Over the last decade, Portland has become one of the premier food cities in the United States. Tourists and food connoisseurs from all around the country are traveling to Portland for its distinguished restaurants. The recent explosion in the food scene has triggered a call for new restaurants that emulate eateries such as Eventide Oyster Company or Empire. Trendy, vibrant … Continue reading Portland’s Restaurant Flux

On June 26th, 2019, State of Maine Governor Janet Mills made her clean energy and climate leadership goals clear by signing three major bills associated with renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions. Related bills have been popular amongst Legislature in recent years but did not become law due to vetoes from Former Governor LePage. Following Governor Mills’ inauguration, many national … Continue reading Maine Solar Rush

The phrase “slap a coat of paint on it” is taking on a whole new meaning as property owners and public officials nationwide seek innovative ways of transforming their buildings and communities. Street Art, a balance of murals and stylish graffiti, is being used to give buildings a new identity while revitalizing neighborhoods into warm energized communities. Graffiti, which has … Continue reading Slap a Coat of Paint on It

In January of 2019, we published our annual Market Outlook, which gives an overview of Maine’s Commercial Real Estate Market with an emphasis on the Office sector. One of the most watched indicators of the strength of the office market is the vacancy rate in Downtown Portland’s Class A buildings. 25 buildings comprise the 2 million square feet in this … Continue reading Downtown Portland Mid-Year Class A Update

The consumer retail sector continues to strategize around how to reposition physical stores to offset the growing demand of online shoppers. Many experts suggest that retailers have figured it out—companies understand the necessary steps to create a profitable retail experience. This strategy, however, could just be delaying the inevitable. Pop up shops and smaller stores may present a way to … Continue reading The Evolution of Retail Ownership

Strong demand and real estate fundamentals have continued to drive a development boom in the Greater Portland area. Interest from local, regional, and national tenants looking to expand and attract new talent has created a wave of projects across the city. The hospitality sector continues to lead the charge with office not far behind. Below we highlight some new projects … Continue reading Spotlight: New Developments in the Greater Portland Area

The ideal office space is an ever-evolving concept. Large, swanky offices that can double as a bar, as seen on Mad Men, are a thing of the past. Private offices with bulky desks and built-in shelves for three-ring binders are out. The corner office inevitably housing the CEO is no longer a given. The walls are coming down. Unassigned work … Continue reading The Transforming Workspace

The tax reform bill entitled “Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA)” that passed in December of 2017 represents the most sweeping reforms since the tax act of 1986. The new measures are set to have a significant impact on both individuals and businesses. The bill will lower income tax rates for most individual tax payers, double the estate tax exemption … Continue reading 2017 Tax Reform Impact

National Trends Despite a rising interest rate environment, investment in national commercial real estate year-to-date was $394.2 billion, up 10.6% from a year ago. For context, 2015 had the largest volume of transaction activity—$569 billion—since the 2009 bottom ($69 billion). 2017 was slower ($487 billion) than 2016 ($511 billion) due to fewer properties available for sale. In this current cycle, … Continue reading Capital Markets Outlook

PORTLAND, Maine and PORTSMOUTH, NH — The Boulos Company, Northern New England’s largest commercial real estate firm serving owners, investors, and tenants throughout Maine and New Hampshire, has hired John Meador as Associate Broker. Meador, who joined the Boulos team in January, will provide the firm’s clients in Maine, New Hampshire, and Northern Massachusetts with expertise in investment sales, leasing … Continue reading The Boulos Company Adds to Growing Brokerage Team

OK, we’re moving. Now what? Once it becomes evident that your current location no longer supports your  business operations and you’ve made the difficult decision to search for new space, the journey is just beginning. There is no way to overstate the enormity of this task, and your team will be asked to perform many extra duties. If you take … Continue reading Office Relocation Tips

Are You Overpaying On Property Taxes? Property tax has a significant financial impact on owning or leasing commercial real estate. Often property owners deem their real estate taxes as fixed and irrefutable. In the case that your assessment is low, don’t move a muscle and hope the Town doesn’t catch wind. In the case that your assessment is higher than … Continue reading Assessing Your Assessment