Natasha Gural-Maiello

Review of RE/MAX Shoreline

Ash and Nick: Moral Exemplars of Real Estate

Ash and Nick: Moral Exemplars of Real Estate

Relocating from New York City to Portland, Maine, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic was a major life decision fraught with myriad emotions. Leaving a cozy apartment on a picturesque block of Manhattan s storied West Village for a house in a smaller city is a complex lifestyle change, even under the most serene circumstances. As soon as I saw a listing posted by RE/MAX Shoreline, every other comparable property at a comparable price seemed inferior, even pointless to pursue. As a cynical New Yorker of more than two decades, I was hesitant despite the immediate gut feeling that I had found the perfect home for my husband, our 10-year-old son, our dog, and me. Accustomed to deceitful real estate agents in the New York market, I had grown to distrust listings and expect exaggerated, even false, claims. Speaking with the listing agent, Nick Guerrette, I immediately felt at ease. My inherent distrust of NYC real estate agents was overcome by Nick s professional, thoughtful, informed, and calm demeanor. I felt compelled to trust him, and my husband and I asked if we could work with him as both seller s and buyer s broker. While it was legally possible, he insisted that we speak with his colleague and fellow associate, Ashlan Ash Oberholtzer. Nick didn t pressure us. In fact, he cautioned us to scrutinize every facet of the decision and work with Ash as a buyer s broker, if we were motivated to move ahead with the biggest financial decision of our lives. Ash came across as trustworthy and knowledgeable as Nick, and we felt compelled to work with him. There was no financial incentive for Nick to share the commission with Ash. It was, as he firmly stated, the only ethical option. After a Zoom meeting with the equally friendly seller, we quickly made an offer and days later became first-time home owners. If you re considering buying a home in the Portland, Maine, area, I strongly recommend working with Nick or Ash. They excelled at every step of the process. Both Ash and Nick remain available to us by text or phone, reiterating that the relationship doesn t end with the transaction. They both have offered invaluable advice and insight into the area that has already made our transition a joy.