From the April/May 2004 print version of New England Showcase for Central & Northern Vermont

Daniel C. Maclure, Century 21 Farm and Forest Realty, Derby, Vermont

Dan Maclure, the principal broker/owner of Century 21 Farm and Forest Realty in Derby, has been in the real estate business since 1984. He lives in Orleans with his family. His son will graduate from the University of Vermont this spring with a degree in mechanical engineering and has worked in real estate during his summers. Dan's daughter lives in Los Angeles and is pursuing a career in real estate there.

Showcase: How have things changed since you've been in the real estate business?

Maclure: The Northeast Kingdom has experienced significant growth in the last five to 10 years. In the real estate business, the months between January and March used to be slow times, but now with the improvements in Internet technology, the increase in popularity of the Northeast Kingdom after 9/11, and the burgeoning growth of the recreation and tourism industry, our business is full time, 12 months a year. And, of course, the price of land has increased considerably. Vermont's land use and development law, Act 250, has made it difficult to develop land and build on it. The costs of septic engineering have made the building lots that meet state standards scarce and expensive. Large tracts of farmland have been sold and inventory is generally down. There has also been a change in the business climate with some new growth and good-paying jobs. We have experienced more second-home buyers and seasonal residents and the Internet has made it possible for people to work from their homes and even buy property sight unseen. Customers' and clients' priorities have changed since 9/11, making real estate a safe investment, and a place for the family to enjoy while their real estate values increase.

Showcase: What are the special attractions of the Northeast Kingdom?

Maclure: Natural beauty. More and more people are finding that there isn't a better place to experience the outdoors in all four seasons. We have seven lakes, two great ski areas, campgrounds, golf, fishing, snowmobile trails, boating, and federal and state forests galore. You won't find malls, but that is more than offset by the natural beauty of our land and water. The city of Newport has a great downtown with a nice waterfront walking-and-bike path and is very tourism friendly. Sometimes when you work in a place for so long, you can take all this beauty for granted, but there is so much to appreciate about this place.

Showcase: What trends do you expect to see in real estate over the next 5 to 10 years?

Maclure: I expect to see continued growth for our area. If interest rates stay favorable, housing will boom. Tourism will continue to grow. Hotels will be busier, and Jay Peak will continue to develop into one of the state's finest four-season resorts with new plans for a 27-hole golf course, attracting more people who will discover the beauty of our region and the quality of life in the Northeast Kingdom.

 

Realtor Perspectives