Federal shutdown slowed Maine home sales in November

File Photo / Laurie Schreiber The November median price was 3.64% above November 2024.

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The federal shutdown put a dent in Maine home sales in November.

The number of single-family homes sold in November decreased 11.59%, to 1,160, from 1,312 in November 2024.

“We’re seeing the impact of the federal government shutdown in these home sale statistics,” says Jeff Harris, president of the Maine Association of Realtors and a broker with Harris Real Estate in Farmington.

“During the 43-day shutdown of October and November, mortgage loans through the Federal Housing Administration, Veterans Administration and Rural Development were delayed. Mortgage loans needing flood insurance were also stalled.”

The median sales price fell to $399,000 in November, which was 3.64% higher than a year earlier but well off the all-time high of $426,000 recorded this past October.

“In addition to the disruption for some mortgage lending approvals, consumer uncertainty during this unsettled time caused a pause in regular real estate activity,” Harris added.

“We expect a steady rebound for Maine’s residential real estate market into 2026,” said Harris.

The inventory of homes for sale is 9% above last year’s levels, he added.

What's priciest, what's cheapest

Maine's priciest counties remained Cumberland (with a median sales price of $585,000, an increase of 6.36% from a year ago), York ($530,000, down 1%) and Lincoln (at $458,500, down 10.1%, which was also the state's largest decline in MSP).

The most affordable homes were in Aroostook County ($170,000, up 3%) and Piscataquis County ($206,000, up 22.26%, which was also the largest increase in MSP).

Overall, "while home sales are still strong, we are seeing local markets behave slightly differently," said Aaron Chadbourne, the board’s president.

Nation, region numbers

Nationwide, the number of sales decreased 0.8% comparing November 2025 to November 2024, while the national median price rose 1.2% to $414,300, according to the National Association of Realtors.

In the Northeast, November sales were unchanged, while the regional median price increased 1.1% to $480,800.