Bangor Couple Purchased Historic Home in July

LaRae and Jordan LaBouff closed on a 1,700-square-foot property in Bangor on July 13, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Residential

Bold vector editorial illustration of a classic New England residential home with a wrap-around porch and a large oak tree. — LaRae and Jordan LaBouff purchased a 1,700-square-foot home in Bangor, Maine, in July, opting for ownership to avoid rising city rental costs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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After spending two years browsing listings, LaRae and Jordan LaBouff purchased a 1,700-square-foot home in Bangor, Maine, for $267,500. The couple finalized the closing on the property on July 13, 2026.

Why it matters

The decision to purchase was driven by rising rental costs in Bangor, which reached parity with or exceeded typical monthly mortgage payments. This move reflects a broader trend among residents seeking to avoid escalating rental fees.

The home, built in 1880, encompasses 1,700 square feet and was purchased for $267,500. This follows a 2015 sale of the same property for $112,500.

The players

LaRae LaBouff

She is the primary buyer who transitioned from 15 years of renting to homeownership in Bangor.

Jordan LaBouff

He is the co-buyer who collaborated on the multi-year search for a property within the local market.

The details

The buyers conducted a virtual tour of the property through a realtor and a friend while they were out of town. After renting in the city for 15 years, the couple prioritized the purchase after finding a property within their $300,000 budget.

The home previously sold for $112,500 in 2015.
The property was listed for nearly $280,000 in July 2024.
The house was listed for under $275,000 in late May 2026.
The couple returned to Bangor on July 11, 2026.
The purchase of the home closed on July 13, 2026.

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Culture Shift

This move highlights a shift toward homeownership as local rental prices have reached parity with or exceeded monthly mortgage payments. The transaction signals a reaction to the persistent increase in housing costs facing long-term renters.

For residents navigating the local market, this purchase underscores the potential financial benefits of transitioning from renting to owning when monthly costs align. Buyers may find success in the current landscape by utilizing virtual tools to secure properties before physically arriving in the city.

The takeaway

Prospective buyers can leverage virtual home tours to maintain competitiveness when searching for properties from out of town. Evaluating the break-even point between renting and mortgage payments is a practical step for those looking to exit the rental market.