Randolph Area Sales Down

Real estate transactions in the greater Randolph area have been slow so far this year. Below are some sales statistics from the Nothern New England Real Estate Network, the Multiple Listing Service covering this market area.

Sales from January 01, 2009 - February 22, 2009.

Town Home Sales & Price

Randolph 2 ($30,000 & $217,500)

Braintree 1 ($199,000)

Brookfield 0

Bethel 0

Royalton 0

Although sales are off, prices aren't down as much as the national average. Homes continue to hold value and are still one the biggest assets for most Central Vermonters. Mortgage lenders have funds to lend, and with interest rates that are some of the lowest in years make this a great time to buy.

If you are considering buyer a home, give me a call. I would be happy to assist you.

Fabulous Commercial Opportunity!

"The Beanville Schoolhouse"

This former one room schoolhouse is a must see.

GREAT VISIBILITY! It sits on over a half acre of land right on Vermont Route 12 just south of Randolph Village. Near Gifford Hospital, Shaw's Supermarket and The Dollar Store.

Lots of original features including two 1/2 baths (boys and girls), original chalkboards, built-in cabinets and the wonderfully large windows. Easy to heat, and lots of recent improvements.

Would be a great Antique Shop, Professional Office, Art Gallery/Studio, Retail or Specialty Shop.

Located in a commercial district, good parking and signage potential.

Don't miss this property - be sure to arrange a viewing.

Call Dennis today - 728-5518

Volunteer Positions

Having a career in the real estate business has really helped me understand what volunteerism is all about. Since I first started in real estate over 16 years ago I have learned the importance of volunteerism. I enjoy being able to give of my time to many organizations and to my community. I have served as a Planning Commission Member, Development Review Board Member and on the Randolph Selectboard. For the past several years I have served as a Trustee of Clara Martin Center.

I have also given numerous hours to the REALTOR organization over the years. Early on I served as the president of the White River Valley Multiple Listing Service, and various state committees. I am the immediate past president of the Central Vermont Board of Realtors. Currently I am a member of the Vermont Association of Realtors Board of Directors and I am president-elect for the Northern New England Real Estate Network (NNEREN).


NNEREN is a multiple listing service covering all of New Hampshire and portions of Vermont. Currently there are over 7,000 member participants in NNEREN. I have served on this board for over 3 years and look forward to many more. Our monthly board meetings are split between Concord, NH and White River Junction, VT, so many months I drive to Concord.

In addition to NNEREN being a data-sharing system for Realtors, they also have a public website so that consumers can view listings within the system (http://www.nneren.com/).


All of the positions for which I volunteer have helped me in both my personal and professional lives. Not only do I feel I am up to date on many issues, but the networking opportunities have been fabulous. So if you ever need a referral for a real estate professional outside of the Central Vermont area just give me a call.

REALTORS Legislative Day

REALTOR DAY AT THE STATEHOUSE

Every year the Vermont Association of REALTORS (VAR) holds a Legislative Day for all of their members. REALTORS from around the state gather in Montpelier to visit with our representatives in the House & Senate.

This year our Legislative Day was held on Wednesday, February 4th. Many REALTORS gathered in the Senate Chambers to hear the VAR Public Affairs Committee chairman testify to before the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs. There was also testimony taken from the Executive Directors of the Vermont Bankers Association and the Vermont Homebuilders Association.

It is interesting to note some recent statistics from the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). The median home price in Vermont was down less and 2% from the previous year, but the volume of sales was down by 20%. This tells me that the value of Vermont real estate remains strong, but that there is a major slowdown in sales due to low consumer confidence.

What I see in my business here in Randolph is a lack of the first time homebuyers. It is my opinion that these buyers a crucial to any market. The next tier, the "move up" buyers will not make a purchase unless they can sell their existing homes. Without the first time buyers coming to the table, it slows sales across the board. I was sure to relay this message to my two State Representatives in the House, Patsy French and Larry Townsend. The VAR and it's members were sure to encourage our State leaders to all that is possible to stimulate the market by adding some sort of incentive to first time buyers.

There is great news for the consumer at this point in time: inventory is high, many sellers are motivated, there is capital to lend at many local, community or national banks and interest rates remain low. I am encouraging first time buyers to strongly consider getting into the marketplace as soon as possible to avoid a spring rush.

If you have any questions about real estate in the greater Randolph area, please call me.