The idea of a week long company orientation would make most of us yawn. But Rackspace, a web hosting company in San Antonio, puts one on that is anything but boring. Check it out here.
What do you think… fun or a plain waste of time?
I hope you have a fanatical week! I’m here if you need anything.
Irene
Jackson Gore is Open! We’ll have 37 trails with 8 lifts spinning starting at 8 a.m. Don’t forget that you can get a $39 lift ticket at the clock tower ticket plaza or the Jackson Gore Archway if you donate 5 or more non perishable food items. The Rail Jam is also today– registration is in the clock tower base lodge with the event itself in the Jackson Gore base area. Come to the Okemo area and Ski with us!
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If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying Real Estate in Southern Vermont, please give me a call at 802-353-1983, visit my website or email me at [email protected]
I just saw this sad article about a woman in Canada who bought a million dollar home. She thought that having an architect and engineer walk through the home would be enough to verify that it was safe for habitation, so she didn’t get a home inspection. After closing, she discovered that the walls were totally and completely infested with mice. Yuck!
Worse still… the damage from their droppings and urine is so severe that the house has to be gutted.
Enough said, right? Here’s a link to the article – don’t be shy if I can help you with anything!
Best,
Irene
2
2000 sq ft Ledges unit! Beautifully decorated, set over 2 levels with spectacular views, large sauna, large wet bar and 2 large field stone fireplaces that set this apart from other Ledges units! The unit has two living areas and offers an ideal location at the end of the road at the highest elevation!
Main Level: Large deck. Tiled mudroom inside front door leads to elegant entrance hall, half tiled bath. Bright spacious living room with magnificent field stone fireplace and sliders to deck. Open fully applianced kitchen with newer Bosch dishwasher adjoins dining room. Master bedroom and bath with large, round whirlpool tub and hand painted mural, separate shower and double sink vanity. Honey hardwood floors throughout. Double-door owner’s pantry closet. Deck, off living room, offers beautiful views of the valley and colorful fall foliage!
Lower Level: Comfortable den with queen sleep sofa, additional fieldstone fireplace and large tiled wet bar with refrigerator for entertaining friends and family. Library area with separate seating. Spacious bedroom with king bed, full bath and large sauna. Separate laundry/storage area featuring new Maytag washer with 5-yr warranty. Owner’s closet as well.
The unit is beautifully furnished and includes several televisions, DVD players and a fully equipped kitchen including dishware, cookware, coffee maker, toaster and utensils. Two living areas make this unit ideal for two couples to each enjoy private space or for children to enjoy a separate play area! Ready for immediate move-in! Priced to sell at $199,900.00
Right between Killington and Okemo ski resorts. Located just off VAST (Snowmobile Trails) there are possibilities for direct access to the trails the building features a heated garage which would be a perfect place to store and work on your sleds. It is also equidistant to echo lake and Woodard reservoir and just down the road from the Coolidge historical sites, Long Trail brewery, and the village of Woodstock this is the perfect location for year round vacation or daily life! There are 4 bedrooms, 4 large bathrooms, and an updated kitchen. Each room has individually controlled thermostat, and a propane fireplace. The building is very energy efficient! Owner financing available – this is not a drive-by – Priced to sell! $229,900.00
Located between Killington and Okemo. 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, updated kitchen, 1 car garage – gas fireplaces in 3 of the bedrooms. This would make an ideal ski house or very small Guest House. This was originally a carriage house, but rebuilt in 1990 – this is not a drive-by – Priced to sell at $229,900.
This is Vermont! All it needs is you and your creative flair. Some of the special features of this 3 bedroom, 2 bath Log home set on 7.8 acres are: 2 car detached garage, end of the road location partially finished basement, wood burning stove, and mountain view. The style you love at a price you can afford. Great value $223,275. #4025912
As every South Central Vermont homeowner knows, property insurance is a necessity. The cost of adequate insurance may seem daunting initially, but there are certain steps you can take to reduce your costs to a reasonable level.
1. Shop around for the best value. Check online for quotes from at least three reputable agencies. Be aware that some companies offer a discount of 30% to 40% if you buy online. Other possible discounts can result from insuring both the home and the contents or by insuring your home and your car with the same firm.
Also know the replacement value of your home, taking into consideration any unique features that will be expensive to replace. Keep in mind probable inflation increases at renewal time. Does your insurer automatically adjust your coverage or do you have to request the change?
2. Make periodic updates to your South Central Vermont home or property. Ways to reduce insurance costs include the following:
A) replacing the existing heating system to one which is safer and more cost-efficient.
B) keep plumbing in good working order and protect it from freezing
C) replace fuses. Inspectors are looking for circuit breakers and a safe wiring system
D) install fire detectors or even a central alarm system. Be sure to keep a record of all repairs/replacements and inform your insurance company of each one.
If you are moving to a South Central Vermont home, you can, with prior planning and these tips, make your move a smooth, less stressful experience. After you have gathered recommendations from friends and checked out moving companies on the web, you should narrow your choices to three or four. At this point you can avoid moving mistakes by using these guidelines to make informed, intelligent choices.
1. Insist on an in-home survey and estimate. Movers have to actually see what needs to be moved and be aware of items requiring special attention, such as pianos or valued art pieces. In addition,, by meeting the mover’s representative in person, you can get a feel for the way customers are treated by the company. It is also important that you disclose at this time any details, such as elevator availability, street restrictions, etc., to avoid unpleasant surprises on moving day.
2. Beware of too low a price. While price is certainly a major consideration in making your selection, you need to question a low-ball estimate, Are there hidden charges? Is the firm reliable? Does it value your business? Is it a licensed, insured mover? Check the web at www.protectyourmove.com for this information and for a record of customer complaints.
3. Avoid the busy season. Good moving companies are especially busy in the summer and in the first and fourth weeks of the month. Plan ahead and reserve early to get the mover and time frame you want. Remember that the best deals can usually be found in the winter and in the second and third weeks of the month.
4. Sign a contract. Do not begin a move without first signing a binding agreement which spells out all the services you are to receive and the total amount you’ll be expected to pay. Do you have insurance options? What is the charge for that? If you’re not comfortable with the document, trust your instinct and don’t sign!
5. Have a budget. Be informed and realistic about your overall moving costs. Be sure to include travel to your South Central Vermont home, any hotel and meals expenses, auto transport, and insurance.
6. Do unto others… Your movers will respond well to smiles and a positive attitude
They also appreciate offers of coffee, water, soft drinks, and tips for quality service.
The city has many reputable and reliable moving companies who want your business and will work with you to make your moving experience as stress-free as possible. By following these six steps, your relocation to your new South Central Vermont home can actually be rewarding!
If you are thinking of buying Okemo Mountain or Killington real estate and making it a rental property, there are a number of things to consider when choosing the property:
1. Location
If you will be renting to a year ‘round tenant, look for a property convenient to major employers, schools, shopping facilities, transportation. If the property will be a vacation property, you will want to be near major tourist attractions such as the Okemo Mountain Ski Resort or Killington.
2. Price
If you hope the rental income will be more than the cost of the monthly mortgage, insurance and taxes on the home, you should be careful to invest no more per month than the local rental market can bear. If your goal for rental income is to “break even” or even to have a negative cash flow, price becomes somewhat less important.
3. Resale
Consider the long-term resale value of the property. If you buy in a fast growing area, the resale value will be greater further down the road. If you buy is a slow growth area, your resale value will be less, but there may be a better rental market. When buying Okemo Mountain or Killington real estate, you want to consider how long the tourist season is. Okemo and Killington both Have year round activities to attract vacation renters. Skiing and other snow activities in the winter; golf, swimming and other outdoor sports in the spring and summer; and fall foliage for ‘leaf-peepers.’
4. Neighboring homes
Are the neighboring homes well-maintained? If not, they will drive down your property values.
5. Solid construction
Look for solid construction. Tenants tend to put more wear and tear on a home than owners. Find a low-maintenance property suitable for renters. For example, white carpeting will have a much shorter life than something more neutral.
6. Do it yourself
If you live nearby, it can be relatively simple to stay in touch with tenants, and to keep an eye on your investment. If you lack the time, or your property is some distance away, you may wish to work with a property management firm.
Learn more about Okemo Mountain or Killington real estate by visiting ISellVermontRealEstate.com.