Burlington VT Real Estate

Events in Burlington, Vermont - January 27-29

2012-01-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

There is much to do in Burlington, Vermont. Below is a sample of the some of the events happening in Burlington this weekend...

Friday, January 27, 2012

PlanBTV Design Charette

Community members work with town planners, architects and engineers to formulate a collective vision for the future of downtown and the waterfront. Friday, January 27, 9–11AM at 1 Church Street in Burlington. Free.

PlanBTV Design Charette Midweek Presentation

Active Burlingtonians weigh in on the week's progress planning the future of downtown and the waterfront. Friday, January 27, 6:30–8:30PM at 1 Church Street in Burlington. Free.

International Folk Dancing

Louise Brill and Larry Gordon organize people into choreographed patterns from around the world. No partner necessary. Friday, January 27, 7–9:30PM at North End Studio B in Burlington. $5.

Campus Food Drive

Good Samaritans drop off nonperishable food items in the Davis Center atrium, Given/Rowell Brickyard, Waterman Building (at the College Street entrance), Patrick Gymnasium lobby and the Living/Learning Center's Fireplace Lounge. Friday, January 27, 9AM–5PM at University of Vermont in Burlington. Donations accepted.

Middle School Book Group

Page turners chat about favorite works of lit. Friday, January 27, 3:15–4:15PM at Lyman C. Hunt Middle School in Burlington. Free.

'The Clean House'

A housekeeper obsessively searches for a joke to define her parents' lives in Sarah Ruhl's play of healing and forgiveness, presented by Vermont Stage Company. Friday, January 27, 7:30PM at FlynnSpace in Burlington. $10-32.50.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

PlanBTV Design Charette

Community members work with town planners, architects and engineers to formulate a collective vision for the future of downtown and the waterfront. Saturday, January 28, 9–11AM at 1 Church Street in Burlington. Free.

'The Giant in the Washing Machine'

Vignettes dart between adult and children's perspectives in Joy Madden's work-in-progress piece. Local dancers Kelsey Wilson and Sarah Austin join in. Saturday, January 28, 7PM at Burlington Dances, Chace Mill in Burlington. $10-110 (choose your own price).

Honey Tasting

Me want honeycomb? Foodies sample the sweet stuff in its many forms in an edible education demo with Bill Mares and Scott Wilson of the Vermont Beekeepers Association and reps from Slow Food Vermont. Saturday, January 28, 12–4PM at Lake Champlain Chocolates in Burlington. Free.

Cervical Cancer Screenings

The Hicks Foundation organizes women's wellness exams for the un- or underinsured. Services include pap tests, breast exams, heart health screenings, and HPV DNA tests and HPV vaccines where appropriate. Held at Planned Parenthoods in Burlington, Newport and Rutland. Saturday, January 28, 9AM–1PM at Various locations statewide. Free.

Drop-In Family Ski & Snowshoe Program

Weather permitting, kids and adults get some fresh air and exercise. Hot chocolate and art activities also provided. Saturday, January 28, 1–4PM at Schmanska Park in Burlington. Cost of rentals.

'The Clean House'

A housekeeper obsessively searches for a joke to define her parents' lives in Sarah Ruhl's play of healing and forgiveness, presented by Vermont Stage Company. Saturday, January 28: 2PM, 7:30PM at FlynnSpace in Burlington. $10-32.50.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

PlanBTV Design Charette

Community members work with town planners, architects and engineers to formulate a collective vision for the future of downtown and the waterfront. Sunday, January 29, 9–11AM at 1 Church Street in Burlington. Free.

Israeli Folk Dancing

Movers bring clean, soft-soled shoes and learn traditional circle or line dances. Partners not required. Sunday, January 29, 7:25–9:30PM at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue in Burlington. $2; free to first-timers.

'The Giant in the Washing Machine'

Vignettes dart between adult and children's perspectives in Joy Madden's work-in-progress piece. Local dancers Kelsey Wilson and Sarah Austin join in. Sunday, January 29, 4PM at Burlington Dances, Chace Mill in Burlington. $10-110 (choose your own price).

'Unmasked: Judeophobia and the Threat to Civilization'

Director Gloria Greenfield introduces and discusses her documentary, an in-depth examination of anti-Jewish ideology, at its Vermont premiere. Sunday, January 29, 7PM at Davis Center, UVM in Burlington. Free.

The Pennywise Pantry

On a tour of the store, shoppers create a custom template for keeping the kitchen stocked with affordable, nutritious eats. Sunday, January 29, 10–11AM at City Market in Burlington. Free.

Dimanches

Novice and fluent French speakers brush up on their linguistics — en français. Sunday, January 29, 4–5:30PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

UConn Men's Basketball vs. Notre Dame

Huskies fans cheer on the team. The Vermont chapter of University of Connecticut alumni provides the food and first beverage. Sunday, January 29, 12PM at Buffalo Wild Wings in Burlington. Free; preregister.

Women's Pickup Soccer

Ladies of all ages and abilities break a sweat while passing around the spherical polyhedron. Sunday, January 29, 6–8PM at Miller Community and Recreation Center in Burlington. $3.

'The Clean House'

A housekeeper obsessively searches for a joke to define her parents' lives in Sarah Ruhl's play of healing and forgiveness, presented by Vermont Stage Company. Sunday, January 29, 2PM at FlynnSpace in Burlington. $10-32.50.

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If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont Real Estate or Chittenden County, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market, schools and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

Events in Burlington, Vermont - January 13-15

2012-01-12T13:35:00.000-08:00

There is much to do in Burlington, Vermont. Below is a sample of the some of the events happening in Burlington this weekend...

Friday, January 13, 2012

Queen City Contra Dance

Chris Weiler calls the steps to tunes by the Contraindicators. Beginner's session at 7:45 p.m. Friday, January 13, 8–11PM at Edmunds Middle School in Burlington. $8; free for kids under 12.

Winter Shorts: A Film Night Guest Curated by Abby Manock

Film buffs screen works by Arlen Austin, James Bellizia, Pilar Conde, Pablo Diserens, Joe Gaetani, Christy Gast, Francis Gomila, Thyra Heder, Heloise & the Savoir Faire, Abby Manock, Rob Swainson and Josh Tonsfeldt. Friday, January 13, 8–11:55PM at BCA Center in Burlington. Free; cash bar.

Middle School Book Group

Page turners chat about favorite works of lit. Friday, January 13, 3:15–4:15PM at Lyman C. Hunt Middle School in Burlington. Free.

'The Crucible' - "Witch!"

Arthur Miller's drama about the Salem Witch Trials, presented by First Light Theatre Company, serves as a metaphor for the McCarthyism of the 1950s. Friday, January 13, 7:30PM at South Burlington High School in South Burlington. $5-7.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Rummage Sale

Treasure hunters give used goods another go. Saturday, January 14, 9AM–4PM at Odd Fellows Hall in Burlington. Free.

'Diversity in Dance, Diversity in Life'

Exuberant movers celebrate their differences in a benefit for Puppets in Education. Featured guests include Paul Besaw, the Blue Moon Company, Big APE, Burlington Taiko and more. Saturday, January 14, 7PM at Black Box Theater, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center in Burlington. $20-23.

Understanding Local Cheeses

Cheese monger Dave Lauber demystifies the world of artisanal cheeses — cave aged, washed rind and raw milk among them — and offers samples along the way. Saturday, January 14, 11AM–12PM at City Market in Burlington. Free; preregister.

'Martin's Big Words'

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, kids learn about the civil-rights activist and the history of African Americans through continuous screenings of this film. Saturday, January 14, 1–4PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

Drop-In Family Ski & Snowshoe Program

Weather permitting, kids and adults get some fresh air and exercise. Hot chocolate and art activities also provided. Saturday, January 14, 1–4PM at Schmanska Park in Burlington. Cost of rentals.

Intro to Buddhism

Know what nam-myoho-renge-kyo means? Find out at this primer on the Eastern religion. Saturday, January 14, 1–2PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

'The Crucible' - "Witch!"

Arthur Miller's drama about the Salem Witch Trials, presented by First Light Theatre Company, serves as a metaphor for the McCarthyism of the 1950s. Saturday, January 14, 7:30PM at South Burlington High School in South Burlington. $5-7.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Israeli Folk Dancing

Movers bring clean, soft-soled shoes and learn traditional circle or line dances. Partners not required. Sunday, January 15, 7:25–9:30PM at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue in Burlington. $2; free to first-timers.

Hometown Hauntings

A paranormal investigation team reveals its findings on local supernatural spots — including the historic Allen house. Sunday, January 15, 2–4PM at Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington. Free.

'Martin's Big Words'

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, kids learn about the civil-rights activist and the history of African Americans through continuous screenings of this film. Sunday, January 15, 1–4PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

Dimanches

Novice and fluent French speakers brush up on their linguistics — en français. Sunday, January 15, 4–5:30PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

Women's Pickup Soccer

Ladies of all ages and abilities break a sweat while passing around the spherical polyhedron. Sunday, January 15, 6–8PM at Miller Community and Recreation Center in Burlington. $3.

'Mamma Mia!'

A young bride-to-be searches for her absentee dad only to find there are three possible candidates in this rollicking Broadway National Tour musical that threads together ABBA gems. Sunday, January 15: 2:30PM, 8PM at Flynn MainStage in Burlington. $27-82.

Campfire Stories: At Your Service

Forget the tent. Raconteurs spin five- to eight-minute-long tales about the service industry as though they were sitting around the bonfire. No notes allowed; listeners welcome. Sign up at 6:30 p.m. to speak. Sunday, January 15, 7–9PM at Spark Arts in Burlington. $5 suggested donation.

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Vermont's Unemployment Rate Drops in September

2011-11-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

The Vermont Department of Labor recently released its figures for the month of September 2011 which showed a drop of one tenth of 1 percent in the unemployment figures for our mighty little state. The rate decreased from 5.9% to 5.8%. Compare this statistic to the national figures which are currently reported at 9.1%.

If you are considering buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont, please utilize my website: Burlington Vermont Real Estate, give me a call on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss representing you, our current market conditions and your needs/wants in a new home and community. I would be delighted to assist you.

Armed with solid numbers, Vermont Real Estate buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local Vermont market.

Vermont Has Lowest Foreclosure Rates in the United States in September

2011-11-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

According to RealtyTrac, in the month of September Vermont had the lowest foreclosure rates of any state in the country. Our entire state had 17 foreclosures!! Chittenden County lead the way with 4 followed by Windham, Rutland and Franklin Counties with 3 each. There were new foreclosure filings for every 1 in every 18,485 housing units in Vermont in September. Compare that to Nevada 1 in every 118. Arizona had 1 in every 305. Florida had 1 in every 368 and New York had 4,202.

These numbers suggest Vermont was far from being entangled in the mortgage & foreclosure mess besieging many other states.

If you are considering buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont Real Estate, please give me a call on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss representing you, our current market conditions and your needs/wants in a new home and community. I would be delighted to assist you.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Vermont Real Estate: Mortgage Rates Reach Historic Lows

2011-10-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

For many of you, the season to buy a house has come and gone for 2011 with kids back in school and colder weather and snow on our doorstep. That's just traditionally how the seasonality of the Burlington VT Real Estate Market cycles.\

But this is no typical year! Time to think again!!

Last week, the Federal Reserve announced they were lowering rates, once again, and the result has been a new milepost for mortgage rates. Never before have rates been so low. Forget about when your Mom and Dad or Gramma and Gramps told you about their "unbelievably low home loan they got when they bought their first home".

TODAY'S VERMONT MORTGAGE RATES FOR A HOME LOAN ARE LOWER THAN THEY HAVE EVER BEEN. SOME RATES ARE UNDER 4%!

IF YOU ARE CONTEMPLATING PURCHASING A HOME, IT'S TIME TO GET OFF THE FENCE. NOW IS THE TIME TO GO FOR IT. GIVE ME A CALL TO DISCUSS OPTIONS. I WORK WITH SEVERAL LOCAL LENDERS I HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR THEIR PROFESSIONALISM TO HELP GET YOU STARTED.

If you are considering buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont, please utilize my website: Burlington Vermont Real Estate, give me a call on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss representing you, our current market conditions and your needs/wants in a new home and community. I would be delighted to assist you.

Armed with solid numbers, Vermont Real Estate buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local Vermont market.

My Son Helping Flood Victims in Waterbury Vermont

2011-10-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

Recently, my son returned from college in North Carolina to "pitch in" and help his fellow Vermonters by volunteering to assist those in need and in distress in any way possible. He and I showed up at an anonymous homeowners house in Waterbury VT I'd been helping previously and she led us to a Serbian family across the street from her. There we were essentially gutting the inside of their home to redo everything destroyed by the rising waters from the Winooski River. Hammers, crowbars, dust and debris. Everything all busted up. Clothing. Toys. Carpets. Photos & keepsakes. What a scene!

Displaced. Stressed. And deeply appreciative that we were there with the only intention being to help and be of service. These folks were so humbled and touched by our "showing up". As were we...

I have been volunteering at the American Red Cross Shelter in Barre Vermont when it was open and secured a local baker in Burlington to donate loaves of his delicious fresh breads to bring with me whenever I went to Waterbury and Barre so I wouldn't arrive empty handed. When I handed out the bread to random people, I remember one woman hugging me and sobbing in gratitude.

If you are considering buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont Real Estate, please give me a call on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss representing you, our current market conditions and your needs/wants in a new home and community. I would be delighted to assist you.

Armed with solid numbers, Vermont Real Estate buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local Vermont market.

This Is No Bull...

2011-10-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

Well okay... Actually it is!

I saw this monster while showing property in Charlotte, Vermont yesterday afternoon. We guessed he must've weighed 1,200 pounds. He was enormous and he had quite a set of vocal chords as he beckoned to all who would listen.

Ferdinand Lives!! And he's in Charlotte!

If you are considering buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont, please utilize my: Burlington Vermont Real Estate, give me a call on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss representing you, our current market conditions and your needs/wants in a new home and community. I would be delighted to assist you.

Armed with solid numbers, Vermont Real Estate buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local Vermont market.

Six Best North American Cities for a Bike Vacation

2011-10-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

This month, Bicycling Magazine selected Burlington Vermont as one of their six best cities in The United States and Canada as cycling hotspots where "you can use your time off to get more time on two wheels". In addition to the numerous rides outlined by the Green Mountain Bicycle Club (GMBC), there is the Lake Champlain Bikeways network that connect more than 1,300 miles of classic New England scenery through Quebec and New York State. For maps of bike routes in Burlington contact Local Motion.

See you on the roads!

Just in case you were interested... The other five cities were Banff, Alberta in Canada, Charleston SC, Traverse City MI, Healdsburg CA and Ketchum ID.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Double Rainbow in Charlotte Vermont off Popple Dungeon

2011-10-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, while showing property in Charlotte, squall after squall swept across Lake Champlain and through the meadows of West Charlotte. It was such drama and beauty. Mother Nature in a mood wrapped it up with a double rainbow over Holmes Road and Popple Dungeon!

A joyous sight!

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Best Places for Breakfast/ Brunch in Burlington VT – Penny Cluse Cafe

2011-10-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places to have breakfast and brunch in Burlington Vermont is Penny Cluse Cafe on the corner of Cherry Street and South Winooski Avenue. They have outrageous fresh juices. Try the tangerine juice in winter and their grapefruit juice the rest the year. Delish! Lots of healthy and organic and hearty fare for those who seek it. There's something for everyone! Great mix of people and food. Be prepared to wait in line. Hours of operation
are Weekdays 6:45am - 3pm Weekends/Holidays 8am - 3pm. Located at 169 Cherry Street in Burlington VT.
802.651.8834

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Burlington Vermont Real Estate: What Does "HOME" Mean To You?

2011-10-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

I read an article this evening that touched me deeply. The article focussed primarily upon a suburban family living in Colorado. Up until recently, husband and wife had been earning $100,000 per year. They wanted for nothing. They lacked nothing. Now, they are living in poverty as defined by earning less than $25,000/year for a family of five. Their actual income is now $1,500/month or $18,000/year! As I read about their story, I began thinking about the millions, like them, who are slipping.

A decade ago, the Jefferson County School District in Golden, Colorado reported 58 students that were known to be homeless. A year ago, that number spiraled to 2,800. That dramatic increase in such a vulnerable group hit my Bullseye. It made me think about dramatic loss and the true value of HOME. Is the value of home determined by assessors and appraisers or something much, much deeper and more profound? Something hard to quantify. What do you think?

I looked up the dictionary definitions for the word "home" and I found the definitions woefully inadequate.

As a Realtor, I have dedicated the last twelve years of my life to helping families find just the right place to call HOME. The place where dreams and memories of all kinds accumulate. The place we feel safe. That haven where children grow up. Tears are shed into our pillows. Relationships are nurtured and mature. The place where we grow older and wiser.

When I witness the process parents undergo when they struggle to select the perfect place to call HOME, it is indeed a process. It is truly an undertaking.

And when I witness first hand the emotions wrung out upon so many of our fellow Vermonters who lost everything in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene, I am once again brought to my knees in complete humility and gratitude for all that I have. A roof over the heads of those I love most - My children, my family and pets. Warm. Cozy. Creating memories and spawning dreams with the passing of time. Our shelter from life's storms cloaked in LOVE.

And what of love? Love is at the essential core of our sense of HOME.

As we head towards winter, let's remember the beauty of HOME. Let's humble ourselves again to having such a special place. This sanctuary. This place of the heart. Of the soul. And let's share it with those we love. Our Family. Friends. Neighbors. Those in distress. Bring them in...

Please. I invite you to add your thoughts. Tell me and those who come to this website what HOME means to you...

If you are considering buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont, please utilize my website, give me a call on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss representing you, our current market conditions and your needs/wants in a new home and community. I would be delighted to assist you.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

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Burlington Vermont Real Estate: Upcoming Events In or Near Burlington VT

2011-10-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

My upcoming picks in and around Burlington VT. Be sure to mark your calendars:

1. Leef Peeping: Grab you bike, kayak, hiking boots, walking shoes, kids, dog, wife, sweetheart, chubby hubby, camera, ipod, book, blanket, picnic okay you come up with a couple on your own. But it's time to be out and about and with Indian Summer upon us this weekend we'll have to make this blessed warmth last a loooooooong time. So go for it!!!!! Come back in on Sunday wiped out from being out and about in our lovely state. I'll see you out there...

2. Stowe Foliage Arts Festival. 200 Exhibiting Artists & Artisans. Craft Demonstration. Vermont Craft Brewed Beer, Wine & Food. Live Music on Saturday (10/8) and Sunday (10/9). 10am - 5pm Topnotch Field 4000 Mountain Road Stowe Vermont

3. Friday's Art Walk. Friday, October 7th 5-8pm. Check out the openings in the South End during this Friday's Art Walk including: the Art Hop Original Juried Show, Winner's Exhibit at the South End Arts + Business Association SEABA Center at 404 Pine Street in Burlington VT.

4. Apple Picking. Hackett's Orchard 86 South Street in South Hero Vermont. Hand picked apples. Pick your own apples. Picnic and children's play area. Fresh pressed cider. Homemade cider donuts & apple crisp. Pumpkins, gourds and mums. Weekend tractor rides. Open Daily 8am until dusk. 802.372.4848

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Burlington Vermont Real Estate: Outside Magazine Names Its Top 19 Perfect Towns List...

2011-10-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

Guess who made the list? Okay, i'm a little giddy about this one. I mean Burlington Vermont has been piling these things up for more than twenty years now. Year after year, someone else says this place is the greatest. And guess what? It really is. Here are some fast facts:

POPULATION: 42,417

MEDIAN AGE: 27

MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY: $38,598

MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $249,900

"Stop us if this sounds familiar: a college town anchored by a left-leaning university, with enough bars in a four-block radius to slake the thirst of an army of frat boys and a pedestrian-only main drag full of crepe vendors, retail outlets, locally sourced restaurants, bike racks, and street performers. We thought so. But what sets Burlington apart from other U-towns is its affordability and, more important, its Green Mountain State sensibility. What’s that mean? Smart grassroots organizations like the alt-transportation group Local Motion; great local food and beer like the pizza at American Flatbread, Farmhouse Tap and Grill, and (of course) Ben and Jerry’s. And there’s one really, really big lake.

Staying Power: Burlington’s waterfront has been revitalized in the past two decades as the city cleaned up derelict industrial sites to make way for parks, restaurants, a seven-mile rail-to-trail bike path, and the city’s Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center. The recession took a toll on Vermont’s economy, but Burlington businesses, such as Web developer Dealer.com and Green Mountain Roasters, continue to expand. On the food front, there’s an innovative cooperative that allows citizens to own a stake in a 350-acre farm outside of town.

Playgrounds: Thirty minutes from downtown, you’ll find a backcountry ski paradise in Bolton Valley, with its famous Bolton-Trapps trail. The rolling roads outside the city are perfect for cycling, while Stowe, home to one of the eastern United States’ best ski resorts and a growing network of mountain-bike trails, is only 45 minutes away. Then there’s Lake Champlain and the city’s Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center, the perfect place to base your catamaran, canoe, or sea kayak and launch for the 30-minute paddle north to Lone Rock Point.

The Voters Speak: “Halvorson’s Upstreet Cafe on Church Street, still one of the best places to grab a beer and a burger after a day outside.” “I love the fact that people cross-country ski to work after a big snowfall.” “Brew pubs, boating, biking, blue skies, Ben and Jerry’s. It ain’t B-Town for nothing.”

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Burlington Vermont Real Estate: Upcoming Events In And Near Burlington VT

2011-10-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

My upcoming picks in and around Burlington Vermont. Be sure to mark your calendars:

1. Patagonia Burlington & Jay Peak present Films to Change Your World. Wild and Scenic Film Festival. "Where Activism Gets Inspired." Thursday, October 20th 5:30pm at Main Street Landing in Burlington Vermont. Tickets are now on sale,

2. Need a change or might you be looking for employment? Vermont Tech Jam 2011 presented by Dealer.com will be a locus for careers, education and networking (read what Outside Magazine recently reported that Dealer.com was #14 on a list of their 50 top companies to work at it the entire United States). Friday, October 28th from 10am-5pm and Saturday, October 29th from 10am-3pm. Both days will take place at the Border's Building at 29 Church Street in Burlington VT,

3. Emergent Landscape Speaker Series presents Michael Jager of JDK. This discussion will explore "Fearless Empathy". This event is open to the public, appears to be free and takes place at 175 Lakeside Avenue in Burlington Vermont! For more information, please contact the Graduate Studies Program at Champlain College in Burlington VT,

4. Vermont International Film Fest. This is Vermont's Longest Running Film Festival. Mark your calendars for October 21st - 30th 2011. Many venues in Burlington VT and her surrounding communities. For more information go to the Vermont International Film Festival website.

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Burlington Vermont Real Estate: Creating Videos That Go Viral

2011-10-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

Today was the final day of the Vermont Real Estate Conference at the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center here in South Burlington Vermont. It was a day I was looking forward to as I had enrolled in a course entitled, "Volcanic Video Ideas to Make Your Messages Go Viral". The course instructor, Doug Devitre, taught us one of the most powerful tools for connecting with prospects can be the use of video on social media! He taught us how to use the web to build our authority in our niche and craft an online community of fans on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. He also taught us how to move our content on other blogs and websites using RSS, status updates and widgets.

I have long recognized that my next major commitment was to begin to learn how to implement a solid video strategy on this website. As was said by Doug, "if a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a million...".

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Burlington Vermont Real Estate: The Seven Deadly Sins Sellers Make These Days

2011-10-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

During this morning's session of the Vermont Real Estate Conference being held at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center here in South Burlington VT, I am taking a course entitled, "What's It Worth - Pricing Real Estate?" My course instructor who is a certified appraiser with over 34 years of experience in the real estate field imparted the Seven Deadly Sins Sellers Make These Days. Here they are for you sellers out there:

1. Pricing higher than the competition,

2. Refusing reasonable offers early on,

3. Not putting the property in the best possible condition for sale,

4. Making showing the property difficult,

5. Not recognizing that your home is a house, e.g. a commodity to a buyer,

6. Blaming the Realtor for the market. The market is what it is. The Realtor did not make the market,

7. Not reducing the price in a timely manner, causing the property to become stale.

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Burlington Vermont Real Estate: The Vermont Association of Realtors Annual Convention Is Underway Today

2011-09-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

Once each year, our professional association convenes affording Realtors time to gather in a setting that is full of speakers, classes, exhibits on new standards, technology and best practices. I'm excited this year to be taking several Continuing Education classes. They are as follows:

1. Volcanic Video Ideas to Make Your Message Go Viral: In this session Doug Devitre will deliver the "how-to" in addition to the "why" video is the simplest form of online communication. Record, edit, and publish your way to proven success by creating videos your clients will welcome, watch, and want to share with their friends.

2. What's It Worth? This class will cover the basics of real estate valuation, including several quick ways to develop an opinion of value. The three approaches will be discussed and summaries provided when each one would be appropriate to use.

3. Vermont Real Estate Forms: Local Real Estate Attorney Fred Peet who practices in South Burlington VT will teach this course reviewing and updating practitioners in the areas of Purchase and Sale Contracts, the new Conditional Termination of the Purchase and Sale Contract, the Seller's Property Information Report (SPIR), and the Exclusive Right to Market property Agreement.

4. State of Vermont Mandatory Course for License Renewal

5. Integrated Marketing Specialist

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Burlington Vermont Real Estate: On The Summit of Mount Hunger Soft Light Surrounds Camel's Hump

2011-09-27T06:34:00.000-07:00

Mount Hunger remains one of my favorite hikes near Burlington Vermont. A short 30 minute drive. It takes about 2.5 hours to hike the peak. Glorious at this time of year with colors changing. This is the view of Camel's Hump seen atop Mount Hunger located in Waterbury Center Vermont.

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Burlington Vermont Real Estate: Fall Foliage Begins Her Seasonal Magical Show

2011-09-27T06:29:00.000-07:00

The magic and beauty of Autumn closes in on Burlington Vermont, Lake Champlain & The Adirondack Mountains to the west.

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Upcoming Events In And Near Burlington Vermont

2011-09-27T06:23:00.000-07:00

My picks in and around Burlington Vermont for September 23rd, 2011 to October 5th, 2011:

1. Don't forget it's time to nail down your upcoming season's pass (pre-season deals are on now) for downhill and cross country skiing. Contact your local area resort of choice located in Stowe, Sugarbush, Smuggler's Notch, Jay, Bolton, Mad River.

2. Todd Lecture Series Presents James Carville and Mary Matalin entitled, "A Conversation With A Washington Power Couple". Wednesday October, 5th at 7pm at Plumley Armory Norwich University in Northfield, VT. 802.485.2633

3. I AM Vermont Strong Benefit Music Series Presents George Thorogood & The Destroyers. Saturday September 24th at 8pm at The Paramount Theater 30 Center Street Rutland Vermont. Tickets at ParamountLive.org or 802.775.0903 (a portion of the proceeds to Benefit I Am Vermont Strong and their Flood Devastation Efforts.

4. I AM Vermont Strong Benefit Music Series Presents Keb MO. Tuesday September 27th at 8pm at The Paramount Theater 30 Center Street Rutland Vermont. Tickets at ParamountLive.org or 802.775.0903 (a portion of the proceeds to Benefit I Am Vermont Strong and their Flood Devastation Efforts.

5. Burlington Vermont Farmers Market Saturday, September 24th in Burlington VT's City Hall Park 8:30am - 2pm. Music & Free Admission. Numerous vendors will be selling fresh fruits and vegetables to ethnic fare, local artisan cheeses and pottery.

6. Burlington Vermont Book Festival. Downtown Burlington VT. September 23rd, 24th, and 25th. Readings, signings, panels, workshops, musical performances, demos, original theater, exhibits & special events featuring literary luminaries from around the world - and just 'round the corner. For more info go to BurlingtonBookFestival.com or call 802.658.3328

7. Green Mountain Bicycle Club ongoing Sunday rides. Sunday, September 25th meet at the Eden Vermont Elementary School at 9:45am for The East of Eden ride! Ride 50 or 60 miles through the rolling hills around Eden with your choice of a long, gradual climb up Route 105 or a shorter, steeper route up to Jay Peak. Take a break for fresh baked goods in Montgomery. Contact Phil Barner at 802.434.4497 or Phyl Newbeck at 802.899.2908.

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Events in Burlington, Vermont - August 26-28

2011-08-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

There is much to do in Burlington, Vermont. Below is a sample of the some of the events happening in Burlington this weekend...

Friday, August 26, 2011

Argentinean Tango

Shoulders back, chin up! With or without partners, dancers of all abilities strut to bandoneón riffs in a self-guided practice session. Friday, August 26, 7:30–10PM at Salsalina Studio in Burlington. $5.

International Folk Dancing

Louise Brill organizes people into choreographed patterns from around the world. No partner necessary; instruction given the first hour. Friday, August 26, 8–10PM at North End Studio in Burlington. $5.

Mad Robin Contra Dance

The Irregulars dole out tunes for clean-soled folks taking organized steps. Beginner's lesson, 7:45 p.m. Friday, August 26, 8–11PM at First Congregational Church in Burlington. $8; bring a dish for a potluck dessert.

'Gateway to Knowledge' Exhibit

Facsimiles of historical treasures such as the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence fill this Library of Congress traveling exhibition, mounted in an 18-wheel truck. Friday, August 26, 10AM–6PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

Queen City Ghostwalk

Haunted Burlington author Thea Lewis shares chilling tales of mystery and madness in a spooky look at Burlington's history. Friday, August 26, 8–9PM at Burlington City Hall Park in Burlington. $14.

Tertulia Latina

Latino Americanos and other fluent Spanish speakers converse en español. Friday, August 26, 5:30–7PM at Radio Bean in Burlington. Free.

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Aug 27 - Sept. 5, 2011

Burlington Farmers' Market

Dozens of vendors sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to ethnic cuisine to pottery to artisan cheese. Scott Mangan and Ebeneezer deliver the tunes. Saturday, August 27, 8:30AM–2PM at Burlington City Hall Park in Burlington. Free.

BCA Summer Artist Market

Local artisans display contemporary craft and fine-art objects as weather permits. Saturday, August 27, 9AM–2:30PM at Burlington City Hall Park in Burlington. Free.

The Art of Hoop Dance

A childhood toy becomes a tool of flow and movement in this workshop with Sam Resnicow. Saturday, August 27, 12:30–1:30PM at Burlington Dances, Chace Mill in Burlington. Free.

'Gateway to Knowledge' Exhibit

Facsimiles of historical treasures such as the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence fill this Library of Congress traveling exhibition, mounted in an 18-wheel truck. Saturday, August 27, 10AM–6PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

Historic Tour of UVM

Folks register online, then meet at Ira Allen's statue to tour the campus' modest early clapboards and grand Victorians, led by professor emeritus William Averyt. Saturday, August 27, 9–11AM at University Green, UVM in Burlington. Free.

Historical & Architectural Tour of Downtown Burlington

Preservation Burlington guides illuminate interesting nooks and crannies of the Queen City. Meet at the southwest corner of Church and College streets. Saturday, August 27, 11AM–12:30PM at Various downtown locations in Burlington. $10 suggested donation.

Queen City Ghostwalk

Haunted Burlington author Thea Lewis shares chilling tales of mystery and madness in a spooky look at Burlington's history. Saturday, August 27, 8–9PM at Burlington City Hall Park in Burlington. $14.

'From the Back of the Room'

Amy Oden's documentary looks at 30 years of female involvement in DIY punk. Saturday, August 27, 7:30PM at 242 Main in Burlington. $3.

Read to a Dog

Stories form a bond between young readers and Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Saturday, August 27, 10–11AM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

Robin Kimmerer

The Native American writer and scientist draws current issues of stewardship and restoration into a talk about traditional plant knowledge. Saturday, August 27, 2PM at ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center/Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington. Regular admission, $9.50-12.50; free for kids 2 and under.

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Sunday, August, 28, 2011

South Burlington Farmers Market

Growers and producers parcel out the fruits of the soil. Sunday, August 28, 10AM–2PM at Healthy Living in South Burlington. Free.

Burlington-Area Scrabble Club

Triple-letter-square seekers spell out winning words. New players welcome. Sunday, August 28, 12:30–5PM at McClure MultiGenerational Center in Burlington. Free.

Open Meditation Classes

Harness your emotions and cultivate inner peace through the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Sunday, August 28, 1–3PM at Laughing River Yoga in Burlington. $5-15 suggested donation.

Read to a Dog

Stories form a bond between young readers and Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Sunday, August 28, 1–2PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

French Conversation Group

Intermediate and advanced speakers of français use their words. Sunday, August 28, 4PM at Uncommon Grounds in Burlington. Free.

Burlington Lakers Girls' Soccer Club Tryouts

Chittenden County players pass the black-and-white ball at tryouts for Division 1 Competitive Travel Teams. Sunday, August 28, 4–7PM at Hazelett Field in Colchester. Free; call for details.

Vermont Lake Monsters

The Green Mountain State's minor-league baseball team bats against the Connecticut Tigers. Sunday, August 28, 6:05PM at Centennial Field in Bulington. Individual game tickets, $5-8.

Women's Adult Drop-In Sunday Soccer

Ladies — and sometimes gents — break a sweat while passing around the spherical polyhedron at this coed-friendly gathering. Beginners are welcome. Rain location: Miller Community Recreation Center. Sunday, August 28, 6–8PM at Starr Farm Dog Park in Burlington. $3.

Women's Lacrosse League

Players ages 16 and up wield long-handled sticks in two 30-minute halves. Sunday, August 28, 4PM at Ethan Allen Park in Burlington. $100 for 10-week session; preregister.

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4 Things to Consider When Buying a Home

2011-08-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Finding the ideal home can be a fun adventure, but it also has its challenges. Taking the time to find the right home with the right amenities at the right price will pay off in the long run. There are several elements to consider, and they are different for everyone. What is a must-have for one person might be a turn-off for another. Some future homeowners find prioritizing features in groups of most important to least important or must have versus nice to have versus something to avoid will help to make the house hunting process more manageable and enjoyable.

Location
When looking at real estate for sale, most potential homebuyers seek out certain areas or neighborhoods. They may know someone who lives there or have perhaps fallen in love with a town they have driven through many times. If the homebuyers have local employment, they will want an easy commute to the office. For those retired or planning to use the real estate property as a vacation residence, that won't matter. They will probably be looking at neighborhoods in terms of how close real estate properties are to the beach, the store, the airport or the nearest hospital.

Space
A home's size and layout are two more factors that sit high on many priority lists. Consider the number of floors needed. Those with physical limitations may be looking for something on one floor. Wheelchair or walker accessibility may mean the difference between buying a certain property for sale or not. On the other hand, a beautiful view from atop a second- or third-story window could be the deciding factor on buying a home. People with children will probably want some separation between the children's rooms and the master bedroom. The number of bedrooms and bathrooms, type of kitchen and how much living space there is depends on the number of people in the household. This could change, so leaving room to grow is another factor.

Amenities
Part of the adventure in house hunting is finding the right amenities to fit in with all of the other must-have features. A pool, an eat-in kitchen and a garage are popular amenities not found in all real estate properties for sale. Balconies, patios and gated communities are options that some people absolutely cannot live with -- or without -- depending on their lifestyles and personal preference.

Use
How the property will be used by the buyer is a critical piece to the puzzle. Whether it is a vacation home, an investment property for rental or a year-round residence may change the importance of some features and amenities. For rental properties in vacation and resort areas, proximity to the beach is very important. For residences, there is more emphasis on daily convenience and necessity.

When considering the importance of all of these factors, it is best for the future homebuyer to make a list of everything that matters and determine which items rank where on the list. Sharing this information with the real estate agent will make the search for the ideal home shorter and more productive.

Author writes about a variety of topics. If you would like to learn more about Punta Mita real estate, visit http://www.pacificboutiqueproperties.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_P_Stanfords

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Burlington Vermont Real Estate - If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont Real Estate or Chittenden County, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market, schools and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

Burlington Independence Day Celebration - July 2011

2011-06-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

Come to Burlington, Vermont to enjoy the many events throughout the day and great fireworks show at 9:30pm!

Below is a schedule of the events happening on July 3, 2011
Click here for full schedule and information: 2011 Burlington Vermont Fireworks & Events Schedule

Perkins Pier	Time	Location
Broadcasting with Radio stations WOKO, WKOL WIZN, WJOY and The BUZZ	4:00 – 8:00 pm	Lawn green area
Blue Gardenias	5:30 – 7:30 pm
Rick and the Ramblers	8:00 – 9:30 pm
Strolling entertainment and stilt walkers	5:30 – 9:00 pm

Waterfront Park	Time	Location
Information Tent	3:00 pm	Bottom of College St. Boathouse Circle
Local Motion Bike Parking Valet	4:00 – 11:00 pm	Follow signs in park (Phase 1-Great law area by fence)
Dux the Balloon Man (Balloon twisting & giant creations)	4:00-9:00pm	Lawn area
Champlain Valley New Vaudeville Variety Family Shows Featuring: Mime, Jugglers, stilt walkers	5:30 – 7:00 pm	Promenade
Sambatucada-Drumming (Afro-Brazilian Percussion)	7:00 – 8:00 pm	Promenade
Strolling entertainments and stilt walkers Trevor “The Games Man” (stilt walking) Christopher Yerlig (silent treatment, mime, man or machine) Henry the Juggler (juggling and tricks) Robert Rivest (roving mime)	5:30 – 9:00 pm

Waterfront Festival Site	Time	Location
Patriot’s Flag Raising Ceremony	1:00 pm
Patriot’s Flag dignified transfer from the US Boarder to Police and Fire Honor Guards	1:05pm
30’X60’ USA FLAG RAISING With Police & Fire Honor Guards	1:15pm	Promenade
Introduction and Pledge of Allegiance	1:20pm	Promenade
Benediction by Rev. John Feltz	1:25pm	Promenade
National Anthem (Green Mountain Chorus)	1:30pm	Promenade
Remarks by San Diego Firefighter/Paramedic Mitch Mendler, Co-Founder of the Patriot’s Flag	1:40pm	Promenade
Music by: Green Mountain Choir Battle Hymn of the Republic It is Well is Well with My Soul Heart Do you hear the people sing *God Bless America	1:55pm	Promenade
Introduction of John Middleton America the Beautiful Amazing Grace My Country tis of Three God Bless the USA 2:15pm Promenade Lowering of the Colors	2:15pm	Promenade
Lowering of the Colors	2:20pm	Promenade
March to the Burlington Community Boathouse	2:25pm	Promenade
Dignified Transfer of the Colors to the Red Knights	2:30pm	Promenade
Flag departs for Montpelier
Star 92.9, Champ 101.3, 96.7 DOT-FM Broadcasting live from “Top Hat Family Fun Park” Inflatable jousting, obstacle course, large bouncer.	4:00 – 8:00 pm
Price Chopper Hopper Bounce	4:00 – 9:00 pm
Amy’s World Amusement Rides Variety of carnival rides 1 ticket for 90 cents 10 tickets for $8.75 22 tickets for $18.75 40 tickets for $35	12:00 – 9:20 pm
Strolling Entertainment	4:00 – 9:00 pm
Face Painting	6:00 – 9:00 pm

Boathouse	Time	Location
Patriot’s Flag Raising Ceremony US Boarder Patrol, Police and Fire Honor Guard Parade to Waterfront Festival Site	1:00pm	Circle Boardwalk
Dan Marcotte Airshow	8:30 – 8:45 pm	Waterfront Sky
Pulse of Boston Presented by Leisure World	8:00 – 9:30 pm & 10:00 – 11:00 pm	Boathouse Deck
ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain Visit the Lake Champlain Navy Memorial. The memorial commemorates Lake Champlain’s significant naval history. See the “Lone Sailor” replica along with various additions by the Vermont Granite Company.		Hoehl Park (Behind ECHO)

Battery Park	Time	Location
Burlington Concert Band	7:00 – 9:00 pm	Concert Band Shell
Pony Rides – Free	5:30 – 8:30 pm	Park

Burlington, Vermont Fireworks - Burlington Harbor 9:30 PM

Why Use A Buyers Agent When Buying Real Esate in and around Burlington VT

2011-03-02T07:47:00.000-08:00

Burlington VT - March 1st, 2011

To answer this question, let me begin by asking a question. When you are in a legal proceeding, would you have the lawyer representing the person sitting across the table from you represent you as well? The answer is so simple. Of course not.

Why then when buying a house or property which for many people represents one of the largest financial decisions of their lives would you utilize the Realtor who represents the Seller(s) to safeguard your best interests as the Buyer(s)?

In Vermont, we do not have “dual agency.” Some states do allow this (where one Realtor represents both sides of the transaction while maintaining “neutrality”) but for the life of me I do not understand why. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. There are simply too many places for conflicts of interest to rear their head.

In Vermont, Realtors must represent only one side of the transaction - either the Buyer(s) or the Seller(s). Often, Buyers aren’t clear on this point. They see a sign in front of a house for sale or a listing online. Call that Realtor and utilize that Realtor to facilitate the negotiations of price, terms and conditions when that Realtor represents the Seller(s). Do you see where this is completely problematic? Be sure to ask if the Realtor you are speaking to is the Listing Agent. If so, thank the Agent and tell them you want representaion, hang up and find another Realtor who can represent you and your interests. Keep in mind, good listing agents are experts in finding out information from prospective buyers without you even being aware of it. They can ask questions that ultimately compromise your negotiating position. Thank them politely. Hang up and find a Realtor to be your Buyer’s Agent.

When Sellers agree to list their property they agree to a commission which is paid to both the Realtor who lists the Seller’s property and the Realtor who brings the Buyers to the table. A typical Realtor commission these days is either 5 or 6%. Thus, this commission is split in half (i.e. with either 3 or 2.5% going to the buy side Realtor). Buyers should not think because I am represented by a Buyer’s Agent I am incurring an additional expense to pay their commisssion. The commission is already taken into account by the Seller(s) in their Listing Agreement with their Listing Agent. All Sellers are willing to split the commission between the Realtor representing them and the Buyers Agent representing the Buyer(s). Sellers do this to facilitate the transaction and in this market they are happy as can be to have buyers brought to them.

Let me further clarify. If there is no Buyer’s Realtor involved, the Listing Agent consumes the entire commission of 6 or 5% with no split whatsoever. Now do you see why listing agents so love it when buyers call them directly? On a house that costs say $300,000 with a 6% commission, the Listing Agent would receive an $18,000 commission. If there is a Realtor representing the buyer(s), the listing agent would have to split their commissions.

There are many other reasons why you would want to utilize a Buyer’s Agent when buying real estate in Vermont. Here they are:

Full Access To Our Regional MLS - Until you have made it clear to your Realtor you want to be represented by a Buyer’s Agent and entered into that Agreement in writing the realtor you are communicating with is ALWAYS representing the Seller(s). They cannot give you information that otherwise comprimises the Sellers ability to get the most money for the sale of their home or property. This could include the number of days on the market as a great example. These days this is a critical number to know. Further, listing agents have this game they play when the “re-list” thier listings it sets the odometer back to zero for “days on the market” accuracy. Only a Buyer’s Agent representing your interest will research the history of the property you are interested in buying to let you know exactly how many days that property has been on the market and with whom.

Negotiating Power - As your Buyer’s Agent, I will run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine a prospective home’s Fair Market Value (FMV). In simpler terms, as your Realtor I will look at similar homes in the same neighborhood that have sold recently. This way, you will know whether or not the seller has their home priced fairly. If the home is priced over Fair Market Value, your Buyer’s Agent can present your “under asking price” offer with plenty of firepower – and a greater chance that the offer will be accepted. In addition, the terms and conditions of your offer are important as well.

Representation - As your Buyer’s Agent, I am there to make sure YOUR best interests are accounted for. With your Buyer’s Agent in your corner, you can rest assured that you’re on, at least, even ground with the home seller. Similarly, Listing Agents enter into a legally binding agreement that require them to ALWAYS act in the best interest of their seller(s). They are the seller’s “coach” and will make sure that their clients’ best interests are looked after.

Industry Contacts - It takes a lot of people to close a real estate transaction – Buyer’s Agent, Listing Agent, Loan Officer, Home Inspector, Property Appraiser, Insurance Agent, General and Sub-Contractors, and sometimes more! A good agent will come with a strong, professional closing team that has performed in the past, and will continue to perform. A transaction is only as strong as its weakest link – with your Buyer’s Agent & their closing team, you can rest assured that you will have plenty of support to make the buying process as smooth as possible.

Maximize Your Time - While driving neighborhoods is an excellent idea to help you decide which locations you prefer, it’s not a very efficient way to find your new home. Gas is expensive, and your time is valuable. Your Buyer’s Agent will listen to your needs, make fantastic suggestions based on your likes & dislikes, and provide you with a list of homes and communities that ALL match your wants & needs. Your Buyer’s Agent has helped MANY new homebuyers through MANY purchases, and will help you better organize your search & decision making process – saving you valuable time.

If you are considering buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont, please visit my website: Burlington Vermont Real Estate, give me a call on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss representing you, our current market conditions and your needs/wants in a new home and community. I would be delighted to assist you.

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments about downsizing right here below.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Record Monthly Snowfall Set at Burlington Vermont

2011-02-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

Burlington VT - February 28th, 2011

It’s official!

A new record snowfall of 42.8 inches for the month of February has
been set at Burlington VT. This breaks the old record of 42.3
inches set in 2008.

Time to either go sledding or head south for Spring break depending on your perspective.

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont Real Estate or Chittenden County, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. Feel free to visit my website at ChrisHurdVT. I can also be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments here below.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

So Vermont, Spread The Web

2011-02-28T07:49:00.000-08:00

Burlington VT
February 28th, 2011

What do the startling changes in the Middle East have to do with Vermont? Think globally for a moment. Think access to the web, democracy and prosperity.

Please bear with me as I lay out my dots while attempting to reconnect them at the end.

I’ve been pondering these thoughts over the weekend as we approach a unique institution in our state - Town Meeting Day. For those of you who don’t know or need to be reminded, Town Meeting Day in Vermont is in two days - Tuesday, March 1st!

Vermont Town Meeting Day is a tradition dating back to before there was a Vermont. The first town meeting was held in Bennington in 1762, 15 years before Vermont was created and way before the internet.

In the late 1700s, as today, town citizens in Vermont held meetings so that they could address the problems and issues they faced collectively. Popular matters of legislation in earlier town meetings included whether or not to let pigs run free or whether smallpox vaccinations should be allowed in the town (some thought vaccinations were dangerous). Voters also decided what goods or labor could be used as payment for taxes.

Town meeting also served a social function (as it does today.) It brings people together who might not otherwise know each other. This can strengthen social ties within a town and help people work together to tackle community problems in the practice of direct democracy.

In a parallel but related story on the front page of this morning’s New York Times an article proposes what does Al Qaeda and the Obama Administration have in common? Now, in country after country across the Middle East as people have risen to topple their leaders, Al Qaeda and the United States have played absolutely no role. For nearly two decades, the leaders of AL Qaeda have denounced the Arab world’s dictators as heretics and puppets of the West and called for their downfall. In this NYT article, Brian Fishman, a terrorism expert at the New America Foundation said, “Knocking off Mubarak has been Zawahri’s goal for more than 20 years, and he was unable to achieve it,” “Now a nonviolent, nonreligious, pro-democracy movement got rid of him in a matter of weeks. It’s a major problem for Al Qaeda.”

Meanwhile, U.S. policies have largely supported these dictators for between 30-40 years in order to “keep the peace” while as Tom Friedman recently pointed out, treating these countries like “gas stations” for our (US) consumption. The US has conveniently look passed all the indecencies, corruption, mis-appropriation of US taxpayer’s money funding these crooks and resulting lack of democracy to keep oil flowing. A very dirty business indeed.

As events unfolded in Egypt, Obama stood like a deer in the headlights of an oncoming freedom train unable to stand up decisively for the cherished principles of democracy against tyranny and oppression. Hypocrisy at her finest!

This was a revolution for Heaven’s sakes hatched via communication on the internet through, in this case, Facebook! Not terrorism, not drone attacks, suicide bombers, “Mission Accomplished” and all that crap.

What Al Qaeda, Obama, Bush and the US military can’t solve in country after country it attempts to impose its will upon, ordinary citizens were able to do originating in the grass roots, through the internet and through protest.

Yesterday, in Sunday’s Burlington Free Press, an editorial entitled, “Vermont is Vermont north as well as south” says many things about the nature of Vermont’s people. The article attempts to prettify how we are all one from north to south - from Burlington to Bennington. And I submit, we have many shared values.

However, the lack of broadband web access by thousands and thousands in our state remains our greatest divide from each other (as Vermonters) and from the ever increasing pace of the outside world. The Vermont Department of Public Service painfully points out the glaring discrepancies on their web page. “In Rutland, Washington, Grand Isle and Chittenden Counties almost 95% of the population or more has access to some type of broadband service. In Essex and Orange Counties, on the other hand, DSL, cable, and fixed wireless broadband services are available to half and two thirds of the population respectively. In Windham, Franklin and Lamoille Counties almost a quarter or more of residents do not have access to one of these broadband services.”

Simply put, in 2007 The Vermont Department of Public Service concluded in its article entitled,Access for All: Meeting Vermont’s Broadband and Wireless Goals “that broadband service is not expanding fast enough. That the achievement of these goals is challenging but necessary to the future of Vermont” and Vermonters from north to south.

So Vermont, Spread The Web!

If we want to safe guard freedom, independence, prosperity and the open flow of ideas through global communication, Spread The Web!

If we want to be “one state from north to south” as the Burlington Free Press editorial suggests “we should want to understand what’s at stake for quality of life in those communities, how this affects the rest, and as a state we should commit ourselves in the Legislature and among the socially responsible business community to find ways to keep each part of us whole.”

So Vermont, Spread The Web!

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments here below.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

South Burlington VT Schools Earn Superior Ratings

2011-02-28T07:37:00.000-08:00

South Burlington VT
February 26th, 2011

One of the barometers many real estate buyers look towards before buying a new home is the quality of public education within a specific town/community. The quality and performance of public schools helps drive home values and in this economy certainly helps maintain them.

Several school rating services can help you in determing the health of public education wherever you live currently or are contemplating moving to.

In South Burlington VT, residents there already know they have outstanding schools. To back that up, take a look at this link at GreatSchools.org and this one at NeighborhoodScout.com which offer FREE top rated school reports. These reports validate what is common knowledge amongst S Burlington Vermont residents in the know. At NeighborhoodScout, they rate South Burlington schools as better than 97.7% of all school districts in the entire United States. They cite the average pupil to teacher ratio at 12:1. Proficiency scores in reading and math far outpace averages for the state of Vermont.

Of course, there are additional towns within Chittenden County that also possess excellent schools systems as well. Please feel free to call or email me with your questions or explore the two links I provided above to acquire third party information to help you in your decision making process.

Additionally, last summer, an article in the Wall Street Journal detailed several key points connected to this topic. Michael Sklarz, president of Collateral Analytics, a Honolulu based firm that specializes in real estate data analysis stated that “areas with good schools tend to be more affluent and were less susceptible to the sub-prime mortgage debacle so saw fewer foreclosures. What’s more, homes associated with great schools generally sell faster, in good markets and bad”.

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments here below.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

My Top Ten Fun List of Things To Do in and around Burlington VT Late Winter 2011

2011-02-28T07:24:00.000-08:00

Burlington VT

February 25th, 2011

Here is my highly subjective Top Ten List of Fun Ideas if you’re in serious need of a lift as this snowy winter shows no signs of losing her grip on our weary, hunched-over, snow shoveled backs.

10. Vermont Maple Open House Weekend at Shelburne Farms March 19th and 20th,

9. Vermont Flower Show at the Champlain Valley Exposition March 4,5,6,

8. Dinner at the ‘Trat and don’t forget to try the profiterole for dessert,

7. Visit the Fleming Museum at the University of Vermont,

6. 25th Anniversary of Arts Alive March 21st downtown Burlington,

5. Sweeten your day at Lake Champlain Chocolate Factory,

4. Go Sledding at one of Hammerhead Sleds recommended hills across the entire Northeast,

3. 16th Annual Mardi Gras Parade in downtown Burlington VT Saturday March 5th at 3pm,

2. Take Someone You Love to The Flynn Theater

1. Splurge For A Day of Downhill Skiing at Jay Peak Resort for $49!

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont Real Estate or Chittenden County, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments here below. Share your ideas of what would be on your fun list!

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Efficiency Vermont helps all Vermonters

2011-02-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

Burlington VT -
February 24th, 2011

There is an organization you may know of or not. And if you are new to Vermont, you most assuredly need to be aware that Efficiency Vermont exists.

To sumarize, Efficiency Vermont was created in 1999 when the Vermont legislature passed a law creating the nation’s first ratepayer-funded energy efficiency utility providing energy efficiency services to business owners, homeowners and renters to reduce their energy costs.

Since its inception, Efficiency Vermont has been working diligently to help Vermonters reduce their annual energy costs which results in utilities not having to buy as much power from power plants. The net affect being ratepayers’ electric bills are likely to be less than they would be without energy efficient practices.

If you go to their website on the home page you can find information related to compact fluorescent bulbs (currently a .99 limited time offer is available on their energy-star cfl’s), home improvement and conservation advice, information on efficient appliances and electronics and current rebates and incentives from the government.

I urge you to take a look.

If you prefer speaking to a human, they have a team of helpful staff who can answer your questions. Call them on their toll free number at 888.921.5990 or, if you are local in the Burlington VT area, try 802.860.4095

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont Real Estate or Chittenden County, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments here below.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

There’s Life On The Corner

2011-02-24T08:33:00.000-08:00

South Burlington VT
February 23rd, 2011

Remember the old song “Down On The Corner” by Creedence Clearwater Revival? Well, it just might be we’re heading Back to the Future.

There is a shift in Vermont real estate trends that is now underway.

An article this week in the Burlington Free Press by Matt Sutkoski entitled, “Data Shows Vermonters Moving Back Towards The City”, in which the author made several interesting conclusions. Mr. Sutkoski writes there is “evidence that policy, planning tools, economic realities and people’s housing choices are beginning to shift the focus of growth toward Vermont’s village centers and downtowns”.

Sally Dames, a resident of South Burlington VT and co-founder ofWhat’s Alive Inside Productions, an organization focused on what makes life more wonderful and rich via community productions at The Flynn Theater in downtown Burlington VT, refers affectionately to “life on the corner” often in her reflections about her ‘hood. Ms. Dames calls them them “her C’s. Community, Collaboration, Convenience and Connection”. She indicated she moved with her two daughters in recent years from living in the “boonies of Charlotte and Monkton” as she puts it into a neighborhood where she can walk, ride her bike, have access to employment, mass transit, goods and services.

I, too, admit that in the past 8 months I made a decision to move from Charlotte to South Burlington for many of the same reasons cited by Ms. Dames. Yet, to carry it one step further, I felt a driving inner force to reduce my carbon footprint. Instead of climbing in my car to drive everywhere now I can bike or walk to the grocery store, the pharmacy, the bank, the post office, doctors, bookstore, restaurants, coffee shop, restaurants, music, a short hop to the airport and the list goes on and on… In addition, with my children moving on in their lives, I wanted to be closer to the “action”.

Organizations like SmartGrowthVermont believe that for “Vermont to grow and thrive we need to carefully integrate growth, environmental protection and economic opportunities into our local planning framework. This will require the participation of citizens, local and state officials, developers, business leaders and non-profit organizations. Our future depends on careful analysis, dialogue, cooperation, and leadership”. In the Free Press article, John Ewing, a founder and board member of Smart Growth Vermont says “there has been a very definite trend in people’s attitudes favoring compact development and a willingness to live there”.

Websites like WalkScore allow you to type in an address to get its walkability score rated from 1-100 with 100 being the best score for walking to amenities. Here’s what they say makes a neighborhood walkable:

“A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a center, whether it’s a main street or a public space.

People: Enough people for businesses to flourish and for public transit to run frequently.

Mixed income, mixed use: Affordable housing located near businesses.

Parks and public space: Plenty of public places to gather and play.

Pedestrian design: Buildings are close to the street, parking lots are relegated to the back.

Schools and workplaces: Close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.

Complete streets: Streets designed for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit.”

Walkscore cites these four areas that offer surprising benefits to the environment, our health, our finances, and our communities:

“Environment: Cars are a leading cause of climate change. Your feet are zero-pollution transportation machines.

Health: The average resident of a walkable neighborhood weighs 7 pounds less than someone who lives in a sprawling neighborhood.

Finances: One point of Walk Score is worth up to $3,000 of value for your property.

Communities: Studies show that for every 10 minutes a person spends in a daily car commute, time spent in community activities falls by 10%.”

You can, of course, come up with many more reasons why this trend makes sense and why these trends are pointing in a refreshing new direction.

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont Vermont Estate or Chittenden County Real Estate, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me atChris@ChrisHurdVT.com

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments here below.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Vermont Foreclosures Lowest in USA - January 2011

2011-02-23T07:23:00.000-08:00

Burlington VT
February 22nd, 2011

RealtyTrac, the leading online marketplace for foreclosed properties, is a major source of information about foreclosed properties in the United States. In their January 2011 report, they declare that the state of Vermont had 21 foreclosures (yes, that’s for the entire state) or 1 in every 14,487 homes. This analysis shows Vermont foreclosure numbers are way below other states by a wide margin. Compare this number to the other states chosen randomly for the month of January 2011:

Florida had 21,671 foreclosures or 1 in every 406 housing units,
New York had 2,885 foreclosures or 1 in every 2,765 housing units,
Connecticut had 837 foreclosures or 1 in every 1,724 housing units,
California had 67,072 foreclosures or 1 in every 200 housing units,
Arizona had 15,757 foreclosures or 1 in every 173 housing units,
North Carolina had 3,040 foreclosures or 1 in every 1,382 housing units,
North Dakota (2nd lowest of all states in USA) had 25 foreclosures or 1 in every 12,533 housing units.

These statistics continue to tell an important story about Vermont Real Estate.

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont or Chittenden County, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments here below.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Burlington Vermont Events for January 21 – January 23

2011-01-21T11:05:00.000-08:00

Below are a few upcoming events coming up in the Burlington Vermont area…

Balé Folclórico da Bahia -- Burlington, VT

January 21, 2011
With explosive energy and rich pageantry, Balé Folclórico da Bahia returns to the Flynn and brings to life the rich culture of Bahia, a region of northern Brazil influenced by African, European, and Native Indian cultures. This troupe of over 30 dancers, musicians, and singers perform Carnival and slave dances, samba, and Capoeira—a thrilling Afro-Brazilian art form that combines martial arts, music, and dance. Location: Flynn Main Stage, 153 Main Street. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $23 - $37. Information: 802-863-5966 or visit www.flynncenter.org

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Vermont Log Home Show
Vermont Green Builders & Energy Conservation Show

Jan. 21-23
Friday 12-7, Saturday 10-7, Sunday 10-5
Adults $8, Seniors $7, Kids 7-14 $4, Under 7 Free

Get the information and find the help you need to build a beautiful log or timber home. Plus, make your new home more energy efficient and reduce environmental impact.

More info: http://www.americasbestshows.com/vermont_log_home_timber_frame_show.shtml

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VSO Presents: Winter Warmth -- Burlington, VT

January 22, 2011
The Vermont Symphony Orchestra's Masterworks Series continues in the new year as VSO Music Director Jaime Laredo conducts “Winter Warmth,” a program of three colorful works to banish the mid-winter blues, with selections by Rossini, Beethoven, and more. Flynn Main Stage, 153 Main Street. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $16 and up. Information: 802-863-5966 or visit www.flynncenter.org.

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Burlington Winter Farmers Market

Date: Jan 22
Time: 10am to 2pm
Location: Memorial Auditorium
Price: FREE

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Vermont Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament

Date: Jan 22 Time:
Location: Memorial Auditorium
Price: $11.99-$18

Description: Tickets NOT available through the Flynn box office. Reserved tix in advance..Sold at Mills & Greer starting on Jan 15th are $14 & can also get tix in advance by calling 802-527-2936. Reserved tix at the door are $18 (night of the show) General admission tix sold only at the door are $11.99

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Charles Lloyd Quartet -- Burlington, VT

January 23, 2011
With a long and distinguished playing career, both with his own groups and alongside Don Cherry, Eric Dolphy, and Ornette Coleman, Lloyd’s music takes audiences on journeys that traverse enormous distances. Over nearly four decades, his compositions have punctuated the post-bop period, embraced the traditional music of a host of world cultures, and ciphered the psychedelic ‘60s with avant-garde improvisation. Location: Flynn Main Stage, 153 Main Street. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $22 - $40. Information: 802-863-5966 or visit www.flynncenter.org.

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If you are considering buying Burlington Vermont real estate (or surrounding areas), please give me a call on my cell at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss our real estate market and your options. Also, please visit my blog for more posts/articles like this one here: Burlington VT Real Estate Blog.

First Night in Burlington Vermont

2010-12-29T08:25:00.000-08:00

This New Year's Eve, celebrate First Night in Burlington Vermont! If you haven't been to a First Night in Burlington yet, keep it in mind this year. Where else can you pay $18 to get into so many, many venues? Okay, a few of the choice concerts at the Flynn Theater added $3 more to the night per person per event but it's laughable how much fun can be had for such a modest outlay.

For a brief history, First Night originated in Boston Massachusetts in 1976 by a small group of artists who sought an alternative way of celebrating New Year's Eve, creating an event where the consumption of alcohol is banned. First Night is an indoor/outdoor artistic and cultural celebration which occurs from afternoon until midnight. The intention of First Night is to celebrate that community's local cultures often showcasing music, dance, art, comedy, parades
and fireworks.

For more information including schedule, list of events, and to buy your buttons go to: First Night Burlington Vermont

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If you are considering buying Burlington Vermont real estate (or surrounding areas), please give me a call on my cell at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss our real estate market and your options.

National Real Estate Market Slow; Vermont MLS Volume Up

2010-11-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

‎

I was interviewed last week for my views by the reporter from the VPOR. Below is the article in full...

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NATIONAL REAL ESTATE MARKET SLOW; VERMONT MLS VOLUME UP

National reports on property sales and prices tell a familiar story for the last months of the summer: a market varying from month to month and location to location, but in no hurry to recover from the market plunge of recent years. By comparison, Vermont’s market still looks better than most.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) offered the most optimistic report, announcing on October 25 that sales of existing homes nationally rose in September by 10% over August (by 10.1% in the Northeast), “affirming that a sales recovery has begun.” However, the national median existing-home price for all housing types was 2.4% below a year ago, the NAR said (the median fell 1.4% in the Northeast).

As the previous article discusses, foreclosures – and homebuyers’ wariness of them – threaten to further suppress the market, according to the Associated Press. It reported that 23% of the Realtors it surveyed had clients who were declining to consider foreclosed properties, out of a concern that such purchases might be challenged on the basis of flawed foreclosure practices.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency reported on October 26 that U.S. housing prices rose 0.4% from July to August. But on the same day, Standard & Poor’s announced that home values overall had decreased from July to August, according to its Case-Shiller index of 20 major markets. An S&P spokesman called the report “disappointing,” noting that “home prices broadly declined in August.”

If these inconsistent, sometimes contradictory, reports prove anything, it is to substantiate Burlington-area Realtor Chris Hurd’s maxim that, like politics, “All real estate is local.”

Hurd, proprietor of Akin Associates, deals in residential properties in Chittenden, Addison, and Grand Isle counties, with a focus on Burlington, Shelburne and Charlotte. To his surprise, he said, 2009 turned out for him to be “a very strong year,” one of his best as a Realtor. 2010 has been a different story; he expects that when all is said and done it will turn out to be an average year, but deals are taking an unusually long time to gel.

Normally he’s wrapping things up in the fall after a busy summer – and the summer of 2010 was, indeed busy. “But this year,” he says, “everything is late. It’s primarily because people have spent months and months testing the market, testing the sellers, waiting for the fall and getting close to winter to see if they can eke out every last dollar from the seller.”

The sellers are in no hurry, either. “Vermonters are a funny group,” Hurd said. “They tend to hunker down and wait. They’re not going to give away the store.” The result is a kind of stasis.

Statewide, the real estate market has shown some signs of improvement this year. The number of single-family homes, both primary and vacation, sold by Realtors from January through September this year is up 7.7% from the same time period in 2009, according to the statewide MLS system. The single-family median price has edged up from $199,000 last year to $200,000 in 2010, according to the same report.

But, in his work, Hurd has seen a big change in the focus of market activity. He said that not long ago he was selling homes for $600,000, routinely. Now “the bulk” of his market comes in at $300,000. “If you get a buyer over that, it’s an anomaly,” he said.

Because of Vermont’s relatively better economy and relatively smaller foreclosure problem, Hurd sees prices remaining stable. But he does not think a robust recovery in Vermont’s real estate market is imminent. Historically, Vermont has had a tendency to lag behind the economic trends of the rest of the country, Hurd said, so he expects it to be some time before the market emerges from this depressed cycle and regains its former vitality.

Reprinted with permission from
Vermont Property Owners Report

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If you are considering buying Burlington Vermont real estate (or surrounding areas), please give me a call on my cell at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss our real estate market and your options.

Burlington Vermont Events for October 28 - October 30

2010-10-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

Below are a few upcoming events coming up in the Burlington Vermont area...

Nightmare Vermont - South Burlington, VT

October 28, 29, and 30, 2010. 7 p.m. (and every half-hour through 10 p.m.) — The young whippersnapper in the walk-and-be-scared sweepstakes is Nightmare Vermont, which creates its nightmare not on Elm Street but on Picard Circle in South Burlington. Shows continue at the same times Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. $10. 1-888-830-0888, www.nightmarevermont.org.

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The Wiyos and Red Molly -- Burlington, VT

October 29, 2010

Red Molly has consistently brought concert-goers to their feet with stunning three-part harmonies, crisp musicianship and warm, American roots music. They'll be joined by the Wiyos,a NYC band who really know how to spread the musical happiness quotient. Location: UVM Recital Hall, 384 South Prospect Street. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $25. Information: 802-656-4455 or visit www.uvm.edu/laneseries.

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Lar Lubovitch Dance Company -- Burlington, VT

October 30, 2010

One of America’s most highly acclaimed choreographers and a part of the Flynn’s 1982 inaugural season, Lar Lubovitch famously broke new artistic ground with his pioneering use of the minimalist scores of Philip Glass and Steve Reich in the 1970s in works that influenced a whole generation of choreography and led to an appreciation of this new music. Lubovitch’s 1978 masterpiece North Star is possibly the most notable of these works. Glass’ swirling score of the same name provides an aural palate for Lubovitch’s abstract fantasia in a constellation of joined yet independent human bodies. Location: Flynn Center, 153 Main Street. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $27 - $45. Information: 802-863-5966 or visit www.flynntix.org.

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Burlington Vermont Events for September 30 - October 3

2010-09-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

Below are a few upcoming events coming up in the Burlington Vermont area...

State of Craft Showcase -- Burlington, VT - Now through September 30, 2010. Frog Hollow State Craft Center was the first designated state craft center and has served as a leader in the field. This exhibit chronicles trends in Vermont’s contemporary studio craft movement and the evolution of a state craft center through representative artists’ work. Location: 85 Church Street. Time: Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon - 2 p.m. Cost: free. Information: visit www.froghollow.org.

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The Khmer Arts Ensemble -- Burlington, VT - October 1, 2010. The Khmer Arts Ensemble—a 30-member company with 18 dancers, four singers, and eight musicians—upholds Cambodia’s profoundly moving and aesthetically complex dance tradition, an art form that was almost eliminated by the brutal purge of artists by the Khmer Rouge. The Lives of Giants is a testament to the human spirit and the universal urgency of art that tells the story of Reap, a 10-headed giant king of the Reamker Epic (the Cambodian version of the Ramayana). Location: Flynn Center, 153 Main Street. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $23 - $38. Information: 802-863-5966 or visit www.flynntix.org.

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Built to Spill -- South Burlington, VT - October 3, 2010. Built to Spill were one of the most popular indie rock acts of the '90s, finding the middle ground between postmodern, Pavement-style pop and the loose, spacious jamming of Neil Young. Location: Higher Ground Ballroom, 1214 Williston Road. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $17 - $20. Information: 802-652-0777 or visit www.highergroundmusic.com.

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Burlington Vermont Events for September

2010-09-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

Below are a few upcoming events for September happening in the Burlington Vermont area...

National Street Rod Association Northeast Nationals

Date: Sept. 17-19, Friday 8:30 am - 5 pm, Saturday 8:00 am - 5 pm, Sunday 8:30 am - 2 pm

Admission: $14 Adults, $5 Children 6-12, Under 6 Free ($12 for NSRA members, Military Personnel w/ID and Seniors 60+)

More than 1600 rods, customs and collector cars will be on hand for the 17th Annual Northeast Street Rod Nationals Plus Sept. 17-19. In addition to the collection of vehicles, several commercial vendors and automotive experts will be on hand. Also, enjoy a trade show, arts & crafts fair, vintage auto parts swap, and daily entertainment. For more information about the NSRA, visit www.nsra-usa.com.

More Information: http://cvexpo.org/

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Mayhem 4 MMA & Thai Boxing

Date: Sep 18 Time: 7pm to

Location: Memorial Auditorium Price: $25-$50

United Fighting Arts Institute, LLC Presents Mayhem 4 MMA & Thai Boxing Premium Ringside $50.00 Back Ringside $35.00 Front Balcony $35.00 General Admission Bleachers $25.00 General Admission Balcony $25.00 (General Admission Balcony seats are the last 3 rows only). Prices Include 9% Tax, $1.00 Facility Fee, and $2.00-3.25 BO Surcharge Note: There will be no East Ringside Section at this event. Instead – there will be a beer garden right there by the ring! Vermont's premiere MMA & Thai Kickboxing event is back! Live, Sept. 18th, 2010 @ the Burlington Memorial Auditorium. Doors open at 6pm, fights start at 7pm. This event will feature an action packed split MMA & Thai Boxing Fight Card with the VMTA 155lb Title on the line! Fight fans, for the 1st time; this event will also feature the "Ringside Beer Garden"! Just what is the Mayhem all about? Answer: Fast paced, exciting, non-stop, full contact Mixed Martial Arts & Muay Thai action! The best MMA & Muay Thai fighters from across the U.S. will compete in this exciting event!– Doors open at 6:00pm, event starts at 7:00. Mixed martial arts: (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques and skills, from a mixture of martial arts traditions and non-traditions, to be used in competitions. The rules allow the use of both striking as well as grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground. Such competitions allow martial artists of different backgrounds to compete. With the recent notoriety of MMA in the U.S. and it’s growing fan base around the globe it has earned the title of the fastest growing sport in the world today! Thai Boxing: (Muay Thai) is has long been the premiere form of stand up martial art. From its fierce roots as a battlefield martial art in Thailand, today it has bloomed into the country’s National Sport. Today Thai Boxing is practiced around the globe and attracts a huge fan base, it enjoys the title of the most exciting “stand up” ring sport in the world. It’s hard hitting, fast paced, action that no one should miss out on…come witness the Mayhem! Mayhem 4 is presented by United Fighting Arts Institute, LLC and all bouts fall under the direction of the Vermont Muay Thai Association. This event is Sanctioned by the USMTA. For More Information: http://www.mayhemvt.com

Contact: http://www.flynntix.org

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Latino Festival Boat Cruise

Date: Sep 18 Time: 9:30pm to 12am

Location: Spirit of Ethan Allen III at the Boathouse Price: $15.50/adult, $11.25/children 10 & under Burlington Parks & Recs/Hermanos Productions Presents the Latino Festival Boat Cruise. Boarding Begins at 9:30 PM, Boat Departs at 10 PM and returns at Midnight. Every individual regardless of age requires a ticket - Open Seating Caribbean Cruise with 3 Decks - 3 djs dj Craig Mitchell/dj Papo Lopez/dj Hector Salsa* Merengue*Bachata*Reggaeton*Caribbean Mix*Latin Mix

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Burlington Vermont Fireworks - July 3, 2010

2010-07-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

The Fireworks show in Burlington Vermont this year were spectacular!

Earlier in the evening (around 8:20) there was a special stunt air plane show which ended with some daylight fireworks. The stunt pilot dived repeatedly while releasing bright-colored smoke and the fireworks went up in the smoke.

As usual the main Burlington fireworks show started at around 9:30 and it was quite a show. I think the Burlington Fireworks show gets better each year.

Apparently they cost $40,000 for this year's show, $5,000 more than last year. The good news is that it doesn't cost Burlington Vermont taxpayers a dime as it's sponsored by 3 major sponsors: Pomerleau Real Estate, Price Chopper and Chittenden Bank. A big thanks to them for an excellent show!

As usual, there were many possible places to watch this year's show. Some places are:

Waterfront park
North Beach
Perkins Pier
The Boathouse
Oakledge Park
Battery Park

I personally prefer the Boat House in order to get as close as possible to get the best view, but you can get a good view at any of these Burlington locations.

Below are 2 videos of Burlington Vermont's 2010 Fireworks show...

Burlington Vermont Fireworks 2010

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If you are considering buying Burlington Vermont real estate (or surrounding areas), please give me a call on my cell at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss our real estate market and your options.

Top Ten List for Burlington Vermont

2010-06-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

A purely personal list subject to change (guaranteed!) of my favorite things to do in Burlington Vermont throughout the year:

10. Summer picnic pilgrammage to enjoy a sunset at Waterfront Park on Lake Champlain,

9. A show at the Flynn Theater followed by profiteroles for dessert at the "Trat",

8. An evening stroll down Church Street,

7. Finding a parking spot,

6. JazzFest in June,

5. First Night,

4. Burlington Bike Path,

3. Coming in by boat to the Community Boat House to hang out on the docks for a sunset, dinner, drinks or all 3,

2. Christmas Lighting Ceremony on Church Street,

1. 4th of July fireworks on the waterfront.

If you would like to add a comment or add your favorite Top Ten list, please do so by posting a comment here

If you are considering buying Burlington Vermont real estate (or surrounding areas), please give me a call on my cell at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss our real estate market and your options.

10 Steps To Hunting for Burlington Vermont Real Estate With A Well Trained Eye

2010-04-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Burlington VT Real Estate

It sounds like a great listing – in your price range – in a good neighborhood – with features you’re looking for. First impressions mean a lot – but you find the bushes are overgrown, the front hallway is covered with tacky foil wallpaper, the kitchen cabinets are painted dark brown, the living room rug smells musty, and the hardwood floors have black water marks on them.

Should you head back out the door? Maybe. But to fully determine whether you should cross this house off of your list you’ll need to gather more information, and perhaps look past the blemishes to get a full picture of this house’s potential. How do you do that? Follow these 10 steps.

Keep them straight

Looking at a bunch of houses? With digital photography making it easy and inexpensive to record images, be sure to take a digital camera along, first taking a picture of the listing sheet so you can remember which pictures go with which home, and then key elements of each home.

Also, make a checklist before you visit the first house so that you can keep each of them straight. Here is a list of items you’ll want to include (rank each as either excellent, good, fair, needs repair soon, needs repair now).

Kitchen
Bathroom(s)
Roof
Windows
Furnace
Air conditioning
Floors (rate by each level of home)
Closet/storage space
Plumbing
Electrical (does it have 60, 100 or 200 amp service?)
Basement
Master bedroom
Siding
Garage

Then customize the list with your own “must haves,” for example, fireplace, master bath, walk-in closet, two (or three) car garage, dining room, open floor plan, eat-in kitchen, screened-in porch, large (or small) yard.

When narrowing down your home search, consider the following:

Start with emotion, but end with facts. Buying a home is an emotional process. You often find yourself trying to determine if this is where you want to spend the next 10, 20, or 30 years of your life (and perhaps raise a family). It’s OK if your initial impression is an emotional one. But because the purchase can be the largest you’ll ever make, it is essential that you gather all of the facts necessary to make an educated decision.

Look for good bones. Don’t get hooked on the decorating. The town or towns you are targeting for your home search likely have a handful of builders who have built a majority of the homes. Get to know the reputation of these builders. Then, before going to look at a home, find out who the builder was. You’ll want to be careful when looking at homes built by those with less than stellar reputations. Then, you need to learn to look past the furniture, wall colors, window treatments, and other decorating, and just look at the home layout and flow. New cherry cabinets and granite counters matter little if they are in the galley kitchen and you have a family of five. At the same time a family room with black walls featuring a mural of the moon on one side also matters little if it is big enough for your needs. Aesthetics are relatively inexpensive to fix – major construction is another matter.

When looking at room layout, corners are key. Rooms with doorways in the middle of walls flow better than rooms that open in a corner. Remember that when looking for your dream home.

Make sure the most expensive stuff works. The two most expensive rooms in a home to renovate are kitchens and bathrooms. If you’re stretching to be able to afford a home and still eat, make sure these two rooms don’t need renovating anytime soon.

Take an inventory of what needs fixing. Good news: With more houses on the market than in the past several years, you’ll likely be able to look at more houses before making a decision to put in a bid. Bad news: That means it can get quite confusing to remember the details of each. Develop a list of things you like in the house as you walk through each, and also make a list of things that might need fixing (see "Keep Them Straight", right).

Is there room for expansion? You might not be concerned with adding onto the home you’re viewing today, but what about tomorrow? Don’t necessarily exclude those that don’t have the room and a logical place to expand, but do understand that you will be limited in your options down the road.

Does the basement leak? If you’ve been lucky enough to live in a house with a dry basement (or perhaps without a basement) it’s hard to imagine the havoc a wet basement can bring to your life. If you’ve ever lived in a house with a leaky basement or hate the thought of a foot of water surrounding your furnace, you’ll likely be sure to check that the basement doesn’t leak, or has a system that automatically removes water from it.

What’s the condition of the home’s exterior? Does it need painting, or is it sided? Does it have painted brick that’s peeling? Is the aluminum siding chalking? Improving the exterior can be costly. Check the exterior walls carefully before putting in a bid.

Landscaping: Does it look like a park or a landfill? Landscaping not only includes the grass, bushes and any gardens, but also the hardscape – the sidewalk, deck and/or patio. People are spending more time than ever outdoors and you’re likely no different. Landscaping improvements can be costly, but is one area in which homeowners often tackle projects themselves. If you have the time, energy, and expertise you can save money by doing some landscaping improvements. But costs can add up here – be sure to factor that into your decision and/or bid.

Check the zoning, nobody likes surprises. Too often homeowners are horrified to learn that their tranquil neighborhood is being invaded by multi-family housing, a big commercial business, or a 24-hour convenience store. Before you put a bid on a house, go to the town hall, city hall, or county register of records and find out the zoning of all contiguous properties.

If you are considering buying Burlington Vermont real estate (or surrounding areas), please give me a call on my cell at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss our real estate market and your options.

As always, post any thoughts and comments here on Hurd's The Word.

Should I Get Prequalified When Buying A Home?

2010-03-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

Burlington Vermont

Why get prequalified and then preapproved for a mortgage before you begin your search for a home? Because there are people who will benefit from your preapproval: You, your Agent, and the seller from whom you eventually buy a home!

You: The most important beneficiary, of course, is you. One of the most common questions we get from users of this site goes something along the lines of "Please let us know how much house we can afford." We're stumped! Why? There are simply too many variables--credit history, income, debt, special mortgage programs and variations in qualifying guidelines between different mortgage types--to answer that question. The only sure way of getting the question answered is through prequalification. The mortgage prequalification step is a relatively simple one, but it is an important one. It begins the process of formally applying for a mortgage, and it gives everyone involved--especially you--a clear sense of the direction they should be headed.

Your Agent: By knowing what your financial parameters are, your Agent can spend more time looking for houses that "fit" and less time pursuing dead ends. No matter how much you might want a 4000 square foot home for $275,000, if your qualifications say $125,000, your qualifications say $125,000. When it comes to mortgages, "yes, but" doesn't carry much weight!

The Seller: Want to strengthen your bargaining position? Get prequalified. Want your offer to stand out in a case of multiple offers for the same house? Get prequalified. Look at it from the seller's perspective. If you had 2 offers on the table for your house, one from a fully prequalified buyer and the other from an "I'll get around to that soon" buyer--to which offer would you devote the most attention? Even if the prequalified buyer's offer was $1000 less, would you take the chance on the buyer that perhaps may not be qualified? When it comes to a seller evaluating offers, "a bird in the hand..." definitely applies.It is important to remember that the amount of mortgage you will qualify for is the maximum. It is the amount that the lender feels you can afford, but it is not necessarily the amount that you want to pay. It sometimes is advantageous to be conservative here. For example, if you qualify for a $100,000 mortgage and you have $15,000 available in cash for downpayment and closing costs, you are qualified to buy homes with a maximum selling price of $115,000. So as to not push yourself to the limit, you may want to look at homes that sell in the $100,000 to $110,000 range. Too many buyers simply rush off to the $115,000 level and some find themselves strapped when it comes time to purchase necessary items (such as draperies, additional furniture and lawn and garden tools, for example) or when they forget to factor in increases in monthly expenses (for example utilities and maintenance and repair costs).

If you need a referral to a professional local lender who can prequalify you in preparation for purchasing a home, please call or email me. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or other real estate in Burlington, Vermont or in Chittenden County, please give me a call on my cell at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss our real estate market and your options.

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments right here on Hurd's The Word.

Update: Home and Condo Values in Chittenden County, Vermont

2010-03-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Burlington Vermont

Tha age old factors of condition, price and location are influencing our market more so now than in recent memory.

Just a few years ago, Sellers were enjoying multiple offers in all price ranges. Today, the part of the market that is humming along is everything essentially under $300,000. That is the sweet spot in the market for sure.

In Burlington, Charlotte, Colchester, Essex Junction, Essex Town, Milton, Shelburne, South Burlington, and Williston sales for all of 2009 show the average sale to list price ratio being at or above 95%. Of course, much depends on the three factors listed at the outset of this article but on average 95%.

Recent data compiled by Vermont Real Estate Information Network (VREIN), shows the condo market on average across all the towns comprising Chittenden County (i.e. Burlington, Bolton, Charlotte, Colchester, Essex Town, Essex Junction, Hinesburg, Huntington, Jericho, Milton, Richmond, St. George, Shelburne, Underhill, Westford, Williston) have shown prices increasing by 10.8% between the period from February 2009 until last month.

Conversely, single family homes on average across all the towns comprising Chittenden County have fallen 6.6%. The data shows that in February of 2009, the average sale price was $319,024. In February 2010, the average sales price had fallen to $297,874 with sales picking up.

Conventional wisdom suggests that the recent surge in activity has come as a result of pent up demand, low interest rates, and the tax credits made available to first time homebuyers ($8,000) and for repeat homebuyers who have not bought or sold their primary residence in the past 5 years ($6,500).

Against the national and regional averages Vermont continues to hold its own.The Mortgage Bankers Association's National Delinquent Survey found 4.8% of mortgages in Vermont were seriously delinquent or in foreclosure during the last quarter of 2009. Compare that to the national average at 9.7% or the New England region at 8%.

Vermont ranked 46th out of 50 states with fewest delinquencies and foreclosures initiated during the last quarter of 2009.

Of course, location weighs heavily on the average sale price figures. It is important to compare prices in the town and immediate neighborhood you are considering purchasing to best understand what a given house should sell for. The age old adage "all real estate is local" remains the watch word.

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or other real estate in Burlington, Vermont or in Chittenden County, please give me a call or email me to discuss representing you, our current market conditions and your needs/wants in a new home and community. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments right here on Hurd's The Word

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Why Use A Buyer's Agent When Buying Vermont Real Estate?

2010-02-16T08:52:00.000-08:00

February 15th, 2010

Burlington Vermont

In Vermont, we do not have "dual agency." Some states do allow this (where one Realtor represents both sides of the transaction while maintaining "neutrality") but for the life of me I do not understand why. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. There are simply too many places for conflicts of interest to rear their head.

In Vermont, Realtors must represent only one side of the transaction - either the Buyer(s) or the Seller(s). Often, Buyers aren't clear on this point. They see a sign in front of a house for sale or a listing online. Call that Realtor and utilize that Realtor to facilitate the negotiations of price, terms and conditions when that Realtor represents the Seller(s). Do you see where this is completely problematic? Be sure to ask if the Realtor you are speaking to is the Listing Agent. If so, thank the Agent and tell them you want representaion, hang up and find another Realtor who can represent you and your interests. Keep in mind, good listing agents are experts in finding out information from prospective buyers without you even being aware of it. They can ask questions that ultimately compromise your negotiating position. Thank them politely. Hang up and find a Realtor to be your Buyer's Agent.

When Sellers agree to list their property they agree to a commission which is paid to both the Realtor who lists the Seller's property and the Realtor who brings the Buyers to the table. A typical Realtor commission these days is either 5 or 6%. Thus, this commission is split in half (i.e. with either 3 or 2.5% going to the buy side Realtor). Buyers should not think because I am represented by a Buyer's Agent I am incurring an additional expense to pay their commisssion. The commission is already taken into account by the Seller(s) in their Listing Agreement with their Listing Agent. All Sellers are willing to split the commission between the Realtor representing them and the Buyers Agent representing the Buyer(s). Sellers do this to facilitate the transaction and in this market they are happy as can be to have buyers brought to them.

Let me further clarify. If there is no Buyer's Realtor involved, the Listing Agent consumes the entire commission of 6 or 5% with no split whatsoever. Now do you see why listing agents so love it when buyers call them directly? On a house that costs say $300,000 with a 6% commission, the Listing Agent would receive an $18,000 commission. If there is a Realtor representing the buyer(s), the listing agent would have to split their commissions.

There are many other reasons why you would want to utilize a Buyer's Agent when buying real estate in Vermont. Here they are:

Full Access To Our Regional MLS - Until you have made it clear to your Realtor you want to be represented by a Buyer's Agent and entered into that Agreement in writing the realtor you are communicating with is ALWAYS representing the Seller(s). They cannot give you information that otherwise comprimises the Sellers ability to get the most money for the sale of their home or property. This could include the number of days on the market as a great example. These days this is a critical number to know. Further, listing agents have this game they play when the "re-list" thier listings it sets the odometer back to zero for "days on the market" accuracy. Only a Buyer's Agent representing your interest will research the history of the property you are interested in buying to let you know exactly how many days that property has been on the market and with whom.

Negotiating Power - As your Buyer’s Agent, I will run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine a prospective home’s Fair Market Value (FMV). In simpler terms, as your Realtor I will look at similar homes in the same neighborhood that have sold recently. This way, you will know whether or not the seller has their home priced fairly. If the home is priced over Fair Market Value, your Buyer’s Agent can present your “under asking price” offer with plenty of firepower – and a greater chance that the offer will be accepted. In addition, the terms and conditions of your offer are important as well.

Representation - As your Buyer’s Agent, I am there to make sure YOUR best interests are accounted for. With your Buyer’s Agent in your corner, you can rest assured that you’re on, at least, even ground with the home seller. Similarly, Listing Agents enter into a legally binding agreement that require them to ALWAYS act in the best interest of their seller(s). They are the seller’s “coach” and will make sure that their clients’ best interests are looked after.

Industry Contacts - It takes a lot of people to close a real estate transaction – Buyer’s Agent, Listing Agent, Loan Officer, Home Inspector, Property Appraiser, Insurance Agent, General and Sub-Contractors, and sometimes more! A good agent will come with a strong, professional closing team that has performed in the past, and will continue to perform. A transaction is only as strong as its weakest link – with your Buyer’s Agent & their closing team, you can rest assured that you will have plenty of support to make the buying process as smooth as possible.

Maximize Your Time - While driving neighborhoods is an excellent idea to help you decide which locations you prefer, it’s not a very efficient way to find your new home. Gas is expensive, and your time is valuable. Your Buyer’s Agent will listen to your needs, make fantastic suggestions based on your likes & dislikes, and provide you with a list of homes and communities that ALL match your wants & needs. Your Buyer’s Agent has helped MANY new homebuyers through MANY purchases, and will help you better organize your search & decision making process – saving you valuable time.

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or other real estate in Burlington, Vermont, please give me a call or email me to discuss representing you, our current market conditions and your needs/wants in a new home and community. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments right here on Hurd's The Word

2009 Year End Foreclosure Report for Burlington Vermont Real Estate

2010-02-04T16:14:00.001-08:00

February 4th, 2010

Burlington Vermont

Vermont continues to have the lowest foreclosures of any state in the entire United States. Recent information reported by Bloomberg BusinessWeek indicate that Vermont has suffered the least with ONLY 143 foreclosures in the entire state for all of 2009!

RealtyTrac, in its monthly report from December 2009, reported that only 6 homes in all of Chittenden County (includes 17 towns around and including Burlington VT) went into foreclosure or 1 in every 10,479 housing units.

Put another way, The Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA.org) reported from the Bloomberg.com website that as of January 29th, 2010, Vermont had the lowest foreclosure rate in the country at 0.04% of all homes in the state. The Bloomberg article went on to report that Vermonters are avoiding the foreclosure mess in part owing to traditions of "thrift, modesty and self-reliance - bolstered by laws that protect buyers and land".

In addition, the article went on to say "state and local laws discourage the kind of speculation that spurred development in some states, said Robert Hill, executive vice president of the Vermont Association of Realtors in Montpelier. "If a site for home construction is found to be on prime agricultural soil, the project is halted. The house must be built elsewhere, other land must be purchased and put in a trust as an offset, or the builder must go to court to seek clearance," he said.

Hill continued saying, “The permitting process is extremely difficult to maneuver in Vermont.” “Any developer or builder has to make a significant investment of time and effort. You just can’t come in here and throw stuff up overnight.”

Whatever the reasons, tiny Vermont (pop. 621,270) leads the nation in a category we can be extremely grateful for. With stringent environmental and zoning laws on the books for decades supply has been kept low. This enraged developers looking to make a fast buck during the go-go years. Hill added, as a result, "demand has outstripped the supply of housing. With no surplus of homes, prices didn’t collapse (like in many other states) when buyers decreased," Hill said.

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or other real estate in Burlington, Vermont, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments right here on Hurd's The Word

Shelburne Vermont Real Estate Annual Market Data & Trends for all of 2009

2010-01-29T08:14:00.000-08:00

January 27th, 2010

Shelburne VT

Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for all of 2009, there were 85 single family residential and condominium units sold within Shelburne Vermont with a total sold volume of $34,810,350.

These numbers represent a 16.44% INCREASE in the number of units sold from the same time period one year earlier (1/1/09-12/31/09). Divide this number by the units sold (85) and you get an average sale price of $409,534. These numbers represent a 2.20% increase in the average sales price from the same time period one year earlier (1/1/09-12/31/09).

Average days on the market for all these 85 properties was 127 compared to 96 one year earlier or 32.29% longer on the market.

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or other real estate in Shelburne, Vermont, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments here at Hurd's The Word

(These figures include sold numbers for single family residential and condominium only in all the towns which comprise Chittenden County, Vermont only. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed by Vermont Real Estate Information Network which supplies these figures.)

Charlotte Vermont Real Estate Annual Market Data & Trends for all of 2009

2010-01-29T08:07:00.000-08:00

January 27th, 2009

Charlotte VT

Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for all of 2009, there were 29 single family residential and condominium units
sold within Charlotte Vermont
with a total sold volume of $19,493,197.

These numbers represent a 61.61% increase in the number of units sold from the same time period one year earlier (1/1/09-12/31/09). Divide this number by the units sold (29) and you get an average sale price of $672,179. These numbers represent a 10.84% decrease in the average sales price from the same time period one year earlier (1/1/09-12/31/09).

Average days on the market for these 29 properties was 137 compared to 106 one year earlier or 29.25% longer on the market.

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or other real estate in Charlotte, Vermont, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments here at Hurd's The Word

Burlington VT Real Estate Annual Market Data & Trends for all of 2009

2010-01-29T07:56:00.000-08:00

January 27th, 2010

Burlington VT

Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for all of 2009, there were 276 single family residential and condominium units sold within Burlington Vermont with a total sold volume of $70,919,923.

These numbers represent a 26.03% increase in the number of units sold from the same time period one year earlier (1/1/09-12/31/09). Divide this number by the units sold (276) and you get an average sale price of $256,956. These numbers represent a 11.16% decrease in the average sales price from the same time period one year earlier (1/1/09-12/31/09).

Average days on the market for all these 219 properties was 74 compared to 75 one year earlier or 1.33% longer on the market.

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments right here on Hurd's The Word

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Chittenden County Real Estate Annual Market Trends 2009

2010-01-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

January 27th, 2010

Burlington VT

Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for all of 2009, there were 1410 single family residential and condominium units sold within all the towns which comprise Chittenden County in Vermont with a total listed volume of $398,226,858. Compare that number to the actual volume of total sold properties at $383,158,490. The List-to-Sell Variance is $10,687 or last year's List-to-Sell Percent is 96%. The average sale price for all of Chittenden County was $271,744. These numbers represent a 1.00% increase in the average sales price from the same time period one year earlier (1/1/09-12/31/09).

Average days on the market for all these 1410 properties was 93 compared to 91 one year earlier or 2.2% longer on the market.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments right here on Hurd's The Word.

Appletree Point is a Great Neighborhood in Burlington VT (Real Estate)

2010-01-26T07:05:00.000-08:00

January 25th, 2010

Burlington VT

No other neighborhood in Burlington Vermont can boast about the infrastructure and amenities that Appletree Point and its Association provide. Not one.

Price points range from over a million to be right on the lake with a single family home, to the $350,000 to $600,000 range for single family homes not right on the lake, to high $200's for a townhouse. Appletree Point also has a well run Association with affordable cost effective association fees.

The list of amenities is long for this neighborhood. Sandy private beach on Lake Champlain with a gradual descent into the lake make it ideal for swimming or launching kayaks/canoes. Two swimming pools set at either end of the neighborhood cater to families during the summer months. The City of Burlington has a public park which includes a baseball diamond, several hardcourt tennis courts, a basketball court and toddler playground.

Appletree Point is located off North Avenue about 2.5 miles north of downtown Burlington. The road into this neighborhood is not a "through road." Coming into Appletree Point is THE destination. Thus, the vast majority of people coming into this area are its residents not people commuting through or just driving around.

The area is within a half mile of the Burlington Bike and Recreation Path which runs along Lake Champlain for cycling, rollerblading, running and walking in the milder months and walking, snow shoeing and cross country skiing in Winter.

If you are considering buying in Burlington be sure to consider this fantastic neighborhood.

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments about downsizing right here on Hurd's The Word.

Free Home Energy Assessments Coming to Charlotte VT and Shelburne Vermont

2010-01-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

January 22nd, 2010

Shelburne VT and Charlotte VT

The Vermont Community Energy Mobilization (VCEM) Project sponsored conjunction with the Charlotte VT Energy Committee, the Shelburne VT Energy Committee, Transition Town Charlotte and Transition Town Shelburne have ALL joined arms to provide free in home energy assessments. The goals of the project are to:

Achieve quantifiable reductions in home energy use;

Increase awareness and understanding by Vermonters of home energy savings opportunities and resources; and,

Demonstrate that a community-based, volunteer program can be a successful model for achieving home energy savings and raising awareness of Vermonters on home energy savings.

Last night around 30 volunteer (of which I am one) residents of Charlotte and Shelburne met for an evening of training at the Charlotte VT Senior Center. Efficiency Vermont is providing all energy saving measures free of charge. Energy saving measures will include offering compact fluorescent lightbulbs (cfl's), low-flow showerheads, water aerators for faucets, electric hot water tank wraps and pipe insulation.

Efficiency Vermont trained the volunteers last night to assist homeowners in identifying whether their home's heating is inefficient.

Lastly, the visit will include a "kitchen table talk" about energy saving opportunities and resources - specifically about energy conservation behavior and explaining referrals to services that are currently available. Efficiency Vermont offers several incentive programs, appliance rebates, and low-interest financing for additional energy efficiency measures of which most Vermonters are unaware of these savings opportunities.

If you are interested in receiving this free energy assessment service (only 80 will be available initially for both town so contact us soon!) or have additional questions, please email Suzie Hodgson of Charlotte at suzyhodgson@gmavt.net or Judy Raven of Shelburne at ravenvt@msn.com so we can put you on our schedules. Assessments will begin in mid-February and continue through April.

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home or condominium in Burlington, Shelburne or Charlotte, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments about downsizing right here on Hurd's The Word.

Burlington Vermont Real Estate - Downsizing Our Homes???

2010-01-20T08:19:00.000-08:00

January 19th, 2010

Burlington VT

I was having lunch at the Brick Store in Charlotte Vermont the other day and overheard several conversations about residents considering whether to downsize their homes. I overheard others having this discussion while waiting for my latte at the Shelburne Wine and Coffee Shop in Shelburne VT a day later.

It's not uncommon to hear people talk of downsizing their homes at all these days. In fact, I think it's on a lot of people's minds.

Usually, people take this step once kids are off to college and the need for all that extra space diminishes. In addition, as we get older, we look for homes that are smaller or that fill our needs as we near retirement (i.e having the master bedroom on the main floor should a health impairment prevent climbing stairs.)

Moreover, I hear people contemplating the size of their homes as though they have some newly discovered social or moral awakening. "How much space do we need?", they ask. What is our 4,000 square foot home's carbon footprint? Is it wise to live in the country so far from services? Can I walk to the stores or the bank? How much time do I spend in my car each day driving back and forth to everything? Should we downsize to reduce our expenses? Should we downsize into a condo and buy a 2nd home in a warmer climate for winters?

And that list goes on and on and on...

Of course, determining what suits you is a process unto itself. It requires careful consideration. Particularly, in this real estate market.

If you are considering listing your home in and around Burlington Vermont for sale and downsizing into a smaller home or condominium, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market and your options. I would be delighted to assist you in this important next step of your life. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

As always, please feel free to post your thoughts and any comments about downsizing right here on Hurd's The Word.

The State of Burlington VT's Business Sector

2010-01-14T08:09:00.001-08:00

January 13th, 2010

Burlington VT

What is the future for Burlington Vermont and business development? This and many other questions were raised and addressed recently.

Last week, I attended the 8th annual Business Summit sponsored by the Burlington Business Association (BBA) hosted at Champlain College. The summit brought business people from across the area together to hear three lecturers discuss the past, present and future for our city and to brainstorm in breakout sessions what needs to be done to keep Burlington vibrant, creative and growing.

Several statistics presented at the outset bear repeating and amplification. The unemployment rate in Burlington VT stands at 5.4% compared to the national average which stands at 10%. I found that to be a startlingly positive number. In addition, the vacancy rate for homes and residential rentals stands at 3.08% (amongst the lowest in the USA - AOL Real Estate). These figures are simply outstanding at a time of great difficulty faced by scores of other communities across the United States.

As the keynote speakers concluded, one in particular stood out above the rest for her outspoken and positive take on what is going on at the "street level" in Burlington and in the State of Vermont.

Liz Robert is the CEO of Terry Precision Cycles, a company which has pioneered several innovations aimed at improving the quality of cycling for women. Robert's list of business accomplishments is deep and she spoke with great confidence and reverence for what attracted her to very recently relocate her company from Rochester NY to Burlington VT.

Robert recited in short order a list of reasons why such a relocation at first blush made no sense financially. The costs of doing business in Burlington were significantly higher. She cited higher home prices, medical insurance premiums and tax rates as obstacles yet she continued to ask herself "should I relocate my company to Burlington?".

In the end, Robert concluded that Burlington VT offered a climate of "creative energy" that simply did not exist in Rochester NY. She added "people are passionate in Burlington about what they do both from a work, play and socially concious center. People here like to engage in debate as a community and ask the tough questions to help derive better answers and results. She continued underscoring that there is a "powerful visual aesthetic" that adds to the exceptional quality of life. People here have a greater sense of "purpose, mission, tolerance and an independent mindset" that is lacking in other places.

Lastly, Robert concluded her remarks by saying "moving to Burlington makes you work hard. You end up working more than just for the almighty buck. It makes you willing to defy the odds of taking a startup to success."

When asked about Burlington and the state of Vermont's reputation for lack of incentives for business owners she emphatically decried, "It's simply not true. The business community here has a really well-oiled machine at its disposal. The state of Vermont really steppped up to the plate to help get us here."

All of these factors, she reasoned, would help her attract and retain quality employees much more so than the vibe which existed in Rochester.

"Rebuilding economies is about entrepreneurship," said Robert. "It's about entrepreneurs taking the initiative and working with regulators. It's up to us. It's up to businesspeople like ourselves to step up to the plate to do the hard work."

Stay tuned here at Hurd's The Word for more information from the breakout sessions from the Burlington VT Business Summit as additional details are forthcoming.

As always, please feel free to post your thoughts and any comments about The State of Burlington VT's Business Sector right here on Hurd's The Word

If you are interested in purchasing a home in and around Burlington Vermont, please call me on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

Burlington Vermont Celebrates First Night

2010-01-06T13:26:00.000-08:00

January 6th, 2010

Burlington, Vermont

New Year's Eve celebration (called First Night ) in Burlington Vermont rocks! If you haven't been to a First Night in Burlington yet, keep it in mind to check it out next year. This year was the 27th year Burlington's First Night has been celebrated and it was better than ever. Where else can you pay $15 to get into so many, many venues? Okay, a few of the choice concerts at the Flynn Theater added $3 more to the night per person per event but it's laughable how much fun can be had for such a modest outlay.

For a brief history, First Night originated in Boston Massachusetts in 1976 by a small group of artists who sought an alternative way of celebrating New Year's Eve, creating an event where the consumption of alcohol is banned. First Night is an indoor/outdoor artistic and cultural celebration which occurs from afternoon until midnight. The intention of First Night is to celebrate that community's local cultures often showcasing music, dance, art, comedy, parades and fireworks.

This year's relatively mild weather brought out lots of revelers. Snow covered streets, sparkling Christmas lights twinkling on Church Street, smiles on passersby scurrying to their next event while chatting up what they had just witnessed created an energy of joy and community. You just couldn't help but feel it. All events are suited to young ones and the young at heart too. There truly is something for everyone.

This year my gang and I saw an amazing comedy act from a guy from Hardwick. Hardwick? Hello! This fellow was a former Cirkus Smirkus clown. He was wonderful. His act was really funny as he involved members of the audience from little kids to a coupla dads in his acts. Charming and hilarious with a bit of daring, he received a standing ovation.

From there we went down to the Flynn Space to hear Gregory Douglass. Unfortunately, the sound wasn't great and it was hard to hear him so that felt a little disappointing.

Next, we popped into Ali Baba's Kabob Shop for some felafel to take the edge off our hunger. The place was jam packed and the food was absolutely yummy.

Onward, we went to the Main Stage at the Flynn Theater to watch Kilamanjaro and the Unknown Blues Band with Sondra Wright kick it into high gear. Once that swing beat locked in, my sweetheart and I could contain ourselves any more and we danced five smokin' songs in the aisles. How much fun is that?

Hot and sweaty, we left the Flynn to take a Brazilian dance lesson with Sambudacada drummers who wrought their wild South American beat upon us. I was dripping. It was so much fun to see so many smiling faces, young and old side by side, all having such a great time.

Last, we wandered back into the refreshing cold air to ready ourselves to hear the Bluegrass Gospel Project. This group is amazing. Guitar, mandolin, bass, banjo, harmonizing vocals and a female lead singer with an alto voice as sweet as honey. She and they were so phenomenal it was hard to believe and they received two standing ovations. There were some folks behind me from Los Angeles California who were in utter disbelief at how great this band sounded.

All in all, we had tuckered ourselves out, felt satiated and ready to head home. But what a great way to have rung in 2010! Great memories. Ran into lots of familiar faces throughout the afternoon and evening. And best of all, no hangover to start the New Year.

Take my advice. Give First Night in Burlington Vermont a try next year (First Night buttons make great stocking stuffers). Dress warmly and in layers. You won't regret it one bit.

As always, please feel free to post your thoughts and comments about First Night here on here at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

If you are interested in purchasing a home in and around Burlington Vermont, please call me on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

Burlington VT During The Holidays

2009-11-24T05:53:00.000-08:00

November 23th, 2009

Burlington VT

My hat is off to all the folks who work so unbelievably hard in the city of Burlington Vermont to make the holidays so festive and fun for the rest of us. In a couple more days, the annual flick of the switch to light the Christmas tree at the top of Church Street and all the gazillions of little Christmas lights up, down and around the Church Street Marketplace will set winter in motion.

I love going down to Church Street for a stroll anytime of year but it's this time of year that moves me the most. Is it the music playing? All those pretty lights? Hot chocolate at Ben & Jerry's with freshly made whipped cream topped off with cinnamon? Walking into stores to warm up and contemplate? A relaxing dinner by a cafe window watching the snowflakes tumbling down?

This year I'm planning to get a running head start on gift buying. In reality, I want to get it out of the way so I can enjoy the specialness only this time of year affords. I look forward to saying "hello" to passersby on Church Street. I'll relish the romance of a stroll arm in arm with Nathalie and our kids all barely recognizable with thick wool hats and coats, scarves, gloves and our newest warm wool socks.

I think of going to see "A Christmas Carol" at the Flynn Theater. They always have such a memorable performance with that wonderful cast year after year. I hope we get a BIG snowstorm on that night. I remember the time we came out of the theater to 18 inches of snow. My kids and I helped all the people in the parking area around us sweep off their cars before we did ours. It just felt good to do that.

Carolling through neighborhoods in Shelburne, South Burlington, Charlotte and all the rest puts me in such a great mood.

Getting lucky under the missletoe (how great would that be?)...

And then it comes down to finding just the right tree. This year it'll be a toss up as to whether I go cut one and drag it home the way we all used to or go down to the Boy Scouts' spot in Shelburne Village where they always have such beautiful trees.

Whatever makes your heart sing at this time of year, sing loudly. Dance in the street with your sweetheart if you feel like it. I did in Boston recently and I/we'll never forget it.

Enjoy these next few weeks! Enjoy all these moments with children and family and those we love.

If you are interested in purchasing a Home in and around Burlington VT, please call me at my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

As always, please feel free to place your comments about the holidays here at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

Start writing here...

Making Sense: Burlington Vermont's Foreclosure Rate Update

2009-10-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

October 29th, 2009

Burlington VT

I was interviewed by CNN/Money.com this past Tuesday to comment on the foreclosure filing increases over the past few months being recorded in the Burlington metro region. The reporter, Julianne Pepitone, asked me several questions about our real estate market. The gyst of her reporting indicated that the Burlington metro area has had a significant increase in foreclosur

e filings. She juxtaposed Burlington's numbers with four other larger metro areas that had had major foreclosure increases lumping these areas together in a manner that suggested something more dire.

Further, last week, Vermont Public Radio (VPR) interviewed a Statistics Professor, Vince Bolduc, from Saint Michael's College in Colchester VT on how perverted the Vermont statistics are given that we have such a small population base. Actual numbers of foreclosures in the Burlington metro market per month have risen from 10 per month up to 12 per month. These numbers are hardly anything to be alarmed about.

In fact, Vermont as a state as recorded on June 11th, 2009 had the lowest rate of foreclosures of any state in the entire United States. Now that is something we can be proud of on a number of important levels. (These statistics were compiled by RealtyTrac (www.RealtyTrac.com), the nations leading source for online foreclosure properties.)

In addition, RealtyTrac reported that 1 in every 357 households nation-wide received a foreclosure filing in August 2009. Vermont's foreclosure filing rate was 1 in every 9,437 in that same month. However, in July 2009, it was 1 in every 28,312 a 200 percent change from July and an 83.3 percent change from August 2008. When these statistics are examined more closely, we can see the percentages may be startling but the actual numbers are not.

We all know our economy is hurting and hurting badly in specific areas across our country. We need reporting accuracy, not hyperbole and a steady hand on the tiller combined with our resourcefulness and resiliency. Vermont has so far weathered this economic storm admirably.

If you are interested in purchasing a Home in and around Burlington VT, please call me on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

As always, please feel free to place your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

First Burlington Vermont Realtor Earns NAR’s New Green Designation

2009-10-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

October 19th, 2009

Burlington VT

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) awarded Chris Hurd its newest Green Designation over the weekend. Mr Hurd is the first Realtor in Burlington Vermont and Chittenden County to have achieved this distinction. He is one of only 9 Realtors across the entire state of Vermont who have fully completed NAR's education/certification process and become fully certified.

Mr. Hurd recognizes that Green Real Estate is altering fundamental market dynamics. Studies now show that two-thirds of consumers are paying attention to green homes and buildings; they recognize the link between green properties, cost savings and healthy living. Chris seeks to be a positive force for change with his clients and within his community as NAR's newest Green Designee.

NAR's Green Designation is a real estate designation designed for residential, commercial and property management professionals looking to green their businesses and their lives. When you earn NAR's Green Designation, you'll gain:

A comprehensive understanding of what it means to go green and the concerns of consumers seeking green knowledge about real estate

Valuable real estate education that broadens your abilities in the eyes your clients, prospective clients and associates

Enhanced ability to participate in the green real estate market

Ongoing specialized training and resources that help you stay on top of green real estate issues and trends

Access to customizable members-only marketing tools to help you build your business and gain a competitive edge

If you are interested in purchasing a Green Home in and around Burlington VT, please call me at my direct line at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

Sustainability Series Continues This Week at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne Vermont

2009-10-08T04:51:00.000-07:00

Recently, I completed my course work for acquiring the National Association of Realtors new Green designation. In keeping with my commitment of bringing new awarenesses to those of you who are sensitive to issues of sustainability, green building practices and smart developments/communities, I want you to be aware of the Lecture, Film & Workshop Series currently underway each week for the next 7 weeks running at Shelburne Farms. Last week, I attended the 3 part series on "Assessing Our Eco-impact." Each event was first rate. The presenters imparted their immense knowledge on their subjects. The documentary "Home" was stunningingly filmed and carried both messages of our stark realities and hope.

Transition Tookit Series:
Learning Opportunities
for a Sustainable Future.

Events for Week Two: Permaculture

Lecture: Thursday 6:30 Ed Center, Farm Barn at

Shelburne Farms $7.

As we consider the convergent crises of climate change, peak oil and economic ‘uncertainty’, we can become anxious’ and stuck, or embrace one of the greatest opportunities in generations: to restructure society so that it is based on ecological and ethical principles, as well as local resilience. This presentation introduces the concept of permaculture, and explores the ways we can design and establish our homes and communities as ‘human ecosystems’ that are not only less fuel reliant, but also beautiful, productive, ecologically restorative, and wholly nourishing. To learn more about permaculture visit: www.permacultureactivist .net

Film: Shelburne Town Hall 7PM, $5 Sugg. Donation

The Global Gardener tells the story of permaculture founder and practical visionary BILL MOLLISON. For nearly two decades Mollison has traveled the globe teaching permaculture, the method of sustainable agriculture and human habitat design that he and David Holmgren developed. Permaculture weaves together ecosystems, annual and perennial plants, animals, soils, water management and human needs into intricately connected productive landscapes. The Global Gardener shows how Mollison helped empower people to turn environmental wastelands, in places as different as the dessert and inner cities, into beautiful, food producing landscapes. An inspiring testimonial to the ability of people and nature working together to heal the planet, while providing for humanity.

Workshop: South Gate Cottage at Shelburne Farms.

10AM-2:30PM, $20, (bring a bag lunch)

Join Keith Morris, a professional ecological designer, for a day of practice ‘in reading a landscape’, and exploring the potentials for home-scale food and energy production, waste management, and ecological regeneration. We’ will focus on the design process, articulating goals, analyzing a site, and generating graphical representations of our interpretations and design ideas for the South Gate Cottage at Shelburne Farms. Bring a big pad of paper, colored markets and your creativity! To learn more about permaculture visit: www.permacultureactivist .net

Presenter:

Keith Morris has been applying his life-long love of nature and people to permaculture and ecological design since 1996, and has worked professionally as a designer, farmer, natural builder, and educator facilitating healthy and healing human ecosystems since 2000. His work integrates community building, ecological regeneration, shelter and structures, and diverse, nutrient-dense food production into beautiful and productive whole systems. He teaches at Sterling College, the Yestermorrow Design Build School, the University of Vermont, and has worked for USAID Farmer to Farmer in Nigeria and Ghana.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Shelburne Vermont Real Estate.

The Best Neighborhoods in America: The Five Sisters in Burlington VT

2009-10-05T18:27:00.000-07:00

Men's Journal magazine in their June 2009 issue listed the thirty best neighborhoods to live in in America. They noted that "a neighborhood with real soul can make a vibrant city even better. And enclaves of unique vitality can breathe life into unsung workaday towns. No matter where you live, finding just the right 'hood is what really makes a place home."

With names like Catherine, Charlotte, Caroline, Margaret and Marion you'd think I'd be giving you the list of dates my rambunctious neighbor had last week alone. But in all seriousness, this is the neighborhood known in Burlington Vermont as the "Five Sisters." Located about a mile's walk south of the Church Street Marketplace, Burlington's hub, and about a three quarter mile walk to Lake Champlain, this neighborhood has a lot to offer.

Sleepy, quiet and close to it all including the University of Vermont, the Five Sisters neighborhood is highly sought after. Homes, when they come on the market, last for a very short time. If you are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, you just may wind up being counted as one of her fortunate residents.

All within walking distance, one can easily find yoga studios, coffee shops, bakeries, gourmet food markets, breakfast, lunch and dinner places and lots more. On Saturday's, there's the Farmer's Market in downtown Burlington's City Hall Park.

Typical homes are kinda bungalowy with friendly front porches and many have been renovated. It is not at all uncommon to buy in this area and see intrepid renovations quickly underway. The scale in this established neighborhood seems to feel familiar in that special way. You know what I mean. It just feels right. Small, tree lined streets, kids headed to the nearby park, people on bicycles... It feels real, not contrived.

If you are interested in purchasing a home in the Five Sisters neighborhood of Burlington Vermont, please call me at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

As always, please feel free to place your comments here at Burlington Vermont Real Estate Blog or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

Burlington VT Ranked #1 by Children's Health Magazine

2009-09-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

September 24th, 2009

Burlington VT

Having lived here now going on 31 years, I am always excited each time Burlington and Vermont are recognized by independent organizations for the extraordinary quality of life we are so lucky to enjoy. Over these many years, this area has been recognized on so many levels I have simply lost count. It is a great testament to the quality of the people in this state and in the Burlington area that invest themselves so wholeheartedly into making this area so vibrant and special. We are truly blessed.

Having said that, another honor has now been bestowed upon Burlington. Children's Health Magazine (CHM) has just ranked Burlington Vermont as the #1 place in the United States to raise a family. (http://ow.ly/psk0 )

Citing school per pupil spending and graduation rates near the top in all the United States coupled with a high percentage of the population having earned advanced degrees and a high median family income level as strong indicators of overall great health and a well educated population.

Additionally, an educated population by and large also enjoys better health and Burlington seems to fit that trend as well.

CHM notes Burlington has the lowest obesity rates in the country. Having the fewest fast food restaurants per capita and possibly because of the many outdoor recreational pursuits many of its residents enjoy seasonally and the importance of local, organically produced produce, meat and poultry, The Queen City continues to blaze her path of excellence.

Congratulations Burlington!

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Burlington Vermont Real Estate Blog or go to my website at Vermont Real Estate.

Burlington Vermont Breaking News!! First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Expires 11/30/09

2009-09-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

September 23rd, 2009 Burlington, VT

The Obama Administration's Gift to first time homebuyers is set to expire on November 30th, 2009 or in 68 days. One of the qualifications to receive the credit is you must have closed on your property by the last day of November. This gift to help first time homebuyers is equal to $8,000, not an inconsequestial figure if you are trying to make the leap from renting into homeownership.

At present, it is not uncommon for a closing to take up to FIVE weeks from the time the price of the property you want has been negotiated between you and the seller and is considered "under contract." If you have been considering taking this important step, now is the time you need to be looking in earnest. With closings taking up to 5 weeks, you would need to have a house under contract darned close to October 19th, 20th, 21st. Somewhere in there.

Interest rates for a home loan are at historical lows right now. They have nowhere to go but UP and many people believe that, indeed, they will!!

Rest assured, I will work tirelessly to find you just the right property and put it "under contract" by the third week of October for an end of November closing.

It is worth noting there is talk to try to get the time period extended both in Congress, by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and citizen groups. At present, it is only talk. Nothing concrete has been set to extend the offer.

If you are renting in Burlington VT, Williston VT, Colchester VT, Winooski VT, Shelburne VT, South Burlington VT, Hinesburg VT, Milton VT, Richmond VT,Jericho VT, Underhill VT, Essex VT or Charlotte VT and would like help finding the perfect property, please call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Burlington
Vermont Real Estate Blog or go to my website at Vermont Real Estate.

Lectures - Film Series - Workshops at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne Vermont

2009-09-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

Beginning on October 1st, 2009 and running through November 21st, 2009 Shelburne Farms will be hosting eight Lectures, a Film Series and a set of Workshops under the heading“Transition
Toolkit: Learning Opportunities For A Sustainable Future.” This phenomenal set of events is the culmination of sponsorship of the following organizations: Shelburne Farms, Burlington Permaculture, Transition Shelburne and Transition Charlotte. All events are open to the public and you are sincerely encouraged
to attend.

During this eight week period, topics will range in the following areas:

Week One - The Context For Transition

Oct. 1st: Lecture - “Sobering Realities, Exciting Possibilities”
Oct. 2nd: Film - “Global Gardener”
Oct. 3rd: Workshop - “Reducing Your Eco-Impact” *

Week Two - Permaculture

October 8th: Lecture - “Caring for the Earth, Caring for People”
October 9th: Film - “Global Gardener” *
October 10th: Workshop - “Hands-On Permaculture Design”

Week Three - Water

October 15th: Lecture - “More Important Than Oil”
October 16th: Film - “Flow” *
October 17th: Workshop - “Using Rain Barrels”

Week Four - Home Heating

October 22nd: Lecture - “Home Heating 101?
October 23rd: Film - “The End Of Suburbia”
October 24th: Workshop - “Reducing Your Heating Bill”

Week Five - Garbage and Sewage

October 29th: Lecture - “Gone Today - Here Forever?”
October 30th: Film - “Garbage Warrior” *
October 31st: Workshop - “The Joy of Composting”

Week Six - Food

November 5th: Lecture - “The Story of Food”
November 6th: Film - “The Power of Community” *
November 7th: Workshop - “Welcome to Root Cellars”

Week Seven - Transportation

November 12th: Lecture - “Getting Around Better”
November 13th: Film - “Who Killed The Electric Car?” *
November 14th: Workshop - “Bike Commuting Made Simple”

Week Eight - The Psychology of Change

November 19th: Lecture - “Moving Beyond Fear - Taking Action Now”
November 20th: Film - “A Convenient Truth” *
November 21st: Workshop - “Envisioning A Positive Future” *

All Events are located at Shelburne Farms unless noted with an *. Check website for details, more information and registration at www.GreenShelburne.WordPress.com or call 802.985.9830.

Senior, student and workstudy rates available.

Single Tickets as follows:

Lectures at 6:30pm $15
Films at 7pm $5
Workshops 10am -12:30pm $35

Flexi-Pass as follows:

Any 4 lectures $45
Any 4 workshops $100

The Whole Enchilada

Covers every event $325

I should mention in the spirit of full disclosure, I am a member of the Steering Committee of Transition Shelburne and a general member of Transition Charlotte. Your participation in these organizations is encouraged and we would welcome you.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Shelburne Vermont Real Estate.

Every Year It Happens...

2009-09-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

September 10th, 2009 Charlotte, Vermont

Okay. Who hit the switch?

Every year it happens... Every single year.

With the waning days of August giving way to the chilly taste of September, school aged kids and adults scurry to get settled back into their routines. Endless trips to Staples, the latest fashions in clothing, homework, kids trying to fall asleep earlier than their summer clocks allowed and waking up bleary eyed and grumpy as the crush for the bathroom resumes.

But the other switch that's as noticeable and reliable is our weather.

Have you felt it? The crispness in the air. Morning dew on our windshields, mist hovering over Lake Champlain, ponds and rivers in the early morning hours...

Have you heard it? The late summer crickets in their evening symphonies...

Have you smelled it? Farmers in their fields cutting, harvesting and fertilizing for next year...

Have you seen it? The sun setting earlier. Our recent Harvest full moon, Jupiter glowing bright red, colors on the edges of our forests and meadows turning...

Have you tasted it? Our gardens and CSA's are in mad harvest to our dinner tables, apple cider is flowing again, cider donuts (yummmmmm) and the sweet smells of our orchards...

And what is it about the sunsets this time of year in Vermont? The angle of the sun to the earth to Vermont. The clouds. The air. Sunsets are amazing in the early stages of fall in Vermont. Some of my best photographs seem to come at this time of year!

The bugs are gone. The hiking is better. The kayaking is better. Colors abound. The gardens are full. And we are having the most incredible stretch of sunny, warm, beautiful weather I can remember. Pushing three weeks now. June and July's incessant rains have become distant memories.

So, get out into Vermont. Hike the Long Trail in our lovely Green Mountains. Kayak the Paddler's Trail on Lake Champlain. Take your bike through the Shoreham, Panton, Charlotte and Shelburne orchards along the Lake Champlain Bikeways route, or simply take a drive up Route 100.

Before we recede into our homes with the advance of colder days to come, it's time to stay outside just a little longer. Time to notice all the bounties life in Vermont affords. Time to savor summer's memories...

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Burlington Vermont Real Estate Blog or go to my website at Vermont Real Estate.

Vermont - The New Green Mountain State

2009-07-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

July 15th, 2009 My Front Porch Charlotte, VT

My front porch provides the perfect place to ponder…

I’ve been giving much thought to our state moniker, “The Green Mountain State”, lately. From my perch on the western flanks of Mount Philo in Charlotte Vermont, I can see across open meadows, farmlands, tree tops all the way to Lake Champlain a distance some 4 miles. This time of year it is clear to see how apropos the Green Mountain state nickname applies. Green is everywhere. Come mid-October, when the leaves fall to the ground and the monochrome of gray returns preceeding the monochrome white of winter, the green in Vermont is all but a distant memory.

Beyond that, I was thinking further about what a maverick little state we have here. To me, our smallness seems to be such an asset in so many ways. Our population someone told me the other day is 1/500th that of the entire country. I really like that I thought. In this small maverick little state tucked far from the “centers of the world” we think in sensible terms. We are resilient. We are creative. We are courteous and polite most the time to one another. We care about our environment and we are fully capable, more than most states, to think outside the proverbial box because we ARE outside the box.

We need more of that “out of the box stuff” now I pondered. More thinking and acting outside the box of the mainstream.

That brings me full circle back to the Green Mountain State thingy I was talking about earlier. This is OUR chance. This is it! We sit nervously on the edge of leadership. Our small, maverick, progressive, creative, resilient little state! 1/500th and all the rest! We need to reshape what we’ve been doing.

THE NEW GREEN MOUNTAIN STATE

It’s who we are and who we need to be going forward. As thoughts swirl and focus like clouds clearing from the Adirondack’s High Peaks after a storm, my thoughts turn into hopes and dreams.

I want my children to live in a state that seeks solutions to achieving a balance between growth and sustainability. There is a difference you know. Endless growth is simply not sustainable. At some level, there must be a correction perhaps even a scolding. This is part of what we are going through right now locally, nationally and globally in my humble opinion.

I just read last week on CNN International that Costa Rica achieved recognition as the “happiest nation on earth” by the New Economics Foundation in England for its efforts to forge a new economy based upon human needs and the environment. Bravo!

But wait a minute. We’re the Green Mountain State I declared!! To me, Vermont is the happiest place on earth. Okay no palm trees. No ocean.

As reality set in, I thought of the impact of our choices so far and how much needs to be done.
We need a serious introspective look at who we are and what we want to be. What do we want to stand for in this fiercely independent, resilient little state? What?

To me, it feels like we need to get off the comfort train and join one another to ponder, to solve, to create hopes in our grass roots, to allow this state to lead this country out of her glutonous and consuming ways.

We need young and old, male and female, artists and lawyers, farmers and business leaders, rural, suburban and city dwellers to shed the skins of judgment and division to come together in a diversity of voices allowing us to reach a new potential that is both sustainable and resilient but emminently hopeful for our children and grandchildren.

Climate change warnings aren’t waiting. We have left precious little padding between the fine line of irreversible damage and what brought us to this moment.

I keep thinking about us - The Green Mountain State! Who could have known what potential new meaning this moniker would hold for ALL of us. It’s no longer just about the green verdant beauty of our hills and dales. It’s about something much more profound now.

How soon can we coalesce around central issues? Who will lead? What course will we take? What will we do? When do we all get it? Where will change take place? Will our diversity become our greatest strength? Will we embrace one another on this vital mission?

The Green Mountain State. It’s up to us.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

2009 Summer Fun List for Charlotte Vermont

2009-06-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

The return of warm weather makes hangin' out on my front porch with its eye popping views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains dreamy. Lazing and pondering ALL that we have to fit in before the inevitable return of YOU KNOW WHAT...

Here we go with my biased and utterly incomplete Fun List of things to do in Charlotte VT this summer. Oh, this really is THE BEST time of year in this amazing little town:

Wow, this little gem is worth the price of admission. Right now. Don't miss out! For the next two weeks, you have to see it to believe it. The firefly display in the meadows across from Mount Philo State Park is psychadelic. The southern 60 acre meadow at the intersection of State Park Road and Mt Philo Road is where the evening's silent fireworks display takes place. Imagine undulating waves of blinking lights acre after impossible acre. You won't regret it! (let your eyes adjust to the dark for 30 mins prior for the full affect)

Breakfast sandwich at the Old Brick Store and a latte on the front porch catching up with familiar faces.

Tennis at the town courts followed by a running plunge off the town docks into Lake Champlain

Rick's Barbecue Shaved Pork Sandwich for lunch at the Little Garden Market

Hanging on my front porch for no reason at all

Uncle Sam's for your dose of burger, fries, shakes and, last but absolutely not least, a cremee

Take your bike on the Charlotte to Essex NY ferry for a lovely ride and a meal on the NY side. Essex is alive and charming in the summer.

Hike up Mt Philo for the best sunset hang out around

Berry picking at the Charlotte Berry Farm

Join one of Charlotte's CSA farms (Community Supported Agriculture) for yummy, healthy, local, organic vegetables all summer

Pizza on a picnic table at Pizza on Earth on a warm, summer evening. Wonderful!!

Bicycling Charlotte's roads. Sublime.

PLEASE add your own favorites to this list by placing your comments here at Hurd's The Word. If you have questions about buying a home or property, please call me at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or go to my website at Charlotte Vermont Real Estate.

Summer 2009 Top Ten Fun List For Lake Champlain's 400th Anniversary

2009-06-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

Wow!

This IS the year for Lake Champlain. We will all be celebrating the 400th year since Samuel de Champlain first explored our region on his daring expedition. Lots will be happening so don't miss out!!! Have fun and we'll see you there!

Burlington Vermont Celebrates Lake Champlain (July 2nd - 14th)

Independence Day Fireworks Celebration Burlington Waterfront (July 3rd) (tip: get there early)

Sailing Regatta for Lake Champlain (July 25th)

Lake Champlain Maritime Festival (August 14, 15 & 16)

Take A Sailing Lesson at the LCCSC on the Waterfront in Burlington VT

Take your boat to the Basin Harbor Club for the day or overnight

Sunset and Cookout at North Beach in Burlington VT

Take One of the Lake Champlain Ferries for a Sunset Cruise, Full Moon Rise or both!!

Rent a Kayak or Canoe at North Beach in Burlington Vermont

Dinner & Drinks & Sunset at Splash Cafe on the Community Boathouse Docks in Burlington

PLEASE add your own favorites to this list by placing your comments here at Hurd's The Word.
If you have questions about buying a home or property, please call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

My Summer 2009 Top Ten Fun List for Shelburne VT

2009-06-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

Unashamed and completely subjective with additions all the time (hopefully with a few by you). Grab a friend, your spouse, a significant other, your child(ren), all of the above and celebrate summer in Shelburne, Vermont:

Large Triple Latte, 2%, with a shot of vanilla, extra hot and a Apple & Cinnamon Muffin while sitting on the steps in the morning sunshine at The Shelburne Wine & Coffee Shop.

Paddling up the LaPlatte

Vermont Symphony Orchestra and/or Mozart Festival Concerts at Shelburne Farms

Cycling Shelburne's backroads

Playing Tennis at the Town Courts

Dinner at the Inn at Shelburne Farms before a concert (don't forget to place your blanket on the ground before dinner so you have great seating for the music)

Walking the trails at Shelburne Farms

Outdoor Summer Concert Series at Shelburne Museum

Running into familiar faces at the Shelburne Supermarket

Dinner on the patio at Sauce Bistro on a warm evening

Saturday's Farmer's Market

Being in anything that floats on Shelburne Bay

Summer Trains into Burlington

Go to the Shelburne Meat Market and pickup their incredible Marinated "House" Tips for grilling at the Shelburne Beach just in time for a sunset

My Summer 2009 Top Ten Fun List for Burlington VT

2009-06-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

My completely random, highly subjective FUN LIST of things to do this summer in the Queen City. Enjoy and, MOST OF ALL, have fun!!

Vermont City Marathon (Memorial Weekend)

Burlington Discover Jazz Festival (June 5th - June 14th)

Burlington's International Waterfront Festival (July 2nd-14th)

Independence Day Fireworks - Burlington Harbor (July 3rd)

Hanging out & people watching on the Church Street Marketplace

Sunsets and a cold drink at the Community Boathouse or anywhere along the waterfront

Concerts everywhere

Dinner at an outdoor cafe

Biking along the rec. path on Lake Champlain

Saturday Farmer's Market in City Hall Park on College Street

Watching Thunderstorms lumber across the lake from behind the Coast Guard Station

Take a lesson or rent a boat at the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center

PLEASE add your own favorites to this list by placing your comments here at Hurd's The Word. If you have questions about buying a home or property, please call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

Shelburne VT is a great livable town close to Burlington

2009-06-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

Elements of community differ amongst people.

Last week while attending the National Association of Realtors Green core curriculum course in Montpelier, the topic of “Smart Growth” was discussed. “Smart Growth” is the notion that a community has certain elements that contribute to its sustainability, resiliency and vitality. These elements include the following essential components as outlined by The Vermont Smart Growth Collaborative:

Maintaining the historic development pattern of compact village and urban centers separated by rural countryside,
Developing compact, mixed-use centers as a scale appropriate for the community and the region,
Enabling choice in modes of transportation,
Protecting the state’s important environmental, natural and historic feature, including natural areas, water quality, scenic resources and historic sites and districts,
Serving to strengthen agriculture and forest industries and minimizes conflicts of development with these industries,
Balancing growth and the availability of economic and efficient public utilities and services,
Supporting a diversity of viable businesses in downtowns and villages, including locally owned businesses,
Providing for housing that meets the needs of a diversity of social and income groups in each community.

Of course, these are the goals. The Gold Standard.

Armed with new sensitivites relating to Smart Growth and what comprises Green Homes, I have been mulling over communities that come close to meeting these criteria. It is quite the process I must say…

I have been taking a closer look at Shelburne Vermont in the days since my course last week and she seems to plug into the Smart Growth equation pretty darned well.

If I were to be actively considering a place to live, Shelburne Village would be VERY high on my A-list.

A budding local organization called Transition Towns (this organization originates from the UK) is taking root in Shelburne and in Charlotte among other Vermont cities and towns, nationally and globally.

This group’s centerpiece is the notion that “Peak Oil” has been achieved on our planet and the complexities confronting us by way of Global Warming/Climate Change compel us to re-think our patterns. We see current fuel prices creeping back up again. No new refineries coming on line in decades is a sign the oil industry isn'’t even willing to invest in itself. What does that tell you?

Transition seeks to build local resiliency at the town/neighborhood level. Its goal to strengthen community via an interconnected awareness and reality that we must transition to a new notion of community, sustainablity and resiliency in the face of exponentially growing challenges.

Of course, there are many elements to these assertions and it will be in our collective best interest to open constructive dialogue with a plenitude of diverse voices around these important matters. Start by reading Rob Hopkins book entitled “The Transition Handbook.” In his book, Hopkins lays out the challenges and solutions in a format that is virally spreading across the globe.

Ultimately, if you accept these notions, Transition Towns is all about dealing with these matters now before we’re forced to or before it’s too late.

“Smart Growth,” “Green Homes” and “Transition Towns” are part of an emerging new vocabulary leading us down a path of enormous opportunity and hope. I urge you to read the following link/article from the New York Times Magazine Earth Day Edition from last month about the Transition Towns Initiative.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Wordor go to my website at Charlotte Vermont Real Estate.

Being a Green Real Estate Agent Takes on a Whole New Meaning!

2009-06-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

Used to be if you were Green in anything, it meant you were completely lacking in experience. In 2009, that can mean very, very different things.

Last week, I took a major step forward towards “greening” my professional practice as a Realtor. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) very recently began offering a new designation. This designation, entitled “Green”, will aid Realtors who seek to understand what sustainable homes and communities look like. Terms like “Smart Growth” and features such as “walkability” become important when discussing options around sustainability. PV’s (photovoltaics) for net metering depending upon your utility and for hot water use, use of CFL’s or LED’s become integral parts of the new ”smart, green homes.” Understanding steps that can be taken to retrofit existing properties via home energy audits, thermal imaging, blower door tests and understanding Energy Star ratings go a long way towards making me a truly valuable resource for my clients.

The course began with these three words, “The New Paradigm.” Indeed, long overdue forces are conspiring to bring all of us to our collective knees.

Our historic economic collapse, rising fuel and heating costs because of dwindling supplies (peak oil), and unsustainable global issues surrounding warming & climate change & food distribution are opening up amazing opportunities. Opportunities whose time is now.

I believe Green Homes are the next major trend in home purchases and retrofits. Consumers are going to want and, in fact, demand these new features as a part of their home investment. And if a home doesn’t have energy saving features, it will lower the value and marketability of that home.

A new lexicon is unfolding. I am taking aim at understanding it, being a pivotal resource and bringing it to you.

Much, of course, is underway and there’s a whole lot more in the works. I am delighted to know that Vermont has some of the most stringent building standards when it comes to “Green Homes.”

Last Saturday, I was in a Green Home development of six homes in Hinesburg. Chuck Reiss, the builder, informed me that LEED certification came to Vermont to incorporate what Vermont had already been doing. In fact, Vermont’s standards now exceed LEEDs’. What is important to know is Vermont is in the forefront in this thinking and practice. Our walk exceeds the talk but we are not resting on our laurels. Reiss indicated that Vermont is “looking to further those standards as part of an on going process.” Yea for Vermont! The Green Mountain state. Who would have known how prophetic our state slogan would become…

I was one of 12 Realtors who attended the two day, first ever ”Green” core currliculum class last week in Montpelier being offered by NAR. One of the reasons I was so eager to take the course was it was being taught by one of the founding curriculum designers!

To my surprise, there were only 12 Realtors taking the class and seeking this new professional designation. That attendance figure represents 1% of Realtors statewide. This number will surely grow in the future. However, I am thrilled to be on the cutting edge 1% moving in this important direction now.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments
at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

Top 5 Reasons To Buy A Home In 2009

2009-05-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

Many people fell prey to the economy and lost their homes. This is a time when foreclosure has been inevitable for many but after all is said and done; this is actually one of the best times for those looking to purchase their own home. While this may seem like one of the worst times for home owners, this really is the time to get into the market if you are looking to buy a home. Below is a list of the top reasons to buy a home in 2009.

1. One of the top reasons to buy a home would be that it is so much more affordable then ever. If you are to take a look at how the prices have been going over the last few years, you will find that prices on homes that are for sale are at a record low. It seems that the fall of the economy has lowered the price of houses that are on the market. This makes buying a home, something that just about anyone can do.

2. You can get large discounts for having your home custom built. This is a huge plus as generally, building your own home can cost a small fortune. Builders are offering sizable discounts if you choose to have your home custom built. They key is to get yourself pre-approved for your home loan then find a good builder.

3. Tax credits are always a plus and if you can get one when your purchase your home then that is a huge plus. This holds true for those who have not owned their own home in at least the last 3 years. The IRS will allow you a tax credit up to $7,500. Keep in mind that you may have to pay the credit back at some point but this is something to consider when you are just making the purchase.

4. Lowest Interest rate can’t be beat. When you make the choice to buy a home you have to take into consideration the amount of the mortgage. You want to be sure that you are not in over your head and what better way to do that then with a record low interest rate. This will help ensure that you have a low monthly payment to keep up with rather then one that will strain your wallet.

5. You pretty much have your pick of the lot. There are so many homes available right now that you can afford to be choosey. There are plenty of homes in just about every neighborhood to take your pick from so do not settle. Take your time, look around and be sure to get what you want.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

First Time Home Buyers In and Around Burlington VT: It’s Time to Feel “Stimulated”

2009-02-23T12:20:00.000-08:00

This week an historic economic package proposed by President Obama and negotiated by Congress was signed into law. Piled high with provisions, there were several which impacted real estate and for this specific blog posting the target focus is the provision for first time home buyers.

Here it is:

***Housing help for for First Time Homebuyers such that they can get up to a tax credit of 10% of the value of their new home up to a maximum credit of $8,000 if they close by November 30, 2009. This credit does NOT have to be paid back if you own the home three years. It phases out for single taxpayers making over $75,000 and for married couples filing jointly making over $150,000 (adjusted gross income). First time homebuyers are defined as those who haven't owned a house for at least three years.***

This should be a great boost.

If you are looking to purchase a home, please contact me on my direct line 7 days a week at 802.238.5256. With inventories up, this is a great time to be looking for a home. I would be delighted to help you find just the right first home.

Post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

Charlotte Vermont to Shelburne Vermont: A Friendship That Matters…

2009-02-20T05:52:00.000-08:00

My 17 year old son wrote this essay about his dear friend, David. He read it aloud to my daughter and I after dinner a few nights ago and we were floored (okay I admit to bias here). We both loved it so much I decided to share it as a reminder as to the incredible, wonderful importance of friendship. Enjoy!

The Person I Know

I have never seen somebody so unhappy after waking up in the morning. Whether its two in the afternoon or at the crack of dawn, the expression is still the same, grief. He keeps his words to a minimum but his anger to a maximum. After hearing this description one would think this person is in depression, but in fact, he's one of my best friends. David Titus is one of the funniest kids I've ever met and continues to bring tears to my eyes with every joke that he tells. David is one of my best friends because of his sense of humor, his endless hours of video game playing, and his house.

One of the key components to a friendship is the ability to laugh with one another for hours on end. David has the knack of having perfect timing when it comes to jokes. On our way back from the Great Escape this summer we decided to put on Tupac in the car. After hearing a couple of his songs David announced a confession he had to make. "When I was a little kid, I used to think I was a part of Tupac's army, I thought I made a difference." Knowing David, this contributed to the absurdity of this comment because he is a white, hippy Vermonter who listens to nothing but Phish. His statement resulted in non-stop laughter and slight embarrassment on his part. Our unique ability to laugh at things that most people wouldn't find funny makes our friendship that much better.

This summer was full of fun, relaxation, and most of all endless nights of video games with David. Call of Duty 4 occupied our lives each and every night. With a headset microphone at our convenience, not only could we play video games online together, but also we could talk about the game at the same time. David is a kid who would be satisfied by playing video games for an entire day, without ever second-guessing his decision. He enjoys relaxing on his nice, black futon placed in his isolated attic, and plays for hours on end. There was a night when we began playing video games at 10 o'clock at night, and finished at 4 o'clock in the morning. This fact alone sums up David's love for video games.

David's residence is essentially a house version of him. It's a place often isolated, but at any moment, can be the center of all activity and entertainment. It's not a very complex house, but has all of the things that make you happy enough to stay around for a while. David resembles his house because often times he is satisfied with being secluded. He finds satisfaction out of spending time alone. However, at any moment he can burst out and do something so funny, multiple people can laugh at him, and all of a sudden he is the center of attention. David, like his house is a simple person as well. Some food, TV, and a guitar are really all he needs in order to live a blissful day. David's simplicity and mysteriousness are key components to how he lives his life, and why so many people find him fascinating.

David Titus is a kid who has the best sense of humor around, enjoys playing video games for hours on end, and has a brilliant house that resembles him. A quote by Frank Crane really sums up the friendship between David and I. "What is a friend? I will tell you...it is someone with whom you dare to be yourself." Because of all the attributes that make David who he is, it allows me to pass the time with someone who will improve my mood by the flick of the switch.

----------------

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Charlotte Vermont Real Estate.

Shelburne Vermont Annual Market Data & Trends for all of 2008

2009-02-08T08:11:00.001-08:00

Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for all of 2008, there were 73 single family residential and condominium units sold within Shelburne Vermont with a total sold volume of $29,251,083. These numbers represent a 7.35% INCREASE in the number of units sold from the same time period one year earlier (1/1/07-12/31/07). Divide this number by the units sold (73) and you get an average sale price of $400,700. These numbers represent a 25.15% reduction in the average sales price from the same time period one year earlier (1/1/07-12/31/07).

Average days on the market for all these 73 properties was 97 compared to 86 one year earlier or 12.79% longer on the market.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Shelburne Vermont Real Estate.

Charlotte Vermont Annual Market Data & Trends for all of 2008

2009-02-08T08:10:00.000-08:00

Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for all of 2008, there were 16 single family residential and condominium units sold within Charlotte Vermont with a total sold volume of $12,061,885. These numbers represent a 51.52% reduction in the number of units sold from the same time period one year earlier (1/1/07-12/31/07). Divide this number by the units sold (16) and you get an average sale price of $753,868. These numbers represent a 8.13% INCREASE in the average sales price from the same time period one year earlier (1/1/07-12/31/07).

Average days on the market for these 16 properties was 106 compared to 65 one year earlier or 63.08% longer on the market.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Charlotte Vermont Real Estate.

Burlington VT Annual Market Data & Trends for all of 2008

2009-02-08T08:09:00.000-08:00

Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for all of 2008, there were 219 single family residential and condominium units sold within Burlington Vermont with a total sold volume of $63,344,919. These numbers represent a 29.58% reduction in the number of units sold from the same time period one year earlier (1/1/07-12/31/07). Divide this number by the units sold (1332) and you get an average sale price of $289,246. These numbers represent a 5.49% INCREASE in the average sales price from the same time period one year earlier (1/1/07-12/31/07).

Average days on the market for all these 219 properties was 78 compared to 67 one year earlier or 16.42% longer on the market.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

Chittenden County Annual Market Data & Trends for 2008

2009-02-08T08:07:00.001-08:00

Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for all of 2008, there were 1332 single family residential and condominium units sold within all the towns which comprise Chittenden County in Vermont with a total listed volume of $373,414,987. These numbers represent a 23.39% reduction in the number of units sold from the same time period one year earlier (1/1/07-12/31/07). Divide this number by the units sold (1332) and you get an average sale price of $280,342. These numbers represent a 3.32% reduction in the average sales price from the same time period one year earlier (1/1/07-12/31/07).

Average days on the market for all these 1332 properties was 91 compared to 74 one year earlier or 22.97% longer on the market.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

Chittenden County Annual Market Data & Trends for 2008

2009-02-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

Average days on the market for all these 1332 properties was 91 compared to 74 one year earlier or 22.97% longer on the market.

Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

2009 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Comes to Burlington Vermont

2009-02-05T08:31:00.000-08:00

This Friday and Saturday night, February 6th and 7th, The Banff Mountain Film Festival's World Tour returns to Burlington, VT. Showtimes each night begin at 7pm and tickets are $12 and $10 with student ID. The event takes place at the University of Vermont's Ira Allen Chapel. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the SkiRack in Burlington at 802.658.3313 or at the door, if tickets are still available.

The Banff Film Festival World Tour
http://www.banffmountainfestivals.ca/tour/unitedstates/locations/newyork.asp

The World Tour brings a selection of the best films from the Banff Film Festival located in Banff, Canada, a stunningly beautiful mountain town in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The Banff World Tour generally offers about 30 films, including many of the Film Festivals Award Winners in a variety of subjects, styles, lengths and activities.

Having attended this event in previous years, I can promise this is a great night of fun, thrills, beauty and reverence of outdoor life.

Whether you're an experienced mountaineer, weekend warrior or couch potato adventurer, this event is for everyone. (I have brought my children when they were 7&8 years old and they loved it) Don't miss out on all the fun and excitement this weekend!

See you there!

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

A New Life for an Old Friend in Charlotte Vermont

2009-02-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

The Old Brick Store is being resurrected!

Charlotters can now rejoice at the current transformation of our cherished, historic store. New owners, Carrie MacKillop and Shannon Straight, encourage anyone to stop in to see all the goings on currently underway. The space is being opened up to maximize its natural beauty - the wood floors, the brick, the big windows.

The "new" Old Brick Store will be providing all the basic staples but they'll be offering products that are both conventional or organic and sustainable. The owners hope customers will want to be informed about their food sources and the degree to which their purchases can affect global and local economies. In essence, a store with a conscience.

In addition, the intent is not to be a gourmet grocery store, though there will be some more pricey items than at say our area grocery stores. Yet, the focus will be on simplicity. Fresh vegetables for a dinner salad, local beef, chicken or pork for dinner, fresh breads, a good wine selection, baking items. The intent is to have everything one needs to make dinner, bake cookies, make lunches, bring a meal over to share with friends well, you get the idea.

We can expect to find a full espresso bar, with latees, hot chocolate, chai and teas. Local Artisan coffees, an expanded and upgraded deli, a selection of prepared soups and meals, a penny candy counter and newspapers to include the New York Times once again when the store opens! How's all that sound? If that's not enough, pizza will be available beginning this Spring. Yea!

The owners want to encourage and provide a resource for local shoppers to remain close to Charlotte to find the goods they want and need.

The Old Brick Store is seeking community support as it approaches its mid-February Grand Opening. The new owners are building a "community supported enterprise" model to garner local affinity. Supporters can provide an investment of $500 to $1,000. Debit cards in the amount of the investment plus 10% are given back to each supporter. They can use their card for up to 10% each month of their original investment.The cards never expire and members never lose any of their balance, regardless of how long it takes to use up the card. The obvious intent here is to have local supporters actually use the store.

If you would like to become a supporter/member of the Old Brick Store or just to "pitch in", call 802.425.2421 or just stop in.

Good luck!

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Charlotte Vermont Real Estate.

Rediscovering Shelburne Farms in Shelburne Vermont

2009-01-31T06:26:00.000-08:00

Remember the feeling when you rediscover something or see it in a new way? Remember those feelings? Something is triggered deep within. I had such an experience last Sunday afternoon. I decided I needed fresh air and it had been some time since I had hiked the property at Shelburne Farms. Most the time, I journey to Lone Tree Hill for its unbelievable views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains to the west and Vermont's Green Mountains to the east. (Truth be known it's one of the very best places to see sunsets and moon rises. A full moon rise over the Farm Barn is a sight to behold.

Last Sunday was cold. A fair amount of biting wind to boot as I crossed the open meadows from the Visitor's Center en route to the Farm Barn and Loan Tree Hill. There were a few other like minded souls out and about exchanging warm, friendly smiles. Economy be damned I thought.

As I reached the granite bench atop Lone Tree Hill, the views simply compel one to sit and take stock. In what can be described as a pre-meditative euphoria, I absorbed the churning clouds weaving their way through the Adirondacks's lofty summits. The clouds were moving at such high speed from the north. A squall line was clearly visible with its accompanying wall of snow advancing across the lake.

I sat and marvelled at the beauty sprawling before me. (Now, this is my idea of sprawl I thought.)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Sheer, simple beauty.

I must have been there fifteen minutes or more. Reminiscing other visits here, to this very spot, within all seasons and weather...

I felt deeply moved in those moments.

I felt a rediscovery of Shelburne Farms for sure but I also felt a rediscovery of something far greater. A re-connecting with something within which periodically flickers or reverts to hibernation.

I could feel my body responding to the vigorous walk - a bit winded as I took my seat on the stone cold bench. My senses opened by the beauty of the landscapes on display in so many forms. The weather creating its own dynamic energy. All of this I could see, feel, hear, touch and taste.

As the cold from the bench permeated one end of me and the ever increasing winds buffeted another, I felt inspired to continue the journey down unexplored trails and warm up my chilled body. Descending the southwest corner of Lone Tree Hill into the woods, the wind ceased to gnaw. It grew rather quiet. My senses were realingning - once again. Ahhhh. This is good too I thought.

The trail opened up into a meadow with views of the west, the south and the north. Undulating landscapes bordered by trees and forest. What sorts of critters hid from my view I pondered...

Further west, I travelled into deeper snow the result of unused, unworn trails. Ohhhhh, I like this even more. I felt somewhat pioneering.

To my astonishment, the snow squall line seen from above had reached my body. A fiercesome wind and heavy snow stung my face. I shielded my cheeks and eyes from the pounding I was taking. But strangely, it felt good. The snow melting and drooling across my face.

Wow.

I came upon a building which turned out to be the backside of The Coach Barn, an angle I had never seen before. And there I could see Lake Champlain up close. I continued another one hundred and fifty yards to the lake's edge where high up on a cliff I could feel the frigid dampness enhanced by the combination of Mother Nature's forces. I wove my way between various trees, whose names I wish I'd known, for a closer look.

Ice flows hugging the shores, the howling wind, the grayness of it all, horizontal snow, waves crashing against rocks.

I stood there quietly. I was in love.

After five minutes or so, I continued on past the Inn, long closed up for the season. I remembered summer concerts on the lawns there, thunderstorm watching under the south facing portico, my dad's visits when he would splurge and stay as a guest...

Facing directly north now my cheeks tightened as I tacked into the wind.

Why on earth did this feel so good?

Walking along the access road, past the milking barn, up the hill into the woods, I felt I was living a Robert Frost poem.

Further up the hill and around a bend the Farm Barn came back into view. Frederick Law Olmstead got this place just right.

Still snowing furiously, I reached my blanketed car. While brushing her off, I contemplated. I contemplated it all.

And I thanked God for places like this.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Shelburne Vermont Real Estate.

Inward Toward Hearth and Home

2008-12-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

Deep into November, the only color found exists in the sky at dusk. Sunsets, this time of year, and sunrises for that matter too can be just sensational. But do we notice in our hurried, frenetic holiday modes???

This year we all have a lot on our minds...

An historic election now yields to an upcoming historic inauguration for all of us to rejoice and celebrate. Hopes our nation will discover her unfolding new identity, resolve to tackle our personal and at-large challenges with unrelenting determination. We share all this as we collectively focus inward.

For those of us in Vermont, we turn inward from the cold weather and further inward still toward the warmth of hearth and home and end of year holidays. Inward toward those we love and those for whom we are grateful. Inward toward those that touch our lives in meaningful, special ways. Inward toward grateful appreciation for what we have, for our lot in life.

I want to thank my children and my family for their love, laughter and support and for the continual spirit of renewal within those relationships. I want to thank my loyal friends for our shared laughter and good memories. For your devotion when my chips were down when I was ill last March. I want to thank my clients for their business, loyalty, and for referring me to those they love and trust me to take care of. I want to thank my body for incredibly mending itself when it was put to the test.

Thanks to the stars and the fireflies, the summer outdoor concerts, dancing with my daughter, goofing with my son, thunder and lightning storms from my front porch, the power of healing, the power of love, the power of touch and the beauty of mother nature all around us when we slow down just enough to connect to her.

The stock market is what it is and all the rest. But for now, it is good to try and keep it simple. It is good, no it is great, to be grateful for all I have, for I have much.

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving holiday! Travel safely. Love preparing meals with those that make you laugh and you care about. Be grateful. Lend your hands.

Peace!

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Charlotte Vermont Real Estate.

Vermont Housing Market to Fare Better than Region economists say

2008-11-20T12:14:00.000-08:00

"It's really not bad compared to what other states are experiencing. Vermont has had a different experience with the housing market and that's a good thing," so says Zachary Sears, a senior economist, at Economic & Policy Resources.

Housing prices in 2009 in Vermont are expected to drop 2.7% and remain flat in 2010. Although that may sound like good news, in fact it is when compared to our region (forecasted drop in New England of 6.7%) and to the the rest of the country (forecasted drop of 6.7%) as a whole.

In 2010, prices are expected to hold in Vermont while they are expected to drop again another 9.6% regionally and 6.4% nationally, forecasts Jeff Carr, president of Economy and Policy Resources, Inc. and an economic advisor to our governor. Mr. Carr is presenting this information to the New England Economic Partnership in Boston today.

The housing market here in Vermont is expected to begin its turn in 2010 while New England won't begin the turn until 2011.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Charlotte Vermont Real Estate.

How the Social Goals of Increasing Homeownership Caused the Mortgage Mess

2008-11-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

This article is reprinted with the written permission from the author. It was originally printed in the October 2008 edition of the NAPFA ADVISOR.

The Bush Administration, Congress and the U.S. Department of Commerce haven't been bragging about homeownership percentages in the U.S. for the past two years. They would prefer to have voters forget about the social goal of increasing homeownership that was regularly reported in the news for years. The rate was 66% in the second quarter of 1998 and rose to 69.2% in 2004, but it dropped back to 68 % in the second quarter of 2008. (Data comes from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, Housing Vacancies and Homeownership Report, Second Quarter 1998 and US Census Bureau News Second Quarter 2008 Report, July 24th, 2008.)

What's really interesting about the situation is that it could be argued that the social engineering experiment of putting a larger percentage of people into their own homes didn't even occur. The percentage of homeowners as reported by the Commerce Department is a misleading figure.

Homeownership are reported as the percentage of owners and renters in occupied housing units. This is not the same thing as a calculation that reflects the number of owners as compared to total housing units. The difference between the two measurements is substantial and it highlights the folly of the government-aided housing boom.

As of June 30th, 2008, there were 130 million housing units in the U.S. This number was boosted by rapid development in the last 10 years, as 12.5 million units were added in that period. Many of these units were built to meet surging demand caused by easy credit and low rates.

As of June 30th, 2008, only 111.2 million of those 130 million units were occupied. Breaking it down, 75.7 million were owner-occupied and 35.5 million were renter-occupied. That's roughly 68% or the number reported by the government to reflect homeownership.

However, with 18.6 million units vacant, the homeownership rate that reflects actual use of homes by homeowners is much lower. Only 58% of existing homes were being occupied by the actual owners (75.7 million occupants out of the 130 million homes). That is a more realistic number.

When looking at homeownership from this angle, some stark statistics emerge. For example, the number of units vacant has risen 33.8% over the last two years. In the year ending June 30th, 2008, the U.S. added 2.1 million in total housing units. Unfortunately, only 900,000 of the new units were occupied. This is hardly a model upon which to grow an economy.

The Securities and exchange Commission (SEC) and the investment industry's voluntary regulatory operation known as FINRA have responded to scandals in the mortgage industry. They have issued new, stringent rules requiring finger-printing and background checks. These measures should be lauded but the horse (protecting consumers) left the barn three years ago.

The SEC should have curbed the mortgage industry in 2005. But nobody wanted to stop the party. For the mortgage industry and real estate developers, money was rolling in. For banks, the lending was easy. And for the federal government - which is supposed to be watching out for the public - the goal of higher homeownership rates was apparently being met.

Over the last 10 years, some efforts were made to reign in the housing market before it busted. Fannie Mae and Freddie MAc, two of the biggest proponents of the housing boom, were challenged. But their lobbying efforts overwhelmed the opposition, even as Fannie and Freddie reported billions of dollars of false earnings claims.

Everyone applauds the social goal of putting more of our citizens in their own homes. It is a part of the American dream. But the push to increase homeowneship even a few percentage points helped create the mortgage mess we have now.

At this point, we don't need new regulations to correct the abuses in the mortgage and housing sectors because economic forces are correcting them for us. Mortgages being funded now require stellar credit and a substantial down payment.

In conclusion, millions of people have been harmed by the bubble and the entire U.S. economy has been put at risk. All of the current troubles are in response to a social goal of increasing the rate of homeownership that never really happened. Tens of thousands of people were talked into buying homes they realistcally had no economic business purchasing. Now, whatever wealth they had accumulated has been crushed and their credit and self-esteem have been damaged for many years.

All of us are paying for the excesses of a failed social policy that pushed those folks into temporary homeownership.

by J.Stephen Cowles, CFP is a NAPFA member in LaJolla, CA

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

Burlington Vermont is Healthiest City, says U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

2008-11-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

Burlington, VT is healthiest city.

By MIKE STOBBE - 2 days ago

What's the healthiest city in America? It appears to be Burlington, VT.

Vermont's largest city is tops among U.S. metropolitan areas by having the largest proportion of people - 92 percent - who say they are in good or great health.

It's also among the best in exercise and among the lowest in obesity, diabetes and other measures of ill health, according to a recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This New England city of 40,000, on the shores of Lake Champlain, is in some ways similar to the unhealthiest city - Huntington, W.Va. Both are out-of-the-way college towns with populations that are overwhelmingly white people of English, German or Irish ancestry.

But there the similarities end:

_Burlington is younger, with an average age of 37, compared to 40 in Huntington, according to the Census Bureau.

_Burlington is better off financially, with 8 percent living at the federal poverty level, compared to 19 percent in Huntington.

_It's much more educated, with nearly 40 percent of area residents having at least a college bachelor's degree. Only 15 percent in the Huntington area do.

The cultures are significantly different, too. Bicycling, hiking, skiing and other exercises are common in Burlington. Neighborhood groups commonly focus on improving parks, working in community gardens and repairing and improving sidewalks.

"There's this norm of a lot of activity," said Chris Finley, Vermont's deputy health commissioner, who works in Burlington.

And though college staples like pizza are common, healthier foods are also popular. Grass-fed beef is offered in finer restaurants, vegan options are plentiful, and the lone downtown supermarket is run by a co-op successful in selling bulk rice and other healthy choices to low-income residents.

Burlington is helped by the presence of IBM and other employers offering more generous health benefits and corporate wellness programs than companies in Huntington, some experts suggested.Copyright ©

Source: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1859507,00.html

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

First Snows Arrive!! (Charlotte, Vermont)

2008-11-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

It helps us adults feel like kids again when our children run into our bedrooms in the early morning light to tell you excitedly, "it's snowing hard outside!!!" There's something extra special about that when you live here in Vermont.

As I craned my neck to look out the window above my bed, I tried to gain the contrast of the background through my ocular fogginess to pick up the foreground flakiness. Scrolling in and out, I could indeed see snowflakes tumbling and flitting about. My daughter said, "Dad. It's really coming down out in front of the house!!" With a beaming smile, I vaulted out of bed and sprung to the stairs and looked out the front door panes, past the whitening front porch, down the front yard, out across the meadows into a backdrop that looked like a horizontal AND vertical cloud.

Winter is here.

If you place any stock in the Farmer's Almanac (and I do), then we're in for a cold and snowy one. It's a simple equation really. Vermont + Snow = Winter. Today's high temp supposed to be 31 degrees. Tonight lows of 14!

Yep. It's here alright and ahead of skedj.

Now, thoughts of snow tires (with studs this year) begin percolating along with ski passes, getting the parts needed for a$$%#@! whuppin' sledding (last year took its toll on the hardware), a warm fire to sit beside, hot chocolate with freshly made whipped cream, and preparing the outdoor hot tub all come to mind again (ahhhhhhh...).

And yeeeees (lest I give you an imbalanced perspective), so does shoveling. May even have to break down this year and have a guy plow my driveway instead of me dancing with my Toro. Maybe?! Haven't yet committed one way or the other. I still love that ole' girl though. Not sure if I want to give her up just yet.

Let's see...Christmas is coming. Definitely need an upgraded set of YakTraks for my boots. Gotta put that high on the list. That would be a great Christmas present! (that is if I can wait that long...) Time to break out the scarves and nuclear (have we all figured out how to pronounce this word yet) warm coats.

Moments ago, before I sat down to write, I stepped into my kitchen and was filled with sudden, spectacular joy! The east wall and a half of cabinets I replaced last summer with windows is flooding light all around. Even with today's cloudiness, the ambient reflection off newly fallen snow on the ground brightens the place up exponentially. It'll make mornings in the kitchen with the sunny view up Mount Philo a true blessing. I love that.

Hmmmmm. Here's a warm thought. Can I get to an island or a beach this winter??? Any beach!? Okay, okay I said it!!!!!! I said it!! Am I a traitor? Oh my! Please let me wistfully digress with this dreamy song...click the following link and crank it up. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciFesab7OYA (btw that was not MY blinking house just in case you were wondering...) Goodness! Back to reality!

YES, INDEED. She's here almost five weeks ahead of her official day.

Ready or not, here she comes...

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

Ry’s Sunset in Charlotte Vermont

2008-11-12T08:25:00.000-08:00

Four nights ago, while driving from Williston through Shelburne on my way home to Charlotte at dusk, I was blown away by a stunning, mad November sunset unfolding from north to south along the upper ridges of the Adirondack Mountains illuminating Lake Champlain in an other worldiness of color.

While craning my neck and driving perilously close to the edge of the road, I reached instinctively for my camera to capture these rare, intense moments. Jesus, I thought. It's not here. It's at home! Mon Dieu!!

Seconds later, my cell phone rang. It was my 17 year old son excitedly asking me if I could see the sunset and did I have my camera to snap some pictures. Dejectedly, I remarked, "I didn't" but I said, "call your sister. She's at home."

Hours later, I excitedly learned that he reached her and asked her to grab her camera and nail that sunset on film. Whereupon Ry calmly and warmly remarked, "not to worry, Will. I already took 15 shots."

God, I love my kids. The mere fact we saw what we saw and were connected at those same moments and were all so moved blows me away! We all appreciated nature's stunning display and the glory of the red sky that night taking time, care and love to reach out to one another so as to share that beauty. It doesn't get a whole lot better than that in my book!

The picture you see above is one of fifteen my daughter took on that evening. I emailed it to our town newspaper, The Charlotte News, earlier this morning. They, too, thought it was spectacular. In fact, my daughter will have her first published photograph in their upcoming edition. Cheers to you Ry!!! Love you!!

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

Summer of 2008 Storm Photographs of Lake Champlain in Charlotte Vermont

2008-08-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

What an amazing summer for storms! Sometimes 4 and 5 in a day. Some would come from across Lake Champlain from the west. Some from the south. Some from the northwest. The drama was spectacular as it unfolded from my porch beside Mount Philo State Park with its pastoral westerly views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Let's not forget the spectacular lightning display of a week ago. It even brought my teenage son with his three friends out from behind their video game, "Call of Duty", to witness the awesome power. How's that for jaded 16 year old boys?Record rainfall. Record lake levels. Thunderstorm watches and warnings it seemed everyday for a month. Our states' moniker, The Green Mountain State, earned its deserved reputation this summer. All the different greens reminded me of that great Johnny Cash tune, "40 Shades of Green." If you haven't heard it here you go. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0oTDS9ur_U

We are in the tail end of summer now. My daughter started high school today. Heavens. Onward we go.I'm hoping September and October are the longest stretch of Indian Summer weather in Vermont's history! And I'm betting there's another 650,000 people who would agree with me.If you have your own summer storm stories, please share them and post them here.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

UVM Parents Interested in Buying Investment Property in Burlington VT

2008-08-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year for mad purchasing for dorm rooms. The have to have's in what's hip in the latest clothing. Haircuts. The University Bookstore. Meeting so many new faces, getting settled and all the rest...

Burlington is a great location for purchasing an investment property for your son or daughter and recouping your investment when they graduate. I have worked with parents/families over the years to find just the right property.

Read this recent testimonial:

"My husband and I live out of state in Connecticut and our son attends the University of Vermont. During our first visit to Burlington Vermont, we fell in love with the area and decided it would be a good place to purchase an investment property. At that time, we knew basically nothing about the area and by sheer luck became connected to Chris Hurd when we Google searched for a realtor who could represent us. Chris was sensitive to our many concerns about purchasing and renting a property from out of state. He realized we needed to proceed cautiously. He quickly understood our wants and needs and found properties that we liked and would require very little maintenance. We did not have time to waste and Chris was very efficient and thorough. Chris is an extremely ethical and responsible person and my husband and I would highly recommend him as your realtor. We found Chris to be a genuine person who filled all our needs and requirements."

Stan & Nancy Mikrut - Southbury,

Read the following recent remark from the National Association of Realtors:

"VERMONT AT THE TOP OF SALES RECOVERY. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun reported last week at the Annual Leadership Summit in Chicago that Vermont is in the top ten states for sales recovery. "

I have lived in the Burlington area for over 29 years. Burlington Vermont is a great community. Full of cultural activities, shopping, great restaurants, nationally recognized educational institutions with all the qualities that only Vermont can offer set on the shores of lovely Lake Champlain.

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com with your inquiries about purchasing an investment property in this great city.

Post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.