March 08, 2010

Land in Vermont – Spectacular

Posted to Kris Still

Sometimes land comes along that seems so unbelievably beautiful that it takes your breath away. That is what happened when I first saw my new land listing in Danville, Vermont. Coming from Arizona a year and half ago, my real estate experience was in new construction or existing homes. As you can imagine, most of the land was gone and developed into subdivisions. In Vermont, however, you can be rural and private and away from it all, and experience every beautiful thing in nature from mountain views, deer, moose, fox, eagles and more.

The white twinkling snow, rolling hills and plains, pastures of black and white Holstein cows, is like a beautiful painting. I know when I put on my snowshoes and hiked up the sloping land to the vista where rock formations and perfectly placed trees were, I looked around and the views are panoramic, and the mountains draped with snow with hues of the sunset, blues, pinks, yellows…why wouldn’t you want to be sipping a cup of tea or coffee in your kitchen admiring this everyday of your life? You can.

In Vermont, you can select a beautiful piece of land like this and build your dream home. This land is convenient to VAST for snowmobiling, Town of Danville, Danville schools, and restaurants like The Creamery and Bed & Breakfasts like The Danville Inn. Take Rte 2 and be at Joe’s Pond quickly, and continue on to Montpelier or Burlington. Stop by Marty’s First Stop and say hello to your friends in the community. When you live in a Town in Vermont, you will experience neighbors and community again. The cold weather never chills you with the warmth you experience. Come to Danville, Vermont and build your future!

Posted by:Kris Still



February 15, 2010

Dick McGinnis Joins Peabody & Smith Realty in Bretton Woods NH!

Posted to Chrissy Smith

Our Bretton Woods real estate office, located right at the entrance of the Bretton Woods Ski Area at the Mount Washington Resort has been busy and we are pleased to announce that long time Bretton Woods Broker Associate, Dick McGinnis has joined us at the office.

It’s not an unfamiliar commute for Dick McGinnis, as this has been his home base for a number of years. Dick has been selling real estate since 1987, and in 2002 he became the principal broker at Bretton Woods Real Estate, which later turned into Mt Washington Resort Realty. Peabody & Smith Realty recently acquired the Mt. Washignton Resort Realty office, and this is the office that Dick has spent the last decade working at. We are so pleased to have Dick on our team, and look forward to combining his expertise and knowledge of the area to the benefit of our sellers and buyers who are interested in purchasing a home at Bretton Woods. Here are some of the homes now for sale at Bretton Woods. We also have just started offering the last four slopeside ski homes to be built at Presidential Views, more on that soon!

Dick can be found on his days off skiing with his grandchildren at the Bretton Woods Ski Area, along with other Peabody & Smith agents! The Peabody & Smith office at Bretton Woods is staffed with Managing Broker Michele Penner, Sales Associate Terry Penner, both longtime Bretton Woods owners, and Dick. He is a long time resident of Lancaster, where he resides with his wife Annetta. He can be reached at the office at 278-1440, or via email at richardm@peabodysmith.com.

Posted by:Chrissy Smith



February 04, 2010

Looking for Vacation Home in Scenic Northeast Kingdom Vermont on VAST Snowmobile Trail

Posted to Kris Still

I am so proud to tell you about a vacation home for a combination-family purchase that I listed in St. Johnsbury, Vermont! This home is so unique because it is very updated, very spacious and has interesting separate areas throughout. What I like about it is that there is a main-floor master bedroom, then you can go upstairs with a choice of two staircases. One staircase leads you to 3 bedrooms, and a spiral staircase with other rooms above. It has its own bathroom. All beautiful and brightly painted colors, and modernly updated. The next staircase, leads you to another 2 bedrooms with a full bathroom. Take the staircase down to a finished basement, with living room retreat and bookshelves. More rooms for sleeping are available, as is a nice workshop. The perfect part about it, is that more than one family could purchase this together and have privacy and plenty of room for entertainment. The kitchen is open with an eat up bar, and an amazing pantry. Sitting rooms and sitting areas are throughout, and a lovely office. First floor laundry is a plus, as is the large 2 car garage with storage, and mudroom with dog shower and dog door out to a run. Walk outside and you are on the VAST Snowmobile trail! Just take off. 20 min. from Burke Mountain, for skiing or biking, 30 min. from Cannon Mountain, 40 min to Mt. Washington Ski Resort and Bretton Woods!

I am so proud of this home, it would be an amazing place to call your own!

My love for Vermont is enhanced by unique opportunities like this for others to find Vermont a home away from home. You can also visit our other listings at www.peabodysmith.com

Posted by:Kris Still



January 19, 2010

Our New Office Opens at Bretton Woods!

Posted to Chrissy Smith

Peabody & Smith Realty recently joined forces with Mount Washington Resort Realty to become the premier provider of real estate services for both Bretton Woods Land Company and existing home owners at the resort. Our new office is located at the entrance of the Bretton Woods Ski Area, right here in Bretton Woods, NH.

As with any alliance, the combining of each party’s strengths creates a union for future growth. Each of our firms saw a need to augment each other in order to focus on their individual goals. For Bretton Woods Land Company, that goal is the development of future neighborhoods including the village; and building a vibrant new community. By working with Peabody & Smith Realty, they can focus on what they do best, while allowing us to focus on existing town home sales, rentals and marketing of the new construction currently underway at Stone Hill and Presidential Views.

Mount Washington Resort Realty is the real estate brokerage arm of Bretton Woods Land Holdings and is headed by Mike Brunetti, the Director of Development. Brunetti said, “We are delighted and know that we have entrusted Peabody & Smith Realty to take over the inventory of existing homes for sale in the many villages here at Bretton Woods. With this opportunity with Peabody & Smith Realty, we’ll be able to continue to focus on planning and developing the future neighborhoods at Mt. Washington Resort.”

For Andy Smith, Broker/Owner of Peabody & Smith Realty, this opportunity enables them to provide a long term presence and stability at the resort. He added, “We are able to provide our full service real estate solutions to both the current property owners at the resort, and to Mount Washington Resort Realty.”

We have purchased the “Story Center” located at the entrance of the Bretton Woods Ski Area located at the Omni Mount Washington Resort. The office makes the fifth office for us, we have other New Hampshire offices in Franconia, Littleton and Plymouth and one in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

Andy Smith added, “This will allow us to better serve our Bretton Woods clients and assist our customers. We have represented a number of Bretton Woods home and condo owners over the years, and this lets us better serve their needs. Like all of our offices, we will be open seven days a week, and ready to service our Bretton Woods buyers.”

The office will be under the direction of Michele Penner, Broker Associate. Penner has lived at Bretton Woods for years, along with her husband Terry, and has worked for Peabody & Smith Realty for the last two years. Smith said, “Michele and Terry understand Bretton Woods, the real estate market and are attentive to the needs of our customers and clients.”

We are looking forward to helping you, so if you are out skiing at Bretton Woods, stop by and say hello!

Posted by:Chrissy Smith



January 15, 2010

Vermont - My Move to Paradise

Posted to Kris Still

Most residents of Vermont have been here for generations, in fact some families settled the original State of Vermont. Some of us are fortunate enough to get to come here and experience all that Vermont has to offer. If you are considering a move to Vermont, perhaps your life-long dream is to open a Bed & Breakfast, or own an Antique Farmhouse, or a Colonial, I can help make your dreams come true! I am a Native of Houston, Texas, having relocated to Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona for years. You can imagine that my exposure to winter, has been very minimal. I remember as a child getting to miss school for a very rare “snow shower”, that amounted to a powder that barely stuck to the ground, about twice. However, we ran outside and scraped together enough to make a tiny snowman! Arizona, where the low was about 40, and we were all freezing! A single mother of 5, decided to join eHarmony to find that perfect someone for me and my three boys and two girls, one with special needs. After meeting the perfect guy, and 7 months of commuting, we decided to load up the moving truck and move to Barnet, Vermont.

Being a Realtor for 4 years in Arizona, I went to work for Peabody & Smith Realty, in St. Johnsbury, VT. We moved in June of 2008, to his home on Harvey’s Lake. I have been through a real winter and real seasons, and am now in my second winter. Sub zero temperatures, don’t seem so bad when you enjoy all there is to offer here in Vermont, from snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling and more!

We love the schools, Barnet School and St. Johnsbury Academy, and all they have to offer my special needs child and my other children, from all sports, great education, small classroom sizes, Arts programs and Ski program at Burke Mountain. I will be blogging further as to my experiences here in Vermont and how this was the Best Move and Decision of my life, and it can be yours too!

Posted by:Kris Still



January 15, 2010

Bethlehem, NH: A Scenic, Small Town

Posted to Diane Johnson

Bethlehem New Hampshire is a scenic, small town that that has retained all of it's charm in the years since it was settled in the 1800's. There were many Grand Hotels in Bethlehem and although most are now gone, there are still active bed and breakfast establishments and hotels. It was a railroad line stop on the way north to Dixville Notch and the Balsam's Resort, with as many as 7 trains coming everyday to Bethlehem to unload vacationers.

My father has told stories of my grandparents traveling to The Balsams for summer vacations, (I imagine to beat the heat from Forest Hills, NY) and commenting on how many people would depart the train in Bethlehem. It's funny to think that 80 years later I would settle in that same town! I love living in a small rural New Hampshire town. It is very similar to the town I grew up in, just south of Syracuse NY.

     

One of the things that I love about Bethlehem is that you can walk on Main Street and explore the shops, duck into an ice cream shop (yes, even in the winter!) and enjoy a great indie flick at the Colonial Theatre (Sorry that IS closed in the Winter), or in the summer enjoy a Sunday concert at the gazebo on a residential street just past the Elementary School is a home for sale. 166 James Street The home is a split level home on .51+/- acres, at the end of dead end road. New windows and new siding.

Contact me at diane@peabodysmith.com if you have any questions.

Posted by:Diane Johnson



January 05, 2010

Snow, Snow and More Snow at Bretton Woods

Posted to Michele Penner

The storm of 2010 was extremely generous to Bretton Woods. Snow started falling, well, it is actually hard to remember when snow started falling, as it seems it is almost always snowing in Bretton Woods; but anyway the snow finally stopped Sunday night around 11:30 PM. Total accumulation: somewhere in the vicinity of 33 inches – almost 3 FEET of snow. Some left the resort early Saturday morning in order to get home safely before the bulk of the storm hit, but those who stayed were treated to some unbelievable amounts of snow and a powder experience not to be forgotten. Most people I talked to in the lodge on Sunday confessed to only being able to take 3 runs and then had to break.

  

The powder was so deep it was hard to navigate – especially for those of us who aren’t used to the deep stuff. More snow on Monday! I am thinking if the sun comes out today it is going to be a fabulous day of skiing at Bretton Woods. The crew has been busy grooming trails and as of this morning a reported 99 out of 101 trails were open. If you can’t make it today, Wednesday is 2 for 1 day at Bretton Woods…if you have the chance, it is worth taking!

Click Here for further ski condition reports.

Posted by:Michele Penner



January 04, 2010

5+ acres located in the quiet town of Lyman, NH

Posted to Diane Johnson

Tucked back on a quiet road in Lyman, NH lies a piece of land that incorporates views, seclusion and close proximity to Littleton. The pleasure of this land lies in the fact when you build your home you will be close, yet far away to amenities. The small town feel is truly alive here. Located only 10 minutes from Littleton Regional Hospital and the town of Littleton,NH with shopping, resturants, and the award winning Main Street it is an easy trip to “town.”

Posted by:Diane Johnson



January 01, 2010

Best Place for Finding Jobs

Posted to Joy Moore

Grafton Country New Hampshire is Rated Tops…This reported on TV Channel 9, WMUR Evening News this evening ”CNN and Money magazine rated Grafton County the sixth best place in the country for jobs”

Posted by:Joy Moore



December 30, 2009

The RCC Designation and What It Means

Posted to Chrissy Smith

I recently earned the “RCC” designation from the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. Now I can be referred to as, “Chrissy Smith, RCC.” But what does the RCC abbreviation mean?  Well, it stands for “RELO Certified Coordinator” and it means that I have met a number of educational requirements and demonstrated a working knowledge of how to handle relocating clients and customers, and the policies and procedures of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. For the last year, I have been the point of contact for companies who call us because they have a client or customer who may be relocating here to the White Mountains of NH or the Green Mountains of VT. Or even to Central NH. We have offices in all locations, and I am the point of contact for those firms who are also members of LeadingRE, and looking to help their customers find a firm and agency in this area. We also are able to help clients and customers who live here in the Greater Littleton, St. Johnsbury or Plymouth markets, but who may be purchasing a home in another area, or even selling a home in another area. We are able through our network of LeadingRE affiliates, to find an independent real estate firm, who can assist them as they reach their goals. We try to offer a solution for them, whether they need real estate help in this area, or in another state, or in another country.

Through our LeadingRE affiliates, we help locally, and globally. So if you need any help relocating, or looking for a second home in another area, or need to sell your second home in another state, please feel free to give us a call at 603-444-1294 or email me at chrissy@peabodysmith.com, and let’s see how we can help you. Its a free service we offer, and we love to help!

Posted by:Chrissy Smith



December 29, 2009

Winter wonderland in the White Mountains of New Hampshire

Posted to Diane Johnson, Events & Activities

I was privileged to enjoy a few days of “rest and relaxation” while the kids were on Christmas break from school. We went skiing at Bretton Woods, sledding in the back yard most of all enjoyed our new toy for Christmas, a Wii console. If you are not familiar with the Wii system it is the most incredible gaming system with intuitive controls that literally my 75(ish?) father can play and scads of games that everyone in the family can enjoy. Now that that Bethlehem has more snow the kids have been clamoring to get the snowmobiles out and I am looking forward to riding the local trails in our area. My husband has dad time with our 2 oldest sons and he goes on the longer snowmobile trips. From the Bethlehem trail system he can easily connect either to Twin Mountain that connects all the way to Canada! Or Littleton trails- the possibilities for travel on the snowmobiles are endless. One of the things I am asked frequently is “Where can we get warm and get a quick bite to eat then get back on the sleds in Bethlehem?” The Village Store on Main Street is a great place to grab a hot, homemade sandwich, chili and more even more importantly it is warm and inviting unfortunately there is no seating inside because it is a grocery store but stay for a while chat with some of the people, you never know who you will meet and how welcome you will feel even at a local grocery store. So now I am rejuvenated am ready to get back to work! I am looking forward to more posts about Bethlehem and White Mountains area real estate soon.

Posted by:Diane Johnson



December 29, 2009

Snow Glorious Snow in Bretton Woods

Posted to Events & Activities, Michele Penner, Ski Homes in NH

So this year was one of the few years we did not get any snow fall on Christmas Day. The ground was covered, but none magically falling fresh as we have come to expect each Christmas morning. Apparently Mother Nature’s calendar was just a few days off. We have been getting clobbered with snow since yesterday afternoon. I would estimate over a foot has fallen already. I have to admit I have not strapped on the skis yet… don’t really know what I am waiting for as conditions have been superb at Bretton Woods! We did have rain that spoiled some of it the other day; however as of this morning there are 55 of 101 trails open, and with a foot plus of fresh powder, what more could you ask for? For all you Nordic skiers, there are 17 of 49 trails open. For non-skiers, or for a special treat after a day or two of skiing, you must try out the spa. It is an experience you won’t soon forget. Bretton Woods offers a variety of great outdoor activities, from dogsledding, tubing, sleigh rides, ice skating, Snowshoeing and high-alpine eco tours, to the usual alpine and Nordic skiing. Last year the canopy tour was introduced and it has been a favorite ever since.

Lots of fun things going on in the next few days…check it out. The torchlight parade is back!!!

There are plenty of opportunities to make Bretton Woods your home away from home. Click here to view available properties for sale.

Posted by:Michele Penner



December 28, 2009

Snowmobile Lots in Lancaster

Posted to Joy Moore

With the winter here and snow on the ground, the snowmobile enthusiasts are calling our Peabody and Smith offices for properties with snow-mobile access in our north country area of New Hampshire. I have listed for sale 2 lots, (10 and 11 acre) with access to the VAST Trails of Vermont, linking with trails where you can ride from Portsmouth, NH to Montreal Quebec, Canada.

Posted by:Joy Moore



December 23, 2009

Missy Sullivan Joins Peabody & Smith Realty

Posted to Chrissy Smith

We are thrilled to announce that we have expanded more in our Plymouth NH Office and we recently welcomed Missy Sullivan, a veteran Real Estate agent as a Sales Associate.

Missy has had a real estate license for eighteen years, and began actively practicing for the past five years. Missy is a Plymouth NH native, and is knowledgeable about the area as a whole. Like our other agents in the office, Missy has a strong understanding of the schools, recreation opportunities, and more for buyers who may be relocating to the Plymouth area.

Our Plymouth office at 85 Main Street, now has four full time agents, and one licensed administrative professional. We are looking to grow further in the Plymouth area, and continue to assist our new and existing clients.”

Personally, Missy was a cheerleading coach for 12 years at both Plymouth Regional and Newfound High School. She says she can now be “a cheerleader for her listings to help get them sold!” She is married and has two teenagers. Missy can be reached by phone in Plymouth at 238-6990 or using her direct line at the “Push to Talk” button below.

email fax

Missy can also be reached by email at missys@peabodysmith.com. Our direct lines, for our Plymouth and St. J offices are set up to ring at their desks, then at their cell phone, so they are available anytime.

Welcome Missy! We’re thrilled to have you on the Peabody & Smith Realty team!

Posted by:Chrissy Smith



December 14, 2009

Four of our Peabody & Smith Agents Achieve the CBR Designation

Posted to Chrissy Smith

Once again, we are so pleased at how our agents continually learn new things, take new classes and earn designations to help their clients and customers. Recently, four of our Broker Associates completed the Certified Buyer Representative Program and now have the initials CBR® after their name.

Beth Horan, Joy Moore, Mary O’Toole, and Susan Jones were recently certified by RealNet Learning Services of McLean, Virginia, as CBR®-Certified Buyer Representatives. They are now trained in the professional representation of home purchasers. Buyer Representative is a cooperating agent who legally represents the real estate buyer. Each agent completed three days of extensive training to earn this Designation. According to the CBR website, less than 1% of the agents in the country have earned this designation.

Beth is one of our bloggers at www.guidemehome2thewhitemountainsofnh.com. She has been with Peabody & Smith Realty for over a decade. She is licensed in both New Hampshire and Vermont and works out of their Franconia office.

Joy Moore is another one of our bloggers, and works out of the Littleton office of Peabody & Smith. She was also named in 2009 as the Lakes Region Board, Realtor of the Year. She has worked at Peabody & Smith for 15 years, and is also licensed in the state of Vermont. Real Estate has been her passion for over twenty years.

Mary O’Toole has been with Peabody & Smith for almost five years. She is licensed in New Hampshire and works also out of their Franconia office.

Susan Jones obtained her real estate license almost a decade ago. She has worked for Peabody & Smith during that time. She is also licensed to sell real estate in Vermont.

“As always, I am so proud of these agents. They continue to exceed expectations in order to make their clients experience with them, and with the company, the best it can be through their continued knowledge and education.” said Andy Smith, Broker/Owner of Peabody & Smith.

With 28 full time Realtors, and a support staff of seven, we have offices in Franconia, Littleton, Plymouth and St. Johnsbury. We are members of and one of only 600 firms chosen as part of The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. As a member, Peabody & Smith Realty, Inc. is affiliated with the finest real estate firms worldwide. The relationship also enables us to assist individuals relocating to virtually any community in the U.S. or abroad. Just give us a call if we can help.

Posted by:Chrissy Smith