Buying a primary residence in OOB
Year-round owner-occupants are roughly 8,800 of OOB's residents, meaningfully fewer than the seasonal population, but a real cohort with a defined buying playbook here. This page is for them.
Updated May 2026
Pre-approval first, listings second
OOB's well-priced inventory moves in 7, 14 days. A clean conventional or jumbo pre-approval letter (not just a pre-qualification) is table stakes. Deja can issue same-day for primary residence applications.
Inventory reality
Single-family inventory under $700k is the tightest segment. Realistic 2025 medians: SF in Grand Beach $525, 685k, Ocean Park $700k, $1.1M, Dunegrass $625, 750k, Pier-area condo (primary-friendly, not rental-driven) $300, 550k.
Tax & insurance underwriting
Mil rate 12.20 plus NFIP flood insurance for any oceanfront-block parcel. Underwrite the full PITI including flood, premiums on coastal SFHA parcels can add $150, 400/mo to the payment.
Homestead exemption
File the homestead application with the Assessor by April 1 of the year you become a primary resident. Knocks $25,000 off assessed value (~$305/year savings).
Compiled from Town of Old Orchard Beach, RSU 23, FEMA, Maine Revenue Service, US Census, and MLS. Deemed reliable but not guaranteed; verify before any transaction.