McEnaney & Company News
Issue: 4
|
Join our list |
 |
|
|
|
Dear Friends,
Now is the time to encourage that first-time homebuyer in your life to get
serious about purchasing a home. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
includes an $8,000 tax credit for first time homebuyers that purchase before
December 1, 2009. That's incentive enough, but combined with low interest
rates and softened home prices, there's every reason to look into the
possibility of getting into that first home. Many first time
home buyers don't know where to start. That's okay, that's what we're here
for! We can answer all their questions, introduce them to some great
lenders, set them up for automatic searches, and help them get comfortable
with the buying process so that they can feel comfortable and in control of
their purchase. If they're out of our service area, we can also match them
with a qualified REALTOR in their area. If you know someone that's ready
for a home of their own, please have them give us a call. As
always, thank you for your continued support and referrals - they are the
reasons for our success! 
All our Best,
The McEnaney Team
Betty, Cathy, Melissa,
Cindy & Holly
|
|
|
|
Market Update |
|
Spring Brings Good News
Things are getting brighter, and it's not just because of the time change.
We are seeing a definite increase in traffic. This is a welcome change over
the last quarter of 2008.
The February closings in our area were more numerous than I
expected to see. The list to sales price ratio is also running a bit
stronger at 93%. All of these properties that sold had been on the market
for less than 127 days. This means that new sellers, or sellers that relist
their properties are sharpening their pencils and pricing them to sell. The
sales price averages out at around $164,000, which leads me to believe that
most of these were primary homes. I think that we will start to see that
price climb a bit over the next couple of months.
Full article>>
|
|
Housing Tax Credits |
|
The recent economic stimulus package has created important financial
incentives for purchasing or improving the efficiency of a home. The first
part of the package is an $8,000 Housing Tax Credit that is available to
those folks who haven't owned a house in the past three years. If you fit
that criteria (or if you know someone who does) then this is the year to get
in the market and purchase a primary home.
The tax credit does not need to be repaid as was required with previous tax
credits. If your tax liability is less than this incentive, then you will
be issued a check.
This financial incentive will be a great tool for the new homeowner to make
improvements to their property. This is the year to make the move. We
would be pleased to help you find the right property to call home. There
are some excellent opportunities in this market. With the abundance of
available property, you will be able to choose the property that fits your
own criteria.
Full article>>back to top |
|
A Bit of History |
|
|
Maple Sugar and American History
Until the early 1850s all maple sap was made into maple sugar. If someone
wanted syrup, boiling water was added to the crystallized sugar to make the
desired consistency. This was due in part to the problem that syrup that
hasn't been canned will mold and spoil quickly, but that's getting ahead of
the story.
In Colonial America sugar was very political involving salves, rum,
molasses and the Caribbean Islands. Many New Englanders felt that cane
sugar was tainted with immorality (even through they made fortunes from rum)
because of the slavery that was a key part of cane sugar cultivation.
Benjamin Franklin even advocated to make maple sugar the "natural sweetener"
in order to avoid a product so closely tied to slave labor.
Full Article>>
|
|
Treat Yourself |
|
Massage Spots
Ahhhh.... there's nothing like a relaxing massage. We have several great
massage spots in our area - check them out!
 In
Touch Therapeutic Massage and Reflexology - Nancy Tobin, PTA,
LPN. Nancy graduated from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in
1991 and brings with her more than 25 years of experience as a nurse
specializing in women's health. Nancy has extensive continuing education in
prenatal massage, infant massage, doula training, myofacial therapy,
ashiatsu, hot stone therapy, thai yoga massage, foot reflexology and
orthopedic/deep tissue massage. In Touch Therapeutic Massage was founded on
the premise of providing relief from stress and pain in a restorative and
inspiring environment. Therapeutic massage is a powerful modality that
facilitates harmony, energy balance and peace of mind. Get $15 off your
first visit using this coupon.
The Wellness Center is located at 228 Main St. in the
heart of Ludlow. The center is the home to three highly qualified
practitioners. Irene Berry offers a wide range of massage therapy including
deep tissue and lighter touch modalities.
Full Article>>
|
|
Architecture |
|
It's a Federal...
 So,
just what does that mean? New England architecture is recognizably similar,
but does have some regional influences. We find that many of our Vermont
houses have simpler lines than might be found in Salem or Newport.
It probably has two full stories and a simple roofline with a pitched
roof. The house likely had a centered front doorway with a solid wood door
flanked by two sidelights. On either side of the front door was a pair of
windows. On the second floor, there were 5 windows centered above the
windows and door on the first floor. The windows were originally 12 over
12's.
A barn may be connected to the ell. This connected architecture is typical
of Vermont. An excellent book you may enjoy reading is Big House, Little
House, Back House, Barn by Thomas C. Hubka. All of these attachments were
not built at the same time. The house was first, the barn was second, the
ell and the woodshed came after the barn.
Full article>>
|
|
Ski Tip |
|
A Good Tune
This month's Ski Tip comes by way of a six year old boy. I've been skiing
with this youngster for the past two years and he is a rather accomplished
skier. He recently took an interest in Nastar racing. So, his dad took his
skis to a shop for a 'tune up' to help him race better/faster. Within two
turns of getting off the lift the boy fell.....and then fell again....and
then again. He NEVER falls....ever.
Full article>>
|
|
Homeowner Information |
|
Tax Savings: Vermont's "Current Use" Program
 The
Current Use Program is the common name for the Use Value Appraisal Program
for the State of Vermont. This program seeks to protect Vermont's
agricultural and forest land by assessing and taxing the lands for their
'current use' rather than their fair market value. This program has been
instrumental in keeping the character of Vermont's hillsides in their
natural state and in increasing the productivity of the land that is
enrolled in the program.
Two acres is considered the house site, and 25 acres or more are enrolled
in the program. In order to enroll a property in the program, a forester
will create a detailed map and plan of the woodland. This plan will show
the various sections of the parcel, and will make a plan for each section.
Areas for thinning shall be shown, along with hardwoods, soft woods, pulp
woods, wetlands, and wildlife areas.
Full article>> |
|
Things to Do |
|
|
Featured Activity: Indoor Rock Climbing
Spring fever? Burn off some of that energy on Green Mountain Rock
Climbing Center's indoor climbing walls located in Rutland and Quechee,
Vermont. GMRCC welcomes new climbers and has a staff that knows how to
instruct and support new climbers in a non-intimidating environment. If
you're looking for something exciting for the kids or perhaps something new
and physical for yourself, Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center has it.
In Rutland, the walls stand 25' tall and have 30 top rope
stations spread over 8,000 square feet of indoor climbing. The surfaces are
brilliantly painted with murals ranging from desert sandstone, to Yosemite
National Park. The staff provides skilled instruction ranging from first
time beginners to specialized clinics. They provide all rental equipment
(shoes and harnesses) for everyone.
Full article>>
Featured
Activity: Maple Sugar Season
 Along
with the mud comes Vermont's sweetest season...Sugar Season. If you drive
the back roads this time of year, you may very well see a sugar house with
the roof vents open and steam billowing out the top.
As you get out of your car, see if you can smell the
sweetness in the air. Head on up to the sugar house if you see some
activity and introduce yourselves. You may find you spend an unexpected,
but delightful afternoon.
You may see a big tank outside the sugar house that is full of
clear, watery sap. The sap comes from the Sugar Maple. You may be invited
to give the sap a taste. It will be watery, but you will taste a hint of
sweetness. Inside the sugar house is a large arch and pan. This is how the
sap is boiled down. The heat source in the arch may be wood or even oil
fired. Full
Article>>
| |
|
Calendar of Events |
|
|
Calendar of Events
|
|
Knitting, Anyone? |
|
|
6 Loose Ladies and Bakers Yarn Shop
 If
you are local to the area, you may be familiar with two wonderful yarn
shops. Just in case you aren't, we wanted to share a little about each one
with you.
Six Loose Ladies, on the corner of Depot Street and Route 131 in
Proctorsville is open Wednesday through Sunday, and there you will find all
sorts of things for the fiber artist as well as hand made items from local
craftswomen and men.
Do you knit, crochet, spin, felt or weave? If so, you will be right at
home. If you want to learn, you have also come to the right place. If you
pay a visit to the 6 Loose Ladies and Vermont Fiber Arts Group's website,
you will find a current list of offerings.
Full Article>>
|
|
Local Foods |
|
NOFA-VT: Alphabet soup it is not!
 Northeast
Organic Farming Association of Vermont is a tremendous resource. A visit to
their website will entice you to visit the local farmers. Buy Local takes
on a whole new meaning. "The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont is a non-profit
association of farmers, gardeners, and consumers working to promote an
economically viable and ecologically sound Vermont food system for the
benefit of current and future generations." As we look for healthier
diets, it is with the help of NOFA-VT that we will be able to do follow
through on them.
Full Article>> |
|
Famous Vermonters |
|
|
John Deere
John Deere is a name familiar to all...green tractors, yellow seats, big
and small....but who knew that John Deere was born in Rutland, Vermont in
1807? His father disappeared while on a voyage to England leaving his
mother to struggle financially. He attended school in Rutland and then
Middlebury for a year before dropping out for financial reasons. John
apprenticed as a blacksmith for four years then opened his own shop in
1825. He married in 1827 and had 5 children.
Full article>>back to top |
|
Stepping Stones Preschool |
|
This Month's Wish List
The purpose of Stepping Stones Preschool is to promote the social,
emotional, and intellectual development of children in the preschool and
kindergarten age group. They provide a high-quality, play-based curriculum
designed by integrating with the Vermont Early Learning Standards. Please
take a look at Stepping Stones Preschool's Wish List and see if you can help
support them!
Wish List:
Rubber playground mulch HP Color
LaserJet CP2025n Printer or HP Color LaserJet CP2025dn Printer Glue  Tissues
Construction paper (all colors) Bird Food for feeders in nature area
Flour Sugar Cornmeal Cornstarch
|
|
Featured Homes |
|
|
March's Featured Listings: Ski Homes
 
|
|
Client and Customer News |
|
Welcome New Neighbors
Welcome Jay & Sarah Bower to Ludlow,
and Nancy Brown to Proctorsville.
Past Customer Contributors
Thank you to Bill Austin for contributing the
Ski Tip article.
|
|
Recent Area Sales |
|
 Sales
Figures
|
Closing Date |
Street |
Town |
List Price |
Sale Price |
|
2/02 |
769 Route 103 South |
Chester |
$49,900 |
$44,500 |
|
2/12 |
133 Elm Street |
Wallingford |
$159,000 |
$136,000 |
|
2/13 |
468 South Street |
Springfield |
$79,900 |
$64,500 |
|
2/18 |
145 Main Street #203 |
Ludlow |
$139,000 |
$127,500 |
|
2/19 |
92 Elm Hill |
Springfield |
$52,500 |
$41,500 |
*Information gathered from the Vermont Real
Estate Information Network. This information is believed to be accurate but
is not guaranteed.
|
|
The Goodwill Project |
|
|
Making a Difference
McEnaney & Company donates 5% of our commission from every sale to a
non-profit organization of our customer's choosing. Since its inception
in 2003, we have donated more than $106,500.
This past month:
Lucille Dunn selected the Black River Good Neighbors to receive a Goodwill
Project donation of $420.
Nancy Brown selected the Black River Good Neighbors to receive a Goodwill
Project donation of $120.
Thank you to our clients and customers who make our Goodwill
Project possible!
|
|
Chicken Soup for the Soul |
|
When I was ten, I wanted to play on my grammar school baseball team so bad
I'd go to bed every night and dream about it. Those were the days long
before Little League, and there were no tryouts. Team members were selected
mostly on a clique basis by class buddies who had played together since the
first grade, and they naturally assumed there was no one else in the class
who could catch or bat as well as they.
The time when the team was short of players due to chicken pox or measles,
I'd beg to substitute, but the team captain - his name was Buzzy Bennett -
always picked someone else. Undaunted, I went home and attacked the
problem as if it were a war. I began by coaxing my dad into being my
trainer. We lived on a hill, and dad would stand at the top and hit balls
while I waited at the bottom to catch them. This gave the illusion that the
balls were coming from a far distance at a staggering height.
Full Story>> |
|
Drop Us a Line |
|
Want
to Say Hello?
Click on the links below to email our team members directly.
| |
|
|
$15 off your first session at In Touch Therapeutic Massage! |
|
|
|
 |
Receive
$5 off a belay lesson or $2 off admission with this coupon at Green Mountain
Rock
Climbing Center! |
|
Get $5 off a purchase of $20 or more at Bakers!
|
|
4 Chester Road (Route 11)
Springfield, Vermont 05156
Store hours are Monday thru Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-2
Offer Expires: May 15, 2009 |
|
Six Loose Ladies offers McEnaney & Company customers a special discount of
20% off non-consignment yarn.
(Cannot be combined, some restrictions may apply) |
|
Offer Expires: July 31, 2009 | |
|
