COMMUNITY & PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY: NYS certified residential appraiser #45012353. “I’m here in Ulster County because I love it,” says Carol Spirig, a local real estate agent since 1987. And maybe that’s why she’s been a million-dollar seller, year after year. “It’s like match-making. I bring buyers and sellers together and try to make every transaction as comfortable as possible – and have some fun, too.” Pricing is half the battle in real estate and Carol has the added benefit of being a New York State Certified Appraiser, a rarity among real estate agents in the county. This is immeasurably useful for both buyers and sellers. On the buying end, she likes working with both locals and out-of-towners. “Their needs can be very different, and my own experience – both as a realtor and as someone who’s very active in the community – can come in handy.” On the selling end, she prides herself in helping navigate through what can be a very complex process. “It’s probably my appraisal background that helps so much, here. Understanding the market is the key.” Carol’s been connected to the area since childhood and finally settled here when it came time to raise a family. With a husband and three kids, she is well versed in local schools, activities, and community services. “I think Ulster County is a great place to raise a family,” she says, “though it offers so much more than that. So many people are coming here to purchase second homes, too. You’ve got a great cultural life, spectacular nature, good people and we’re so close to major cities.” As an avid hiker, skier, and yoga enthusiast, she notes, “You can get spoiled here, that’s for sure.”