers and buyers together throughout Cumberland County and is a consistent multi-million dollar producer. She specializes in residential, new construction and investment properties throughout Cumberland County.

Anne is a member of the following organizations: The National Association of Realtors, The Maine Association of Realtors and The Greater Portland Board of Realtors. Anne has achieved Executive Club status with RE/MAX International for outstanding sales by volume in 2009 and 2010,  was in the top 4% of agents in Cumberland County for 2010*, prior to joining Keller Williams in 2012. She achieved was #7 for closed sales in New England for the month of November and earned the customer service award that same month.  “We are very delighted to welcome Anne to provide an even greater service to our Seller clients,” said Jeff Mateja, CEO of Universal Properties.

Emily grew up in Orono, Maine and attended college at the University of Maine at Farmington, attaining a degree in English Literature with a minor in Philosophy. After graduation Emily embarked on an adventure across New England, residing in Old Orchard Beach, the mountains of western Massachusetts for a year, and in Bennington, Vermont before settling in Portland, Maine. That is when she started with the team at Keller Williams. Her strong background in sales, lead generation and excellent communication skills will prove to be assets to her new position.  “We are excited to have Emily alongside us to help fulfill the goals of so many home buyers,” said Helen, Lead Buyer Specialist.

The Universal Properties team at Keller Williams in Portland was ranked #8 in New England in 2012, closing over 100 transactions.  The team consists of Jeff Mateja, CEO; Helen La Count, Lead Buyer Specialist; Ryan O’Leary, Showing Specialist; Audrey Dupuis, Buyer Agent; and Tonya Collins, Executive Assistant.

The Universal Properties Team continues to seek exceptional talent.  Should you know of anyone looking for an outstanding opportunity, call 207.553.2611 to confidentially discuss your options.  To learn more about Universal Properties or if you have Real Estate needs, visit UniversalPropertiesMaine.com and FindMaineHomesNow.com.