Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Featured Listing – 3225 North Avenue, Burlington, VT 05408 (MLS # 4178878)

70 feet of direct Burlington Lakefront!
3225 North Avenue, Burlington, VT 05408 (MLS # 4178878)
$575,000
More information for this property:
3225 North Avenue, Burlington, VT 05408
Type House
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2 full
Square Footage 1,975 sq ft
Lot Size 17,859 sq ft
Year Built 2003
Taxes $5998.80
MLS# 4178878
Description 70 feet of direct Lakefront! 2000 square foot home built in 2003 featuring open floor plan and views of lake from almost all rooms. Granite counters in kitchen, large deck leading to spacious yard and large master suite with deck make this home a must see.


More information for this property:
3225 North Avenue, Burlington, VT 05408
Call Chris at 802.238.5256 for inquiries. Visit us at: chrishurdvt.com
Chris Hurd - Burlington VT Real Estate

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Day Dreaming Of The Lake Champlain Bikeways Route

Burlington VT
It's snowing outside my window right now as I yearn for warmer weather and longer days...
Lake Champlain
I was daydreaming my love for cycling and the days when I was in such great shape propelled in large part by strong legs, lungs and heart. In recent years, something happened along that route that took me out of the proverbial saddle. Now that my kids are off to college and I re-evaluate my "me" time, it feels that an old friend is going to come back into my life again.
You see I LOVE riding bikes. I do. It is one of the activities I seriously enjoy. Mountain, touring, racing, tandem-ing, "latee-ing", being silly, wind in the face, errand-ing, jumping cracks in the sidewalk all of it brings me joy! Great for my health, fun seeing near and far way places, taking one's time, speeding things up, no gas, insurance and costly maintenance bills. Hell, I can actually handle much of my own maintenance for a guy who's far from being a do-it-yourself-er.
Vermont is such a great place to ride and Burlington has made great strides to continue improving upon her bicycle friendliness over the 34 years I've lived here. Inter-connected bike and recreation paths between towns has opened up all sorts of possibilities for travel incorporating bicycling into the fabric of daily life. I like this within our communities.
A few local organizations offer various ways to increase and support our love for bikes. Here are just a few:
So many people from outside Vermont look inside Vermont as a mecca for cycling and they're right. I live minutes from a bike path here in South Burlington and fully intend to consciously start using my bike more and my car less for all sorts of great reasons.
bike vt
I'm going to set a goal for the warmer months ahead too. I'd like to ride the Lake Champlain Bikeways route. This circumnavigation of Lake Champlain takes into account Vermont and New York. Meadows, farms, sleepy lanes, bridges, rivers, blooming flowers, and yes a few hills here and there but a few downhills here and there too and funky towns and people all along the way. It's been on my mind for several years now and I've managed to let it slip between my fingers. Until now!
So, I'm setting a goal to ride the entire 363 mile route this summer! I feel good already just knowing, believing and feeling my joy within. The pace will sometimes be fast, sometimes slow depending. But always at just the right pace, whatever that may be. I'd even accept a few intrepid souls to join me. Any takers? Just call or email me via my contact information that follows, so we can discuss.
If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or other property in and around Burlington Vermont, please give me a call at 802.238.5256, visit my website or reach me by email at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com to discuss the market and your options. 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.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

How To Measure A Car-Lite Lifestyle: Try Walkscore!

Burlington Vermont
WalkScore
For those of you looking to lighten your carbon footprint upon Mother Earth and have some fun along the way, WalkScore might just be the helpful tool you've been looking for.

Essentially, WalkScore is an algorithm enabling homeowners, would-be homeowners, renters, planners and researchers a methodology measuring the walkability of a particular address/location. It is a patent pending system awarding points based upon the distance to amenities in numerous categories we would include as necessary in our daily lives. It offers a way to gauge how living in a given location can reduce our use of cars and increase and enhance our ability to walk or bike instead. The results, of course, contribute to our reducing emissions from our automobiles into the atmosphere. Better health from increased exercise. Reductions in stress levels. And the joys of being outside in your neighborhoods getting to know neighbors you've been zipping past in your cars and feeling those intangible, touchy feely things about where we choose to live.

For some, WalkScore won't be of much interest. However, the great re-migration back to our city and economic centers is on in a BIG WAY. Walkscore provides a simple and fun way to see how certain locations "rate" in terms of their ease and accessibility propelled by foot power.

In the lefthand side bar of my homepage of this website (scroll down the page just a bit), you can utilize my WalkScore widget to see how your current address rates and, if you are considering a move in your near future, the widget will help you in finding a great location to meet your needs in this regard.
Every Property Search on my website automatically provides a WalkScore rating within the details of each listing/property. How 'bout that!

In the Burlington area, try focussing upon the following towns to give you greater traction with broader WalkScore reach: Burlington, South Burlington, Shelburne, Richmond, Essex Junction, Winooski, Bristol, Vergennes, Montpelier, Middlebury, & Stowe to name a few...

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

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or other property in Stowe 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

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

Why Use a Buyer's Agent When Buying Vermont Real Estate in 2013?

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 Now Unified, Statewide 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, 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 Achieves #1 Ranking as Healthiest State in the Country (Again!)

The United Health Foundation's (UHF) ranking of each state's overall health based upon a detailed accumulation of factors and risks has named Vermont as the #1 healthiest state in the country for 2012. Vermont achieves the top ranking four years running having earned the honor in 2011, 2010, 2009. Vermont's Governor, Peter Shumlin said at a recent press conference in the state capital "We are doing well compared to the other 49 states, but we are not doing well enough."

IMG_0135

The rankings derived from 15 different “determinants” and eight different “outcomes” that United Health Foundation takes into account. Determinants include people’s behavior (the percent of people who smoke, for example), environmental factors (such as violent crime rate), policies (such as the rate of health insurance coverage), and clinical care factors (for instance, the number of preventable hospitalizations). Outcomes include cancer deaths, infant mortality rates, cardiovascular deaths, and the percent of the adult population with diabetes, among others.

The study found that relative to the rest of the nation, Vermont has a very low percentage of people leading sedentary lifestyles, a high rate of health insurance coverage, low rates of infectious diseases, and a low rate of low birth weights.
A detailed analysis from the UHF can be found here.

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or other property in and around Burlington VT, 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 by email at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

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

Burlington Vermont Gets Its Own Sweeeeet Mobile App!

Burlington VT
How sweet it is! Thank you Seven Days! Thank you Route 802! Thank you!!
burlapp-web
It only made sense that sooner or later Burlington would get an app, all its own, for our mobile devices allowing on the fly access to ALL the AMAZING offerings we have going on in our area. Locals in the know reach weekly for the local rag called Seven Days (e.g. The Boston Phoenix or The Village Voice) with yellow highlighter in hand to organize things to do in and around Burlington Vermont. Without this resource, so much would otherwise slip through our "things to do and know about" fingers.
Well, this task just got a whole lot easier.
Seven Days and Route 802 teamed up to produce a mobile app so that we can access a whole big bunch of info on the fly! Right on boys and girls!! The whole "ya can't get thaya from heya" just got a whole lot easier :)
For those new to the area or visiting, or diehard locals, go to Itunes to search for BurlApp and download the free app to your IPhone or iPad (Android support is coming so hold tight if you're a 'Droidy).
There are two main content tabs: "City Life" and "News/Life". Under the umbrella of these two areas, there are literally hundreds of listings to check out. The designers put good forethought into design simplicity. Sub categories include: Arts & Entertainment, Food and Drink, Shopping, Lodging, Attractions, Services, Transportation, Sports & Recreation. There's even a spot to create your own "Itinerary".
There's also practical stuff too. Jobs, apartments have a presence so there's a lot to be happy about here.
For a launch and first to the line, the designers did a GREAT job. Simplicity, Style, Functionality. It's all there!
Is there room for improvement? Is anything missing? My answer is an unequivocal "Yes!". I've already written customer support asking that a local review section be added and that the, super popular, Seven Days Annual Daisy Award Winners also be added. Yeah, I'm being greedy here but hey let's make this baby a local standout!!!!
For more information, go to BurlApp's website. But take my advice, download this little gem to your IPhone now.
If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or other property in and around Burlington Vermont, please give me a call at 802.238.5256, visit my website: www.chrishurdvt.com or reach me by email at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com to discuss the market and your options. 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.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Stowe Vermont Annual Real Estate Market Data and Trends from 2012

IMG_0413
Stowe Vermont Year End Data 2012


Based upon information provided by the Northern New England Real Estate Network (NNEREN) for all of 2012, there were 112 single family residential and condominium units sold within Stowe Vermont with a total sold volume of $50,304,279. Compare that number to a total of 97 single family residential and condominium units sold in 2011 with a total sold volume at $53,701,020. These numbers indicate an increase in the actual number of sales from 97 to 112 from 2011 to 2012 (an increase of 15.46%) and a decrease in total sold volume of -6.32%. The average sale price was down in 2012. In 2012, the average sale price of a home in Stowe VT was $449,145.35 down from $553,618.76 in 2011 a decrease of -18.87%.

Average days on the market  in 2012 was 331 compared to 269 in 2011 or an average increase of 22.74%.

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

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or other property in Stowe 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

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

(These figures include sold numbers for single family residential and condominium only in Stowe VT only. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed by the Northern New England Real Estate Network (NNEREN which supplies these figures.)

Chittenden County Vermont Annual Real Estate Market Data and Trends from 2012

IMG_0055
Chittenden County Vermont Year End Data 2012


Based upon information provided by the Northern New England Real Estate Network (NNEREN) for all of 2012, there were 1,604 single family residential and condominium units sold within Chittenden County Vermont (the towns comprising Chittenden County Vermont include these towns: Bolton, Buels Gore, Burlington, Charlotte, Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, Hinesburg, Huntington, Jericho, Milton, Richmond, Shelburne, South Burlington, St George, Underhill, Westford, Williston, Winooski) with a total sold volume of $454,916,899. Compare that number to a total of 1,342 single family residential and condominium units sold in 2011 with a total sold volume at $375,695,790. These numbers indicate an increase in the actual number of sales from 1,342 to 1,604 from 2011 to 2012 (an increase of 19.42%) and an increase in total sold volume of 21.08%. The average sale price was up in 2012. In 2012, the average sale price of a home in Chittenden County VT was $283,614.03 up from $279,952.15 in 2011 an increase of 1.30%.

Average days on the market  in 2012 was 101 compared to 99 in 2011 or an average increase of 1.39%.

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

If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or other property in Chittenden County 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 by email at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

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

(These figures include sold numbers for single family residential and condominium only in Chittenden County Vermont only. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed by the Northern New England Real Estate Network (NNEREN) which supplies these figures.)

Burlington Vermont Annual Real Estate Market Data and Trends from 2012

IMG_0593Burlington Vermont Year End Data 2012
Based upon information provided by the Northern New England Real Estate Network (NNEREN) for all of 2012, there were 298 single family residential and condominium units sold within Burlington Vermont with a total sold volume of $87,286,774.00 Compare that number to a total of 210 single family residential and condominium units sold in 2011 with a total sold volume at $57,414,416.00 These numbers indicate an increase in the actual number of sales from 210 to 298 from 2011 to 2012 (an increase of 41.90%) and an increase in total sold volume of 52.02%. The average sale price was up in 2012. In 2012, the average sale price of a home in Burlington was $292,908.64 up from $273,401.98 an increase of 7.13%.
Average days on the market  in 2012 was 75 compared to 86 in 2011 or an average decrease of -13.33%.
Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.
If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or other property in Burlington VT, 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 by email at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com
As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments on Hurd’s The Word.
(These figures include sold numbers for single family residential and condominium only in Burlington, VT only. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed by the Northern New England Real Estate Network (NNEREN which supplies these figures.)

Shelburne Vermont Annual Real Estate Market Data and Trends from 2012

IMG_3660Shelburne Vermont Year End Data 2012
Based upon information provided by the Northern New England Real Estate Network (NNEREN) for all of 2012, there were 76 single family residential and condominium units sold within Shelburne Vermont with a total sold volume of $34,830,415. Compare that number to a total of 67 single family residential and condominium units sold in 2011 with a total sold volume at $31,105,114. These numbers indicate an increase in the actual number of sales from 67 to 76 from 2011 to 2012 (an increase of 13.43%) and an increase in total sold volume of 11.97%. The average sale price was down in 2012. In 2012, the average sale price of a home in Shelburne was $458,294.93 down from $464,255.43 a decrease of -1.28%.
Average days on the market  in 2012 was 132 compared to 127 in 2011 or an average increase of 4.17%.
Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.
If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or other property in Shelburne VT, 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 by email at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com
As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments on Hurd’s The Word.
(These figures include sold numbers for single family residential and condominium only in Shelburne, Vermont only. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed by the Northern New England Real Estate Network (NNEREN which supplies these figures.)

Charlotte Vermont Annual Real Estate Market Data and Trends from 2012

IMG_1344Charlotte Vermont Year End Data 2012
Based upon information provided by the Northern New England Real Estate Network (NNEREN for all of 2012, there were 77 single family residential and condominium units sold within Charlotte Vermont with a total sold volume of $21,012,360. Compare that number to a total of 90 single family residential and condominium units sold in 2011 with a total sold volume at $16,702,906. These numbers indicate a reduction in the actual number of sales from 90 to 77 from 2011 to 2012 (a decrease of 14.44%) but with an increase in total sold volume of 30.73%. The average sale price was up in 2012. In 2012, the average sale price of a home in Charlotte was $677,818.06 up from $535,763.53 an increase of 26.51%.
Average days on the market  in 2012 was 214 compared to 198 in 2011 or an average increase of 8.21%.
Armed with solid numbers, buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local market.
If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or other property in Charlotte VT, 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 by email at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com
As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments on Hurd’s The Word.
(These figures include sold numbers for single family residential and condominium only in Charlotte, Vermont only. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed by the Northern New England Real Estate Network (NNEREN which supplies these figures.)

Friday, January 4, 2013

Events in Burlington, Vermont – January 4th – 6th

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 4, 2013

Kyle Gagnon, Natasha Claire, Carmen Lagala, Ryan Waning

Friday, January 4, 9PM at Levity in Burlington. $8.

Freedom Friday Dance Jam

This alternative to the club scene involves a conscious movement practice led by curiosity, creativity and inspired music. Friday, January 4, 8–10:30PM at North End Studio A in Burlington. $10.

Preschool Story Hour

As part of the ongoing "Race: Are We So Different?" exhibit, little ones learn about race and racism through literature and personal stories. Friday, January 4, 11AM at ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center/Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington. Regular admission, $9.50-12.50; free for kids ages 2 and under.

First Friday art walk

Over 40 galleries and art venues stay open late to welcome walkers and share our the art scene. Check out www.artmapburlington.com to see a list of participating venues. City-wide, Burlington, 5-8 p.m. Contact: 802-264-4839 or info@artmapburlington.com.

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Jason Lorber, Kyle Gagnon, Natasha Claire, Carmen Lagala, Ryan Waning

Saturday, January 5, 8PM at Levity in Burlington. $8.

Burlington Winter Farmers Market

Farmers, artisans and producers offer fresh and prepared foods, crafts and more in a bustling indoor marketplace with live music, lunch seating and face painting. Saturday, January 5, 10AM–2PM at Memorial Auditorium in Burlington. Free.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Comedy with Kyle and Friends

Sunday, January 6, 7:30PM at Levity in Burlington. $5 donation.

French Conversation Group: Dimanches

Parlez-vous français? Speakers practice the tongue at a casual, drop-in chat. Sunday, January 6, 4–5:30PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

Women's Pickup Soccer

Ladies of varying skill levels break a sweat while passing around the spherical polyhedron. Sunday, January 6, 6–8PM at Miller Community and Recreation Center in Burlington. $3; for women ages 18 and up.
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If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home, condominium or Real Estate in Burlington VT 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, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or visit my website: ChrisHurdVT.com.

Events listing source: SevenDaysVT, and Colchester Sun