Monday, February 23, 2009

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

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.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Charlotte Vermont to Shelburne Vermont: A Friendship That Matters…

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.

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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.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Shelburne Vermont Annual Market Data & Trends for all of 2008

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.

(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 Annual Market Data & Trends for all of 2008

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.

(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.)

Burlington VT Annual Market Data & Trends for all of 2008

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.

(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.)

Chittenden County Annual Market Data & Trends for 2008

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.

(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.)

Chittenden County Annual Market Data & Trends for 2008

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.

(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.)

Thursday, February 5, 2009

2009 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Comes to Burlington Vermont

Banff Mountain Film Festival at UVM Ira Allen Chapel

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.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

A New Life for an Old Friend in Charlotte Vermont

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.