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Claudia Harris | Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate | (802)824-3176 | Email | Website
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In this newsletter . . .
- Welcome Note- Let's Pick Apples!
- Local Prescription Medication "Take Back" Programs
- Fall Maintenance Checklist: Putting Your House to Bed for the Winter
- Featured Weston Properties for Sale
- Area Real Estate Listings
- Upcoming Events Calendar
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Dear ,
The time between late September and early October is one of the prettiest times of the year in Vermont and there is much to do and much to love about being here.
Our autumnal foliage will be in full color starting in late September and - depending on weather (rain and wind) - it should be at its peak through the Columbus Day holiday weekend.
One of my favorite fall activities is apple picking and this year's crop is reported to be smaller but sweeter than normal. Favorite locations in the area include:
Be sure to check out the calendar of events listed below. This month is chock-full of even more fairs and festivals than last month and, once again, you'll have to pick and chose and save a few for next year.
And, finally, Kathy and I are working on new listings for the fall and winter and are actively seeking additional properties to represent. If you are thinking about listing a house for sale, please give us a call.
With very best wishes for a happy and fun-filled autumn,
- Claudia Harris
Broker/Owner
Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate
(802)824-3176 |
Prescription Medication "Take-Back" Programs
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Did you know that the practice of throwing away some medications in your garbage or flushing them down the toilet may be causing long-term environmental damage? Trace levels of drug residues can be found in our rivers, lakes and streams and even in some community drinking water supplies.
There is a better way to dispose of unused or expired drugs and it involves community "Drug Take-Back" programs like the ones offered by several local police departments.
In this area, you can drop off your unused and expired prescription medications at the Winhall, Manchester and Bennington police stations. Drop off anytime.
Instructions for Proper Disposal
Before you drop off your expired or unused prescription medications, please remember to:
- Keep prescriptions in their original containers.
- Mark out your name and other personal information.
- Please note that liquids, sharps and needles are NOT accepted at any disposal location.
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Putting Your House to Bed for the Winter
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Fall Maintenance Checklist
You'll be ready for winter's worst and head off pricey repairs with these simple preventative tasks.
When the last of summer's heat is a faint memory, and you're pulling out your hoodies more than your shorts, it's time to tackle a few simple chores that'll make winter more pleasant and prevent some nasty surprises next spring.
#1 Stow Your Mower
If you're not familiar with fuel stabilizer, get to know it. If your mower sits for months with gas in its tank, the gas will slowly deteriorate, which can damage internal engine parts. Fuel stabilizer ($10 for a 10-ounce bottle) prevents gas from degrading. Add stabilizer to your gasoline can to keep spare gas in good condition over the winter, and top off your mower tank with stabilized gas before you put it away for the winter. Run the mower for five minutes to make sure the stabilizer reaches the carburetor.
Another lawn mower care method is to run your mower dry before stowing it.
1. When the mower is cool, remove the spark plug and pour a capful of engine oil into the spark plug hole.
2. Pull the starter cord a couple of times to distribute the oil, which keeps pistons lubricated and ensures an easy start come spring.
3. Turn the mower on its side and clean out accumulated grass and gunk from the mower deck.
#2 Don't Be a Drip
Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Leaving hoses attached can cause water to back up in the faucets and in the plumbing pipes just inside your exterior walls. If freezing temps hit, that water could freeze, expand, and crack the faucet or pipes. Make this an early fall priority so a sudden cold snap doesn't sneak up and cause damage.
Turn off any shutoff valves on water supply lines that lead to exterior faucets. That way, you'll guard against minor leaks that may let water enter the faucet.
While you're at it, drain garden hoses and store them in a shed or garage.
#3 Put Your Sprinklers to Sleep
Time to drain your irrigation system. Even buried irrigation lines can freeze, leading to busted pipes and broken sprinkler heads.
- Turn off the water to the system at the main valve.
- Shut off the automatic controller.
- Open drain valves to remove water from the system.
- Remove any above-ground sprinkler heads and shake the water out of them, then replace.
If you don't have drain valves, then hire an irrigation pro to blow out the systems pipes with compressed air. A pro is worth the $75 to $150 charge to make sure the job is done right, and to ensure you don't have busted pipes and sprinkler head repairs to make in the spring.
#4 Seal the Deal
Grab a couple of tubes of color-matched exterior caulk ($5 for a 12-ounce tube) and make a journey around your home's exterior, sealing up cracks between trim and siding, around window and door frames, and where pipes and wires enter your house. Preventing moisture from getting inside your walls is one of the least expensive - and most important - of your fall maintenance jobs. You'll also seal air leaks that waste energy.
Pick a nice day when temps are above 50 degrees so caulk flows easily.
#5 De-Gunk Your Gutters
Clogged rain gutters can cause ice dams, which can lead to expensive repairs. After the leaves have fallen, clean your gutters to remove leaves, twigs, and gunk. Make sure gutters aren't sagging and trapping water; tighten gutter hangers and downspout brackets. Replace any worn or damaged gutters and downspouts.
If you find colored grit from asphalt roof shingles in your gutters, beware. That sand-like grit helps protect shingles from the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. Look closely for other signs of roof damage (#5, below); it may be time for a roofing replacement.
Your downspouts should extend at least 5 feet away from your house to prevent foundation problems. If they don't, add downspout extensions; $10 to $20 each.
#6 Eyeball Your Roof
If you have a steep roof or a multistory house, stay safe and use binoculars to inspect your roof from the ground.
Look for warning signs: Shingles that are buckled, cracked, or missing; rust spots on flashing. Any loose, damaged, or missing shingles should be replaced immediately.
Black algae stains are just cosmetic, but masses of moss and lichen could signal roofing that's decayed underneath. Call in a pro roofer for a $50 to $100 eval.
A plumbing vent stack usually is flashed with a rubber collar -- called a boot -- that may crack or loosen over time. They'll wear out before your roof does, so make sure they're in good shape. A pro roofer will charge $75 to $150 to replace a boot, depending on how steep your roof is.
#7 Direct Your Drainage
Take a close look at the soil around your foundation and make sure it slopes away from your house at least 6 vertical inches over 10 feet. That way, you'll keep water from soaking the soils around your foundation, which could lead to cracks and leaks.
Be sure soil doesn't touch your siding.
#8 Check Your Furnace
Schedule an appointment with a heating and cooling pro to get your heating system checked and tuned up for the coming heating season. You'll pay $50 to $100 for a checkup.
An annual maintenance contract ensures you're at the top of the list for checks and shaves 20% off the cost of a single visit.
Change your furnace filters, too. This is a job you should do every two months anyway, but if you haven't, now's the time. If your HVAC includes a built-in humidifier, make sure the contractor replaces that filter.
#9 Prune Plants
Late fall is the best time to prune plants and trees -- when the summer growth cycle is over. Your goal is to keep limbs and branches at least 3 feet from your house so moisture won't drip onto roofing and siding, and to prevent damage to your house exterior during high winds.
For advice on pruning specific plants in your region, check with your state extension service.
#10 Give Your Fireplace a Once-Over
To make sure your fireplace is safe, grab a flashlight and look up inside your fireplace flue to make sure the damper opens and closes properly. Open the damper and look up into the flue to make sure it's free of birds' nests, branches and leaves, or other obstructions. You should see daylight at the top of the chimney.
Check the firebox for cracked or missing bricks and mortar. If you spot any damage, order a professional fireplace and chimney inspection. An inspection costs $79 to $500.
You fireplace flue should be cleaned of creosote buildup every other year. A professional chimney sweep will charge $150 to $250 for the service.
Visit H
ouseLogic.com for more articles like this.
Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
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"Goldilocks" Options for Life in Weston
They say there is the perfect buyer for every house and a house for every buyer and these three properties in Weston offer three price ranges and three vastly different styles for your consideration. One of them might be JUST RIGHT for you!
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19 Obed Moore Road, Weston
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19 Obed Moore Road
- Six bedrooms
- 12+/- acres
- 4800 sq. ft. of finished living area
- Panoramic views over Weston
- Spectacular master suite
- Lots of living space, including a spacious living room, large deck, and a family game room
- $645,000 - mostly furnished
- Link Here
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1507 Route 100/Cider Mill Lane, Weston
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1507 Route 100/Cider Mill Lane
- Two bedrooms
- Two bathrooms
- 1904 sq. ft. finished living area
- 2.5+/- acres
- Streamside - with gently babbling brook
- Mostly one-level living
- Two-car garage with workshop space
- Large deck serves as an outdoor living room
- finished lower level family room
- $197,500
- Link Here
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67 Chester Mountain Road, Weston
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67 Chester Mountain Road
- Three bedrooms
- Three bathrooms (two full)
- 2.29+/- acres
- 3300 sq. ft. finished living area
- Views from every window
- Interesting spaces with a mix of fun contemporary and Classic New England Cape
- $350,000
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If you enjoy these newsletters, please like our Facebook page for more frequent updates, local news and fun information.
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Featured Area Properties Listed for Sale
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Centrally-Located Contemporary
58 Route 11
Landgrove, VT
$284,000
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Magic Mountain Condo
10 Mountainside #10
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NEW PRICE
Weston Ranch by Stream
1507 Route 100
Weston, VT
$197,500
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3BR + Loft on Quiet Country Lane
333 Chaves Road
Londonderry, VT
$275,000
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FANTASTIC PRICE
Weston Contemporary on 6+ Acres
335 Route 100
Weston, VT
$240,000
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JUST LISTED
One-Level Living
at its Best
Londonderry, VT
$165,000
Link
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Immaculate Vacation Retreat
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PRICE REDUCTION
Large Ski House Just Minutes To Skiing
302 Route 11
Peru, VT
$169,000
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PRICE REDUCTION
Cute as Can Be!
Chester Ranch
2092 VT Route 11
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Quiet and Private
8.5 Acres
Arrau Road
Andover, VT
$95,000
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Convenient & Affordable!
246 Evergreen Lane
Londonderry, VT
$149,450
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10+ Acres in Andover
Views with Clearing
Spruce Drive
Andover, VT
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PRICE REDUCTION
Beautiful Mountain Views in Weston
19 Obed Moore Road
Weston, VT
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916 East Hill Road
Andover, VT
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92 Nichols Road
Landgrove, VT
$349,500
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UNDER CONTRACT
Village Farmhouse
5915 Route 100
Londonderry
, VT
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4 BR Expanded
Weston Ranch
57 Obed Moore Road
Weston, VT
$250,000
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UNDER CONTRACT
Landgrove Village Charmer
7 Cody Road
Landgrove, VT
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250 Mansfield Lane
Londonderry, VT
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Magic Alpine Chalet
480 Magic Circle
Londonderry, VT
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UNDER CONTRACT
Tucked Away in the Woods on 37 + Acres
908 Under the Mtn Rd
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FANTASTIC PRICE
Weston Village Charm (with Retail Options)
686 Main Street
Weston, VT
$240,000
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PRICE REDUCTION
Spacious House
Fun for All
2 Vermont Rte 100
Weston, VT
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Absolute Solitude in Landgrove
14 Sled Run Road
Landgrove, VT
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UNDER CONTRACT
Best Views in Town
170 Landgrove Road
Weston, VT
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10+/- Acres Mostly Open & Sunny!
Weston Andover Road
Andover, VT
$100,000
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7.2 Acres with Bromley Views
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Weston- Andover Road
Andover, VT
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Long-Range Views
with Clearing
Andover Ridge Road
Andover, VT
$69,000
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Weston Heights Fully Permitted 3.6+/- Acres
Highland View Road
Weston, VT
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5 Acres in Weston
Just Outside Village
Moses Pond Road
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(Note: If you know of a community event that you would like included in this calendar, please submit the information to
Claudia Harris (click link here) no later than the 10th of the preceding month.)
September 15 - October 15
Friday, September 16
A Playground for Empire: Historical Perspectives on Cuba and the U.S.A. (Sponsored by the Landgrove Historical Society) - The Spanish-American war of 1898 ended Spain's four hundred year rule of Cuba. Cuba became a U.S. protectorate and decades of instability followed, culminating in Batista's military dictatorship. The 1959 Cuban Revolution is one of the great underdog stories in history, in which a tiny band of young rebels prevailed against all odds. This nationalist revolution quickly fell under the sway of the USSR and Cuba's previously close ties with the U.S. were abruptly severed. This illustrated presentation by novelist and lecturer Tim Weed, a long-time observer of the island, will highlight recent changes in light of Cuba's long struggle for sovereignty. 5:00 pm at the Landgrove Town Hall, 88 Landgrove Road in Landgrove.
Saturday, September 17
Ghost Hunting - The Dorset Library will be offering an evening with paranormal investigator Becky Shott from 7 - 10 PM. Minimum $5 contribution. There will be an introduction to ghost-hunting equipment and you can make your own dowsing rods. Seating is limited so reservations suggested. Call the Dorset Library at (802)867-5774.
September 17-18
The Barn Sale - this huge annual tag sale benefits the United Counseling Service! Saturday from 9 - 4 and Sunday 10-1. Riley Rink, 410 Hunter Road, Manchester.
September 17 - 18
Fall Craft Festival on the Chester Green - One of the "Most Beautiful Villages" in New England will host spinning and quilting demonstrations, New England artists featuring handmade crafts including glass, pottery, fiber art, woodcarvings, turned wooden bowls, watercolor and landscape paintings, paper art, hand crafted soaps, jewelry, photography. Midday music will be provided by Vermont entertainers. Enjoy the Beer Garden behind the Fullerton Inn, stroll through the quaint stone village, and sample a wide variety of food. Sponsored by Chester Rotary Club. Follow signs for general parking off Cobleigh Street behind the Newsbank. Handicap drop off on School Street at the east end of the green.
September 23-25
Black River Good Neighbors Fall Rummage Sale - Proceeds from the sale will benefit BRGN's food and financial assistance programs in Ludlow, Mt. Holly, Belmont etc. Donations will be accepted ahead of time - call (802)228-3663 for more information. The sale will be at the Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 South, Ludlow.
September 23-25
2016 Steampunk Festival - The 3-day festival promises fantasy, reinvention, and a chance to dress up, wear funny hats and goggles and play with gears. It features a Stargazer's Ball, top bands, workshops, tea dueling, a tweed ride and a real time machine. Vendors from all over the country will be selling everything steampunk and more. There will be children's activities and games, a telescope observatory tour and a closing event picnic.
Hartness House Inn, Springfield, VT. See the website for schedule and ticket information:
http://springfieldvtsteampunkfest.com/
Saturday, September 24
Southshire Roller Derby vs. Cape Cod Roller Derby -The Battle Cats have been training since early 2014 and hosted their first competition season last year in Manchester, drawing sizeable crowds to Riley Rink. Modern roller derby is a full-contact sport played on a flat track with quad roller skates. Skaters wear protective gear similar to that of skateboarding. The 60-minute game is divided into short competitions called jams. Teams play five skaters from their roster in each jam; four of them are blockers and one is a jammer. 5-9 PM at Riley Rink in Manchester. Website for details: http://southshirerollerderby.com
Saturday, September 24
Celebration of Local Authors
- The Northshire Bookstore presents an evening to introduce and celebrate local and independent authors, each with their own unique writing style. Presenting Authors Eric Joseph, Eva Ungar Grudin; Jim Newman, David Mook, Brett Ann Stanciu, Sarah Dillon and Shelia Post. 6:30 PM at the
Northshire Bookstore
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4869 Main Street in Manchester.
https://www.northshire.com/event/manchester-local-author-spolight
Saturday, September 24
The Peru Fair - Join locals and visitors in celebration of the Fair's 35th anniversary for an old fashioned country fair. Fabulous Pig Roast, Music & Family Entertainment, Vermont Crafts, Cloggers, Antiques & Art Exhibits, Vermont Artisans Demos, Clowns & Magicians, Pony Rides, Food & Vermont Fare, Baked Goods, & Fun for Everyone! $6 per person from 9 AM - 4 PM with parade at 9:30 AM. All parking at Bromley with shuttles to the fair. http://www.perufair.org/
Sunday, September 25
Arvel Bird Concert at Weston's Old Parish Church - Award-winning musician (multiple instruments, especially the fiddle) reflecting his Celtic & American Indian heritage as well as folk, rock and new age. Not to be missed! Donation of $10 to benefit the
Springfield Humane Society. 4 - 6 PM.
Monday, September 26
Mildred's Crusin - Drive up in your classic car or hot rod and enjoy the fun from 5:30-7:00 located at The Vermont Country Store parking lot.
Saturday, October 1
Weston Antiques Show - Dubbed "one of the best small shows in New England, the Weston Antiques Show features renowned dealers from across the U.S. with American and English furniture, accessories, Americana, folk art, silver, samplers, paintings, oriental rugs, jewelry and more. At the beautiful Weston Playhouse, Fri. and Sat., Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 10am - 5pm. $10, includes readmission. http://westonantiquesshow.com/
October 1-2
Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival - Over 70 vendors offering fleece and yarn, hand-spinning and fiber-crafting equipment and supplies, handcrafted wool items, small ruminant equipment and supplies, fencing materials, meat and cheese. Time: Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm at
Tunbridge Fairgrounds in Tunbridge, VT.
http://vtsheepandwoolfest.com/
October 1-2
Antiques at Stratton Mountain - This summer, Stratton is hosting Vermont Antiques Week October 1-2. There will be
30 plus select dealers
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Lodging is available and it's all just steps away from the show, our village, gondola and more. Shop, dine, golf and hike southern Vermont's highest peak at the height of foliage season while visiting the show. Admission $5-$10. http://antiquesatstrattonmountain.com/
October 7-9
Weston Craft Show - The Weston Craft Show is a juried exhibit of exceptional Vermont artisans, representing works in baskets, ceramics, folk art, glass, jewelry, lighting, paper, fiber, leather, mosaics, pastels, sculpture, wearable art, and wood. This year's event is again scheduled during Columbus Day Weekend-peak fall foliage-Friday, October 7, Saturday, October 8, and Sunday, October 9, 2016 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm-at the Weston Playhouse in charming Weston, Vermont. Admission is $8, 10 am to 5 pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. http://www.westoncraftshow.com/.
Saturday, October 8
Who, What, and Wares! Home Improvement Expo - Featuring Southern Vermont area home experts and services all in one place. Trusted local professionals will be on-hand to consult on and about your heating and cooling systems, remodeling ideas, share advancements and updates in the industry and inspire you with wallcovering, paint and decorating ideas. Admission is Free. 11:00 am - 4:00 at
Stratton Mountain Resort
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5 Village Lodge Rd.
http://manchestervtevents.com/event/wares-home-improvement-expo/
Saturday, October 8
Saturday, September 8
South Derry Street Fair - The South Londonderry Free Library's sidewalk street & book fair will be held on Saturday, October 8th from 9 am to 3 pm. Main Street in South Londonderry. (Note: The Library is soliciting items for our White Elephant table if you have some hidden treasures that you would like to donate. They are also welcoming VENDORS who would like to sell their own wares or crafters demonstrating and selling their own creations. A donation of $35 to the library would be appreciated to reserve your space. Vendors will keep all other profits. If you have unique, serviceable items to donate or wish to participate, please contact Susie Wyman at (802)824-3537.
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MLS Access ~ Available to All
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Mary Mitchell Miller is a proud member of the New England Real Estate Network's Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and our website features FULL access to ALL property listings for sale in the State of Vermont.
Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate has been working with buyers and sellers of southern Vermont real estate in the tri-mountain area between Okemo, Bromley and Stratton ski areas for more than 40 years. We are a full-service real estate brokerage firm specializing in the sale of fine homes and properties in Weston, Londonderry, Peru, Landgrove, Dorset, Manchester, Andover, Chester, Ludlow (Okemo Mountain), Mount Holly, Stratton, Winhall and Windham. Fully licensed in Vermont.
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 Claudia Harris, Broker/Owner | Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate
(802)824-3176 |
Email |
Website
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Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.
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