Real Estate & Elegant Maine Living - The Way Life Should Be

Elise Kiely
  • 5.0 (13)
  • BUSINESS

Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s luxury real estate market, distinctive properties, and the lifestyle that makes this state such a special place to call home. Hosted by Elise Kiely, a top-producing real estate advisor and lifestyle connector with Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, the podcast features thoughtful conversations with local leaders, creatives, and visionaries who embody the spirit of elegant living in Maine. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply Maine-curious, each episode offers insight, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the people and places that define Maine.

  1. 3D AGO

    Maine Real Estate Market Update: Buyers, Sellers, Wealth Transfer, and What 2026 May Bring — with Chris Lynch

    Send us a text In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, I’m joined once again by Chris Lynch, Owner and Designated Broker of Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, for a wide-ranging and thoughtful update on Maine’s real estate market. Together, we take a clear-eyed look at what’s happening nationally and locally—and, more importantly, what it actually means for people making real decisions about their homes and their lives. We discuss whether Maine is currently a buyer’s market or a seller’s market, how prices are behaving across key counties, and why Maine continues to “bump along the top” rather than swing into extremes. Chris shares his perspective on interest rates and why waiting for the “perfect” rate may not serve buyers as well as focusing on readiness, lifestyle, and long-term goals. We also explore how the great wealth transfer—from Baby Boomers to Gen X and Millennials—is reshaping who is buying in Maine, why buyers are getting younger, and how gifted cash is changing the competitive landscape. Finally, we address one of the most serious issues facing real estate today: the growing sophistication and frequency of fraud and cybercrime in transactions. Chris outlines the real risks buyers and sellers face—and the practical steps everyone should be taking to protect themselves. This conversation is both reassuring and candid: Maine remains resilient, desirable, and values-driven—but navigating today’s market requires intention, trusted advisors, and informed decision-making. 🔗 Episode Links Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty – https://www.legacysir.comElegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

    57 min

  2. JAN 27

    Maine at the Ground Floor: Angel Investing and Emerging Industries

    Send us a text In the second half of this conversation on Elegant Maine Living, Elise Kiely continues her discussion with Sandra Stone—former chair of Maine Angels, founder of C Cove Solutions, and a long-time advocate for entrepreneurship and women in investing. This episode offers a clear, accessible look at how angel investing fits into the life cycle of a company—after friends-and-family funding and before traditional venture capital—and why early-stage capital is so critical for founders trying to scale responsibly. Sandra explains how individual investors, pooled funds, and Maine-based institutions work together to support innovation across the state. Elise and Sandra explore: Where angel investing sits in the startup funding journey and how it differs from venture capitalWhy Maine’s geography, coastline, and natural resources have fueled innovation—particularly in aquacultureEmerging investment areas including sustainable products, packaging, and building materialsHow programs like the Maine Seed Tax Credit can meaningfully support Maine-based companies and investorsThe opportunity for investors to mentor founders through board service, advisory roles, and shared expertiseThe founding of the Northern New England Women’s Investor Network and how education and community have helped more women step into angel investing with confidenceThe conversation also touches on the evolution of deal flow at Maine Angels, the shift toward supporting more Maine-based companies, and how angel investing can offer intellectual engagement, community, and purpose—especially for those looking to contribute beyond financial returns. Sandra closes by reflecting on Maine’s pace of life, its culture of stewardship, and her optimism for the future of Maine’s startup and investment ecosystem. Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode Maine Angels – https://www.maineangels.org Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) – https://www.famemaine.com Maine Seed Capital Tax Credit – https://www.famemaine.com/business-finance/seed-capital-tax-credit Maine Venture Fund – https://www.maineventurefund.com Coastal Enterprises Inc. (including Coastal Ventures Inc.) – Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

    23 min

  3. JAN 20

    Maine Innovates: Angel Investing, Entrepreneurship, and Women at the Table with Sandra Stone

    Send us a text In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, Elise Kiely sits down with Sandra Stone—former chair of Maine Angels, founder of C Cove Solutions, and one of the most influential voices in Maine’s entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem. In the first half of this thoughtful and inspiring conversation, Sandra shares her personal journey to Maine, how an unexpected first investment sparked a lifelong commitment to entrepreneurship, and why she became so passionate about encouraging more women to participate in angel investing—not as experts on day one, but as curious learners willing to lean in. Together, Elise and Sandra explore: How Sandra found Maine and built a career rooted in innovation and leadershipWhat angel investing really is—and how Maine Angels worksThe confidence gap many women feel around investing, and how community helps bridge itWhy curiosity, mentorship, and saying yes before feeling “ready” matterHow Maine’s startup ecosystem has evolved over timeThis episode is especially for listeners who are curious about startup investing, interested in supporting Maine-based entrepreneurs, or wondering whether there’s a place for them—particularly women—in the world of early-stage investing. Coming up in the next episode: Elise and Sandra dive deeper into the industries attracting investment across Maine and New England, including aquaculture and sustainable products such as packaging and building materials. They also discuss mentoring early-stage companies and the growing number of women actively participating in angel investing. If this conversation sparked your curiosity, you won’t want to miss what’s next. For more information on Maine Angels please visit the website. Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

    23 min

  4. JAN 13

    The Maine Way - Resilience, Patience and Responsibility: Jill McGowan on Building a Brand That Endures

    Send us a text In the second half of my conversation with Jill McGowan, founder of Jill McGowan and creator of The Great White Shirt, we move beyond origin stories and into the heart of what it takes to sustain a values-driven business over decades. Jill and I talk candidly about resilience—how setbacks are often as frequent as successes, and how her instinct has always been to focus on solutions rather than blame. One of my favorite moments in this episode is Jill’s story of being in New York City and spotting a woman in a café wearing one of her shirts. Encouraged by her sister, Jill introduced herself, only to hear the woman—an attorney—say that Jill McGowan shirts were her everyday go-to, with more than a dozen in her closet. It’s a powerful reminder of what it means to put your name on a product and truly stand behind it. We also revisit two of the most challenging periods for small businesses: 9/11 and COVID. Jill describes traveling to New York shortly after 9/11 to attend a trade show despite fear, uncertainty, and canceled orders—choosing to “carry on” as a way of supporting the city and her industry. During COVID, she faced mandatory closures, laid off staff temporarily, and then pivoted decisively—bringing her production team back early to manufacture thousands of high-quality, multi-layered face masks when shortages became acute. That pivot kept the business alive and reinforced her belief in responsibility beyond profit. Throughout the episode, Jill speaks with clarity about her commitment to integrity: sourcing exceptional fabrics, insisting on construction that lasts for years, and never compromising on quality—even when it would be easier or more profitable to do so. She shares how deeply she feels accountable to her customers, her team, and her own name, which is inseparable from the brand. We close with reflections on Maine—why it continues to ground her creatively and personally. From childhood memories in Baxter State Park and Down East Maine, to the sense of community, authenticity, and quiet strength that defines the state, Jill describes Maine as both home and inspiration. For her, elegance in Maine is found in the air, the landscape, the people, and the values that endure. ✨ Key Themes Resilience as a daily business practiceThe power of seeing your work worn and loved by strangersPutting your own name on a brand—and the responsibility that bringsNavigating 9/11 withElegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

    22 min

  5. JAN 11 · BONUS

    Elegance, Maine: A Chorus of Guest Reflections on Where They Find Elegance in Maine

    Send us a text In this special bonus episode of Elegant Maine Living, I wanted to pause and gather something meaningful from the many conversations I have had over the past months with extraordinary guests across Maine. Throughout the podcast, I have had the privilege of speaking with community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, nonprofit founders, outdoorspeople, creatives, and five remarkable young women just beginning their adult lives. They come from different generations, backgrounds, and walks of life — yet they share a deep connection to Maine. At the end of many of these conversations, I asked a simple question:  Where do you find elegance in Maine? The answers were never about status, wealth, or show. Instead, they pointed to something quieter and more enduring:  nature, kindness, balance, gratitude, creativity, community, and a life lived with intention. In this short bonus episode, I’ve woven together those reflections — voices that, when heard side by side, reveal a collective understanding of what makes Maine so special. You’ll hear guests speak about everything from Casco Bay and the Bold Coast, to our world class food scene, random acts of kindness, meaningful work, and the understated beauty of everyday life here. If you’ve ever felt that Maine’s elegance is hard to define but easy to feel, this episode is for you. Whether you’ve lived in Maine for generations, arrived more recently, or are simply considering a move here, I hope these voices help you hear Maine a little differently — and perhaps more clearly. Thank you to every guest who so generously shared their time, perspective, and heart. And thank you for listening. Until next time, continue to live with elegance. — Elise Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

    9 min

  6. JAN 6

    Maine Design & Entrepreneurship: Jill McGowan and the Story Behind the Great White Shirt

    Send us a text In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, I sit down with Jill McGowan, founder of Jill McGowan and creator of The Great White Shirt. Jill is a Maine-based fashion entrepreneur whose work has quietly—and enduringly—redefined what timeless, well-made clothing for women can be. Jill shares how her path was anything but linear. After studying languages and international affairs and spending time abroad, she felt the strong pull of home and returned to Maine—where she found herself, like many people in their twenties, unsure of her next step. That curiosity eventually led her back to design, to the Fashion Institute of Technology, and to an unexpected but formative role at the Hathaway Shirt Company in Waterville, Maine. Working inside a 150-year-old men’s shirt factory shaped Jill’s belief that women deserved clothing with the same level of integrity, craftsmanship, and longevity. That idea became the foundation of her company. In the mid-1990s, Jill launched her line with just six white shirt silhouettes—classic, elegant, and meticulously made—doing everything herself, from cold-calling buyers to overseeing production. We talk about what it truly takes to build a product-based business: sourcing fabrics from multi-generation mills in Europe and Japan, insisting on natural fibers, putting two to three times the construction work into each shirt, and staying disciplined enough to focus on one exceptional thing rather than chasing trends. Jill also shares one of my favorite Maine-meets-the-world stories: how Martha Stewart discovered her work, visited her studio, featured her on national television, and later insisted on bringing Jill’s white shirts on safari in Africa. It’s a moment of validation that arrived just as Jill was feeling exhausted—and questioning whether she could keep going. This conversation is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t have to be loud or fast. Jill’s story is about patience, conviction, quality, and building something that lasts—right here in Maine.  Key Themes Returning home to Maine—and finding opportunity where you least expect itWhy women deserve clothing made with the same integrity as men’s classicsBuilding a brand by focusing on one exceptional productThe importance of fabric, construction, and long-term wearCold calls, early rejections, and the realities of entrepreneurshipThe Martha StewartElegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

    29 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    Maine Real Estate Update - December: Inventory, Pricing, and Emerging Trends

    Send us a text Episode Summary In this month’s market update, I take you through what I am seeing nationally, regionally, and here in Maine—and what these trends may mean for all of us as we head into 2026. Instead of charts and long economic analysis, I offer a clear, narrative look at the shifts underway: why buyers remain cautious despite relatively stable interest rates, why home prices continue to hold near record highs, and how inventory is finally showing signs of loosening. I also dig into some of the most interesting demographic trends shaping today’s real estate landscape—including the rising average age of first-time homebuyers and the growing number of young adults living at home longer than ever before. These generational patterns influence who is entering the market, when they enter, and how they make decisions. As always, Maine tells its own story.  I break down which markets what is happening with inventory, price appreciation and recently enacted and proposed policy changes that could impact the market going forward.  And, I share my perspective on how thoughtful buyers and sellers can position themselves strategically in the months ahead. Key Insights & Market Themes National Market Trends Buyers across the country remain hesitant, even though mortgage rates have settled in the low to mid 6% range. Confidence — is fluctuating and driving many decisions.The median U.S. home price is now around $415,000.Affordability remains the central challenge, especially for first-time buyers who continue to face elevated monthly payments.Homeowners have gained, on average, $140,000 in equity over the last five years, an important factor in seller's incentives and stability.Who’s Buying Now The average first-time homebuyer is older than ever (40), a reflection of affordability pressures and delayed entry into the market.Roughly one third of young adults nationally are living at home—many waiting for stronger financial footing or more favorable mortgage rates.This creates pent-up demand, which I expect to begin re-entering the market as rates soften in 2026.Regional & Maine Trends Maine remains what I often call the place where national trends come to take a breath. We feel shifts later, and differently, than many parts of the country.Statewide, inventory is finally improElegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

    31 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    A Maine House, a Maine Barn, a Maine Brand: Nicola Manganello’s Restoration Journey and the Growth of Her Maine Design Firm

    Send us a text In the second half of my conversation with Nicola Manganello, founder and principal designer of Maine's Nicola’s Home, we move from her early creative evolution into the heart of her current work: sustaining inspiration, building and leading a high-performing team, and navigating the complex process of designing high-end homes that are meant to be lived in, loved, and gathered in. Nicola shares how she keeps her creativity vibrant after more than 25 years in the field—through collaboration with her all-women team, through travel, through magazines, gardens, and the tactile inspiration of materials in her design barn. We talk about the balance required to run a growing business while maintaining a creative soul, and the clarity she has gained from restructuring her company to free time for what fuels her. This episode also turns toward the personal: the role of gardening, cooking, and time in nature; the grounding she found while caring for her mother who was her first business partner and inspiration; and the importance of making space for life, not just work. Nicola reflects candidly on leadership, responsibility, and the internal resilience required to navigate a very public design career in Maine. And then, we dive into her signature new project: the full restoration of an 1858 Greek Revival home at 37 South Street in Yarmouth—a two-year endeavor that required vision, persistence, and enormous craftsmanship. Nicola shares how she purchased the home sight-unseen while on safari in Africa, the challenges of working within a historic district, and why bringing this property back to life—rather than tearing it down—felt important both for the village and for her own creative journey. This conversation reveals the depth behind Nicola’s design philosophy: that homes are not simply beautiful objects, but places that keep people together, strengthen families, and anchor lives. Key Themes Creative longevity: how collaboration and continual learning sustain her design perspectiveLeadership and growth: building a team with complementary creative strengths and expanding her firm’s capacityPersonal grounding: the influence of gardening, cooking, travel, and intentional routinesThe emotional side of building homes: the weight of responsibility, client relationships, and the courage it takes to leadRestoring an 1858 gem: the vision, obstacles, and triumphs ofElegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine. Connect with Elise 🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media: Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at Elise@EliseKiely.com Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived. Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s luxury real estate market, distinctive properties, and the lifestyle that makes this state such a special place to call home. Hosted by Elise Kiely, a top-producing real estate advisor and lifestyle connector with Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, the podcast features thoughtful conversations with local leaders, creatives, and visionaries who embody the spirit of elegant living in Maine. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply Maine-curious, each episode offers insight, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the people and places that define Maine.

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