Winhall Real Estate

Have We Hit the Bottom?

debwin — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:34:04 +0000

The weather Gods keep dealing Stratton A tough deal, snow then rain but Stratton’s expert snow making and grooming teams keep providing great skiing at Stratton. Our office has gotten busier with showings and contracts are appearing on a regular basis in our updates .

Perhaps, the housing market has “Hit the bottom.” Several of our Buyers believe now is the time to buy before prices start going up. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says “The pattern of home sales in recent months demonstrates a market in recovery” and buyers are taking advantage of “record low mortgage interest rates, job growth and bargain home prices.” the National Association of Realtors reported a 5% increase in home sales in December over a 1.7 % annual increase in homes sales for 2011 Indicators have shown that the vacation home market is stronger than the primary home market. Buyers are looking for great deals in locations they want to spend more time in and are recognizing that there are some great deals now.

Several great deals here in the Stratton Mountain resort area are this 5000+ sq ft home, which needs some completion has just relisted $100,000 less that it was previously for sale. Condos are a particularly great deal now many selling at a 25 % off 3 year ago prices. Now is a great time to visit Stratton, and look at the many super opportunities there are to purchase real estate..

Stratton Short Term Rentals Warning

debwin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:25:19 +0000

Short Term Rentals at Stratton Mountain should be done with a reputable agency as Winhall Real Estate. Don’t be scamed as in this MSN report. Rent at Stratton Mountain through one of Winhall Real Estate’s Professional Rental agents.

Short Term Rentals

debwin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:47:50 +0000

Short Term Rentals at Stratton Mountain

Our Short term rental department is busy booking weekend and weekly winter rentals here at Stratton. The snow is better than out West this year and Stratton is an easy destination resort. Short term rentals can also provide extra income to an owner. Please enjoy the article below shared by Ashley Halligan, a property manager software analyst for Software Advice. For information on availability on any of our rentals, please call Tara or Katie in our rental office.

Risks and Rewards of Short-Term Rentals | A Starter Guide for Property Owners

With the growing popularity of short-term rentals, they’re becoming all the frenzy in the property management market – both for second-home owners and property management groups with a vast portfolio of rentals. The income potential is one of the most obvious and attractive catalysts to dive into the market. But there’s a handful of both risks and rewards that should be carefully weighed before converting conventional, long-term rentals into short-term rentals or before investing in a property solely for this use. In a detailed guide for property managers outlining four risks and four rewards of this market, we’ve created a launching point into the necessary research that should be done before diving in head first.

Some of the controversy surrounding short-term rentals stems from both hotels and city departments. Hotels argue that property owners renting on a short-term basis should be subject to the same occupancy taxes that they have to pay as an operative business. City officials make the same claims, suggesting that if short-term rentals are allowed, the city should gain the revenue from the HOT (hotel occupancy tax). Because of the ongoing debate, some cities have banned short-term rentals altogether. Others have implemented restrictions. As a property owner considering this type of rental, keeping this in mind is crucial; if restrictions or bans are enforced, will you become subject to a financial loss? Other risk factors mentioned in the guide include the additional costs associated with short-term rentals, competition between other properties and community risks.

The most obvious reward is the revenue potential, with some property owners claiming they can earn 25% of their monthly mortgage payment in a single night; factor in the opportunity to charge significantly higher rates during peak periods in your geographic area (highly attended events or festivals, holiday weekends and summer weeks, for example), and the opportunity to make significantly more than a conventional, leased rental is high. That said, this should be balanced with the aforementioned additional costs to truly calculate profit potential. Some property owners rent on a short-term basis as a way to preserve a property, claiming short-term renters are easier on a property and allows the owner more access for upkeep and maintenance. Other rewards that may surround these rentals include the community rewards – like promoting tourism, and tax breaks for maintenance, marketing and large-ticket purchases.

No matter which reward has attracted you to potentially managing these property types, it’s important to gauge all possible outcomes and make the best decision based on your property type, its location and all the possibilities that may be potential rewards or hindrances.

January 2012

debwin — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:46:44 +0000

While the Snow gods have not been friendly to us at StrattonMountain so far this winter, the expert snow making team has made wonderful snow. I skied on Wednesday and the snow guns were working and the skiing on the top of the mountain was really great. An afternoon of flurries has added to local Stratton Mountain ambiance by turning the ground white again. Stratton will continue to make snow and long range weather reports the possibility of a storm here at Stratton prior to Martin Luther King weekend. All of our Christmas guests reported that they had a great time skiing here at Stratton. There are still many good vacation rental options at Stratton. This is a good time to buy in the Stratton Mountain area. Many list prices are down 25% from the high of a few years ago and there is a good inventory of condos and Stratton homes and Winhall homes for Sale here at Stratton. Stratton Mountain is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with fun events all season. Come visit Stratton Martin Luther King weekend and let our agents introduce you to the area.

Thanksgiving At Stratton Mountain

debwin — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:49:13 +0000

Stratton

Thanksgiving is only a week away and Stratton is hoping for some cold days and nights so they can open next weekend. Our Winter seasonal rentals here at Stratton start Friday. We have been busy checking homes to make sure they are clean and ready for all our tenants. Its not too late to find a Stratton Seasonal rental . Just look in the link to see availability.

Thanksgiving activities at Stratton include a 5 K Turkey Wobble Race on Thanksgiving Day. Firday all the village shops are open with special deals. Friday night features a movie about Freestyle Coach “SteveK” or Steve Kenney and then a wonderful evening with the Stratton Mountain Boys and light German fare. I attended a similar evening a month agao celebrating Stratton Mountain’s 50th Anniversay and it was great fun.

Snow permitting on Saturday there is a rail jam planned. The warm is gone, winter at Stratton is here so its time to get out the boards and come to Stratton.

If you only want to try Stratton for a weekend or a week, call our Short Term rental department for availaility. they have lots of great choices of Rentals at Stratton.

Skiing at Stratton is ONLY DAYS AWAY!

debwin — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:20:07 +0000

I hope you have enjoyed the scenery. It was wonderful being out and about today. We are finding our market has been picking up with people calling for rentals and making offers to purchase.

Sellers are motivated so do come look at our beautiful foliage and see some of the great opportunities to own a piece of Vermont real estate.

Halloween is only a few days away but Winter has come to the Stratton Ski Area already. Enjoy these pictures taken October 28th and more of the great fluffy white stuff is due to arrive tomorrow.

Oct 2011 – Winter IS coming

debwin — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:52:20 +0000

: Oct 24 at Stratton

I woke up this morning and the ground was totally white around my house. It looked like it had snowed! 30 degrees! It is still very pretty here and there are many great rentals and some terrific buys on homes. I see prices reduced on properties that the Sellers turned down last year! With two new trails and more glades, Stratton will be great this winter.

Fall At Stratton

debwin — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:29:23 +0000

What a wonderful weekend here at Stratton Mountain! The October long weekend was the kick off to Stratton’s 50th Anniversary celebration. All weekend long , there have been concerts, hay rides, apple n and more! Sunday night brought back the Stratton Mountain Boys in a SOLD OUT concert in Grizzley’s in the base lodge.

Restored Vermont 1803 Farmhouse

I was silly not to take my cell phone to capture some pictures. There were a number of people from Striation’s early days who came back to celebrate and reunite with old friends. This great evening was topped off by a wonderful fireworks display that we watched from the upper deck of the Base Lodge. While the weather is balmy winter is coming soon – cold weather is predicted for the weekend and the mountain is expected to open in 43 days from today – Oct 10. Jamaica opened it new bridge so traffic is flowing smoothly from Brattleboro to StrattonMountain. There are some interesting new listings in the area that are worth exploring. Located in Londonderry, near Magic Mountain is this lovely restored farmhouse on 14 acres. Most of the mechanicals have been updated in the last 7 years. Ther are 4 BR, LR w/fp, Dining room, Chef’s kitchen and FR w/ fp. All done in exceptional taste. Listed for $479,000.

Cole Pond

Another special property is this Swedish Farmhouse influenced water front home, located on Cole Pond, only minutes to the Stratton Accces Rd. This special home offers a living room with antique mantle, dining room opening on to the lake situated next to the gourmet kitchen. There are two masters, a sweet little bunk room, and separate suite . A special location for $997,000.

And if you are not ready to buy, there are still some great rentals at Stratton for the Stratton Winter Ski Season. There is a really cute 4 BR chalet for $11,000, Stratton Mounta condos, including a 3 bedroom for $25,000 Ski in and out, heat included. Give us a call 802-297-1550 or email info@winhallrealestate.com. Let us help you find your place in Vermont.

Stratton/Winhall Road UpDate

debwin — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:08:05 +0000

What a beautiful Vermont day! Warm temperatures, a nice breeze and sunny skies. After a possible accumulation of 14 inches of rain, we are digging out. The community has pulled together to help those who have lost so much. the Stratton Foundation has raised over $100,000 in funds to go strictly for Irene Disaster Relief. The roads to our office had been badly compromised but walking today I was so impressed with the progress. The bridge to the East of Starting Gate looks like it could open this weekend.

If you look carefully, someone has injected a bit of humor as well. To the west of our office , Route 20 was washed out at least 100 yards, now there is only s small gap where a new culvert is being installed, a rough road with gravel to road level is already in place. I think it could be open by next week.

Everyone has shown courage and a sense of humor.

Route 30 - East Bridge

Labor Day and Irene

debwin — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:09:02 +0000

Hurricane Irene came to Bondville with a vengeance. Our office sits right on the Winhall River which is normally a pretty stream. Saturday night brought tremendous rains which funneled down off the mountains and into our stream ripping roads apart and destroying our neighboring towns. Route 30 on either side of our office was destroyed , taking down two bridges 2 miles east and a strip of road 1/2 mile west.

The town has been great in evacuating people in advance and getting roads rerouted and repaired. If you want to come and enjoy all the activities Stratton is offering this weekend. The link above gives you good directions on how to get to Stratton, Another source of Road Information is www.511vt.com . More local pictures are below.

Here are more pictures and video of the flooding in the area from Representative Oliver Olsen. We will post where donations and help is needed.

River From our Deck Sunday 4 PM

Jelly Store Londonderry

Tuesday - Look for high water mark in the right shadow

Londonderry

Route 30 -.5 mile West of Winhall Real Estate River From our Deck Sunday 4 PM