Claudia Harris | Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate | (802)824-3176 | Email | Website
February 2017

In this newsletter . . .  
  • Welcome Note
  • Vermont's Wood Stove Change-Out Program 
  • Local Real Estate Market Report
  • Home Upgrades with the Lowest Return-On-Investment (ROI)
  • Featured Property for Sale - 480 Magic Circle, Londonderry
  • Area Real Estate Listings 
  • Upcoming Events Calendar
Welcome 
Dear ,

Mother Nature has blessed southern Vermont with tons of snow . . . just in time for the President's Day holiday and vacation week! The ski areas are operating at max capacity and the skiing and riding is reportedly the best in years! After the winter we had last winter, we deserve this!

Because of the upcoming holiday, there are TONS and tons of activities in the next few weeks and I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy themselves. There is a good mix of outdoor and indoor activities, sport and cultural opportunities, and daytime and nighttime events, so have a blast exploring and playing and enjoy everything this wonderful place has to offer.

Be well, stay busy, have fun and stay in touch!


- Claudia Harris
Broker/Owner
Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate
(802)824-3176 

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Vermont's Wood Stove Change-Out Program
Did you know that the State of Vermont is currently offering a financial incentive for homeowners to swap out their old, inefficient wood stoves? The incentive is available to customers via p articipating r etailers (including several in our area) and apply to the installation of select EPA-qualified cord wood and pellet stoves that replace old, in-use non EPA-qualified wood stoves.
 
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Vermont's Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF) was created to increase the development and deployment of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable electric power resources, primarily with respect to renewable energy resources, and the use in Vermont of combined heat and power technologies.
 
The incentives are in the form of a rebate to purchase new, EPA-qualified stoves. The amount varies between $500 - $1500 depending on the size and type of stove. Not all stoves are eligible and the stove to be replaced must be in use and cannot be an EPA-certified stove (approximately pre-1988 wood stove).
 
Additional information about the wood stove change-out program:
 
Local Real Estate Market Report
According to Vermont Realtors®, the sale of single-family residential properties statewide was down -8.7%, but prices were up +8.5%. The real conundrum for local buyers and sellers is that despite the plethora of For Sale signs along area roads, statewide inventory is down -20.1% and in our immediate market area, sales, prices and inventory were all down.
 
Data from Bennington County (which includes Landgrove, Peru, Winhall, Manchester and Dorset) shows:
  • New listings down -29% from this time last year
  • Closed sales down -12.5%
  • Median Sales price was up +9.6%
  • Number of homes for sale is down -16.7% with a total of 597 as of January 2017
Data from Windsor County (including Weston, Andover, Chester and Ludlow)
  • New listings down -29.7% from this time last year
  • Closed sales - no change
  • Median Sales price was down - 10.6%
  • Number of homes for sale is down -11.4% with a total of 1073 as of January 2017
Data from Windham County (including Londonderry, Jamaica, Stratton and Windham)
  • New listings down -30.8% from this time last year
  • Closed sales down -31.6%
  • Median Sales price was up +1.7%
  • Number of homes for sale is down -16.3% with a total of 780 as of January 2017
Home Upgrades with the Lowest ROI
Life is a balancing act, and upgrading your home is no different. Some upgrades, like a kitchen remodel or an additional bathroom, typically add value to your home. Others, like putting in a pool, provide little dollar return on your investment.

Of course, homeowning isn't just about building wealth; it's also about living well and making memories -- even if that means outclassing your neighborhood or turning off future buyers. So if any of these six upgrades is something you can't be dissuaded from, enjoy! We won't judge. But go in with your eyes wide open. Here's why:

Outdoor kitchen

Home Upgrades with the Lowest ROI

File these six upgrades under wish fulfillment, not value investment. Read 

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this. © Copyright 2017 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Featured Property
Magic Mountain Alpine Chalet
480 Magic Circle, Londonderry 
$210,000

Located on Magic Mountain, this large, well-maintained home is a beautiful example of the classic Swiss chalets that were so popular in the infancy of Vermont's ski industry and are now once again enjoying a resurgence in popularity. From its stucco and wood exterior to the large stone hearth to the gorgeous original barn-board paneling, this fun house is spacious and comfortable.

There are four large bedrooms and the house sleeps 10+. The house is offered fully furnished and you'll be all set to move in and get busy skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking on nearly Lowell Lake or hiking the Long Trail. Restaurants, shopping, a summer farmers' market and more are all with a few minutes drive.  
 
Relax in front of the fire after a long day on the slopes!
Family Room for Fun and Games
Four Large Bedrooms - Sleeps 10
Dine at Home or Head to One of the Local Hot Spots for Food and Entertainment
Four Season Resort with Lots to Do in the Summer Months_

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Featured Area Properties Listed for Sale 

Halfway Between Weston and Ludlow    
118 Slawson Road
Weston, VT
$325,000 
Link 
NEW PRICE
Octagon at Powder Mill
389 Howard Hill Road 
Londonderry, VT
$435,000 
Link  
9.99 Hillside Acres
Old County Road West  
Landgrove, VT
$195,000
Link 

One-Level Living
at Its Best 
6635 Route 100
Londonderry, VT
$165,000
Link
15 Acres in Landgrove 
Old County Road West
Landgrove, VT
$240,000
 
Magic Alpine Chalet
480 Magic Circle
Londonderry, VT
$210,000 
  Link 
Quiet and Private
8.5 Acres
Arrau Road
Andover, VT
$95,000

Convenient & Affordable! 
246 Evergreen Lane 
Londonderry, VT
$149,450
Link 
Elegant Landgrove Home on 15 Acres 
116 Cody Road
Landgrove, VT
$925,000 
 
10+/- Acres Mostly Open & Sunny!
Weston Andover Road
Andover, VT
$100,000
7.2 Acres with Bromley Views
South Road
Peru, VT
$85,000 
  Link 
43 Acres in Andover
Weston- Andover Road
Andover, VT
$125,000 
  Link 
Unique and Charming in Landgrove
102 Nichols Road
Landgrove, VT
$385,000

Contemporary Vacation Home in Londonderry 
96 Eves Drive
Londonderry, VT
$321,500 
  Link 
Weston Building Lot
5+ Acres
116 Cody Road
Weston, VT
$50,000 
 
Views from Every Window 
67 Chester Mtn Rd
Weston, VT
$350,000
Long-Range Views  
with Clearing
Andover Ridge Road
Andover, VT 
$69,000 
 Link
Weston Village Charm (with Retail Options)
686 Main Street
Weston, VT
$240,000
  Link 
Spacious House
Fun for All 
2 Vermont Rte 100
Weston, VT
$495,000 
  Link 
Absolute Solitude in Landgrove
14 Sled Run Road
Landgrove, VT
$430,000 
  Link 
JUST REDUCED
Recently Renovated! 
4 BR Weston Ranch
57 Obed Moore Road 
Weston, VT 
$240,000 
Link 
Weston Contemporary on 6+ Acres
335 Route 100
Weston, VT
$240,000
SOLD  
Large Ski House Just Minutes To Skiing

302 Route 11 
Peru, VT
$169,000 
SOLD 
Cute as Can Be!
Chester Ranch
2092 VT Route 11
Chester, VT
$165,000
Centrally-Located Contemporary
58 Route 11
Landgrove, VT
$275,000
UNDER CONTRACT 
Walk to the Slopes 
287 Magic Circle 
Londonderry, VT
$189,000 
Link 

Just Minutes from Okemo and Skiing
1507 Route 100
Weston, VT
$197,500
Upcoming Local Events 
(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.)
 

February 15 - March 15 
  
February 17-19
Chester Winter Carnival - Come out for some fun at the Chester Winter Carnival starting the night of Friday February 17th until Sunday February 19th. Fun things to do for all ages including movie night, pie-tasting, disc golf, Ice Skating, sledding , cross country skiing, sleigh rides, broom ball, bonfire and more!! 5 PM on.
 
February 17 - 19
The Vermont Flurry: Snow Sculpture Festival - Over Presidents Day Weekend, the Woodstock Village Green is transformed into a celebration of winter and the visual arts. Cheer on professional snow sculpting teams as they compete to create large, stunning sculptures. You can vote for your favorite "Peoples' Choice". Time: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.  
Admission: Free
 
Saturday, February 18
Okemo's Torchlight Parade - Enjoy a pyrotechnics show at 7:30 p.m. in the Okemo Clock Tower base area. An amazing torchlight parade precedes the fireworks show.
 
Saturday, February 18
Bromley's February Festival - Join Bromley for their yearly celebration, kicked off with the torchlight parade and fireworks around 7 PM. Then it's on to the base lodge for live music and dancing with the funkiest West End Blend, fronted by vocalist Erica Bryan, and backed by a four-piece horn section, two guitars, bass, keyboards and drums. Evening also includes good eats and the silent auction. Proceeds to benefit the Bromley Outing Club. 7:00pm-10:00pm in the Base Lodge.
 
Saturday, February 18
February Fireworks at Stratton - Spend the evening with family and friends, celebrating winter with the torchlight parade, 21 jump salute and a spectacular fireworks display. Events start at 8 PM in the Main Base Lodge area.
 
February 18 - 19
Harris Hill Ski Jumping - Two days of breathtaking ski jump competition on New England's only Olympic-size 90-meter hill. Be part of the exciting festive atmosphere with music, food, beer tent, bonfire, and the ringing of cowbells. Witness jumpers up close as they launch from the top of the jump and soar more than 300 feet at speeds up to 60 mph. Gates open at 10 AM with free parking. Tickets are: $20 for adults ($15 advance), $15 for youth aged 6 - 12 years ($12 in advance) and those under 6 are free. More information at http://www.harrishillskijump.com/ 
 
February 18 -19
17th Annual Vermont & Beyond Fine Art Exhibit at the Weston Playhouse. Free admission, refreshments and live music.
 
Saturday February 25
L.L. Bean Bootmobile Mountain Tour @ Okemo! The L.L. Bean Bootmobile Mountain Tour is coming to Okemo! Have the opportunity to take photos, win prizes, play games and interact with the Bootmobile. 10 AM to 2 PM in the Jackson Gore base area.
 
Saturday, February 25
Broadway at the Movies - Through special arrangements with the Weston Playhouse, FOLA will feature the talented songstress, Marissa McGowan, in a musical tribute to Hollywood musicals at 7 PM at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium. Marissa will offer "Broadway at the Movies", a musical tour of over 80 years of Hollywood's greatest songs. She is a familiar actress at the Weston Playhouse where she recently starred in "Man of La Mancha" and "Guys and Dolls". The program is open to everyone and is free; donations are appreciated. For information, call (802) 228-7239 or http://www.fola.us/mobile/index.htm.
 
Saturday, February 25
Grafton Winter Carnival - It's all-out winter at Grafton Ponds. Your ticket includes a trail pass for Nordic skiing, tubing, snowshoeing and fat biking, as well as ice skating (weather-dependent), at Grafton Ponds, plus s'mores at a bonfire. Ice Bar event opens at 4 p.m. Day pass for $15/pp and information at http://www.graftoninnvermont.com/event/grafton-winter-carnival-2017  
 
Sunday, February 26
New Play Reading "It Can't Happen Here" - Join the Manchester Players and the Wilburton Inn for a free public reading of the new stage adaptation of Sinclair Lewis' 1935 novel, It Can't Happen Here. Lewis' darkly satirical It Can't Happen Here follows the ascent of a demagogue who becomes president of the United States. Witnessing the new president's authoritarian tyranny from the sidelines is a liberal, middle-class newspaper editor from Vermont who is caught in the chaos of social upheaval. This new adaptation was written by Berkeley Repertory Theatre's artistic director Tony Taccone and screenwriter Bennett S. Cohen. The reading will take place at the Wilburton Inn and features many local actors. Free admission, one and all are welcome! To reserve a seat please call the inn at (802) 362-2500.2:00pm-4:00pm
 
Saturday, March 4
Light the Night Rail Jam -
Okemo is lighting up the snow on Bull Run for skiers and riders of all ages to show off their best moves. A new rail garden, constructed specifically for this event will be an optimal venue for participants and spectators alike. The Amateur competition starts at 5:30pm on Bull Run. Pro class starts at 6:30pm. https://www.okemo.com/activities/calendar/light-the-night-rail-jam/ 
 
Friday, March 10
Bromley's Feel like a Local Day -
Want to feel like a tried and true, dyed in the wool, genuine local? Wear your flannel to Bromley on Friday, March 10, and receive an all-day Adult lift ticket for just $40! Bring the kids and you can get a truly awesome deal when you combine this with our Family Friday discount! Locals know allllllll the deals! Also make sure you join us for Vermont themed food and beer specials and après-ski entertainment, live in the Wild Boar Tavern from 3:30 to 6:30pm! 
 
March 10 - 11
The Vermont Open @ Stratton - The Vermont Open is in its Fifth consecutive year with over 300 participants and $20,000 prize money. Described as an event designed for snowboarders, by snowboarders, participants can register for 1 - 4 events specifically Rail Jam, Slopestyle, Retro Pie and Banked Slalom. Partial proceeds of the Vermont Open benefit the Ross Powers Foundation. Information at https://www.stratton.com/things-
to-do/events/the-vermont-open

Saturday March 11
Sugar Daze - When the maple sap starts running, Okemo taps into the sweet sounds of rock! This year will feature two headliners: MAGIC! and Paul Oakenfold. A local warm-up act will take the stage starting at 3:30 p.m. MAGIC! will dazzle the crowd with their catchy fusion of reggae, pop and R&B, starting at 5:45 p.m. Then, starting at 7:15p.m., two-time Grammy and World Music Award nominee Paul Oakenfold will perform.
  
Saturday, March 18
Taste of Vermont - the Annual "Taste of Vermont" is a mountain favorite event where the best of southern VT restaurants, professional and amateur chefs, caterers, bakers, deli's, and more come together in culinary camaraderie to offer their favorite recipes for the tasting! It's a fun & satisfying event for the whole family! Food is donated, presented & prepared in donation. 7:00pm-9:00pm at the Stratton Base Lodge.
 
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.

ContactClaudia Harris, Broker/Owner | Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate
(802)824-3176 | Email | Website
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