Victorian for Sale (with ghosts)

      The Stambovskys found a nice Victorian home  in the Village of Nyack, New York in 1991 and they made an offer.  The purchase price was $650,000. The Buyers made a down payment of $32,500.

    A couple of months after the contract was signed, Mr. Stambovsky was horrified when he learned that the home was known in the community to be HAUNTED!

      Apparently, the phantasmal reputation of the house was commonly known in the Village of Nyack. 

   Surprisingly, the Sellers had publicized the ‘hauntings" to the local media and Reader's Digest. In 1989, the house was included in a five-home walking tour of Nyack and described in a November 27th newspaper article as "a riverfront Victorian (with ghost)." The Stambovskys were not from the area and did not know about the poltergeists.   

            The Stambovskys brought a legal action and alleged that the Seller and the Seller's agent should have disclosed the presence of ghosts.   They wanted out of the contract because the presence of ghosts was not disclosed.

            The trial court said no way!  However, the case went up on Appeal and the Appellate court ruled that the Stambovskys could get out of the contract because, "As a matter of law, the House is Haunted".  

The Appellate Court stated:

            "While I agree with the Supreme Court that the real estate broker, as agent for the seller, is under no duty to disclose to a potential buyer the phantasmal reputation of the premises and that, in his pursuit of a legal remedy for fraudulent misrepresentations against the seller, plaintiff hasn't a ghost of a chance, I am nevertheless moved by the spirit of equity to allow the buyer to seek rescission of the contract of sale and recovery of his down payment."

     The court reasoned that because the Seller had promoted the hauntings to several publications, she could not now deny the existence of ghosts.  Therefore, the Appellate court ruled that under the equitable principals of the law, the Stambovskys were entitled to a refund of their down payment.

  This was the Amityville house ~  Stambovsky v. Ackley (169 A.D.2d 254, 572 N.Y.S.2d 72).  It was decided in 1991 by the New York Appellate Court.

     When I first moved to New Hampshire and began my career in real estate, I was showing an older home in Atkinson, New Hampshire.  It was a charming home --  All of a sudden, we heard a loud noise --the wind was whistling and a door slammed shut. 

  We all were trying to act like it wasn't any big deal.  Then the lights started to flicker.  I didn't know what to think - and up until that time, I hadn't thought about whether I REALLY believed in ghosts.  My clients were very nervous.

   Then to my surprise, the Real estate agent, said "Well, I guess that I should tell you that this house may have a ghost and the seller wanted me to share this with you."  He went on to explain that a young child had died from a serious illness many years before, and the child could be heard crying from time to time.  Some had speculated that the child's soul was "stuck" in the house. 

    The clients were not familiar with "haunted houses" and they decided they would buy a new contemporary instead!

   There is also a "haunted" restaurant in Nashua, New Hampshire.  The Country Tavern was built in 1741.  It is a lovely restored farmhouse and is the home of a friendly ghost known as ELIZABETH. 

   The "haunted restaurant has been featured on "Hard Copy and "unsolved mysteries".   I haven't met Elizabeth, but some staff members have met her.   They say she is very friendly and likes to play pranks on the staff!

        Here is a list of  "haunted homes" and attractions in New Hampshire!

                  A Haunting Question:     Got Ghosts?  What is the DUTY TO DISCLOSE IN YOUR STATE?

            - Does the seller's agent have a duty to disclose the phantasmal reputation of the premises?

            -  Does the seller have a duty to disclose the presence of ghosts?

            -  Does the buyer's agent have a duty to disclose the presence of ghosts?

            What is the duty to disclose stigmatized property in your state?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

           Visit New Hampshire .... New Hampshire was chosen as the Most Livable State in America! and the Third Healthiest State in America! Whether you are relocating to New Hampshire or already live in New Hampshire and you seek buyer focused representation, contact me, I would love to show you the New Hampshire Advantage!

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Disclaimer: Information herein may come from various sources, some of which may not be reliable and may change without any notice. Joan Whitebook does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Information on this blog represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author. Buyer's Option Realty, Janet White, owner/broker. Copyright © 2009 By Joan Whitebook, A Haunting Question - Got Ghosts? " ~ all rights reserved.*

     Spiders, bugs, snakes, bats and all scary creatures are INVITED to this year's 7th Annual Nature Spooktacular to be hosted by the Peabody Mill Center in Amherst, New Hampshire on October 25 and October 26.

Friday Activities: 4:00-6:30 p.m. - Pumpkin Decorating (bring your own pumpkin),

Face Painting, Scarecrow Building (bring your own clothes), concession stand.

6:30-7:30 p.m. - Spooky Hike

7:30-8:30 p.m. - Gather around the campfire, Storytelling, Roast Marshmallows

Saturday Activities: All afternoon (2-5 p.m.) Sack races, three-legged race, dance the Cotton Eyed Joe, donut eating contest, leaf print making, mini wreath making, music 2:00-3:00 p.m. Dutch Oven cooking demo 2:00-4:00 p.m. Visit Misundertood Creatures 2:00-4:00 p.m. Contra Dancing2:30-3:30 p.m. Bridge Building 2:00-5:00 p.m. Farmer’s Market 3:30 p.m. Apple Pie Contest

4:00-5:00 p.m. Fall Foliage Hike

Date: 10/23/2009 - 10/24/2009 (rain or shine)

Address: Peabody Mill Environmental Center P.O. Box 1045 Amherst, NH 03031

Phone: (603) 673-1141

Cost:  Preregistration: $4 Amherst Resident, $6 Nonresident, $10 per Resident family, $14 Nonresident family At the Gate: $5 Amherst Resident, $7 Nonresident, $12 per Resident Family, $16 Nonresident Family Fee includes admission to activities on both days. Web Page: http://www.amherstnh.gov/pmec/

     The PMEC is one of my favorite places to visit in Amherst. The mission of PMEC is "to foster an awareness, understanding and appreciation of the natural world, by offering environmental, conservation, and science programs... and to foster diligent stewardship of the environment so that future generations may inherit and continue to be inspired by the wonders of a protected and natural world."

     The PMEC is an environmental and science education center located in Amherst, New Hampshire. It abuts almost 600 acres of Joe English conservation land. The PMEC is directed by the Amherst Recreation Department and it has numerous events and educational opportunities for the entire family.

  Welcome to beautiful Amherst, New Hampshire

    Visit New Hampshire .... New Hampshire was chosen as the Most Livable State in America! and the Third Healthiest State in America! Whether you are relocating to New Hampshire or already live in New Hampshire and you seek buyer focused representation, contact me, I would love to show around.

     New Hampshire was chosen as the Most Livable State in America! and the Third Healthiest State in America! Whether you are relocating to New Hampshire or already live in New Hampshire and you seek buyer focused representation, contact me, I would love to show around.

New Hampshrie Green Get-A-Way

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Disclaimer: Information herein may come from various sources, some of which may not be reliable and may change without any notice. Joan Whitebook does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Information on this blog represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author. Buyer's Option Realty, Janet White, owner/broker. Copyright © 2009 By Joan Whitebook, all rights reserved.*Copyrights "Amherst, New Hamsphire – Annual Nature Spooktacular”

If you like great food and want to support local businesses in Nashua, New Hampshire, plan to partake of the best food Nashua has to offer.

Seventeen downtown restaurants will be participating in the Fall Food Fest Week which takes place October 19 - 23.

Enjoy tasty entrees at Michael Timothy's, Black Orchid Grille, Express Cafe, Surf, Fody's Tavern, Stella Blu, Giant of Siam, Martha's Exchange, Pasterie Bleu, Pearl Street Pizza, Saffron Bistro, San Francisco Kitchen, The Peddler's Daughter, Thousand Crane II, Unums, Vietnam Noodle House and Villa Banca.

Many of the restaurants are offering special menus and discounted prices and you can see all of the discounts and promotions at the Great American Downtown Websites.   There will also be free beer tasting at some venues, courtesy of Bellavance Beverage Co and other restaurants will some special wine offerings.

  Saffron Bistro is offering a special menu where customers can sample a delicious 3 course meal for $25.00 per person.  You will want to try the Buttercrumb Baked Haddock with asparagus and roasted potatoes, or perhaps, the homemade eclairs.

   One of Nashua's newer restaurants in the downtown area is the Thousan Crane II.  They will be offering three course dinners for $19.95.

  Villa Banca is a great Italian restaurant and will feature specials during the week both at lunch and dinner.  Try their Gorgonzola artichokes and have some tiramisu for dessert!

  One of Nashua's oldest restaurants is Michael Timothy.  It is an elegant restaurant.  Michael Timothy wll be offer some three course, affordable dinners in celebration of Oktoberfeast like schnitzel, sauerbraten, red cabbage, spaetzle and bratwurst.

  Many of the participating restaurants are offering a discount from 10 to 15% of the entire bill, so don't miss this opportunity to try out some of Nashua's fine restaurants at affordable prices and enjoy the Fall season!

Another Green Get-A-Way

If you would like to find out more about why Nashua is the best place in America to Live, please give me a call.

________________

 Disclaimer:   Information herein may come from various sources, some of which may not be reliable and may change without any notice.  Joan Whitebook does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.  Information on this blog represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author.  Buyer's Option Realty, Janet White, owner/broker.

Copyright © 2009 By Joan Whitebook, all rights reserved.*Copyrights "Nashua Fall Feast Week - Enjoy the Food of the Season " Photos (c) 2009, Joan Whitebook, all rights reserved.

Welcome to Hollis, New Hampshire ~ A Quaint New England Town

The 4th Annual fine arts festival Will take place this weekend in Hollis, New Hampshire.

Steve Previte is the father of the Fine Arts Festival.  He saw a need to introduce area artists to the public and a fall festival is the perfect time of year, with New Hampshire's tapestry of color!

The festival will showcase fine art featuring over 80 artists from all over New England.

 Artists will be displaying a variety of media including oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, graphics and photography.

The fine art festival will feature artists who are beginners, veteran artists and those who  pursued art later in life. 

WHEN:  October 17 - 18

WHERE:  Nichols Field (on Depot Road in Hollis.

Hollis, New Hampshire is a beautiful town,  I hope you can make it to the art festival!

A New Hampshire Green Get-A-Way

 Come to New Hampshire ....  New Hampshire was chosen as the Most Livable State in America! and the Third Healthiest State in America!   Whether you are relocating to New Hampshire or already live in New Hampshire and you seek buyer focused representation, contact me, I would love to show around.

_____________________________________________

Disclaimer: Information herein may come from various sources, some of which may not be reliable and may change without any notice. Joan Whitebook does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Information on this blog represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author. Photos Copyright © 2009 By Joan Whitebook, can be used with written permission only.  Buyer's Option Realty Services, Janet White ~ owner/broker.
Copyright © 2009 By Joan Whitebook, all rights reserved.*Copyrights- "Hollis New Hampshire ~ Annual Fine Arts Festival" 

   Welcome to Milford, New Hampshire

     Milford DO-IT presents the 20^th Annual Great Pumpkin Festival on October 9, 10 and 11 in an around the beautiful Milford Oval.

        This festival brings together the Milford community as well as neighbors from Amherst, Mont Vernon, Nashua, Brookline, Hollis and other nearby towns.

        You will experience a  sense of Community and come to know how that makes a difference in our lives and surrounding towns.

      Thanks to all of the sponsors and the volunteers who have contributed so much to make this a great pumpkin festival this year! 

Talent Show --  8:00 p.m. Saturday, October 10^th.  The Milford Pumpkin Festival Talent Show 2009- with $500 for 1st place, $200 runner up, $100 for audience choice - takes place at the Amato Family Performing Arts Center $ 7.00 adults, $5 kids 12 and under.  Here is the list of talent show finalists.    You can purchase tickets on line.

Friday -  Kick off - Here is a partial list of events (Click For Friday Pumpkin Festival Activities/Schedule)

• Festival opens at 5:00 p.m. at the Milford Oval. The Festival Bootique will have new festival T-shirts on Sale.  There will be a 50/50 raffle, a pie booth, music and magic.
• Pumpkin Trail-  Open all three days. The pumpkin trail is the Mayflower Hill Forest Trail which is being presented by the Milford Middle School Enrichment Program.
• A BBQ pork dinner and BOOtique is available from 5p.m. -7p.m. at the First Congregational Church at 10 Union Street.  ($8/person; $6 kids and seniors).
• 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Oval - Opening ceremonies and announcement of Citizen of the Year!   Pumpkin Runner  and downtown lighting at 6:30.
•  6:30  p.m. - 9:30 p.m. - Bigger kids (5years and older w/adult) will want to visit the Haunted Trail at Emerson Park.  Cost $5
• At the oval - 5:30 p.m. PB & Jammin, Jazz Ensemble, a group of musicians and students performing a mixture of Jazz, Pop and specially arranged Big Band
• At the oval - 7:00p.m. - 9:00 Fred Simmons and the Folk Soul Band.
• 8:00 p.m.  - The Amato Center at the Boys and Girls Club is the venue for movies.  8:00 p.m.  The Nightmare Before Christmas 10:00 p.m. Young Frankinstein.  8:00 War of the Worlds.  Cost $8 adults  $5 kids  (12 and under).

Saturday is another day filled with activities - (Click to see Saturday Pumpkin Festival Activities/Schedule)

• 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Walking tour led by the Historical Society.  
• The Pumpkin Trail - Mayflower Hill Forest
• 10:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m.  Pumpkin contest and lots of music; pie booth, food, arts, crafts. At the Oval
• 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Milford Farmer's Market
• 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Pumpkin Catapult (this is really fun!) - TD Bank North Lower Parking Lot
• 10:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.      Pumpkin Carving demonstrations - at the Oval
• 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fire and Ambulance open house- School Street and Middle Street
• 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Scarecrow making, face painting, pumpkin painting, music,DO IT dogs, and meet the sponsors at the Community House Lawn(corner Union and Elm.
• 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Arts and Crafts - Town Hall Auditorium
• 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Harvest Pantry- Unitarian Church - Elm Street 
• 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Wadleigh Library - puppet performances with Fred Reidy, make and take crafts and more.
• 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Train rides and much more for kids at the Boys and Girls Club.
• 11:00 a.m.                    Tyler Performs Magic at the Boys and Girls Club
• 11:00 - 3:00 p.m.              Story Telling at Emerson Park - in the tent every half hour
• 12:00 p.m.                    Pumpkin Weigh In - at the Oval
• 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.    Dunk Tank - Library lawn at Nashua Street
• 12:00 p.m.                    Cleveland Bicycle Stunt Spectacular - at the Oval
• 1:00 p.m. -                   Riverbend Youth Company's production of Under the Big Top at the Boys and Girls Club
• 2:00 p.m.                      Tokyo Joe's Studio of Self Defence - at the oval
• 2:00 p.m.                      Silver Lining Circus - Boys and Girls Club
• 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.            Historical Society Open House
• 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.            Spaghetti Dinner  Boys and Girls Club
• 5:00 p.m.                      Street Party - Beer Tasting - next to Community House Lawn
• 7:00 p.m.                      Pumpkin Lighting Ceremony at the oval
• Music - 10:00 a.m. Steve Dreher & Friends at the Community House Lawn; 10:00 a.m. The Slakas at the oval; 10:00 a.m. Uncle Fran's Breakfast at the oval - 11:00 a.m. Diane Kordas Romper Rhythm Band at the Community House Lawn. 12:00 p.m. The Transitors - Community House Lawn - 1:00 p.m. Rob Oxford at the oval.  1:00 p.m. Temple Town Dance Band at the Community House Lawn - 2:00 p.m. Tara Greenblatt - Community House Lawn: 3:00 p.m. Shelby Lyn Rogers  3:00 p.m. The Folk Tradition - at the oval; 4:00 p.m. CRASH at the oval; 5:00 p.m. Rich Kumpu and Bob Alwarden at the oval; 4:00 p.m. The Pop Farmers -Community House Lawn 5:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m Community House Lawn 6:00 p.m. Rich Kumpu and Bob Alwarden at the oval; 7:00 p.m. Ed Meszynski, Vocals & Guitar; Jeff Burtt, Mandolin; Dave Shaw, Bass; Jennifer Spaziani, Drums at the oval; 8:00 p.m. Russell Hill at the oval

Sunday - Has a full day of activities -- (Click to see Sunday Pumpkin Festival Activities/Schedule)

• 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Belgian Waffles- at the Town Hall banquet room.  Cost $5adults and $3.50 children
• 10:00 a.m.                   5K & 10 K races start at the Milford High school to benefit the track fund
• 10:00 a.m.                   Amherst Yoga - oval stage
• 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  Arts and Crafts Show
• 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  Pumpkin painting ($5), Face Painting ($1), Scarecrow making ($15) at the Community House Lawn
• 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  Food Sales - flavored coffee and other goodies; sweat shirts etc.
• 11:00a.m. - 2:00 p.m.   Story Telling - Emerson Park
• 5:00 p.m.                     Closing ceremony
• MUSIC - 10:00 a.m. and throughout the day there will be music at various venues - 10:00 a.m. Harbor Lights - Community House Lawn; 11:00 a.m. Amy Conley & Music Together Review- oval stage;  11:00 a.m. Community Fiddle Orchestra - Community House Lawn; 12:00 p.m. Community House Lawn 1:00 p.m. Marlena Phillips - Community House Lawn; 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Random Acts of Harmony - oval stage; 2:00 p.m. A La Carte - Community House Lawn; 2:00 p.m. Rakes of the Milford Area - oval stage
    
• Schedule, times and venues for all days - subject to change - check website for up to date schedules.

Directions and Parking for Festival

       In 1997, the DO-IT organization, with full support of the community, applied to become a part of the NH Main Street Center and Milford was accepted as one of the first three inaugural programs in the state. In 2002, Milford was honored by the National Trust For Historic Preservation's Main Street Center with their Great American Main Street Award

Proceeds from the Event benefit:  Milford Main Street Program / Downtown Ongoing Improvement Team

Another New Hampshire Green Get-A-Way

Call me to find out why New Hampshire was chosen as the Most Livable State in America! and the Third Healthiest State in America!   Whether you are relocating to New Hampshire or already live in New Hampshire and you seek buyer focused representation, contact me, I would love to show around.

 __________

Disclaimer:   Information herein may come from various sources, some of which may not be reliable and may change without any notice.  Joan Whitebook does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.  Information on this blog represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author.

Copyright © 2009 By Joan Whitebook, all rights reserved.*Copyrights "Got Talent?  Miford, New Hampshire - Great Pumpkin Festival" 

  Art Walk Nashua returns for the 5th year this Saturday October 3rd from noon to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 4th from noon to 4:00.

     Local artists will open their studios, galleries and businesses to visitors located in 30 venues... rain or shine!

    This is a wonderful opportunity to meet Nashua artists and get a head start on holiday shopping, while at the same time supporting local talent.

There will be live music, refreshments and other attractions as patrons stroll along Nashua's Main, Water and Pearl streets as well as the historic Millyard District.

The Millyard District is one of my favorite places to visit during the Art Walk.  Visitors will be able to visit more than 10 studios and galleries in the Picker Building (located at 99 Factory Street).  Also, you can enjoy viewing art, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, photography, paintings and fine art. 

   Various business along the route will feature art this year.. Ikebana Flower. Splash, Just Lights, Canal Art and Framing, Aidan James Salon, Fresh, Persona Boutique, Darrell's Music Hall, the Framery, Fortin Gage, 1 World Trading co. Maison DeL'Art.

   The Nashua Library will also have local art on display.  A book signing for kids is planned by author and illustrator, Youn chen at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  Don't miss the classical piano concert with Gregg Pauley on Saturday at 3:30p.m.

   Be sure to tour the Historic Hunt Building located on Main Street in Nashua.  The Hunt Building will feature prints and glass work by artists Loretta Hubley, Denis Phelan and Doreen Lustic.  You can also enjoy some great live classical jazz and folk music throughput the day.

    Events are planned at the gazebo in Rail Road Square.   The WSMN studios on Main street also will be open to the public.

    There are many more venues, events and participants which you can check out at the Art Walk Website to find a map, view a full list of venues and check out the schedule of many more events. 

   All of the Art Walk activities are free to the public.

Another Green Get-A-Way

If you would like to find out more about why Nashua is the best place in America to Live, please give me a call.

________________

 Disclaimer:   Information herein may come from various sources, some of which may not be reliable and may change without any notice.  Joan Whitebook does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog and information  provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.  Information on this blog represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author.

Copyright © 2009 By Joan Whitebook, all rights reserved.*Copyrights "Nashua - Annual Art Walk"  Photo (c) Joan Whitebook - downtown Nashua Art

I am reblogging this as I am forever greatful that my manager is now recovering from breast cancer surgery and chemo... and it is important to support this cause to make women AND men aware of the importance of early detection.