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By Kearston Albert
When Louis Albert first opened the real estate business, St. John Valley Realty, in 1974, he probably wouldn’t have believed his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson would still be working there in 2025, 51 years later. Without St. John Valley Realty, many people would be homeless, which is why the company works so hard to cater to the low-income and elderly individuals in our community. Ian Albert is the third generation to work in this family business. Michael, Sheri, and Ian work together to keep the office running successfully.
Kitty is taking a break on Ian’s lap while he works
When customers first walk into the building on 8 East Main Street in Fort Kent, Maine, they are greeted by an employee at a large desk, many plants, and other offices spaced around the area. The look of the building is modern-ish with beige walls and tiled floors. Also, a very friendly office cat greets customers with a happy meow. There is a nice waiting area for people to sit and wait their turn to speak with one of the employees, and lots of decorations for the appropriate holiday. In winter, the office is decorated with Christmas lights and decorations, and in the fall, it is decorated with pumpkins and spooky Halloween decorations. The employees make the area look more fun and life-filled. If customers need to contact the office, they can email sjvalleyrealty@gmail.com or call 207-834-6725.
One of the employees and the cat are working
Michael Albert wanted to work at St. John Valley Realty since he was in high school because his father had started the company, and he’d always go work there after school. Michael went to the University of Southern Maine and returned to Fort Kent in 1993 to run the family business. He very much enjoys working there, saying, “It was my father’s company, and I’d always worked there when I was in high school.” Michael also stated, “The business provides housing for low-income individuals and the elderly.” Michael feels good about providing housing for these kinds of people so they don’t have to live on the streets in the cold weather.
The business is successful because its rents are always full. At the current moment, 95% of their properties are full, which shows that people stay because they are taken care of. Michael explained, “Every day is different for everyone who works there; they are either doing budgeting, working on QuickBooks, or having to go to different apartments to check on things and make sure everything is well-maintained.” They manage seven apartments with four employees, which doesn’t seem like a lot, but they can get work done fast. At any given time, employees may be repairing or maintaining properties, landscaping, and in the winter, completing snow removal, and making sure the walkways are safe to walk on so that the tenants do not slip and fall. The service that is provided to these individuals has helped make them feel safe and like they are important members of the community. They now have clients in Allagash, St. Francis, St. John Plantation, Eagle Lake, St. Agatha, Madawaska, and Fort Kent. Michael’s future goals for the company are to have his kids continue to live up to his expectations and keep the business going strong.
One of the office’s during a work day
Some hardships for the company are a lot of paperwork, and often, people don’t pay their rent. Even though most of these individuals are on a tight budget, SJVR is passionate about helping them when times are tough. This is hard for the company because they then have to try to get them to pay without being rude. If the tenants don’t pay after a while, they have to get evicted, which is another challenge for the company.
Walking into this office is like walking into a family’s home. It feels warm and inviting, and customers get the feeling that they are seen and that the employees are ready to help them. If customers walk in in need of assistance, they will walk out feeling cared for and helped. This company works hard at helping people in need find homes.
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