Peggy's Blog

Stowe's Opening Soon

2008-11-12T13:37:21Z

I have posted an update on my blog stoweblog.com about the fast approaching winter. It seems to be coming at great paces. We've gotten snow already a number of times this week!

The Mountain is due to open 11/22, the new baselodge may not follow that close behind! But the hotel restaurant & bar are open in the village at Spruce Peak, so stop by their for a glass of wine and a great view of the snowmaking!

Check out my last update on winter's progress at my blog, click here "Sure Signs of Winter in Stowe VT" or to see a picture from my window on Taber Ridge taken a few weeks ago click here!

Coyotes in the Night

2007-08-25T13:41:33Z

Hmmm. Fall is in the air in Vermont. The nights are cool, the down comforter is out and the air is crisp. The mornings bring fog in the valley and for those of us that live in the hills we are treated to an amazing view. There is nothing more exciting than to be out for a morning walk and see the top of the mountains crystal clear and the clouds floating below creating an ocean of clouds.

We were treated to a meteorite shower this week. Nothing could possibly be more beautiful than the bright starry sky showering us with its own form of fireworks. Of course it requires one to be awake after midnight or like me, set the alarm for 1 am. The dogs and I stumbled out of the house to sit on a lawn chair and gaze upward upon a catherdral of lights. I felt as if I was watching a symphony orchestrated for me and only me, (the dogs seemed less interested in lifting their heads). After awhile they decided to head back to the house for a more cozy bed, leaving me still entralled at the sight.

The night sounds came back into focus once the dogs left. Seldom do I get to experience the night in such detail. The forest around me came alive and I could hear in the distance an owl announcing his presence. Minutes later I was treated to a chorus of coyotes with the sopranos and altos blending into song. It was a glorious eery sound, sending chills through me. What a priviledge to be showered with falling stars and the chorus of coyotes.

Sometime when your day is going downhill quickly and you feel the world spinning out of control, if you are fortunate enough to be in a place where you can observe the night sky.... Get Up, Go Out and rejoice. Despite all the terror, destruction and horror of this world remember there is beauty, love and joy in something as simple as coyotes serenading the night sky.

Carlson Real Estate Stowe VT Affiliates with Coldwell Banker

2007-08-14T18:32:25Z

We are excited to announce that as of August 2, 2007 Carlson Real Estate is affiliated with Coldwell Banker.

We are still an independently owned office with all of the advantages that Coldwell Banker has to offer. It is the leading nation real estate franchise and is recognized as “the name” in real estate. There are many advantages for our clients and customers. In this day of technology it is difficult for the small agency to compete. It is important for us to offer to our clients the latest in technology and to get national and international exposure for our listings. The referral system is a global network which is available through Coldwellbanker.com.

One of the main features that is important to us is the Previews program. Previews offers marketing for the luxury properties and reaches a global audience. Coldwell Banker participated in over 50% of all luxury sales in the United States. As a certified Preview agent I am able to have access to the top luxury buyers and am able to get more exposure for my clients.

Other programs that are offered through Coldwell Banker are the Home Protection plan. This is an insurance policy that a Seller can take out on their home to cover appliances, and systems that may break in the period of the year that the house on the market. This policy can be passed on to the Buyer. Another feature of this plan is that the payment for it is not due until the closing on the house. This protection costs approximately $500.

Coldwell Banker offers a Sale Ready Home Program. We have a checklist that will make a Seller’s home ready for sale. This includes a home inspection, title search, staging the home, checking that permits are in order and current. Once the home complies with the Home Ready Program we can advertise it as a “Home Ready” property. This is an advantage to a Seller as it will make a very smooth closing process and will give the Seller an edge with buyers.

Another feature is “Lead Router”. Simply, this is a system of contacting an agent within 3 minutes after a lead comes into our web. You will be secure in knowing that if an inquiry comes in on your property there will be an agent responding to that inquiry within 3 minutes. Ninety-five percent of all potential customers have their first contact with the Internet. Lead Router is one of the best ways to make sure that these leads are not lost.

There are many advertising campaigns that Coldwell Banker runs nationally and we are able to take advantage of these through special mailings, epostcard, enewsletters and radio/tv advertising. This could never be possible as a small independent agency.

We feel that our clients and customers deserve the most up to date and best service that we can provide. After many months of research we found that of all of all the franchise companies available, Coldwell Banker offered the most comprehensive services and has the largest consumer brand recognition. What does this mean to you if you list with us? Since it is the most recognized brand. more traffic will be brought to our office and this gives you much more exposure, giving you the ability to sell your house sooner. In today’s market this is a huge asset to you.

Please stop by my office, respond to my blog, or email me at peggysmighsq@aol.com . You can also check out my website at: Peggysmithvt.com and you might be a lucky winner of one of our new Coldwell Banker products. This could even be a vacation at one of the RCI resorts offered to us through Coldwell Banker or a gift certificate at Tiffany’s. You never know what might be in my basket of goodies.

To Search the MLS check out my website: Peggysmithvt.com

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Need Studio Space or Are You a Hobbyist?

2007-08-14T18:30:50Z

This is an opportunity for the artist,contracter, woodworker, boat builder or car enthusiast to have 3,000 sq. ft of work space with a 5 bedroom home attached. Added bonus is a studio apartment for rental income. Currently used as a sculpture studio, the possibilities are endless. The home features wide pine floors, several decks, and gallery space. No need to go outside into the cold to your studio, there is inside access. Lovely views of mountains and 5 miles from Stowe, Vt. Located in an area that has an active art community with excellent schools. Here is an opportunity to live and work in a country astmoshphere, yet be close to the airport for easy access. All this for $680,000. You can’t beat a set up like this if you want space to work and live at home.

For full listing information on this listing checkout my website: Peggysmithvt.com

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How to Sell Your House (in a crappy market)!

2007-08-14T18:22:49Z

How to Sell Your House (in a crappy market)!

If you are interested in learning some of helpful points to your sell your house, I recommend you watch this video:”How to Sell Your House (in a crappy market)!“.

Sometimes it is better to listen to what experts outside of Vermont have to say. It is a quick and easy video to watch, just four minutes long. It offers good advise on selling your home in the current market. Go to How to Sell Your House and see what the experts have to say.

Also I am offering a FREE book on “Who’s the Best Person to Sell My House?”. Just make a comment on my blog and I will be happy to send you a copy

To Search the MLS check out my website: Peggysmithvt.com

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Moose Sighting!

2007-08-14T18:20:21Z

I was coming back from Elmore into Stowe on the Elmore Mt. Road in the middle of a pounding rain storm with my windshield wipers on high when from out of the woods ,on the left hand side of the car, ran a moose! I missed hitting him by about a foot.

It has been many years since I have had a moose sighting. The other times I was walking in the woods. This is a bit scary because you don’t know if they might have a calf with them, they are sick, or aggressive. The size of a moose is very impressive. This moose being so close to my car, gave me a first hand comparison. The moose which was a young male was almost taller than my BMW station wagon.

After he ran in front of my car, he stopped and tried to decide which way to turn. I kept hoping that it would not be in my direction. After looking like he would go back where he came from he moved to the side of the road and looked at me for a few minutes as if to say,”You can pass now,” and then he moved on into the woods.

I was a bit pissed that I was out on a property with a client getting soaked, and I was driving along anxious to get out of my wet clothes when the moose showed up. After sitting there watching him I drove away still wet but happy. It was a warm summer afternoon and I thought if I were a child being in those woods in the pouring rain would bring laughter to me; so I found that child and enjoyed the pleasure of what had transpired this afternoon.

P.S. Another friend just told me she saw a huge snapping turtle crossing the road yesterday. With all this rain the forest and wetland creatures must be on the move to dryer areas.

To learn more about Stowe VT check out my website: Peggysmithvt.com

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Business Opportunity: The Miller’s Thumb

2007-08-14T18:17:56Z

This is a perfect seasonal business for someone who wants to work but doesn’t want to be tied down. In the village of Greensboro, Vermont just a block from the idyllic Caspian Lake sits the Miller’s Thumb, currently a retail store of worldly goods and Vermont products. The building is a 1700’s gristmill with all of the charm of hand-hewn beams, soft patina pine floors, and a peek hole to the river that literally runs below the building. There are many opportunities for this building besides the existing business. It would be perfect for an artist studio, museum, and/or gallery. Since the septic is limited it would not be suitable for a restaurant or residence. Greensboro, Vermont home to Caspian Lake is a thriving summer community of beautiful homes surrounding the lake and hillsides. Generation after generation has come to this area, with the summer homes being passed down through the families. Very few of the cottages on the lake come available for sale. Families begin to arrive around Memorial Day and return home after fall foliage. The Miller’s Thumb has become a destination store for Vermonters as far away as Burlington, Vermont. And for those people driving through or living in the area it is a pleasant store to browse and bring visiting guests. Not to mention that it is the only store in the area besides the famed “Willy’s” country store. Currently the gristmill building is for sale at $339,000. A price for the retail business is available upon request. Call me (Peggy) and get a private tour; we will drive through beautiful open farm land, preview the Miller’s Thumb, and then have take out sandwiches from Willie’s store and a picnic on the town beach. On the way home we can stop at the local farm stand for organic vegetables, and at “Connie’s Kitchen” for homemade pies and cookies. Rumor is that she has the best coconut cream pie in the county. So make a day of it and see what the pleasures of the Northeast Kingdom bring and what fun it would be to own the Miller’s Thumb.

For full listing information check out my website: Peggysmithvt.com

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Top of the World Views: Stowe VT Land

2007-08-14T18:14:09Z

TOP OF THE WORLD: It isn’t often you get a piece of real estate like this in Stowe, Vermont. You will find this to have awesome views of Mt. Mansfield because it sits high up on Taber Ridge. Being part of the Taber Ridge community which is full of friendly neighbors who are there if you need them, but respect your privacy, is one of the benefits . Right from this parcel of land you can snow shoe, walk or mountain bike through acres of State of Vermont land. You would think that you are in the middle of nowhere, yet you are minutes from the village. Real estate in Stowe has remained steady and the special feature of this parcel is the cleared house site and the road ready for you to start construction. The price of this magnificent piece of real estate is $925,000, call me for more information and don’t miss owning one of the best views in town.

To view the full listing details on this property check out my website: Peggysmithvt.com

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