Realtor Perspectives

Michael "Craig" Campbell, Michael "Craig" Campbell Realty, Granville, New York

From the June 2004 print version of New England Showcase for Southern Vermont

New England Showcase recently interviewed Michael "Craig" Campbell, the owner of Michael "Craig" Campbell Realty, Granville in New York

Showcase: What is your connection to Granville and how long have you been a real estate broker?

Campbell: I am a life-long resident of Granville. I began my real estate career in September of 1972. I married Sandra Martelle 30 years ago. Sandra is a NY licensed real estate agent, secretary and office manager. We have 4 children. Our daughter, Julie Taylor, is also a NY state licensed real estate agent, Kevin Bautz and Thomas Somich are both NY and VT real estate agents, Craig is both a NY and VT licensed real estate broker. You can visit our website at www.michael-craig-campbell-realty.com.

Showcase: What is special about Washington County in terms of lifestyle and real estate?

Campbell: The natural beauty of Washington County is incredible. Limitless views, pastoral farms, abundant wildlife with easy access to VT. We are in the heart of the lakes and skiing region. We are just minutes to Glens Falls, the Saratoga thoroughbred race track, the performing arts center, numerous golf courses as well as Rutland, VT. The beautiful Mettawee and Indian Rivers meander throughout several Washington County towns. Washington County offers a less stressful, slower-pace lifestyle as well as reasonably priced real estate. We offer farms, acreage, county and village homes as well as commercial properties.

Showcase: What changes have you experienced in the last few years?

Campbell: It seems that Washington County was pretty much ignored until the last four or five years; it was just a place to drive through to get to Vermont. But several things have changed to make our property much more desirable to buyers. First of all interest rates are as low as they have been for 30 years. Along with the low interest rates has been the loss of faith in the stock market. Many investors have moved from stocks to real estate investment. And 9/11 has created a desire especially for those who live in New York City or Connecticut or the Jersey shore to seek real estate in our area as a safe haven. It's sad to say but people just don't feel safe for the long term in large urban areas. And of course the baby boomer phenomenon has created a very large group of people looking to buy retirement homes.

Showcase: What do you think the real estate market in Washington County will look like in 5 to 10 years?

Campbell: My crystal ball is pretty hazy right now. Thirty years ago there were 1,500 active dairy farms in our area, but now there are fewer than 600. Much of that land has been appealing to developers. We encourage business growth but still value farming life. Our farmers have recently been given some milk price supports so some of the farms will still be intact. I expect to see a continued interest in real estate in our area, but our biggest problem is keeping up with demand. The only other time I can remember when we had such a seller's market was 1985-89. I'm sure if interest rates go up, we could see some changes in the market. But once people begin to discover the natural, historical, and recreational riches of our area, we will continue to see a boom in real estate values. now.

Realtor Perspectives

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