I’m the BDN’s new housing reporter

By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff

I’m Kathleen O’Brien, and I’m the latest housing reporter for the Bangor Daily News.

My byline may be familiar. I covered Bangor and Brewer city government and local happenings for three years before taking on this new role.

But I’m excited to jump into this new beat, since housing is a statewide issue that touches everyone. We all need somewhere to live that’s safe and affordable.  

It has been fascinating to watch the housing market in Maine change in my lifetime, especially in the region where I grew up. 

I was born and raised in Portland and returned home after graduating from college. After working for a few years at a Brunswick-area newspaper, I moved to Bangor to join the BDN.

I feel lucky to love where I grew up and now live as an adult. But, I also think Maine faces several challenges when it comes to housing. 

On the surface, we know home prices and monthly rent fees continue to rise, and a statewide housing shortage hasn’t helped matters. The most important element of reporting these issues is talking to the people who are directly affected.

If you’re struggling to buy your first house or rent an apartment, are looking to downsize in retirement, or have dreams of owning a camp you can escape to in the summer but can’t afford it, I want to hear about it.  

Also, I’m a little nosey, so if you think you have an especially impressive or unique home, I’d love to see it. 

And lastly, if you think there’s something interesting happening or an issue I don’t know about but should, please reach out to me at kobrien@bangordailynews.com.