Sue Sampson, Sales Associate

Peabody & Smith Realty recently welcomed Sue Sampson, a long time Plymouth resident, to their real estate team as a Sales Associate concentrating in the greater Plymouth NH area.Sampson is a retired teacher having served 32 years in the Plymouth area as a high school health and physical education teacher. Sampson received her real estate license four years ago, having turned a life long love of real estate into a full time job following her retirement from teaching.

Peabody & Smith Broker Owner Andy Smith said, “We are pleased to have Sue join the Peabody & Smith Realty team. We are attracted to the Plymouth area with the many attributes the area offers and know Sue will be able to inform real estate buyers and sellers about the current market conditions, amenities of the area and much more. In the end, we expect to help buyers and sellers realize their personal real estate goals.”

Sampson was raised and educated in Keene and moved to Plymouth in 1976 to teach. She is an active member of the community as a middle school field hockey coach for 23 years, and a past member of the Plymouth Parks and Recreation Commission. With an abundant amount of knowledge of the Lakes and Mountain regions of the area, she is qualified to give accurate and timely information for buyers and sellers as they begin a decision making process. Sampson said, “I have always enjoyed working with young people as they buy their first home, it’s so rewarding.”

Broker/Owner Andy Smith added, “While we have 3 offices above the Notch in Franconia, Littleton and in St Johnsbury, Vermont, Sue will be focusing on the Plymouth area, Squam Lake and surrounding towns.”

Sampson lives in Plymouth with her husband. In her free time she enjoys gardening and participating in 5K road races for charity. She can be reached by phone in Plymouth at 238-6990 and by email at: sues@peabodysmith.com.

With 25 full time Realtors, and a support staff of six, Peabody & Smith Realty has offices in Franconia, Littleton and St. Johnsbury. They are one of only 700 firms chosen as part of “The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World“. They can be seen on the web at www.peabodysmith.com.

Michele Penner

Michele Penner, Broker Associate with Peabody & Smith Realty recently received the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation from the SRES Council, part of the National Association of Realtors.

Since adults, aged 50+ represent more than 20% of the United States population, the SRES designation course is an essential step for REALTORS® in understanding the distinct real estate goals, concerns, and needs of seniors today. This course looks at key differences in housing options, from age-restricted communities to age-in-place design to assisted living; applications of the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA); the ins and outs of reverse mortgages; the use of pensions, 401k accounts, and IRAs in real estate transactions; and much more.

Penner says, “In keeping pace with the changing demographics of New Hampshire, I perceived the need to gain further knowledge and understanding of the needs, considerations and goals of real estate buyers and sellers aged 55 and older. This designation not only prepared me for that end, but helped me to understanding the vast differences in dealing with all generations. The knowledge gained has better prepared me to assist each customer and client in their real estate needs”.

Broker Owner Andy Smith added, “As we baby boomers begin to age, we realize that for many of us, our homes are our largest asset and account for most of our net worth. It’s important for our agents to fully understand that, and help our clients obtain the goals they desire. I’m proud of Michele for continually improving her skills. This kind of continuing education provides a well rounded base of knowledge for our clients and customers.”

With 24 full time Realtors, and a support staff of five, Peabody & Smith Realty has offices in Franconia, Littleton and one in St. Johnsbury. They are one of only 700 firms chosen as part of “The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World“, and have recently been nominated for the coveted, “Leading Real Estate Companies of the World 2008 Diamond Award”. They can be seen on the web at www.peabodysmith.com.

11 Riverglen Lane, Littleton, NH

In a positive economic note, this week Peabody & Smith Realty announced it would be moving from their 91 Main Street Littleton location in February to new office space at 11 Riverglen Lane, along the Ammonoosuc River. While so many companies are downsizing their space needs, Peabody & Smith is actually increasing, a move that is a positive signal for the area.For Andy Smith, broker/owner of Peabody & Smith Realty, the move is really a return to where he got his start in Littleton in 1980. Smith said, “The building is a beautifully renovated 1850′s post & beam barn where I first had my motorcycle dealership. After I moved the dealership into a new building, it housed Deacon’s Bench Furniture, and now we’ll be returning to office space on the second floor, with the first floor currently occupied by the Alpine Clinic and Broker Mojo.” He added, “We’re looking forward to the move in late February, and feel that we’ll have a nice large space that is more conducive to meet with clients and customers, as we’ll have a dedicated conference room and more. Plus, there is ample on-site parking making it very convenient for customers and staff.” Smith added, “I’m optimistic about the future of real estate, and feel in these times it just makes sense to move forward boldly, when opportunities arise.”

Their current office is located next to Hunkins & Eaton Insurance, in a building owned by Greg Eastman, owner of Hunkins & Eaton. Eastman said, “We’ve been long time neighbors and friends with everyone at Peabody & Smith and are certainly going to miss them next door. However, we look forward to finding a new tenant for the space – it’s a great Main Street location with office space on the lower level, retail window space on Main Street and access to the back parking lot and street for deliveries. It’s a great location for many types of businesses, and we’ve had inquiries already and are hopeful that we’ll have a new neighbor soon.”

Peabody & Smith will move their office during the weekend of February 21st and 22nd and will be open at their new location on Monday, February 23rd.

With 23 full time Realtors, and a support staff of six, Peabody & Smith Realty has offices in Franconia, Littleton and St. Johnsbury. They are members of and one of only 700 firms chosen as part of “The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World”. They can be seen on the web at www.peabodysmith.com.

Steve Gorman

While having had a successful rental department for many years, Peabody & Smith Realty is now expanding their rental department to also offer furnished vacation rentals in addition to their existing long term residential rentals.The department will be led by Sales Associate Steve Gorman. He is a resident of Bethlehem and has been with Peabody & Smith Realty for the past year. With a background in hospitality and now as a real estate agent, Gorman will be able to take those two separate yet similar careers and blend them together to create a winning situation for both the home owner and the vacation renter.

Gorman discussed the rental program and said, “We get so many calls daily on all kinds of rentals, including vacation rentals, and it is a natural transition for us to add these services to our rental program. For so many people, they come here to vacation and want a place to stay and search out a local real estate firm to help them find the right rental that meets their needs. We will now be able to help them, and in addition, to help our clients that have a property they would like to rent out.”

As part of the rental program, the clients are able to have their property professionally marketed and shown and will offer a true turn-key service for all parties involved.

Broker/Owner Andy Smith said, “This is just another offering in our package of concierge services that we offer to people who may be relocating to the area, vacationing here or for our clients who have a property they would like to rent out for a season while they live elsewhere. We have always been a full service real estate firm, and this expanded rental program is just a part of what we offer.”

Gorman is a seasoned hospitality veteran having worked throughout the country at a multitude of exclusive hotels and resorts. Steve has a love of architecture and along with his wife, has renovated many homes. He also serves on the board of the Habitat for Humanity Ammonoosuc Chapter.

With 23 full time Realtors, and a support staff of five, Peabody & Smith Realty has offices in Franconia, Littleton and St. Johnsbury. They are one of only 700 firms chosen as part of “The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World“. Their rental properties and more can be seen on the web at www.peabodysmith.com.

Deb Holland, GRI

Peabody & Smith Realty recently welcomed Deb Holland, a long time Realtor and Holderness resident, to their real estate team as a Sales Associate concentrating in the Greater Plymouth NH area.

Holland is a long time Realtor and former owner of the Loon’s Nest Gift Shop. She has joined Peabody & Smith Realty to work with them to expand their expertise in the Plymouth NH area.

Peabody & Smith Broker Owner Andy Smith said, “We have always seen the Plymouth market as a strong area to expand into, and welcomed this opportunity to add Deb to our team. Deb is very well known in the area, and has a proven service record that meets our business model. We have been the market leaders in Northern NH for over a decade, and are always looking for opportunities to service new clients. We feel we offer a full service, high quality real estate alternative for property owners in the Plymouth area who might be looking to list their property, or for a buyer who is looking for a property. We’re ready, willing and able to help.”

Holland attended schools in North Carolina and Boston University. She holds the highly coveted Realtor designations of GRI as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute and she is a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). She has spent many years as a self employed entrepreneur and has many hats of experience in marketing, property values, and has the proven ability to bring buyers and sellers together to a successful closing.

“Whether it’s a first time home buyer or a multi million dollar buyer, all properties get my equal attention and boundless energy. I am eager to begin listing and selling properties in the Pemi area, an area that I am extremely familiar with.”

Broker/Owner Andy Smith added, “While we have 3 offices above the Notch in Franconia, Littleton and in St Johnsbury, Vermont, Deb will be focusing on the Plymouth area, Squam Lake and surrounding towns. In this day and age with our networked computers, agents can work from anywhere and still receive the team support our firm offers. We run our offices using the latest technology, and we market our listings in just the same way, using the latest marketing techniques which focus heavily on the internet.”

Holland said, “Peabody & Smith Realty is a progressive real estate firm and for area property owners who are looking to sell, I know we offer terrific services – including extensive internet exposure, that includes a number of luxury websites and a team of 22 other agents who will show property, all in an effort to get our clients homes sold in this challenging market. I joined this firm for what it offers my clients in terms of full service marketing efforts, a very strong internet exposure, but also because they have an experienced commercial brokerage team and are experienced in the nuances of the second home market.”

Holland lives in Holderness with her husband Willy and their dog Buck. In her free time she enjoys spending time with their grandchildren, horseback riding on Duncan, a Belgium X quarterhorse, hiking, skiing and tai chi. She works out of the firms Franconia office. She can also be reached by cell phone at 254-7192 and by email at: debh@peabodysmith.com.

With 23 full time Realtors, and a support staff of six, Peabody & Smith Realty has offices in Franconia, Littleton and St. Johnsbury. We are members of the “Board of Regents” and one of only 700 firms chosen as part of “The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World“. The can be seen on the web at www.peabodysmith.com.

Peabody & Smith Realty Commercial Brokers Andy Smith, CCIM and Steve Horan based in Franconia, NH, along with Ray Simoneau of Coldwell Banker Commercial Weeks Associates represented the seller, Beau Reve Realty, and assisted the buyers in this transaction.

Peabody & Smith Realty’s Commercial Department consists of 4 broker/sales associates, one full time assistant and is based out of their Franconia, NH office. We focus on the sale and lease of commercial properties throughout New Hampshire and also specialize in business brokerage throughout New Hampshire and Vermont. Peabody & Smith Realty is one of only 650 firms chosen as part of “The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World“. With 23 full time Realtors, and a support staff of five, they have offices in Franconia, Littleton and St. Johnsbury. We can be seen on the web at http://www.peabodysmith.com.

The mission of the Franconia Ski Club is to impart the joys of skiing and the life-long lessons of healthy competition to the children of its broad and open membership. The club achieves its mission by providing caring and professional instruction in skiing and ski racing and by supporting and sponsoring all levels of NHARA and USSA Junior racing.

Bill Husson, President of the Franconia Ski Club said, “We are proud of the clubs skiing heritage, the remarkable young athletes who participate in our program and celebrate the participation of our corporate sponsors which will help our athletes meet their goals.”

The Alpine Clinic, made up of three well known orthopedic doctors, Dr. Andrew Chen, Dr. Daniel O’Neill and Dr. Dougald MacArthur have recently been appointed Team Physicians of the US Ski Jumping Team and will also be acting as team physicians for the Franconia Ski Club and the Holderness School who races and trains in conjunction with the ski club at Cannon Mt. (www.alpineclinic.com).

Dr. Chen said, “From the recreational novice to the professional skier, The Alpine Clinic is committed to the health and wellbeing of all that enjoy winter sports. As the official Team Physicians to the United States Ski Jump Team and the United States Ski Team, we are passionate about getting athletes back to competition form. FSC has an esteemed tradition of excellence and has bred many champions over the years; The Alpine Clinic embraces the opportunity to help FSC’s young athletes achieve their competitive pursuits while keeping it fun and safe.”

Sport Thoma Ski Shop of Lincoln and Waterville Valley has long been a preferred partner of the ski club providing a broad array of clothing and equipment as well as expert ski tuning through their Race Room division said Husson. He added, “It’s good to have Peter Kailey and his entire team supporting the club.” (www.sportthoma.com)

Peabody & Smith Realty of Franconia and Littleton have long had a relationship with the ski club and Andy Smith was eager to pledge his support to the athletes of the club. “We are pleased to be a sponsor of the Franconia Ski Club and have always felt that what they offer to our youth is really valuable. Skiing is a great sport that can be enjoyed at any age, and the early learning is what can make those youth lifelong skiers. In addition, the training and instruction in ski racing is invaluable for our youths who want to compete in a bigger arena.” Andy Smith of Peabody & Smith Realty said. (www.peabodysmith.com)

Husson added, “We are fortunate to have such great sponsors and are pleased to expand the informal relationships we’ve had to benefit our young racers and promote our sponsors concerns within our club and to the ski racing community”.

The Franconia Ski Club is lead by head coach Trevor Hamilton. Hamilton has been a part of FSC for decades. During the 1980s, Trevor enjoyed success as a young FSC athlete and now finds great satisfaction in sharing his passion for the sport/lifestyle of skiing with the next generation. He is a graduate from the University of New Hampshire, taught skiing at Crested Butte, CO and as a certified Emergency Medical Technician was a member of the Cannon Mountain Ski Patrol. Building upon his passion for ski racing, Trevor attended the US National Coaches Academy at Mammoth, CA and is a USSCA Regional Certified Coach.

The Franconia Ski Club will start their racing season on February 1st and will continue racing through March. Races are held at Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch NH and features participants from around New England and beyond. To learn more about the Franconia Ski Club, visit them online at: franconiaskiclub.com.

Penner earned the “Graduate REALTOR® Institute” (GRI) designation by attending a specific, intensive series of a minimum of 90 hours of classroom instruction, covering a variety of subjects including: contract law, professional standards, sales and marketing, finance, and risk reduction.

The GRI designation sets the individuals who have attained it apart from other practitioners because it indicates to the public that the individual has obtained a professional educational foundation on which to base the services they provide and that they are a member of the National Association of Realtors.

Andy Smith, broker owner at Peabody & Smith, said he is proud of Penner for taking her career to the next level, all to better serve her clients.

With 23 full time Realtors, and a support staff of six, Peabody & Smith Realty has offices in Franconia, Littleton and St. Johnsbury. They are members of the “Board of Regents” and one of only 700 firms chosen as part of “The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World”. The can be seen on the web at http://www.peabodysmith.com

Michele Penner, Sales Associate

Michele Penner, Sales Associate, fell in love with northern New Hampshire and the Bretton Woods area over ten years ago, pursuing her hobbies of skiing, kayaking, gardening and hiking. She now has the opportunity, having sold the wholesale business she ran with her husband, Terry,  to promote the area through Real  Estate Sales. She is fulfilling her dream – relocate to northern New Hampshire and live and work in the community she loves. Michele can be reached in the Littleton office, or by email at: michele@peabodysmith.com