M
aine's top real estate professionals gathered in Portland for their annual conference, drawing nearly 1,000 industry experts. The event provided a platform for builders, developers, brokers, and bankers to share experiences and address challenges in the field. Amidst economic uncertainty fueled by mass layoffs and tariffs, attendees aimed to reassure nervous buyers and sellers that they're navigating uncharted territory.

    "We're dealing with a lot of unknowns due to the administration's changes," said Shannon Richards of the Maine Real Estate and Development Association. "Predicting the future is an art, not a science." The industry faces a pressing need: building tens of thousands of homes over the next five years to meet the growing demand for housing in Maine.