MEET YOUR
REALTOR View our new listings at www.BerkleyVeller.com Published in the Brattleboro Reformer
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Caring about our community since 1965
119 Western Avenue Brattleboro, VT 802-254-6400 • 800-388-5454
Celebrating our 55th Year! www.berkleyveller.com
118 Route 100 West Dover, VT 802-464-8900 • 800-666-1911
Brattleboro Reformer • Saturday, March 28, 2020
2 • Windham County Meet Your Realtor
Sally Fegley Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, The Masiello Group Hi, there - During my many years in real estate, I have put my customers first. I provide many services others realtors do not provide. Licensed in both Vermont and New Hampshire, I complete comparative market analyses at no charge. I seek out detailed information on my buyers’ and sellers’ needs, so I can work hard to meet those needs. I work on marketing strategies and develop property fliers, which I post on For Sale signs and distribute in the neighborhood. I communicate frequently, including sending written biweekly property status reports to my sellers. I respond quickly to inquiries. My listings are detailed and thorough. I pay for Home Warranty coverage for residential sellers. My recent sales of the Maple Valley Ski Resort and the River Bend Lodge as well as many homes speak to my expertise. Overall, I feel very protective of my clients. I bring high energy to do whatever I can to achieve their goals expeditiously. I would like to help you with your real estate needs. Let’s talk. Best, Sally
Contact Sally at 802-380-8272 or sallyfegley@masiello.com Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate – The Masiello Group | masiello.com”
Darlene Conca As a REALTOR®, Darlene is able to combine her love of working with people and her strong business skills. She helps her clients make informed decisions as they buy and sell property. Her goal is to create a positive experience throughout the transaction resulting in a joyful conclusion. As a result, most of her clients are referred to her by their friends and family. Since joining the real estate profession, she has consistently been a top producer. In past years, she has received the Leadership Circle Award. Last year she proudly earned the elite Presidential Circle Award by selling more than 6 million dollars in property value. DarlenewasbornandraisedinBrattleboro,thusmakingherveryknowledgeable about the area. After fully restoring her antique home in Vernon, VT, she then built a new home on the Connecticut River in West Chesterfield, NH with her husband Mark. She has a son, daughter and a step-daughter.
Contact Darlene at Better Homes & Gardens, Masiello Group Office: 802-257-1111 • Cell: 802-380-3471 Email: darlene@darleneconca.com
7 Reasons to work with a Realtor® Realtors® aren’t just agents. They’re professional members of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribe to its strict code of ethics. This is the Realtor® difference for home buyers: 1. Ethical treatment. Every Realtor® must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a Realtor®’s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. The first obligation is to you, the client. 2. An expert guide. Buying a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved, so you want to work with a professional who can speak the language. 3. Objective information and opinions. Realtors® can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They also have objective information about each property. Realtors® can use that data to help you determine if the property has what you need. By understanding both your needs and search area, they can also point out neighborhoods you don’t know much about but that might suit your needs better
than you’d thought. 4. Expanded search power. Sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised. A Realtor® can help you find opportunities not listed on home search sites and can help you avoid out-of-date listings that might be showing up as available online but are no longer on the market. 5. Negotiation knowledge. There are many factors up for discussion in a deal. A Realtor® will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows enough time for you to complete inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. 6. Up-to-date experience. Most people buy only a few homes in their lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. Realtors® handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career. 7. Your rock during emotional moments. A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you. Unless otherwise noted, all content is courtesy of the Southern Vermont Board of Realtors.
List with the Leader! Just look at our CLOSED TRANSACTIONS for 2019 compared to our closest competition!* B H & G TH E M A S I E L L O G R O UP — 887.5 Berkley & Veller — 418 Re/Max Town & County — 339 Four Seasons Sotheby’s — 246 Brattleboro Area Realty — 222 * Based on closed units from MLS Statistical Reporting for 2019 for all towns in Windham County, VT & Cheshire County, NH
Saturday, March 28, 2020 • Brattleboro Reformer
Windham County Meet Your Realtor • 3
Agents, Brokers, and Realtors®: What’s the difference? “Agent” is a catchall phrase that is used, in casual conversation, to describe the three types of professionals who buy and sell real estate: agents, brokers, and Realtors®. No, they’re not really the same. Yes, you should care about what makes them different. Here’s abreakdown: A real estate agent is a licensed professional who helps people buy, sell, rent, or invest in homes. To become an agent, a person must take pre-licensing training from a certified institution (these vary from state to state) and pass their state’s real estate licensing exam. Once they havetheir license, an agent must affiliate themselves with a real estate brokerage. Some agents specialize in representing buyers, some specialize in representing sellers. Some do both. An agent who represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction iscalled a dual agent. By law, a dual agent must disclose dual agency to both parties. (If an agent isseeing other people, you obviously need to know.) A real estate broker is a professional who has additional education beyond the agent level, asrequired by state law, and who has passed a broker’s exam. In some cases, brokers also havemore years of experience than agents. The biggest difference between a broker and an agent isthat a broker may work independently. An agent must be overseen by a broker.
A Realtor® is a broker or agent who belongs to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the largest trade group in the country. (Full disclosure: NAR publishesHouseLogic.com). A Realtor® commits to following a strict Code of Ethics intended to protect buyers and sellers; for example, Realtors® pledge themselves to protect and promotethe interests of their client. Agents and brokers who are not NAR members can’t call themselvesRealtors®. There are more than 1 million Realtors® in the United States. You can use Realtor.com®’s Find a Realtor® tool to connect with one in your area. In most cases, using an agent, broker, or Realtor® won’t cost you a penny because the seller typically pays both the listing agent and buyer’s agent’s commissions. However, some buyers’agents request a representation fee from the buyer. That’s rare.
Bill Hickok A Vermont Realtor since 2002, Bill brings attention to detail, accessibility, and skill to the complexities of real estate transactions. He has years of experience in the building trades, and utilizes the most up-to-date technologies to keep clients and customers well-informed. Whether residential, commercial, or land, he’ll help you realize your real estate goals.
Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors 119 Western Ave • Brattleboro, VT 05301 802 579-8471 cell Best • 802 254-6400 ext. 127 802 254-6403 fax • www.berkleyveller.com
Steve Goldfarb Steve lives in the town of Stratton and has for over 30 years. He resides with his family between the Mount Snow and Stratton Mountain Ski Resorts. An avid sports enthusiast he and his family enjoy water skiing, wake surfing, SUP, mountain biking, road biking, running, hiking, backcountry skiing, cross country skiing and of course downhill skiing. Steve has taught skiing as a PSIA Professional Ski Instructor for 30 years. He is often overheard saying, “I came here for the winter skiing and stayed because of the summers. Especially the lake activities. The warm days and cool nights of the summers are absolutely beautiful.”
Content from Houselogic
The best agent for you depends on ... You Before you seriously partner with anyone, you’ll probably survey family, friends, and trusted acquaintances for at least some input. Finding a real estate agent is no different: A great starting point is to ask your inner circle and neighbors for recommendations. According to recent NAR research, 52% of buyers 36 and younger found their real estate agent through a referral.
Steve likes to get to know his customers and clients. “Why you want a Home in Vermont helps in finding the right one for you. Buying and selling real estate should be a fun, cooperative experience. I want to Team Up with my buyers and sellers to help them.” Having added onto his first home with 3 additions, building 2 homes and totally renovating another, Steve has a working knowledge of the physical plants. “Having a real estate professional with building experience is a plus.” While selling real estate throughout the area, Steve has also assisted a few developers in their “multiple home” building projects.
Deerfield Valley Real Estate 183 VT-100, West Dover, VT 05356 deerfieldvalleyrealestate.com sgoldfarb@dvrevt.com • (802) 380-2494
Now is a great time to buy or sell your home! Ask me why.
Karen Hoppe • 802-258-1902 • Licensed in VT & NH
Helping folks navigate one of the most complex and exciting processes of their life is so rewarding. Buying or selling a home can be challenging, I am a problem solver by nature and find ways to make those challenges a little less overwhelming, maybe even having a little fun along the way.
Karen Hoppe, Realtor
™
I am licensed in VT and NH, and am certified as a Real Estate Negotiation Expert. Call today to start your search, or get your home ready for sale!
www.berkleyveller.com
Brattleboro Reformer • Saturday, March 28, 2020
4 • Windham County Meet Your Realtor
Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions Congratulations! You now have a list of agents you like based on their stats, and you’re ready to get to know the finalists. Binge a few episodes of “The Bachelor” for pointers — just kidding, don’t do that. What to really do: Schedule interviews with the top three agents, at least. During each conversation, your goal is to understand the agent’s experience, personality, and working style.
Here are 13 questions that will help the vetting: 1. How many years have you been in the business? Having more experience doesn’tguarantee that someone is a great real estate agent, but a lot of the business is learned on the job. 2. How many homes have you sold in the last year? Volume isn’t the most importantfactor when choosing an agent, but you want someone who is active in the industry. Also, the more transactions an agent has under their belt, the more adept the person should beat solving complicated problems that can crop up during a home sale. Remember: Your transaction is unique.
“musts” and “wants” — the home features can give you quality, {{ start_tip 72 }}onethat you need, versus the features that you’d on-one customer service{{ end_tip }} when you buy your first home. If the agent seems like to have but can live without. spread thin, it’s probably because they are. 4. Is your real estate license in good standing? You can also check with your 9. How are you a good agent for state’s RealEstate Commission to confirm first-time buyers? First-time home buyers face specificchallenges. Every buyer the agent has no disciplinary actions. has a unique transaction. Good agents can 5. How will you stay in touch with me? explain what you should expect and how Your agent’s communication style should they’re going to help you navigate your spealign with yours. If you prefer to be concial circumstances. tacted via text when new listings crop up, 10. How will you find homes that match make sureyour agent is able to do that. my criteria? Seasoned real estate agents 6. What neighborhoods do you spe- don’tjust use the local Multiple Listing Sercialize in? You want an agent who’s inti- vice (MLS) — a regional database of regmately familiar with the neighborhood(s) istered property listings — to help home you’re interested in. Another way of framing buyers find homes. They also keep track of this question is to ask, “How many homes listings through colleagues, door-knocking, have you sold in this neighborhood in the and canvassing neighborhoods to find the last year?” rightproperties for their buyers. They’ll also 7. What price range do you typically work their industry connections. work in? In addition to being a neighbor- 11. Have you ever recommended that hood expert, your agent should do a large a buyer not buy a property? Why? An portion of their business with home buyers agentshould work in your best interest, which in your price range. It’s important because means being honest with you about when to challenges and negotiation strategies can passon a house that will not meet your needs vary based on what type of home you’re — even if you’re starry-eyed about it. It’s your buying. choice, obvs, but they should empower you to 8. How many other clients are you make a sound decision.
3. How will you help me determine my needs and priorities? The agent’s first task is to help you identify your list of working with? You want someone who
Questions continued on next page
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Saturday, March 28, 2020 • Brattleboro Reformer
Windham County Meet Your Realtor • 5
How to know if an agent is knowledgeable Once you’ve gathered all the information, listen to your gut: It won’t steer you wrong about who’s the best agent for you. But, that said, there are a few qualities you’ll want to look for in any agent (your gut would agree):
questions, and will be asked to produce documentsat certain steps during the buying process. Think about how available you want your agent to be, and how quickly you want him or her to respond. One way to figure that out?Contact a prospective agent online or by phone • Local expertise. Does this person know and see how long it takes them to reply. their stuff about neighborhood home valIf you don’t hear back within a timeuetrends, shops and restaurants, schools, frame that works for you, it’s probably commute times, and geographic factors best to move on. such asfloodplains? These things are important, especially if you’re looking for a • Reputation. This is when to consult your inner circle again. The agent-finder toolhome in a newcity or town. If the agent mentioned above can also help. In adseems lost or like they’re winging it, keep dition, you’ll want to verify the agent’s looking. • Responsiveness. You’ll have a lot of license;search “[state] real estate liQuestions continued from previous page
want to work with.
12. Do you have a list of recommended vendors who can help me get a mortgage, inspect a home, and so on? To buy a home, you’re going to need other important playerson your team — specifically a mortgage lender, home inspector, settlement/ title company, and attorney. An experienced agent has already developed relationships with reputablepros, and should provide you with several references for each; though it’s ultimately your decision to choose who you
13. Can you provide contact information for your three most recent buyers? Past clients can offer valuable insight into an agent’s skills. Don’t just ask an agent for references, or you’ll get three pre-vetted clients who are guaranteed to sing their praises. Instead, ask for phone numbers and email addresses of the agent’s three most recent buyers. Contactthose people directly to learn about their experiences.
cense lookup” in your browser to find a resource for your state. If you want to confirm whether an agent is a Realtor®, you can call NAR at1-800-874-6500. There are a number of professional designations that indicate an agent has obtained additionaleducation beyond their licensing work. An accredited buyer’s representative (ABR®), for instance, is someone who specializes in working with home buyers and has taken a course on buyer-client relationships. You can search the different types of designations here.
Heidi Bernier Realtor, CBR, Licensed VT & NH As a lifelong native of VT, with nearly 25 years of experience as a Real Estate Agent, licensed in both VT and NH, I offer my customers and clients a keen familiarity of the area and the local real estate market. I take pride in providing personalized service, catering to the individual requirements of my clients and customers, along with a creative marketing approach. Trained in representation of homebuyers, as well as sellers, I earned my CBR designation (certified buyer representative) in 1996. Many people and services are required to bring a transaction to a successful closing. My years of working fulltime in the field of Real Estate have gained me the contacts and experience needed to guide my clients and customers through the process. If you are considering selling or buying property, I would welcome the opportunity to be of assistance.
Contact Heidi at Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors Office is 802-254-6400 x135 Cell is 802-380-1585 Email is heidi.bernier@berkleyveller.com
Brattleboro Area Realty welcomes our newest agent Emily Mousel
Emily Mousel would love to meet you. A native of Westminster,VT and still residing there she knows the hills and valleys and everywhere in between. Call Emily to start the preparations to sell your home or help find your dream home this spring.
Office: 802-257-1335 • Cell: 802-490-0897 emily@realtyvermont.com • realtyvermont.com • 402 Canal St, Brattleboro Voted Best of Best Real Estate office 17 years running by Market Surveys of America. Voted Reformer’s Best of Readers Choice 2018 & 2019
Brattleboro Reformer • Saturday, March 28, 2020
6 • Windham County Meet Your Realtor
Terran Momaney Transition smoothly after relocating Born and raised in Vermont, I am a REALTOR Associate at Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors. My extensive background working in the Momaney
Painters
family
business has allowed me to develop a great appreciation for real estate, along with a keen familiarity with the area’s real estate market. I strive to bring personalized service, fulfillment, and satisfaction to the process for both my clients and customers. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling the one that you’ve owned for many years, it would be my pleasure to help you with your real estate needs.
Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors 119 Western Avenue, Brattleboro, VT 05301 (802) 254-6400 x 149 • berkleyveller.com
Patrice Schneider “All of the stars on this review would not do justice. Patrice is amazing, personable, flawless with quick execution, consistently available, prompt response, and vast knowledge of the local market. It was an absolute joy to work with her through each and every step of this very smooth transaction.” Patrice Schneider is the Associate Broker at the Mount Snow Four Seasons Sotheby’s office. She prides herself on truly caring about her customers and their transactions. She is a graduate of Catholic University in DC and holds an MFA from the NY Studio School. Having a background in the arts, interiors and marketing she is uniquely experienced to help position your property for sale or help you see the potential in your dream home. A native of Westfield, NJ, Patrice has traveled the world and lived in many cities here and abroad. However, Vermont has stolen her heart, and she is thrilled to call it home.
Contact Patrice at Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty Office: 810-375-3610 Email: patrice.schneider@fourseasonssir.com
Your real estate agent did their job, now it’s my turn.
People move for various reasons. Some have outgrown their existing homes and need something bigger, while others move to downsize. Regardless of why people move, moving occurs more often than you might think. The U.S. Census Bureau says one in nine people relocated in 2015 to a new neighborhood, a new state or even across the country. Relocating, whether it’s around the corner or miles away, affects people’s lives in many ways. A smooth transition to a new place involves understanding the process and getting the support necessary to make the move a success. Research potential destinations Give ample thought to where you might live before uprooting yourself and your family if you have one. The career resource Change Recruitment suggests using the internet as much as possible to learn about the location. Sites like Niche can paint a picture of an area, providing information regarding its demographics, points of interest, schools, and much more. However, an in-person visit will be needed to get a true feel for the neighborhood.
rentals, charges to turn on/off utilities, repairs for the new home, and several other expenses. If you’re moving because of a career opportunity, the company may contribute to some of the moving costs. Check with a human resources professional to determine if the company provides relocation compensation. Get out and meet people
Use every opportunity to meet neighbors and people with shared interests. Attend community events and/or school functions. Some employers may have meet-and-greet events. Online services like Meetup list groups of like-minded people who may periodically meet up in your community. The sooner you make friends and acquaintances in your new town or city, the more likely you are to feel at home. Understand the costs With some planning and a little assisApart from the fees associated with buying tance, relocating can go smoothly. a home, relocating involves hiring movers, Content and graphic from Metro Creative unpacking belongings, temporary storage Connection
Cathy Eakins, VP Residential Lending Officer, CMP NMLS # 515966 catherine.eakins@peoples.com 802 258 4050
Voted Best Mortgage Lender 2019 by the Brattleboro Reformer Readers Choice Awards and Market Surveys of America!
©2020 People’s United Bank, N.A. | Member FDIC |
Equal Housing Lender
Saturday, March 28, 2020 • Brattleboro Reformer
Windham County Meet Your Realtor • 7
What to consider when buying a home Home ownership is a dream for many people. In fact, buying a home is considered by many people to be a major life accomplishment. Various factors determine what makes a home an attractive place to live. While some considerations may overlap, others may be unique to individual buyers. Those new to the real estate arena may want to consider the following factors as they search for a new place to call home.
location has a thriving job market.
3. Local schools. For potential homeowners with children or those planning on becoming parents, area schools should merit significant consideration. Research school rankings and reviews, but know that rankings can change. American Family Insurance Company says to also look at the school budget history of towns you’re considering to see if residents prioritize funding for education. This can be a measure of 1. Property taxes. Property taxes can how important education is in a given comgreatly affect the overall cost of living in a munity. particular home. The real estate company 4. Commute times. Home ownership inRedFin says property taxes are generally volves both lifestyle and financial decisions. levied by each county and often include Calculate the time it will take to travel to taxes paid to schools, utility companies and and from work when considering a certain municipal governments. Property taxes will town or neighborhood. Find out if there is usually be factored into a monthly mortgage mass transit and what options are available payment, and how high (or low) taxes are for off-hour travel needs. can turn an affordable mortgage payment into something that can break a budget. 5. Lifestyle options. Quality nightlife, arts When calculating payments, be sure to in- and history, community events, proximity to cultural centers or cities, and other factors clude property taxes in your estimates. are at play in choosing a home. Make sure 2. Job security/availability. The financial your new community allows you to still enresource Fortune Builder says to consider your joy the things you’re passionate about. job security before taking the home ownership Buying a home involves considering variplunge. Before committing to an investment ous factors that can affect your budget and as substantial as a home, ensure that you are quality of life. secure in your job. Similarly, if you are relocating for job prospects, verify that the new Content from Metro Creative Connection
AJ Bellville A.J. is the first e-PRO REALTOR® in the area and prides himself in the use of technology to not only improve the marketing of properties, but also in assisting buyers to find their next home as soon as it hits the market. He also prides himself on furthering his education by earning the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), ABR® (Accredited Buyer Representative), e-PRO®, EcoBroker®, RSPS (Resort and Second Home) and SFR (Short Sale and Foreclosure) designations. Previously affiliated with Coldwell Banker, A.J. earned national sales awards with inclusion in the International Diamond Society, as well as the International Sterling Society. Born and raised in Vermont, A.J. took a seven year sabbatical from the area to attend college and work in the Washington, D.C. area. While there, he earned a double degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Maryland (“Fear the Turtle”), while also managing stock market and bank accounts. After seven years of traffic and the “big city”, A.J. decided to return to his roots.
Contact AJ at Bellville Realty Office: 802-257-7979 x1 Cell: 802-380-5514 Email: aj@ajbellville.com Serving VT and NH
Jim Bellville
Bellville Realty
“Jim prides himself on being the real estate agent that really cares and puts the needs of his clients first. He also understands the power of online marketing, driving him to have a personal real estate website in addition to using dozens of real estate portals and launch sites to market his listings. A native of the Brattleboro area, Jim grew up in Guilford, Vermont wandering the woods and exploring the hills surrounding his home. As he got older, his natural wander-lust kept him travelling the roads of Windham and Cheshire Counties, exploring places he hadn’t been and making new friends along the way. Jim attended Lehigh University before transferring to the University of Vermont to double major in English and Technical Theatre.While at UVM, Jim was proud to serve with several volunteer organizations, including The Vermont Children’s Magazine and Volunteers in Action as well as serving in several leadership positions in the UVM chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a coed community service fraternity. After college, Jim served as Sales Manager and Sales Trainer for several national companies, including supervising eleven satellite stores throughout Vermont, New York and Massachusetts during the holiday season. Jim’s whole approach to real estate is to provide the best and most complete possible information to his clients and to allow them to make the decision best for them. He is not afraid to work on his client’s timeline, sometimes working with them for years before the perfect home was found.”
Contact Jim at Bellville Realty Cell: 802-380-0684 Website: bellvillerealty.com
Bellville Realty is proud to serve the real estate needs of Brattleboro, Vermont, and the surrounding area. A full service real estate agency, we provide services throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. Whether you are planning to sell or buy a home, land or commercial property we can help.
255 Western Ave., Brattleboro, VT • 802-257-7979 • info@bellvillerealty.com
Brattleboro Reformer • Saturday, March 28, 2020
8 • Windham County Meet Your Realtor
Your home is a valuable asset, your real estate agent should be too.
Patrice Schneider 802.375.3610
Betsy Wadsworth 802.579.8689
Arlene Palmiter 802.380.3077
Donna Cote 914.456.3886
Heidi Zizza 508.277.2032
Patti Long 413.374.7157
Jessica Bentz 802.753.6321
Laura Iezzi 802.380.9299
Leslie Fraser 802.236.4502
Penny Larson 213.399.2775
MOUNT SNOW | 148 ROUTE 100 | 802.464.1200 | FourSeasonsSIR.com | MountSnow@FourSeasonsSIR.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.