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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 21 J U LY 2 2 , 2 0 2 4 F O C U S R E A L E S TAT E / C O N S T R U C T I O N / E N G I N E E R I N G never used a checkbook or filled out a money order. "at was crazy," Davin says, "though my boys don't have checkbooks either." On the financing side, Lisa Bellefleur, vice president of mortgage lending at Town & Country Federal Credit Union in South Portland, reports seeing a lot of young clients seeking a loan pre-approval before embarking on a home search. Her team also offers budgeting guidance so that when the right house becomes available, the clients can make an offer they can afford. "You don't want to be house-rich and cash-poor," she says. Settling in Even in the pricey Portland area, young buyers are putting down roots in new homes. Unburdened by student loans, Jacqueline and Isaac Schlotterbeck paid $695,000 in cash this past March for a two-story home in Scarborough's Pleasant Hill. "We put in offer so quickly they cancelled the open house," says Jacqueline, 28. In need of some updates, the 50-year-old house was furnished with wall-to-wall carpet and wallpaper on top of wallpaper that the couple first saw via a FaceTime tour. en living in a small, rented house in Nashville, Tenn., they moved to Maine to be closer to family. Recalling previous traffic hassles in Nashville and Washington, D.C., Isaac, 30, appreciates not having a long drive to go out to dinner, add- ing, "We like being in a small city." After finishing the first round of major projects in their new abode, they hope to eventually install heat pumps after upgrading the electrical panel to 200-amp service. "It's feels like, in a good way, there's always something to do," Isaac says. at includes mowing the lawn every 10 days. "It feels like wherever we lived before, I was always hesitant to buy a new piece of furniture because it might not fit in the next place. Here we can really settle in," Jackie says, as Isaac speaks of a "sense of permanence." Meanwhile in Westbrook as the McMillans settle into their new home, they are planning their next home project — a fence for their furry pal, Dewey. Renee Cordes, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at rcordes @ mainebiz.biz Contact us to learn more Call or text 207-669-2254 email inquiries@bellviewassociates.com bellviewassociates.com Four years ago, Haley Ward, a 40+ year old engineering firm, sought to elevate their business. Partnering with Bellview Associates, a national leader in ESOP advisory, made this possible. Since implementing a custom Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Haley Ward has experienced double-digit growth annually. The tax savings and other ESOP advantages have fueled significant acquisitions, increased hiring, and enhanced access to financing. According to President Denis St. Peter, the best part is the employee benefit: "Everyone wants to do a great job because everyone is an owner." "In our industry, capital is crucial for growth. Becoming an ESOP provided the tax and other advantages needed to consistently exceed our growth goals and share value for our employees." THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP Known for their expertise, strong work ethics, and loyal client relationships, TC Haffenreffer, Sam LeGeyt, and Sylas Hatch are the newest Partners at The Dunham Group. Creative and collaborative in how they connect clients with opportunities, they are an important part of the future of the firm. This next generation of leaders are poised to carry the shared knowledge of the firm forward, setting our clients up for continued success. 2 Monument Square, Portland, ME | 207.773.7100 | dunhamgroup.com Get to know TC, Sam & Sylas

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