SummerPortfolio2022-FINAL

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NEWS FROM THE RENTAL DEPARTMENT (continued) Rentals Lessons in the Age of a Pandemic It’s no secret that the tourism and rental industry in Maine flourished during the COVID crisis as people fled to our area seeking a safe haven during the 2020 season. Once the vaccine was introduced, we saw the “Revenge Vacation” trend in 2021 as travelers longed to escape their pandemic isolation, reunite with friends and family, and again descend upon our magical island in droves. Demand continues to be strong into 2022, as eager travelers booked earlier than usual so as not to miss out on the “best” houses. What can we learn from this increase? Here are five take-aways: 1. Spring and Fall travel dates are becoming more attractive. Wanting to avoid crowds, many travelers are considering the shoulder season. Where we used to have a July 4 to Labor Day season, we are now seeing strong interest all the way from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. 2. Longer stays are now possible. With more people now able to work from home, visitors can book a longer stay, and look to the moderately priced homes for four-week stays or longer. 3. If you rent it, they will come. Well… almost. Travelers are savvier than ever and generally come with high expectations for great Internet, 100% reliable appliances, and immaculately clean homes. 4. Too much of a good thing isn’t always good. While we love to see our industry thrive, we are acutely aware of the costs in terms of heavier demand on plumbers, electricians, cleaners, and caretakers who are scrambling to keep up. While this trend isn’t isolated to our area alone, it’s another reason why we feel so strongly that supporting local housing will help to keep trades people in the area and build a stronger, more sustainable Mt. Desert Island for the visitors of the future. 5. You Deserve the Best Service. Platforms like AirBnB and VRBO are great resources for travelers and homeowners alike; however, given the complexities of a highly competitive and specialized market, now more than ever, having knowledgeable, locally based agents to guide you through the rentals process will ensure a smoother experience all around. We love what we do! We welcome the opportunity to assist you! Exciting Partnership with IHT Working for a Sustainable Future The Knowles Company is pleased to announce an opportunity for our rental homeowners to support sustainable, year-round housing on Mt. Desert Island. In partnership with Island Housing Trust (IHT), we have raised over $10,000 (and counting!) from area homeowners who have pledged a portion of their rental income towards this incredibly worthy cause. Committed to helping year-round families secure affordable homes on MDI, Island Housing Trust is ensuring that plumbers, electricians, emergency workers, caretakers, educators, and other vital contributors to our island community will continue to be able to live and work here. We are incredibly grateful to the homeowners who have generously given to this amazing cause. Please give us a call if you'd like to learn more about how you, too, can support Island Housing Trust! Photo courtesy of IHT/Eager Eye Photography 12
KNOWLES HISTORY A Family Tradition Real Estate Sales and Vacation Rentals Since 1898 Courtesy of the Northeast Harbor Library 1898 founder of The Knowles Company In 1933, Jerome Knowles, Jr., joined his mother in the business; nine years later his wife, Evelyn, came on board as a real estate broker. In 1949 the business incorporated as The Knowles Company. It expanded to include statewide appraisal services in 1950. The family tradition continued when their daughter Kathryn worked summers in the real estate office doing photography for her father’s appraisals. Over 124 years ago, fate played a hand in changing the life of Belle Smallidge, Librarian for Northeast Harbor. A couple looking for a summer rental asked Belle for her assistance, and she happily obliged. Soon she found herself working full-time finding rental properties for other visitors to Northeast Harbor, thus launching a long and successful career in real estate for her and her family. Miss Smallidge operated her business from an office in the Joy Building on Main Street, which also housed the law office of Jerome Henry Knowles. They soon fell in love and married in 1903. Remarkably, her marriage did not mark the end of Belle’s professional career, as it did for many women of that era. In fact, her career flourished, and the marriage produced a son, Jerome Knowles,Jr., who later joined his mother in the business. At the age of 70, Belle traveled to New Orleans to attend Tulane University, where she received a Member of Appraisal Institute degree, making her the first person in Maine and the third woman in the country to receive such a distinction! Kathryn’s husband, Robert Suminsby, began working at The Knowles Company in 1958 as a broker. Twelve Robert E. Suminsby & Jerome Knowles, Jr. years later, Bob managed the appraisal end of the business. Bob and Kathy puchased The Knowles Company in 1972 from her parents and subsequently opened a branch in Southwest Harbor. Within fifteen years, they had opened a third branch in Ellsworth, and their son, Jerome, had joined the business. Since 1994 when Bob Suminsby sold the company, Keating Pepper and Mia Thompson have served as Principal Owners. While bringing the company into the 21st century with all of the technological and industry changes that the Internet age introduced, Keating and Mia have continued to foster a team oriented culture within the Real Estate and Rentals Departments that places a high value on professionalism, integrity, and excellent service. In 2022 Kate Chaplin joined the pair as a Minority Owner. The Knowles Company continues to value the traditions of the past while adapting and engaging with the demands of the future with the goal of serving our clients with the highest standards. Courtesy of Kathy Suminsby 13
Page 1 and 2: 2022 SUMMER PORTFOLIO INCLUDED FEAT
Page 3 and 4: ACTIVE LISTINGS MARK ISLAND Winter
Page 5 and 6: ACTIVE LISTINGS (continued) EAGLE L
Page 7 and 8: SOLD COW COVE Northeast Harbor $7,8
Page 9 and 10: SOLD (continued) 23 My Way Mount De
Page 11 and 12: BOUGHT THROUGH KNOWLES (continued)
Page 13: MEET THE KNOWLES COMPANY RENTAL TEA

SummerPortfolio2022-FINAL

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