Dear Editor:

Since the pandemic began, more people can work remotely so Maine in general, and the Boothbay region specifically, have become a magnet for people looking for a healthier lifestyle. Because of this significant change in the way we go to work, people have more freedom in choosing where they work. This has led to a real estate boom locally, evidenced by rising land prices and a double digit increase in real estate transactions.

I and others I know have received an unsolicited letter and purchase agreement from Land Acquisitions of Long Beach, CA. My ownership record is listed with the Lincoln County Assessor and is public and available to anyone who requests it, so it was easy for Land Acquisitions of Long Beach, CA to get it. I also have received text messages from other companies -- “We are interested in buying your property, as is w/no closing costs or realtor fees, for cash.”

I wonder why I am getting these offers as my property is not for sale, I am not behind in taxes, the property is not unattractive or run down. I did some checking on the internet about Land Acquisitions, and they make it very easy for me to sell after I have signed a purchase agreement; they will arrange a closing date and then send funds by check or wire to my bank account.

Our residence is within the Adams Pond watershed and when my husband was no longer able to properly manage the land, we sold 70 acres of our forested property to the water district at fair market value. This land now acts as a permanent natural filter for keeping our drinking water healthy.

Please exercise caution if you decide to proceed with a sale to Land Acquisitions or any other non-local land developer. It seems likely that the developer’s driving interest is to make a quick profit, and not the common good of our community.

Jeannie Hamrin

Boothbay