I sat down with Emily Mottram, principal at Mottram + Maines and co-author of The Pretty Good House, for one of the most honest, practical conversations about home building I have had on this show. Emily is a registered architect licensed in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Utah, and she has spent 17 years building her practice around building science, energy efficiency, and making better homes accessible to more people.

We get into what Google gets completely wrong about construction costs in Maine, how a HERS rating works and why it can help you finance energy upgrades through your mortgage, what to look for before you buy a piece of land, why home orientation matters more than most people realize, and where homeowners are spending money they really should not be spending.

Emily also walks through what working with an architect actually costs, how to keep a new build on budget from design through closing, and what the lifecycle of different parts of your home really looks like, from the foundation and structure down to your kitchen finishes.

Whether you are in Maine or anywhere else in the country, if you are thinking about buying land, building new, or just trying to make better decisions about your current home, there is something in this conversation for you.

Topics covered in this episode include HERS ratings and energy efficient mortgages, buying land in Maine, site orientation and water management, construction costs and what Google gets wrong, architect fees and what you actually get, how to work with a builder and a lender on a new build, offsite and modular construction in Maine, and where to put your money for long-term comfort in a cold climate.

Emily co-hosts the BS + Beer Show, a free weekly building science livestream on YouTube, and hosts the E3: Energy and Efficiency with Emily podcast. She is also a member of the Natural Resources Council of Maine and teaches building science and sustainable design at a local community college.

Resources mentioned in this episode: The Pretty Good House: https://prettygoodhouse.org BS + Beer Show: Live on YouTube the first Thursday of every month, all past episodes free Green Building Advisor: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com Community Concepts (SHOP program): Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties, Maine

Housing Matters is hosted by Matt Pouliot of Pouliot Real Estate in Maine. New episodes cover everything real estate, from buying your first home to building your investment portfolio. Find us on YouTube at youtube.com/@housingmatterspod.

Steve has spent over 20 years working on financial literacy in Maine. He studied economics at Southern Connecticut State University, earned an MBA from the University of Hartford, served in the Peace Corps in the Czech Republic, and has taught personal finance in classrooms from Portland to Spain. At FAME, he creates content for the Money Matters for ME blog and delivers financial education to Mainers of all ages.

In this conversation, Matt and Steve cover why financial literacy education is so difficult and why spending psychology matters more than math, the real market forces driving housing costs in Maine including demographic shifts and supply constraints, practical strategies real people are using right now to save for a down payment, the power of compound interest and the danger of compound debt, how the monthly payment mentality quietly drains wealth, why Steve says "Take a part of capitalism, or it'll take a part of you," the Maine Opportunity Tax Credit and student loan strategies most people do not know about, budgeting and emergency fund foundations that actually build long term wealth, and the generational shift happening in classrooms that gives Steve hope for the future.

Whether you are a first time homebuyer, a renter weighing your options, or someone looking to reset your financial habits, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable advice.

Learn more about FAME and the Money Matters for ME blog at famemaine.com. Learn more about Housing Matters and Pouliot Real Estate at pouliotrealestate.com.

In this episode of Housing Matters, Matt Pouliot sits down with Debora Keller, Executive Director of Bath Housing, for a thoughtful conversation about the future of housing in Bath and across Midcoast Maine. They discuss the growing mismatch between wages and housing costs, the lack of downsizing options, workforce housing needs tied to major employers like Bath Iron Works, and why communities need a broader range of housing choices—not just one-size-fits-all solutions.

Debora also shares how Bath Housing is approaching the challenge through development, preservation, policy, and direct services, including its nationally recognized Comfortably Home program that helps older adults safely remain in their homes.

This episode is a practical look at housing, community development, zoning, homeownership, aging in place, and the real local strategies that can help Maine communities move forward.

They cover what Bangor has already changed—parking requirements, ADUs, zoning updates, and streamlined permitting—plus what’s next: pre-approved duplex/triplex/fourplex plans, mixed rental/ownership development targeting 80–120% AMI, tiny home communities, co-living, supportive housing, and the real-world constraints that can slow progress (financing and infrastructure like wastewater capacity). They also discuss downtown conversions, employer-supported housing, and the redevelopment potential around the Bangor Mall area.

If you care about housing affordability, development, and practical solutions that work in real communities, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

In this episode of Housing Matters, host Matt Pouliot sits down with Sara Bronin — architect, attorney, George Washington University law professor, and Founder & CEO of Land Use Atlas, Inc. — to unpack zoning in a clear, practical way.

Together, they explore how local land use rules influence housing supply, affordability, environmental outcomes, and the choices available to families, seniors, and workers. Sara shares insights from her work building the National Zoning Atlas, including surprising findings about Maine’s regulatory complexity and why well-intentioned policies sometimes fall short at the local level.

You’ll learn:

• What zoning actually is (Zoning 101) • Why “one-size-fits-all” single-family zoning limits housing options • How local rules can quietly block ADUs and new housing • What the National Zoning Atlas reveals about communities nationwide • Practical ways policymakers, developers, and residents can engage and drive change

Whether you’re a homeowner, real estate professional, developer, planner, or policy wonk, this conversation will change how you see the rules shaping housing in America.

Guest: Sara Bronin Author of Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World Founder & CEO, Land Use Atlas, Inc.

Learn more: zoningatlas.org preservationatlas.org

Dan brings a rare perspective, having spent more than a decade on the public planning side before moving into private development. He shares how that experience shapes his approach today—especially when it comes to zoning, permitting, community engagement, and reducing risk so projects can move from approval to reality.

The conversation centers on The Downs in Scarborough, a 575-acre planned community that is redefining mixed-use development in Maine. Together, Matt and Dan unpack how large projects get financed, permitted, and phased; why housing density matters; how infrastructure can make or break a deal; and what lessons from The Downs can be applied to smaller towns and infill projects across the state.

They also explore missing middle housing, vertically integrated development, purpose-built town centers, and why predictable zoning—not politics—is one of the most powerful tools for solving Maine’s housing shortage.

Whether you’re a developer, planner, municipal leader, or someone simply trying to understand why housing is so hard to build, this episode offers real-world insight into the challenges—and solutions—facing Maine’s housing future.

This conversation goes beyond real estate and into the realities town managers face every day: staffing EMTs and fire departments, keeping schools and daycare centers running, stabilizing property taxes, and planning for long-term infrastructure costs—all in a system that relies heavily on property taxes and offers little direct return from sales tax.

Kevin explains why many Maine communities are struggling to hire first responders and essential workers simply because there’s nowhere affordable for them to live nearby. He also shares how Newcastle is exploring a bold, town-led approach to housing, including downtown density, lifecycle infrastructure planning, and creative models like separating land ownership from homeownership to lower costs.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why housing is the “flywheel” that keeps Maine communities functioning

• How long response times and staffing shortages are directly tied to housing availability

• The real financial math behind sprawl vs. downtown density

• Why sales tax doesn’t come back to Maine towns—and what that means for local budgets

• Newcastle’s downtown housing project and a potential public-private path forward

• How housing solutions can support seniors, families, and workforce retention

If you care about Maine’s housing future—or you’re involved in development, municipal leadership, or local business—this episode offers a clear, honest look at what it will actually take to move forward.

In this episode of Housing Matters, Matt Pouliot sits down with John Egan of the Genesis Fund to unpack what’s really stalling housing development across the state. From financing gaps and broken appraisals to the “missing middle,” workforce shortages, and misunderstood tools like TIFs, this is a deep dive into the real-world mechanics of getting housing from paper to reality.

They also explore:

• Why public investment is critical to unlocking private development

• The growing urgency of preserving rural and USDA-financed housing

• How towns can reduce friction with zoning, parking, and faster approvals

• And what it will take to keep Maine’s housing momentum alive

If you care about Maine’s economy, workforce, or future communities, this is a must-listen conversation about why approval isn’t the finish line—and homes don’t get built by accident.

In this episode of Housing Matters, host Matt Pouliot sits down with Jeffrey Truchon, founder of Sovereign Wealth Management, to connect the dots between time, inflation, broken money, housing, and why he believes Bitcoin is the premier long-term store of value.

Jeff shares his journey from Maine kid and Enterprise manager to independent fiduciary advisor, and how COVID, money-printing, and a 35% market crash pushed him deep down the Bitcoin rabbit hole. He walks through the end of the gold standard, how fiat currency quietly steals your time and energy, and why he thinks Bitcoin should be viewed as digital property alongside (not instead of) real estate.

You’ll hear Jeff’s take on:

• Why time—not dollars—is your most valuable asset

• How inflation and debt are crushing younger generations

• Bitcoin mining, halvings, and the 21 million cap

• Bitcoin vs gold, bonds, and housing as a store of value

• How he builds portfolios that include Bitcoin while still focusing on risk

Jeffrey Truchon is a Maine-born financial advisor, Husson University business graduate, and founder of Sovereign Wealth Management. He holds his Life & Health Insurance License and Series 65, and has been featured in Fortune, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg Businessweek, and on multiple radio and TV shows. He works with clients across Maine and nationwide to protect and grow their life savings.

👉 Learn more about Jeff at retiredsovereign.com or email info@retiredsovereign.com.

*This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice.

In this episode, Matt Pouliot sits down with Collin to talk about how law, business, and community can work together to shape Maine’s future. From housing policy and local control to entrepreneurship, education, and workforce renewal, this conversation dives into the mindset shift needed to unlock Maine’s full potential.

They explore:

• Why housing is economic development

• How Maine can attract and retain young talent

• The “silver wave” and the future of the trades

• Law school insights, leadership, and civic engagement

• How storytelling and optimism can change Maine’s narrative

Whether you’re a policymaker, investor, or proud Mainer, this episode will leave you inspired about what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

🎧 Listen to Housing Matters Episode 23 — “Maine’s Future: Housing, Policy & Entrepreneurship with Collin McGarr” — and discover how today’s young leaders are redefining what it means to build community in Maine.

From cottage courts and ADUs to the future of zoning, Jim shares lessons from his 40-year career bridging design, policy, and economics. Hear how he’s helping rebrand “developers” as built-environment entrepreneurs—people who balance profit with purpose and build places that allow humanity to thrive.

👉 Learn more about Jim’s work and resources: jheid.com | Amazon

Nancy shares her incredible journey — from forester and farmer to legislator and nonprofit leader — and explains how smart growth principles can balance private property rights, local control, and the urgent need for more housing across the state. Together, they discuss the future of development in Maine, from ADUs and parking reform to rural innovation and revitalizing downtowns.

🎧 Whether you’re a homeowner, developer, policymaker, or simply passionate about the future of Maine, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories about building stronger, more connected communities.

Topics include:

• Fear of change and the path from NIMBY to YIMBY

• The impact of LD 2003 and local zoning reform

• How parking minimums, sprinklers, and density rules shape housing costs

• Smart Growth vs. sprawl – what it really means for Maine towns

• Rural innovation, small developers, and revitalizing historic downtowns

• GrowSmart Maine’s upcoming Smart Growth Summit in Waterville

Hosted by: Matt Pouliot, Pouliot Real Estate Guest: Nancy Smith, CEO of GrowSmart Maine

#MaineHousing #SmartGrowth #CommunityDevelopment #ZoningReform #RuralInnovation #HousingMattersPodcast

In this episode of Housing Matters, host Matt Pouliot welcomes Dr. James (Jim) Siodla, Associate Professor of Economics at Colby College, to unpack the complex relationship between zoning, land use regulations, and the housing affordability crisis.

Jim’s research in urban economics, U.S. economic history, and redevelopment after disasters provides a powerful lens to understand why housing prices in Maine—and across the nation—are rising faster than incomes. Together, Matt and Jim explore:

• How minimum lot size restrictions and zoning laws drive up housing costs

• Lessons from San Francisco’s 1906 fire and what they teach us today

• Maine’s 74% per-capita increase in home prices since 2019

• The impact of NIMBYism vs. YIMBYism on housing supply

• Why policies like LD 2003 and bipartisan federal initiatives matter

• Practical steps towns and cities can take to encourage growth and affordability

From real estate developers to policymakers to everyday Mainers, this episode dives deep into the economics and politics of housing—and what can be done to create more homes for the next generation.

🎧 Tune in to understand the real barriers to affordability and how communities can build a better housing future.

In this episode of Housing Matters, host Matt Pouliot sits down with Brian English, founder and CEO of Origin Studio, to explore how modular accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are reshaping affordability, multigenerational living, and community development.

Brian brings a global perspective—from leading post-disaster housing recovery in the Caribbean to urban slum upgrading in India—with lessons now applied to high-design, factory-built ADUs in the U.S. Through Origin Studio, he’s proving that small, scalable solutions can make a big impact.

We dive into:

• Why ADUs are uniquely positioned to address affordability, aging in place, and intergenerational living

• How off-site construction and modular design create faster, more predictable housing solutions

• The permitting, financing, and workforce barriers that must be solved for ADUs to scale nationally

• Origin Studio’s commitment to dignity, sustainability, and design—without sacrificing attainability

• What public-private partnerships and pre-approved ADU catalogs could mean for the future of housing supply

If you’ve ever wondered whether ADUs are just a trend—or a real pathway to solving housing shortages—this conversation will give you answers.

🔗 Learn more about Origin Studio: originstudio.design 📺 Watch on YouTube + subscribe for full video episodes 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts

We explore how Shelter’s blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern building science is reshaping what it means to be a builder in today’s world. From hands-on timber framing to prefab kit homes, this conversation covers:

– The Shelter legacy and their 3-generation philosophy – How building science education empowers everyday people – The launch of their new timber frame kit home line – Why durability, sustainability, and adaptability matter more than ever – And how they’re making homebuilding more accessible without compromising quality

Whether you’re a real estate professional, a housing advocate, a DIY enthusiast, or simply someone who believes in smarter building solutions—this episode will inspire and inform.

🎧 Subscribe and listen now!

#HousingMatters #ShelterInstitute #TimberFrame #Homebuilding #DIY #PrefabHomes #ConstructionInnovation #AffordableHousing #MaineBuilders

In this episode of Housing Matters, Matt Pouliot is joined by Monte Anderson—President of Options Real Estate Investments, Inc. and co-founder of Neighborhood Evolution. Monte has spent decades revitalizing Southern Dallas through sustainable, small-scale development that puts community first.

Monte shares how he went from racing motorcycles to becoming one of the most impactful townmakers in the country. From restoring forgotten buildings to creating ownership opportunities for local entrepreneurs, his approach to “incremental development” offers a blueprint for any community looking to build from the inside out.

🎯 In this episode:

• The 12 Steps of Townmaking

• Why your city doesn’t need a mega-developer

• How to structure creative deals with community impact

• Why “no one is coming to save you”—and why that’s good news

If you care about housing, community, or doing development differently, don’t miss this one.

🎧 More from Monte: 🔗 Options Real Estate: https://optionsre.com 🔗 Neighborhood Evolution: https://neighboodevo.org

In this episode of Housing Matters, Matt Pouliot sits down with Dennis Steigerwalt, President of the Housing Innovation Alliance, to explore how real change is happening across the housing industry. From modular construction and micro-factories to smart lending and policy reform, Dennis shares powerful insights on what it takes to move beyond buzzwords and into real-world impact.

You’ll hear about:

• The Picket Fence concept home and why it matters

• Why the U.S. lags in offsite construction—and how to fix it

• How data, policy, and capital must align for change

• What’s next for innovation in places like Maine

This is a conversation for builders, policymakers, investors, and anyone who believes housing should work better for everyone.

🔗 Learn more: housinginnovationalliance.com 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes from Housing Matters

Jason shares his journey from founding Argo Marketing to transforming Lewiston’s downtown through Aegean Development. They talk candidly about zoning reform, planning board dysfunction, local vs. state control, and why Maine desperately needs more people—and more places for them to live.

From military leadership lessons to strategies for revitalizing Maine's urban cores, this episode is packed with insight, passion, and real-world perspective on what it’s going to take to solve the housing crisis.

🎙️ Topics covered:

• The myth of local control

• How Auburn streamlined development

• Planning boards as barriers

• The need for market-rate housing

• What Lewiston is getting right

• Lessons from Montana, Europe, and beyond

Whether you’re a policymaker, builder, investor, or just someone trying to make sense of the housing conversation—this episode is for you.

Dottie shares her expert insight on the evolving landscape of home insurance—why premiums are rising, how national disasters affect local rates, and what homeowners really need to understand about their policies. From avoiding costly escrow mistakes to knowing what’s actually covered in a flood, this episode is packed with must-know information for buyers, sellers, and property owners alike.

But this conversation goes beyond insurance. Dottie also dives into her leadership philosophy, her passion for coaching over managing, and how she’s transformed the culture at Chalmers through recognition, mentorship, and handwritten notes that make a lasting impact.

Whether you're a homeowner, real estate professional, or just love a good Maine success story, this episode is full of wisdom, humor, and practical advice.

🎧 Learn more about Chalmers Insurance Group: https://www.chalmersinsurancegroup.com

📩 Contact Dottie: dcutler@chalmersinsurancegroup.com

📱 Follow us on Instagram @housingmatterspod

In this episode of Housing Matters, host Matt Pouliot sits down with Thatcher Butcher, a seasoned construction industry leader and President of KBS Builders, to explore the transformative potential of modular housing in Maine and beyond.

Together, they dig into:

• Why Maine’s aging population and shrinking trades workforce demand new building solutions

• The stigma around factory-built homes—and how modern modular turns that on its head

• What it really takes to build a high-quality home in a controlled environment

• How offsite construction shortens timelines, reduces waste, and improves work-life balance for tradespeople

• The regulatory and licensing hurdles holding modular back

• What real estate professionals, developers, and policymakers need to understand to make change happen

Whether you're a builder, developer, policymaker, or just someone curious about the future of housing, this conversation will challenge how you think about what it means to “build a home.”

🎙 Housing Matters is a podcast about real estate, housing policy, and building better communities in Maine. Hosted by Matt Pouliot of Pouliot Real Estate.

In this episode of Housing Matters, we sit down with Kevin Bunker, founding principal of Developers Collaborative, for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to create housing in Maine—and why it matters. From lobster boats to Harvard, from urban planning to real estate finance, Kevin shares his unconventional journey into development and how he’s used his skills to tackle Maine’s housing challenges head-on.

We explore:

• How Kevin transitioned from lobsterman to developer

• What “smart growth” really means and why it matters now more than ever

• The nuts and bolts of building affordable and workforce housing

• Freedom Place and other community-driven projects

• How private capital and public good can align

• The growing role of employers like Bath Iron Works in housing solutions

• Why housing is a societal issue—and how developers can be part of the solution

Whether you’re curious about development, passionate about solving the housing crisis, or just want to hear from someone who’s walking the walk in Maine, this episode delivers insight, candor, and even a little baseball talk.

🔗 Learn more about Developers Collaborative: https://developerscollaborative.com 📲 Follow DC on social media: @developerscollaborative 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on housing, policy, and development in Maine.

A former professional sailor turned visionary builder, Ben shares how his deep connection to the ocean sparked his mission to repurpose plastic waste into powerful, innovative building materials. Learn how his team is tackling the housing crisis with composite construction that’s lighter, stronger, and greener—offering solutions that can be deployed nationwide.

🎯 Topics We Cover:

- The origin of The OpBox and how it sparked instant retail and community pop-ups

- How Edura Building Systems turns recycled plastics into structural wall panels

- Why mobile, modular, and sustainable construction is key to affordable housing

- The future of housing innovation—from kit homes to off-grid living

- Working with partners like L.L.Bean, Clink, and the Shelter Institute to scale impact

If you’re curious about the intersection of sustainability, housing, and innovation—or just love a good origin story—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

🔗 Learn more:

https://www.theopbox.com

https://www.edura.build

Join us as we discuss: ✔️ The evolution of Freeport and its transition beyond retail ✔️ The Downtown Revision Project and its impact on local businesses ✔️ The housing crisis and the challenges of overcoming community resistance ✔️ How grassroots movements like Freeport Friends are creating meaningful change ✔️ The importance of community engagement in shaping local development

🎧 Tune in to hear Tawni’s insights on economic growth, housing advocacy, and the future of Freeport!

🔗 Learn More:

• Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce: https://www.freeportmainechamber.com/
• https://www.pouliotrealestate.com/blog/revitalizing-freeport-housing-business-and-community-with-tawni-whitney/

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Share your thoughts with us—how is your community tackling housing and economic development?

Ed shares his incredible journey into real estate, starting from his first property purchase at just 17 years old to leading major developments, including a ten-story office building on Congress Street, affordable housing initiatives, and a 160-unit condominium project. We also discuss the biggest challenges facing housing development in Maine, from rising construction costs and labor shortages to regulatory hurdles and zoning changes.

Beyond real estate, Ed is a dedicated community leader. He co-founded the Equality Community Center and has played key roles in organizations like Greater Portland Landmarks and Friends of the Eastern Prom. His passion for historic preservation, affordable housing, and city planning makes for a compelling conversation about the future of Portland’s housing market.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on market trends, policy changes, and valuable advice for homebuyers, sellers, and investors navigating today’s evolving real estate landscape.

More at https://www.pouliotrealestate.com/media/housingmatters/

Join host Matt Pouliot as they discuss:  

✔️ How zoning impacts housing affordability & development  

✔️ The importance of community-driven planning  

✔️ Challenges & solutions in Maine’s housing landscape  

✔️ Innovative approaches like form-based coding & modular construction  

✔️ The role of Build Maine in shaping the state’s future  

From making zoning codes more transparent to fostering mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods, Vanessa shares invaluable insights for developers, investors, and anyone passionate about the future of housing in Maine.  

🔔 **Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share!** Got thoughts on the episode? Drop a comment below!

In this episode, we explore Max's journey into real estate, his transition from the hospitality industry, and how he has navigated a dynamic market filled with challenges like fluctuating interest rates and limited housing inventory. Max shares invaluable insights on:

- The parallels between hospitality and real estate.

- How to craft winning offers in competitive markets.

- The benefits and challenges of flipping homes to create housing opportunities.

- Building wealth through real estate investments and empowering the next generation to think strategically about homeownership.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, seasoned investor, or someone considering a career in real estate, this episode is packed with actionable advice, market perspectives, and a whole lot of passion for helping others find their dream homes.

Topics Discussed:

- Navigating a tight housing market.

- Building trust with clients and personalized approaches.

- Insights on real estate investing and flipping homes.

- The importance of transparency in buyer-seller relationships.

Tune in to learn, get inspired, and take your first steps toward homeownership or expanding your real estate journey!

📌 Hosted by: Matt Pouliot

🎙️ Guest: Max Ross, Realtor and Investor

View more at https://www.pouliotrealestate.com/media/housingmatters/

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode. For more insights or to connect with our team, visit Pouliot Real Estate. Let's make housing dreams come true! 🌟

In this episode, George and Matt delve into the challenges and opportunities facing the housing industry today, discussing everything from offsite construction and productivity challenges to the societal and regulatory barriers that hinder affordable housing. They explore the intersection of innovation and practicality, touching on George’s belief in creating purpose-driven housing solutions and his vision for housing enterprise zones. The conversation also highlights George’s leadership journey, his reflections on workforce development, and his commitment to fostering better businesses in Maine through mentorship and lifelong learning.

Whether you're in real estate, development, or simply passionate about solving housing challenges, this episode offers invaluable perspectives. Don’t miss George’s practical solutions for the housing crisis and his inspiring take on how communities can grow stronger together.

Subscribe for more insightful conversations on Housing Matters!

https://www.pouliotrealestate.com/blog/revolutionizing-housing-insights-from-industry-leader-george-casey/