Thursday, December 4, 2008

Inward Toward Hearth and Home

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.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Vermont Housing Market to Fare Better than Region economists say


"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.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

How the Social Goals of Increasing Homeownership Caused the Mortgage Mess

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.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Burlington Vermont is Healthiest City, says U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

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)


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.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Ry’s Sunset in Charlotte Vermont

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.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Summer of 2008 Storm Photographs of Lake Champlain in Charlotte Vermont

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.

Monday, August 25, 2008

UVM Parents Interested in Buying Investment Property in Burlington VT

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.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Open House This Sat (8/23) and Sun (8/24) in Williston Vermont 1-3 PM

Please click on the following link for information and directions to this great Williston 4 bedroom property listed at $479,000. http://chrishurd.topproducerwebsite.com/531MetcalfDrive.asp#

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.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Burlington VT Market Trends July 2008 Sold Data

Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for the month of July 2008, there were 16 single family residential units sold within Burlington Vermont with a total listed volume of $5,471,200. Divide this number by the units sold (16) and you get an average listed price of $341,950. Juxtapose this figure to the actual total sold volume of $5,122,960 then divide this number by the units sold (16) and you come up with an average sold price of $330,185. Are ya' having an ADD moment yet?

So, "what's up Chris?" you're asking. Well, here you are. These numbers produced a list-to-sell variance of $21,765.00 or (drum roll please) a 93.63% list to sell percentage. Average days on the market for these 16 properties was 94.25.

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.

National Median Sales Price Information Highlights Local Strength

Yesterday, I reported in this blog what price appreciation has been in the Burlington and South Burlington VT real estate markets.

Today, I am posting national median sales price information updated on 8/1/08 from the National Association of Realtors as reported by RealEstateABC.com

The National Median sales price for an existing single family home are down 6.07% from a year ago from across the USA.

This statistic when juxtaposed against yesterday's local real estate numbers reported in my blog highlight the staying power and strength of our local real estate market.

If you would like to add a comment, please do so by posting a comment here at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Burlington and South Burlington VT Real Estate Appreciation

As reported on MSN Money, information from sold and refinanced properties compiled from Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac as of May 22nd, 2008, report real estate appreciation in Burlington and South Burlington Vermont are as follows:

  • 1st Qtr = .97%
  • 1 Year = .56%
  • 5 Years = 51.11%
If you would like to add a comment, please do so by posting a comment here at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

L is G in VT

It’s as green as green gets now. The countryside, the bluish purplish mountains and lakes pull on our Irish heart strings. The fireflies have all but come and gone for another year. Oh, but what a year it was. Katrina-like rains of a week ago have wrung themselves out to beautious warm summer days we long for - that we looooooong for. Bright planets go unnamed in the night’s sky. Some red. Mars maybe? Big Dipper tipping to the north. Cassiopeia. They’re all there for another summer. Comforting like old friends on the front porch at night.

How can we turn our sights away from a national election? Our environmental mess? Gas prices? George Bush? His insane war? Our hearts weighted as our personal lists lengthen.

Hope and beauty, kindness and love are found in the most unusual places.

The berries at the Charlotte Berry Farm have been exquisite. Burlington’s July 4th waterfront fireworks were knockout - again. The Charlotte beach. Lazy middle aged hilarious tennis games. Laughter from our bellies. We’re walking more these days. Maybe polluting less. Three times up and around Mount Philo in two hours is a new record.

My girlfriend just extended her stay today instead of flying back to Minneapolis (she’s hopes to reclaim being down two sets in our week long tennis tourney). Now, we can share more of the beauty of our unfolding hearts. We can settle into our skins. We’re living in “bonus time land.” How nice is that? I’m trying to figure out if it’s my front porch that keeps her here with its sweeping views overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains to the west. Or is it the morning ritual for triple shot medium latees with 2% milk with a wave of vanilla? Dumpster diving at Tueday Morning? Project runs to Home Depot and Lowe’s. Fiddling with final touches from Spring’s kitchen renovation? Or maybe, it’s just me? Nah, it’s ALL of the above and below.

Summer in Vermont.

It’s amazing.

My dog is learning to BE A DOG. Less afraid of the cat. Less cowering. Chasing her squeaky toy until exhaustion and her tongue drag along the ground past her tail. Gaining new found confidence and self esteem. Jumping with her hind legs in mad chaotic atheltic scamper.

Went to Elton John. His first ever visit to Vermont. How can we ever forget his performance at the Fair Grounds? This wasn’t Ravinia. It was a fairground in Vermont.

Danced with my daughter to Michael Franti at the Shelburne Museum.

Attended a photography class with acclaimed regional photographer, Peter Miller, in the mountains of Stowe.

Hopes remain alive. Beauty and love are everywhere. This state is magical.

L is G (life is good).

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Blessings - Thanks to Fletcher Allen Health Care, My Family & My Friends

Please view this short poem by recently deceased and forever lovely Irish poet John O'Donohue

http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/john_odonahue/ss_beannacht/ss-beannacht.shtml

I just adore that poem! A beloved person sent it very recently to warm my heart. Thank you my sweet Pepper.

Can it only be six weeks ago?

Yes. Indeed, it was. Six weeks ago. St Patty's night, it was.

There have been other events that have changed my world. Altering it unabashedly. Crashing through all the nonsense. There was the birth of my two children. I can remember the next morning seeing the headlines of that morning's Burlington Free Press realizing the world had suddenly changed forevermore.

Little did I know six weeks ago, when I drove myself to the hospital in Burlington doubled over in agony I would be changed once again. That the earth, the moon and the stars and all my universe would be changed irrevocably. That my debris field left behind by my inner tornado would ever so slowly bring light and wisdom.

After dinner that Monday night, I felt poorly. I emailed a friend saying I was not going to be able to speak with them later on as I was just not up to it. I sat down to watch a little TV when a searing pain knifed through my lower right rib cage. My breathing shallowed so that I could only inhale about 25% of my normal intake. I was scared.

My thoughts raced and spun at 90 mph. Was I having a heart attack? Was it some weird flu? Why did it hurt so much? What the hell should I do? I kept asking over and over and over...What do I do under such stress all alone...

Okay. To bed I thought. I'll surely feel better in the morning after some sleep. After all, I had broken my left leg 4 weeks before this and I was tired. Crutching it up the stairs I hopped into my room and plopped on my bed. As I lay back, the pain became exponentially worse. My dog, Marley, and my cat, Gretzky, who'd followed close behind up the stairs as they do when I shut down the house each night looked at me and I could sense they asked, "What is the friggin' matter with you?" Marley attempted to jump on to my lap as she could sense my pain, my fears but it wasn't the right time for all that.

As I attempted to lift myself into a sitting position again, I moaned. I knew then nothing was right at that moment. Still what to do... I was alone. Noone was there. I am divorced. My kids weren't coming for a few more days still. Should I call someone? Naw. Don't want to intrude and what would I say?

With my cell phone in hand and 911 in the cue waiting for me to press the button should I pass out, I struggled on.

Thoughts of dying did come to mind then. Dear God I thought, "is this it?" Am I going to fall over tits up on my bedroom floor? Gone. So Suddenly?!

I thought of my two children. I thought of my animals and my family and friends. What is the matter with me? What is this pain? Go away!

In a brief moment of respite, I thought this is my chance. I crutched it to the top of the stairs and like Jack Nicholson in that hilarious stare UP the stairs from the beach in the movie "Something's Gotta Give" I too thought Jesus I don't think I can make that. It looked like an Escher drawing. That staircase went on and on to forever and a day.

Thank God I made it down not one but two flights to my car at the basement level.

In the car, clutching my side, with my face leaning against the side door window, I set out for the hospital in Burlington. I know crazy right? But I thought they'll release me at 3 AM. I'll need a ride home. Who on Earth could I wake in the middle of night like that? So, off I went with 911 in my hand.

As I slowly walked through the hospital doors I stated I was having trouble breathing. I'd oft heard that was the quick way in and it surely was.

After a CT scan, and a million other things the ER nurse explained I would be admitted to medical intensive care and that I should call a close family member and a local friend too. It didn't occur to me then why they asked me to do that. They were in essence saying you are in one helluva lot of do-do and you best notify someone in case you croak. It was that serious.

The ER nurse, kind woman that she was, explained that my lungs were filled with clots and that I had a 5″ pulmonary saddle embolism. All Greek to me of course. I just tried to keep my sense of humor in tact as they hooked me up to more and more intravenous gear.

Three weeks after my release, I had a follow up with hematology. They said that was the largest clot they had seen anyone survive. They showed me how all 5 areas of my lungs had been comprimised with many, many, many clots. They further explained that just one of them, just one, could have been a released and convicted killer.

Every medical person that spoke to me in the hospital and since has remarked I have many, many guardian angels. I lost my mother recently and I believe my Mum reached down with her hands and love and all her might and said NO! It is not HIS time. No. Not yet. He has more to do. More to learn. More love to give. And more love to receive. Not yet. No!

Thank you MOM! I know! I just know!

I could never thank ALL, I really mean it, EVERYONE at the Fletcher Allen Hospital from the most accomplished MICU doctor to the Muslim woman that swept my floor around my bed for all their kindness, care, professionalism, intelligence and love. It was ALL of that and much, much more that saved me.

To my unbelievably wonderful, loving, caring, children who saw their rock Dad bloodied by his battle but NOT willing to yield. It was scary. I know. The tears. The laughter. And so it goes...Thank you my sweet loves so so much!

And my friends. You visited. You rubbed my feet. You made me laugh. You came back again. You cared for my animals. I love you too.

And my extended family. You dropped everything without a blink. You charged up to check on me. To meet and follow up with my doctors. To help me out of the hospital. To cook and feed me. To love me. I love you too. Thank you so much for such unbridaled generosity of your time and spirit.

My cast is off now. Been about two weeks! Walking a mile and a half to 2 and a half a day. Hard to believe I could barely pull myself out of that hospital bed only weeks ago.

Here I am.

Off for a walk shortly. I will carry you all with me. Appreciatively. Lovingly. Passionately. With clarity. With Joy. With Beauty. With Great Blessings.

Love,

Christopher and Tig to you know who

Monday, March 17, 2008

Top Ten List of Things to do on Lake Champlain

A purely personal list subject to change (guaranteed!) of my favorite things to do on Lake Champlain throughout the year:

10. Ice skating,

9. North Beach in Burlington for the day and an evening cookout,

8. Taking any of the Lake Champlain Ferries to catch a sunset or watch the full moon rise or both,

7. Wish List item...Owning a home on Lake Champlain,

6. Jumping off the back of my boat yelling with joy on a hot day in the middle of Lake Champlain,

5. Renting a boat or taking sailing lessons at the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center in Burlington,

4. Going to Basin Harbor passing Cathedral Rocks by boat for dinner,

3. Watching summer storms advance out of the Adirondack Mts across the lake from behind the Coast Guard Station in Burlington,

2. July 4th festivities and fireworks over the Lake Champlain from Waterfront Park in Burlington,

1. Hanging out in my boat, reading a book or listening to the Red Sox, drifting along with no particular place to go.

If you would like to add a comment or add your favorite Top Ten list of favorite things to do on Lake Champlain, please do so by posting a comment here at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington VT Real Estate.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Top Ten List for Charlotte VT

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

10. Walking my dog up Mt Philo,

9. Swimming/Tennis/Sunsets at the Charlotte Vermont Beach,

8. Charlotte Land Trust/Open Spaces,,

7. Charlotte Central School,

6. Launching out of Point Bay Marina en routh to Basin Harbor or Whallon's Bay,

5. A "Charlotter", cup of coffee with half & half and sugar, and the newspaper hanging out on the
porch of The Old Brick Store,

4. Sledding down Mt Philo,

3. Views anytime atop Mt Philo,

2. Cycling Charlotte VT back roads,

1. Views from my front porch!

If you would like to add a comment or add your favorite Top Ten list, please do so by posting a comment here at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington VT Real Estate.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Top Ten List for Shelburne VT

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

10. Canoeing or kayaking on Shelburne Pond in summer or fall,

9. Dinner at Cafe Shelburne,

8. Kayaking the Laplatte River as the birds migrate home from the winter,

7. Launching out of Shelburne Bay,

6. Shelburne Market,

5. Dinner at Sauce Bistro,

4. Summer Concert Series at Shelburne Museum,

3. Hike to the top of Lone Tree Hill at Shelburne Farms,

2. Picnicking at the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Concerts at Shelburne Farms,

1. Picknicking at the Mozart Festival Concerts at Shelburne Farms.

If you would like to add a comment or add your favorite Top Ten list, please do so by posting a comment here at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington VT Real Estate.

Top Ten List for Burlington Vermont

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 at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington VT Real Estate.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Praise for the Charlotte Vermont Land Trust

Christmas has come early this year. I was rejoicing reading the Free Press this morning about the successful efforts of the Charlotte Land Trust to preserve 40 acres of open land west of Mount Philo, near State Park Road. A three year effort has paid off and I would like to express my deep gratitude to all who had a hand in making this preservation of important land a reality.

The Charlotte Land Trust recognized two main purposes for conserving this land. The first was for the property's prime agricultural value and the second was for preserving expansive westerly viewsheds from atop Mount Philo.

Who among us hasn't rejoiced in those spectacular views earned with only a short (30 min) hike to the top of Mount Philo to view the beauty of our Champlain Valley, Lake Champlain, The heart of the Adirondack Mountains, westerly sunsets that are superlative, walking with loved ones and our dogs, watching the bi-annual migration of Canadian Geese, Snow Geese, or Peregrine Falcons in jackknifed dive into the now preserved meadows in search of a meal.

Yes. It feels like Christmas Day allright!

Charlotte residents contribute to the conservation funds each year through 2 cents of the tax rate. This was authorized by the voters in 1996 and re-ratified again in 2006. Every ten years a revote must occur to reapprove the allocation of resources. In excess of a dozen properties have been conserved with help from this fund.

If you would like to make a contribution to the fund, you may do so by writing to the Charlotte Land Trust at P.O Box 43 Charlotte VT 05445. Their website is at present under construction at http://www.charlottelandtrust.org/

As always, if you would like to add your comments here at Hurd's The Word, please feel free to do so or go to my website at Burlington VT Real Estate.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Get Ready Burlington VT. Another Winter Storm Warning is upon us

I wasn't sure I'd have a dance partner for Valentine's Day this year but it looks like I do. She's going to be the same date as I had last year - My Toro Snow Blower!

Remember the stupendous Valentine's Day Blizzard of ‘07? Well, Mother Nature is cooking up the same sorta thing for this year. Perhaps not the ferocity and work that last year's date brung. But she'll be feisty nonetheless. Wind, 8-10 inches of snow expected and all the rest. She's always dressed up though in her red and black and she's noisy as all hell. I have to wear ear protection to stand it. Tempramental too! Last week, when we received another foot, she wouldn't bloody start. Pull after freakin' pull. Nothing. I was willing to pull my arm right out of its socket just to get her to start. But she just wouldn't. Shrugging my shoulders, I beckoned for my #2 dance partner, my son, for our periodic two hour Shovel and Snow Scoop Shuffle to the road. He is much quieter and funnier and not quite as smelly frankly. We always have our share of grunts, groans and laughs with each back breaking scoop.

After December's onslaught, January gave us a bit of a reprieve but the heavy snow months of February and March are upon us and staying true to form.

With all that to look forward to in the next couple days, there's something about that lovely refrain, "Winter Storm Warning." It's music to my ears really. I love storms. The weather binds us all. We love to talk about it. Watch it. Curse it. Marvel at it. Read about it. We help our neighbors. Stranded motorists. Wave at our town snowplow guys. Her fury and awesome power humbles. Indescriminate. She reminds me often who really is in charge here. I like that.

Truth be told, she's wearing me out though. I seem to be thinking of excuses to visit my sister in Sarasota more and more. Hoping she completed the guest room by now. Hmmmmmmm. I think

I better call her. Check in.

Well. Gotta go get some gas and oil and try to remember the right mixture. She's temperamental that way you know.

Please contribute any snowstorm stories by posting a comment here at Hurd's The Word or by going to my website at Burlington VT Real Estate.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Hey Burlington Vermont. What the Fed Cut Means To Your Mortgage?

An article by CNBC described it this way.

"On days like this, I think it's important to go back to the ol' mortgage primer and figure out exactly what all this news means to you, to your mortgage, to your home equity line and to your home's financial future. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the 30 year fixed is not tied to short-term treasuries.

Fixed mortgage rates are tied to long-term bond yields that move based on the outlook for the economy and inflation. And guess what? The long-term outlook for the economy isn't exactly rosy right now.

This week's rate cut does affect short-term adjustable rate mortgages, but not really as much as you might think. Why? Because this rate cut was already priced into the market, maybe not three quarter's point, but definitely a half-point. So, if you are facing a reset on your ARM, you're in much better shape today than you were just six months ago.

So does this cut stem the foreclosure crisis? Maybe a bit on the margins but not really, and here's why: the folks facing foreclosure because they can't make their monthly payments have no equity in their homes and no money to put down on a refinance.

While rates might be lower, this is a market where lenders and investors are much more aware of risk and will gravitate toward borrowers that represent less risk. So many folks will still find themselves in trouble. For people who are having trouble paying the initial rate on the loan, forget it. No help there.

As for those looking to buy a home, that is, get a new mortgage, while ARM rates may be lower, the mortgage landscape is still far far different tundra than it was just a year ago. You can't do a stated income loan anymore, and you can't do 100% financing. Tighter standards don't change with a rate cut.

And I want to add my two cents here about a home equity line of credit. Yes, the rates are lower now, but I really don't think that means we should all start using our homes as ATM's again, which is what got us all in trouble in the first place. This is a time to pay off debt, not to gather more. The housing market is still in trouble.

The statement from the Federal Reserve this morning: "incoming information indicates a deepening of the housing contraction as well as some softening in labor markets." We all know the price correction in housing is still underway with home prices across the nation (yes, I know, some markets worse than others) expected to fall further, so this is no time to put your home in more hoc. Just my two cents, which I'm putting in the bank as we speak."

If you are a cash buyer, now is a great time to be actively buying. As they say, cash is king!
In addition, if you seek a mortgage to buy a house and have impeccable credit, Life Is Good for you.

Please post any comments here at Hurd's The Word or refer to my website at: Burlington VT Real Estate

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Full Moon Over Burlington Vermont

We have a glorious full moon upcoming on Tuesday, January 22nd. I celebrate such events. It's quite possible my love of full moons began while as a young child being read Goodnight Moon by my mother over and over night after night. That reassuring story and the gentle melody of my mum's voice comforted me to sleep as I found my sweet spot amidst the tangle of my sheets and cozy Hudson's Bay blankets. Years later, I, as have many of us, read this same classic story to my/our children.

In a newer book, On The Day You Were Born, it's author Debra Frasier pays loving homage to the moon as if it were a present to look forward to each and every month all our lives. She writes, "On the day you were born the quiet Moon glowed and offered to bring a full, bright face, each month, to your windowsill...". When clouds hide my dear friend from time to time (it's inevitable), it only makes my heart yearn for the next one all the more.

I've been giving precious thought about how to celebrate January's soon full moon...

Several Januarys ago, a friend and I hiked up Camel's Hump on a cloudless night. The wind lay still. As we ascended from the Huntington trailhead, my heart quickened its paces. Warmth radiated to the tips of my fingers and toes in the twenty degree below zero air. Snow on the trail and in the woods reflected the sun's light from the face of the moon illuminating everything. As our eyes became accustomed to the unfolding scene around us greater and greater details were discovered. Shadows of tree branches crisscrossed the worn, snowy trail. I was floored by how much I could see on that night. I think I read somewhere it takes 30 minutes or something like that for our eyes to adjust to the night away from all artificial lights. As time passed, I thought, my, oh my, I could read a book in this light. Such beauty!

We stopped along the trail several times to drink water and savor our steaming hot chocolate from my treasured thermos and just "be". We passed ‘nary a soul on this night. Where was everyone I thought? Could we count ourselves amongst the very privileged few to be witnessing such beauty? Skyward we went. The trail sharpened its angle. More layers were peeled and stored in our packs. I was in a silk weight T shirt and yet somehow I was warm.

The Stillness. The Solitude. That ethereal light. But the best was yet to come...

At tree line, I replaced my damp "T" shirt and put on my driest fleece and layered up as we reached for the summit. When we broke free of the gnarled krumholz, joy leapt from my heart as a most stunning sight sprawled out beyond my feet. The lighting was other worldly. Like a negative of an old black and white photograph from Snowflake Bentley's collection. There we were perched on the upper reaches of the spine of the Green Mountains. To my right, I could see clear down to Mount Mansfield and well beyond. I rubbed my eyes testing myself and my wits for what my mind interpreted. I hadn't seen such a sight in Vermont ever before. Everything was so crystal clear. Straight ahead of us lie Vermont's Champlain Valley with all her teensy twinkling lights with people cozy in their homes. I blew kisses and loving thoughts to my children asleep in their beds in Burlington and I thought how lucky I was that my body could bring me to this spot, to this moment in time.

I want to see that light again...

Today, I'm hoping and praying for clear skies this Tuesday night as thoughts near of packing my pack.

Please share your full moon stories by posting a comment here on Hurd's The Word or go to my website at: Burlington VT Real Estate

Goodnight Moon.

Monday, January 7, 2008

The Mother of All Sledding Hills - Charlotte VT

Can we possibly be any luckier than we are?

Living in the shadow of mighty Mount Philo, we don't even have to get into our car to reach the mother of all sledding hills.

For those of you looking for the best sledding on the planet, look no further! When our glorious state park, which has won awards as Vermont's best in past years, closes its gate after the last leaves have fallen, those in the know start getting really, really itchy. There's a buzz in our house.

Questions begin their annual percolation. Past year's memorable runs generate laughter and anticipation... Will we have a great snowy year? When will it snow? Remember last year, when I passed you like you were standing still? How 'bout the air off the crazy jump? When can we

SCREAM on our first run of the season down the closed road?

God Almighty, that first run of the year is always premo!!!

EVERYTHING about this run tops the classic category. About a mile of uninterrupted bombing down on your tummy, knees, or your bum. 2 hairpins, two steep sections (one on the upper third and the second on the lower third), sensational views on the walk up, on top and at the bottom when you roll off your sled in utter ecstatic hysteria!

To get it better than this you'd have to take the 1 mile bobsled at The Olympic Center in Lake Placid for over a hundred bucks and sign a slew of liability waivers.

Hey. On Mount Philo, it's ALL FREE.

The range of sleds is vast. Mad River Rockets, Hammerheads (our choice!), Trays, and all sorts of crazy derivations in between. Anything fit to get you down, in mostly one piece.

All this thinking, writing and describing has me cooked up in a frenzy.

Look.

I gotta go. Gonna grab my son and daughter and have today's death slalom duel.

If you hear us yelling, kindly get out of our way

If you have any great sledding stories on Mount Philo to share, please post a comment here at Hurd's The Word or if you know of any great hills absolutely post them here!

Chittenden County Annual Closed Sales Data for 2007

Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for the year of 2007, there were 1,678 residential, townhouse/condo and land units sold within all towns in Chittenden County with a total listed volume of $499,610,659. Divide this number by the units sold (1,678) and you get an average listed price of $297,742. Juxtapose this figure to the actual total sold volume of $486,985,952 then divide this number by the units sold (1,678) and you come up with an average sold price of $290,218. Are ya' having an ADD moment yet?

So, "what's up Chris?" you're asking. Well, here you are. These numbers produced a list-to-sell variance of $7,524 or (drum roll please) a 97.5% list to sell percentage. Average days on the
market for these 1,678 properties was 82.

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.

Towns included in these single family residential figures for all of Chittenden County: Bolton, Buels Gore, Burlington, Charlotte, Colchester, Essex Junction, Essex, Hinesburg, Huntington, Jericho Village, Jericho, Milton, Richmond, Shelburne, South Burlington, St George, Underhill, Westoford, Williston and Winooski Vermont.

Burlington Vermont Market Trends Dec. 2007

Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for the month of November 2007, there were 14 residential units sold within Burlington Vermont with a total listed volume of $3,764,279. Divide this number by the units sold (14) and you get an average listed price of $268,877. Juxtapose this figure to the actual total sold volume of $3,650,800 then divide this number by the units sold (14) and you come up with an average sold price of $260,771. Are ya' having an ADD moment yet?

So, "what's up Chris?" you're asking. Well, here you are. These numbers produced a list-to-sell variance of $8,106.00 or (drum roll please) a 96.98% list to sell percentage. Average days on the market for these 14 properties was 79.36.

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 in Burlington Vermont only.

Chittenden County Market Trends Dec. 2007

Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for the month of December 2007, there were 109 total units sold within all towns in Chittenden County with a total listed volume of $35,610,105. Divide this number by the units sold (109) and you get an average listed price of $326,698. Juxtapose this figure to the actual total sold volume of $34,461,310 then divide this number by the units sold (109) and you come up with an average sold price of $316,159. Are ya' having an ADD moment yet?

So, "what's up Chris?" you're asking. Well, here you are. These numbers produced a list-to-sell variance of $10,539 or (drum roll please) a 96.8% list to sell percentage. Average days on the market for these 109 properties was 74.

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.

Towns included in these single family residential, townhouse/condo and land figures for all of Chittenden County: Bolton, Buels Gore, Burlington, Charlotte, Colchester, Essex Junction, Essex, Hinesburg, Huntington, Jericho Village, Jericho, Milton, Richmond, Shelburne, South Burlington, St George, Underhill, Westoford, Williston and Winooski Vermont.

Stowe Vermont Market Trends Dec. 2007

Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for the month of December 2007, there were 5 residential units sold within the town of Stowe Vermont with a total listed volume of $4,888,000. Divide this number by the units sold (5) and you get an average listed sold price of $977,600. Juxtapose this figure to the actual total sold volume of $4,444,000 then divide this number by the units sold (5) and you come up with an average sold price of $888,800. Are ya' having an ADD moment yet?

So, "what's up Chris?" you're asking. Well, here you are. These numbers produced a list-to-sell variance of $444,000 or (drum roll please) a 90.91% list to sell percentage. Average days on the market for these 5 properties was 238.

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.

Towns included in these single family residential figures are for Stowe Vermont only as of the date of this entry.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

The Driveway From Hell

Let's face it. My driveway in Charlotte Vermont was not designed by the Army Corps of Engineers (hmmmm or maybe it WAS...). Winter poses its challenges turning fancy schmancy SUV's into helpless sleds. In my third winter, I've learned a few tricks. But last night, our driveway claimed her first casualty of the ‘07-'08 campaign.

I've known since winter one I must clear the driveway of snow early each morning in the hopes of catching the late day sun's warmth from our western exposure. Works like a charm really. When mother nature cooperates, that is.

Goes like this. Snowblow driveway. Sun melts snow. Spotless driveway! Simple. That's nice! Seems easy. Right?

It's not @#%$!!*&*^%#@!!!.

We lost our first head to head battle last night.

What seemed an innocuous snowfall of 2 wet inches the night before, I mistakenly cleared the driveway by 14:00. Gambled the sun would do my work for me. But by 13:00 (using military nomenclature seems called for here), I could see progress was not being made. Cloud cover and temps just below the freezing mark were foiling The Master Plan. I realized I had to get out there and in a hurry as my son was breaking in our new rec room with hordes of friends later that evening. That meant cars coming over. Big heavy cars that slide fast. Arrrggggggggggh.

Clouds in the western sky cast an ominous pall preventing the necessary drying. My laissez-faire ‘tude was lookin' mighty lame.

As night fell, all was quiet outside. Inside, amidst the din of my son's friends urging on the Patriots, My friend, Jeff, visiting from Fairfax - that's Fairfax Vermont - decided to head home. There was still 5 mins. on the clock so we said hurried goodbyes.

Suddenly, he reappeared looking grim. As he told it, he descended the blocktop. Realized he was in helpless, unstoppable decline down our slippery slope. You know that feeling. You do. Touch the brakes and they're worthless. Antilock, anti skid, four wheel this, Haakapelita's that.

Fagedaboudit!!!

As he slid off the right shoulder accelerating headed toward the perilous dog leg to the left (a notorious graveyard site for many a snazzy car last winter), Jeff realized he was hopelessly aimed dead on the Bullseye of my sleeping Bug convertible quietly parked for the winter at her resting spot at mid driveway at the landing. Pulsing his brakes. Nothing. We all know the sweaty palms feeling and panic that grips us in such moments...

In what must've seemed like an eternity to Jeff , his gas guzzling behemoth SUV stopped in its jack-knifed position within a few feet of the still sleeping and as yet unscathed Bug.

We dug him out as we've done for so many others. (Please let's not recount last year's calamitous Valentine's Day Blizzard driveway carnage AGAIN. Three cars including one state trooper who wishes she had gotten her address right and one tractor plus one of our cars jammed in at the bottom of the driveway.) Last year's names read like a veritable who's who. Jeff, Allie, Celia, Chris, Sam, the Statey (never got her name or her dogs'), and another Chris. And there were others for sure the names escaping me. You know who you are.

I need to adjust strategy now. Another fine tuning is in order. Jeff suggested laughing as he whisked away..."how 'bout a 50 gallon drum filled with sand."

Hey good news. The sun's out at 9:51. We'll be able to get out of here shortly.

In the meantime, I think I'll go out the door and have a slide down the driveway on my boots, Just For Kicks!, before this latest installment melts into memory. I love that magnet on my fridge door which says, "Barn burnt down. Now, I can see the moon."

Stay tuned. Winter's just getting started...

Update...Bulletin...Breaking News!!!

It didn't take long...

01/01.08 4:30 pm - Sixteen and a half hours into the ‘08, Tracy T pulled a spectacular Starsky & Hutch move just above the dog leg left. 4 people shovelling like mad and some crafty driving and his SUV was free at last from The Driveway of No Mercy!