Ann Cummings and Jim Lee - Seacoast New Hampshire Real Estate Experts

06/08/2026

Home equity remains one of the greatest wealth-building tools available to everyday Americans. In fact, the median net worth of a homeowner is approximately 40x greater than that of a renter — and that gap is largely driven by equity.

If you’ve been watching the news lately, you might think the housing market is all doom and gloom. Rising interest rates, affordability challenges, and economic uncertainty dominate the headlines. But here’s something the headlines consistently overlook: American homeowners are sitting on a rema...

06/08/2026

📈 Why the Company Behind Your Agent Matters

When buying or selling a home, most people focus on the individual agent—and that's important. But the strength of the brokerage behind that agent can make a difference too.

According to this 2026 industry comparison, RE/MAX continues to stand out among major full-service real estate brands:

✅ Highest productivity per agent – 11.9 transaction sides per agent, well above most competitors.

✅ Strong national brand recognition – 32.9% unaided brand awareness, one of the highest in the industry.

✅ Global reach – More than 120 countries and territories, 8,600 offices, and nearly 149,000 agents worldwide.

✅ Powerful referral network – A worldwide presence means more opportunities to connect buyers and sellers across markets.

For local homeowners on the New Hampshire Seacoast and Southern Maine, that means your property benefits from both local expertise and global exposure.

At RE/MAX Shoreline, Ann Cummings and Jim Lee combine over 40 years of Seacoast real estate experience with the marketing power and reach of the RE/MAX network. Whether you're buying, selling, relocating, or searching for a waterfront home, you have local experts backed by one of the most recognized names in real estate.

🏡 Thinking about making a move in Portsmouth, Rye, Exeter, Hampton, Dover, York, or Kittery?

📞 Ann & Jim Cummings and Lee
RE/MAX Shoreline
603-436-1221
🌐 NewHampshireMaineRealEstate.com

06/08/2026

Whether it’s a cozy night in or the place you return to after a long trip, home is where it all comes together. 🏡

Ready to find the perfect one for you? Let’s get started!



Coastal living starts here! 🌊 Ann Cummings & Jim Lee, REALTORS® | RE/MAX Shoreline
"Experts you can trust." Explore homes: www.NewHampshireMaineRealEstate.com

06/08/2026

A lot of buyers think affordability is impossible right now.

But sometimes it’s not about giving up on homeownership. It’s about expanding where you’re looking.

Yes, some states are significantly more affordable than others. This list breaks down the top 10. But that doesn’t mean you have to make a cross-country move to find better options.
Even in expensive markets, there are usually neighborhoods, towns, and communities nearby where home prices, property taxes, or overall costs are a lot more manageable.

The key is knowing where to look – and a local agent can help you find those opportunities.

Curious what's out there? Broadening your search, even just a little outside of town, might open up more options than you'd expect.

Drop a comment below or send a message if you want some advice on where to look based on your price point.

06/07/2026

Still deciding whether to buy your first home now or wait? Here’s something you’ll want to consider.

Buyers who get into their first home around age 30 build about $119,000 more in net worth by age 50 compared to those who wait until their 40s.

So, every year you spend saving for the "right" moment could quietly chip away at your future wealth.

That doesn’t mean buy before you’re ready. But it does mean, if you’re ready and able to buy now, it may be a better strategy than waiting.

DM me and let's map out what timeline fits your situation and our market. You might find that a head start matters more than waiting to save the "perfect" down payment.

06/06/2026

In today's blog, we discuss some of the pros and cons to selling your home to an iBuyer.

Coastal living starts here! 🌊 Ann Cummings & Jim Lee, REALTORS® | RE/MAX Shoreline
"Experts you can trust." Explore homes: www.NewHampshireMaineRealEstate.com

An iBuyer can help you to sell your house quickly by skipping some of the hassles of having a home on the market and letting you set your own timeline. But selling to an iBuyer — a real estate company that uses tech to buy and resell houses — isn’t for everyone.

06/06/2026

Because even though you want rates to come down, experts say this latest inflation data could actually set the stage for rates to stay “higher for longer.”

So, what can you do about it? Should you just wait?

My advice is simple. Focus on what you can control.

Even in a market like this, there are things you can do to get the best mortgage rate possible. Because sometimes you need to move no matter what’s happening – and that’s okay.

You just need the right strategy.

Let's talk about what this means for your situation and your timing. Drop a comment below or send over a message.

Because you don’t have to figure it out alone. And there are still ways to move forward.

06/05/2026

What Waiting To Buy a Home Could Cost You

Stuck deciding whether to buy now or wait? Waiting too long could cost you a sizeable nest egg. Buying your first home at 30 (instead of 40) could give you $119,000 more in net worth by age 50. Wondering if now’s your moment? Let’s chat.