Specializing in Bank-Owned Properties and First-Time Buyers

Ryan Mahan of Fryeburg, ME has recently joined the sales staff here at  Joy Tarbell Realty. Mahan grew up in Yarmouth, ME and earned his English teaching credentials from UMaine. He has taught English at Kennett High School since 2001.

Mahan specializes in bank owned homes and first time home buyers. “I’m amazed at what I didn’t know when I bought my first home in 2002. I was fortunate to have the guidance of a friend” says Mahan. “I consider the real estate business another way to help my friends and neighbors as my friend did with me. This deserves my utmost care and attention. ”
Mahan has spent the summer months training closely with Joy Tarbell and Suzie Laskin learning from two seasoned and savvy professionals. Not short on enthusiasm, Mahan will blend his teaching skills with his real estate practice. “My objective is to help my clients make informed decisions, and find all available solutions for their specific needs.”
A father of three, he and his wife Nicole fully understand the importance of school systems, neighborhoods, and an affordable home for raising children. Family recreation includes whitewater kayaking, hiking, and fishing in the summer months. Winters include snow sports at Mt. Cranmore and ice fishing.

Ryan is an observant and quick learner. He’s diligent and focused on a ‘clients first’ philosophy. I’m very confident that our clients will get the superior service they’ve come to expect from us right from the start with this new addition to our team.

For more information about Ryan Mahan call 603-356-7200 ext. 13, email Ryan@JTRealty.com or read his bio on our website.

By Joy Tarbell

In working with buyers over the last 32 years, every so often I get the question “Must my offer to purchase property be in writing?”.

At least two Articles in the REALTORS’ Code of Ethics provide that “REALTORS, for the protection of all parties, shall assure whenever possible that all agreements related to real estate transactions including, but not limited to, listing and representation agreements, purchase contracts, and leases are in writing in clear and understandable language.”

Since it says “whenever possible”, there isn’t an absolute obligation in the Code to have an offer to purchase in writing in every instance. However, we have to be prepared to explain why a written offer wasn’t possible.

For example, I recently worked with a buyer who was on his way to the Bahamas and wanted to make an offer on a well-priced and very upscale lot in Bartlett . He didn’t have time to sign a contract and get it back with a deposit before he left, so I presented it verbally, since another one of our Code of Ethics requires that we “shall submit offers and counter-offers objectively and as quickly as possible.” Failing to present an offer, even an oral offer, would be an ethics violation.

So, now my real life opinion after 32 years of working with this issue? Buyers who don’t make written offers, for whatever reason, cannot be taken seriously. In most cases they are “testing the waters” but most have no intention of actually moving ahead with the purchase. My Bahamian vacation guy was no exception. Once he returned, he decided to hold off on his purchase and never signed the contract. This is why I encourage all seller clients to counter-offer with “I’ll be glad to respond once I see all the terms of the offer in writing with a deposit check”.

If an offer is worth making, it’s worth making in writing!

P.S. Although it may be OK for an agent to present an oral offer if the circumstances dictate that route, the statute of frauds in most states requires that contracts for the sale of an interest in real estate must be in writing to be enforceable.