First Burlington Vermont Realtor Earns NAR’s New Green Designation

October 19th, 2009

Burlington VT

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

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

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

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


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


• Enhanced ability to participate in the green real estate market


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


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

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

Sustainability Series Continues This Week at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne Vermont

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

Transition Tookit Series:
Learning Opportunities
for a Sustainable Future.

Events for Week Two: Permaculture

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

Shelburne Farms $7.

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

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

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

Workshop: South Gate Cottage at Shelburne Farms.

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

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

Presenter:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Burlington VT Ranked #1 by Children's Health Magazine

September 24th, 2009

Burlington VT

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations Burlington!

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

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

September 23rd, 2009 Burlington, VT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Week One - The Context For Transition

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

Week Two - Permaculture

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

Week Three - Water

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

Week Four - Home Heating

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

Week Five - Garbage and Sewage

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

Week Six - Food

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

Week Seven - Transportation

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

Week Eight - The Psychology of Change

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

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

Senior, student and workstudy rates available.

Single Tickets as follows:

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

Flexi-Pass as follows:

• Any 4 lectures $45
• Any 4 workshops $100

The Whole Enchilada

• Covers every event $325

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

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

Every Year It Happens...

September 10th, 2009 Charlotte, Vermont

Okay. Who hit the switch?

Every year it happens... Every single year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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