November 2014

In this issue . . .
Welcome
Dear ,

November is typically a slow month here in Vermont. It's "stick season" and there aren't many visitors. The foliage has passed and skiers haven't arrived. Residents like to take advantage of this slow time to get ready for the winter months - get the firewood in, can and freeze those last remaining vegetables from the garden, and finish up all of our outdoor projects.    

 

Here at Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate, I make good use of this "pause" in the business to get my books and files in order and take charge of my personal (and office) finances. This month's newsletter is focused on keeping track of your credit history and credit scores.  A good credit report and a high credit score may result in more favorable mortgage rates, lower interest rates on a credit card, or improved access to a home-equity line of credit. 

I hope this information is informative. And, as always, thanks for your support, your friendship and your business!

 

- Claudia Harris

Claudia HarrisBroker/Owner

Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate

E-Mail: Claudia Harris
Website:   http://www.mmmrealestate.com  

(802)824-3176
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The Importance of Good Credit
 . . . and How Can You Get a FREE Credit Report  

Did you know that Federal law requires each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies to give you a free credit report every 12 months . . . if you ask for it?

Fight identity theft by monitoring and reviewing your credit report. AnnualCreditReport.com is a centralized service for consumers to request free annual credit reports. It was created by the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

 

You are welcome to research information about credit reports and credit scores at any of the three credit reporting agency's websites, but you MUST be on the AnnualCreditReport.com site to order the FREE report.

 

https://www.annualcreditreport.com

 

tiny-business-people.jpgAnd, while your credit report will be free, you usually have to pay a fee to learn your credit score. The Consumer Financial Credit Bureau says that it is more important to get and review your credit report, than it is to buy your credit  score.

 

What's the difference, you ask?

 

The three major credit bureaus collect information on your credit history which is culled into a credit report. From that report, a credit score is derived. That score is a quick way for lenders to assess how risky you are as a potential borrower. The higher your score, the less risk you pose to lenders and the more likely it is that you'll get their best available rates.

 

A credit score is the numerical value calculated from information in your credit file that is used by lenders and landlords to assess your "credit risk" at that time. A total number of points-a credit score-help to predict how creditworthy you are, that is, how likely you are to repay a loan and make the payments on time.

 
A credit report is a summary of your financial reliability-for the most part, your history of paying debts and other bills. In addition to identifying information,

winter_house.jpg

credit reports include information like the number and types of accounts you
have, payment history, collection actions, outstanding debt, the age of your accounts, and any public record or collection items.  

 

When you get your report(s), check them carefully and look for errors or problems. You need to report errors to EACH of the three credit bureaus, and they are required to investigate and correct them once you report problems. Look, too, for things that may lower your credit rating, including open lines of credit you never use or accounts you thought had been closed long ago.  

 

Resources:

http://www.consumerfinance.gov/

http://www.whatsmyscore.org

http://www.AnnualCreditReport.com

http://www.myfico.com

 

Christmas in Weston - December 6th

2014 Christmas in Weston

December 6

11:00 AM - 4:30PM

 

Come to Weston and help usher in the spirit of the holiday season with "Christmas in Weston."  This free, fun, family-friendly tradition has been selected as a "Top Ten Winter Event" by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce four years in a row.

 

There are activities for all ages and thanks to Weston's businesses and organizations, all events are free-of-charge. Contributions will be accepted and there may be food and other items available for purchase. Any funds raised will support Just Neighbors, a non-profit volunteer organization that began by obtaining, splitting and delivering firewood to those in need. Since their founding, Just Neighbors' has expanded their mission to provide other forms of heat assistance, transportation for the housebound and they also coordinate numerous need-based programs with the Southeastern Vermont Community Action team.

 

Event venues include the local stores in the village, the Weston Playhouse, Wilder Memorial Library, Old Parish Church and other historic sites, where visitors will enjoy caroling, unique gifts, raffles, local artists and vendors, and live music. The day will end on the Village Green with the carols and the lighting of the Christmas tree.

 

Spotlight Property For Sale
Dream Big . . . 10 Acres with Views!
~ Spruce Drive, Andover, VT ~

Henson Land This beautiful 10.25+/- acre building lot is located on a quiet, peaceful, private drive with easy access to Weston, Andover and Chester, numerous ski areas, shopping and more.

The land is sloping and will have big, beautiful winter views and gorgeous summer views with cleaning. The building site has been partially cleared and a Vermont State waste-water permit for a three-bedroom house is in order and will transfer with ownership.

Click here for photos and detailed information.
Green Mountain Gourmet

 

It's soup-season . . . and this is one of my all-time favorite recipes, courtesy of the fantastic Bon App�tit magazine.

 

Curried Butternut Squash Soup

(serves six)

 

  • 2 two-pound butternut squash, halved lengthwise, seeded
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped peeled apple (any variety)
  • 2 teaspoons Thai red curry paste
  • 2 14-ounce cans low-salt or unsalted chicken broth 
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 cup whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Sour cream and � cup chopped cilantro to garnish

 

1)Preheat oven to 375�F. Brush cut side of squash with oil; place squash, cut side down, on large rimmed baking sheet. Roast until tender, about 1 hour. Cool slightly. Scoop squash out into large bowl. Measure 3 cups squash (reserve any remaining squash for another use).

2)
Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and apple; saut� 5 minutes. Add curry paste; stir 2 minutes. Add chicken broth, bay leaves, and 3 cups squash. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered 1 hour.

3)
Discard bay leaves. Puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or working in small batches with a blender.

4)
Return to same pot. Stir in cream and honey. Season with salt and pepper.

5)
Serve immediately or you can rewarm it using over medium heat being careful not to boil the soup (or the cream will begin to separate).

 

Divide soup among bowls. Drizzle with sour cream and sprinkle with cilantro.

 

Upcoming Events

(Note: If you know of a community event that you would like included in this calendar, please submit the information to Claudia Harris (click link here) no later than the 10th of the preceding month.)

 

November 21-23

Seventh Annual LEGO Contest & Exhibit at the Brattleboro Museum & Arts Center - Build your very own LEGO creation and display it at BMAC! Details and information at http://www.brattleboromuseum.org/2010/07/21/bmacs-seventh-annual-lego-contest-for-all-ages/ 

 

November 21 - 23

Okemo Mountain School Ski and Snowboard Swap - this is a great place to buy and sell new and used winter gear and equipment. An amazing selection of skis, snowboards, and apparel. Excellent quality at low prices! Held at the Okemo Clock Tower Base Lodge. Drop off Friday 4-7 pm, sale Saturday: 9 am-5 pm. See more at: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/event/oms-ski-snowboard-swap-2/#sthash.O8E1Gc7q.dpuf

 

Saturday, November 22

Tinmouth Volunteer Fire Department's Annual Game Supper - The Gourmet "all you can eat" menu includes: Venison and Moose Sauerbraten, Game cornbread Chili, Secret marinated roasts of Venison, Moose, and Bear, Smoked Moose, Wild Italian Meatballs. Also: Chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes and squash, salads, rolls, beans, and over 100 homemade pies! Opens at 4:00 PM - get there early! Takeouts available. Adults: $15.00, children 6-12: $10:00 and children under 6: Free. Tinmouth Community Center, 573 Route 140, Tinmouth. Information at http://tinmouthvt.org/MainPages/Events/CalendarDetail.php?GetEventID=2087 

 

November 28 - 29

Holiday Crafts Bazaar at the Weston Playhouse - Get all of your holiday shopping done in one place! There will be decorations, food, crafts, handknits, and more. Lunch is available for purchase.

 

Sunday, November 30

Ladies' Night Out Women's Chorus 5th Annual Advent Concert - Heidi Soons, VSO Harpist, accompanies women's choir singing music to herald the Holiday Season. 3:30 PM at the Church on the Hill, 29 Lawrence Hill Road in Weston. Information at (802)775-8004 or

https://www.facebook.com/LadiesNightOutWomensChorus?ref=hl&ref_type=bookmark

 

Wednesday, December 3

Beethoven's Deafness: Psychological Crisis and Artistic Triumph - This performance lecture by renowned concert pianist and psychiatrist Richard Kogan explores the power of music to help heal artist and audience alike, and considers the influence of psychological factors on Beethoven's creative output. Hosted by the Mark Skinner Library. Manchester, First Congregational Church, 7:00 pm. Cindy Waters, (802) 362-2607.

 

December 6

Free Circus Recital at the New England Center for Circus - In conjunction with the Annual Cotton Mill Open Studio & Holiday Sale, the New England Center for Circus Arts will have open doors with lots of fun and free events. On Saturday, intermediate and advanced students will share their skills in a low-key presentation that is fun for the whole family. A great afternoon treat and a fun way to see the goings on at the circus school! And come try a sample class on Sunday: 11 am, Age 1 1/2 - 7 yrs (plus parents) and 12 pm, Age 8 yrs - adult. , 74 Cotton Mill Hill #300, 3rd Floor. http://necenterforcircusarts.org/events/openstudioevents/    

 

Sunday, December 7

2014 Festival Of Lights - Dinner and Silent Auction to benefit The Mount Holly Community Historical Museum. This annual event (held at Harry's Caf� in Ludlow) is a great way to start the holiday season and support the museum.  The monies raised from this event support the displays at the museum and the educational programs.  The event is $45 person and reservations are required.  Call Linda at 259-2136 for more information or visit the museum website  http://mounthollyvtmuseum.org/ .

 

Sunday, December 7

Cares & Shares Food Drive Day - When skiers and snowboarders donate at least five non-perishable food items, a new child's toy or new clothing item, they receive a coupon for a $39 lift ticket good on this day. http://www.okemo.com/activities/calendar/cares--shares-food-drive-day/

 

Saturday December 13

Vermont Author Peter Miller - Visit Mary Mitchell Miller's son and acclaimed photographer and author Peter Miller at The Vermont  Country Store from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm. He will be presenting and signing the latest book in his Vermont People series, 'A Lifetime of Vermont People'.

 

Saturday, December 13

Christmas in Mount Holly - The Christmas spirit resonates through the library with carolers, a Christmas skit, refreshments and, of course, a visit from Santa. Free! Information at: http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/event/christmas-in-mount-holly-2014/#sthash.faWWdwmE.dpuf 

 

Featured Area Properties for Sale


8.5+/- Andover Acres
Andover, VT
$95,000
5.4+/- Weston Acres
Moses Pond Road
$50,000
 Link
22+ Hillside Acres 
North of Town
Weston, VT
$95,000
Link
Landgrove All-Season Living
7 Cody Road
Landgrove, VT
$479,000
Link
58.4+/- Acres Abutting Tater Hill Golf
Windham, VT
$235,000
Link
Overlooking Weston
67 Chester Mtn Rd
Weston, VT
  $430,000
Antique Country Farmhouse
on 62+ Acres
 
1303 Goodaleville Road 
South Londonderry, VT
$380,000 
 
3.63 Acres - Fully Permitted
Lot 19 - Middle Road 
Weston, VT
$71,000 

Country Flair Everywhere

69 Burton Road 
Weston, VT
$325,000

 Elegant Country Estate 
463 Arrau Road

42+ Acres

Andover, VT

$595,000

 Link 

Vermont Meeting House 

908 Under the Mountain Road

37+ Acres

South Londonderry, VT

$569,000

Link  


All Day Sun & Views
1404 Andover Ridge
Andover, VT
$274,000
Village Fixer-Upper
8 Mill Lane
Weston, VT
$199,000

 Link
What a View!!!

19 Obed Moore Road

Weston, VT

$669,500

Link 

 

NEW PRICE
Just Outside Weston
3542 Weston Andover
Andover, VT
$249,000
Link

10.25 +/- Acres
Spruce Drive
Andover, VT
$79,000
Link

UNDER CONTRACT
One-Level Living

Mid-Century Modern
244 Melendy Hill Road
South Londonderry, VT
$179,000
Link

MLS Access ~ Available to All

Mary Mitchell Miller is a proud member of the Northern New England Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and our website features unrestricted access to property listings for sale in the State of Vermont.


Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate has been working with buyers and sellers of southern Vermont real estate in the tri-mountain area between Okemo, Bromley and Stratton ski areas for almost 40 years. We are a full-service real estate brokerage firm specializing in the sale of fine homes and properties in Weston, Londonderry, Peru, Landgrove, Dorset, Manchester, Andover, Chester, Ludlow (Okemo Mountain), Mount Holly, Stratton, Winhall and Windham.  Fully licensed in Vermont.

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Mary Mitchell Miller Real Estate | (802)824-3176 | Email Claudia Harris| http://www.mmmrealestate.com
620 Main Street
Post Office Box 8
Weston, VT 05161
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