Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Real Estate Partner in York, ME
Founded in 1985, Rivers by the Sea has established itself as a premier full-service real estate agency serving York, Maine, and surrounding areas. Our expertise spans real estate sales, vacation rentals, property development, and comprehensive property management, supported by decades of local market knowledge. With a commitment to personalized service, we assist buyers, sellers, and renters through every stage of their real estate journey. Our teams deep roots in the community and proven track record in managing over 1,000 vacation rental weeks annually underscore our leadership in the regional market.We specialize in creating seamless experiences for clients seeking residential, commercial, or hospitality-focused properties, backed by a legacy of transformative projects like the Ocean House Hotel redevelopment. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our clients testimonials, highlighting our responsiveness, integrity, and ability to meet diverse real estate needs. As a locally owned and operated business, we prioritize understanding the unique demands of Maines coastal and rural landscapes, ensuring tailored solutions for every client.
Services
Real Estate Sales
Vacation Rentals
Property Management
Property Development
Wedding Accommodations
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of experience in Maine's real estate market.
- Our team provides personalized service tailored to unique client needs.
- We specialize in local market insights for coastal and rural properties.
- We manage a comprehensive portfolio including sales, rentals, and development.
- Our proven track record includes top regional sales and rental performance.
What people say
Wonderful experience
Best real estate agency
Incredible service
Amazing property
Top rated pick
Services
Real Estate Sales
We specialize in residential and commercial real estate sales across York County and New Hampshire. Our team leverages deep market knowledge to help buyers find ideal properties and sellers achieve competitive pricing. With a focus on coastal and rural properties, we provide tailored guidance through every transaction stage.
Vacation Rentals
Our vacation rental portfolio includes beachfront homes, seaside cottages, and luxury properties for seasonal stays. We manage over 1,000 rental weeks annually, offering seamless booking and support for guests seeking Yorks coastal attractions. Properties feature amenities like ocean views and proximity to local amenities.
Property Management
We offer full-service property management, including maintenance, cleaning, and tenant coordination. Our services ensure properties remain well-maintained and profitable for owners. From landscaping to repairs, we handle day-to-day operations with attention to detail and client communication.
Property Development
Our development expertise includes condominium conversions, commercial projects, and historic renovations. Notable projects like the Ocean House Hotel redevelopment demonstrate our ability to transform properties into sought-after assets. We navigate zoning regulations and construction to deliver high-value developments.
Wedding Accommodations
We provide specialized rental solutions for weddings and events, including guest housing and venue coordination. Our portfolio features spacious properties suitable for large groups, with partnerships to enhance event planning. Services ensure seamless stays for out-of-town guests and event organizers.
People
Don Rivers
Designated Broker, Owner
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Don has led real estate, hospitality, and development ventures since 1972. He founded Rivers by the Sea in 1985, transforming it into a top regional agency and managing over $19 million in property assets.
Mary Rivers
Broker, Owner
Co-founder with Don Rivers, Mary has driven property management and development initiatives since 1985. Her leadership in projects like the Ocean House Hotel redevelopment and Atlantic House Hotel cemented the companys reputation for innovation.
Chelsea Rose
Sales Agent
A dedicated sales agent assisting clients with residential and commercial property transactions. Chelsea contributes to the teams top-tier performance in York Countys competitive real estate market.
Kacy Harnedy
Rental Team
Manages vacation rental operations, ensuring client satisfaction through efficient bookings and property oversight. Kacys expertise supports the agencys leadership in seasonal rental management.
Matt Calver
Rental Team
Part of the rental team focused on connecting guests with premium vacation properties. Matts work ensures seamless rental experiences for clients visiting Yorks coastal communities.
Questions
What real estate services does Rivers by the Sea offer?
We provide real estate sales, vacation rentals, property management, development, and wedding accommodation services across York County and New Hampshire.
How can I schedule a property showing?
Call us at (207) 450-0051 to arrange a showing for any property, even if it’s not listed on our website.
Do you manage long-term rental properties?
Yes, we offer long-term rentals in addition to seasonal and executive stays, catering to diverse housing needs in York and surrounding areas.
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in York, ME, and nearby towns including Kittery, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunkport, and Portsmouth, NH.
Can you assist with property development projects?
Our development team handles condominium conversions, commercial projects, and historic renovations, with a track record of successful local developments.
How does your property management service work?
We manage maintenance, cleaning, tenant relations, and financial reporting to ensure hassle-free ownership for property investors.
Reviews (6)
Chip S.
Feb 17, 2014
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Don and Mary Rivers dba Rivers by the Sea filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy November 25, 2013. For further info contact the Bankruptcy Clerk's Office, 537 Congress Street, Portland, ME 03910, 1-207-780-3482.
Karen K.
Sep 04, 2013
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We rented on Oceanside ave. It was very close to beach. We could see the ocean from the deck. It was clean, with a garage, washer/dryer, and beach accessories we could use. We plan on renting next year.
Alison B.
Feb 20, 2013
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Terrible company, stay far away! The property we rented was filthy and repeated calls to the manager were ignored. We finally reached someone who was rude and told us to stop complaining and just clean it ourselves. The company misleads customers and refuses to reimburse despite repeated requests. I am not sure how they stay in business with all of these terrible reviews. DO NOT RENT ANY PROPERTY FROM THESE PEOPLE
Guess W.
Feb 20, 2013
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Please learn from my mistake and DO NOT bother doing business with this rental agency. The property I recently rented in York was filthy. They lack the professionalism and customer service necessary to run a reputable rental business. York Beach Maine is a beautiful get away so don't lessen your expectations by doing business with Rivers by the Sea.
Joe C.
Dec 23, 2012
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DO NOT MAKE THE MISTAKE I DID. I owned a beautiful beach house in York Beach at the end of Long Sands that I just sold in June 2012. Lori O'Brien the manager of Rivers by the Sea was aware I was selling the house. She booked several weeks and kept telling me, "Don't worry, I have plenty of houses for rent I can just move the renters". When I went to pass papers she tried to stop the sale of the house because she was losing her commision on the weeks that she had booked with me.
I had to pay her $600.00 so the sale would go through even though the new owners honored all the contracts. She basically extorted money from me. Now I have to take her to court for the EXTRA $600. she got out of me. TAKE IT FROM ME DON'T DO BUSINESS WITH RIVERS BY TH SEA OR SHOULD I SAY CROOKS BY THE SEA
I had to pay her $600.00 so the sale would go through even though the new owners honored all the contracts. She basically extorted money from me. Now I have to take her to court for the EXTRA $600. she got out of me. TAKE IT FROM ME DON'T DO BUSINESS WITH RIVERS BY TH SEA OR SHOULD I SAY CROOKS BY THE SEA
David Z.
Oct 16, 2012
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I would be very careful about doing business with these people. I have rented two times from them and each time it was a complete MESS. Properties were misrepresented by the agency and they accepted absolutely no responsibility for it. They just want the money and seem to have no concern for their customers. I will certainly never do business with them again.
