Friday, October 14, 2011

Burlington Vermont Real Estate: Creating Videos That Go Viral

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

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

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

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

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

1. Pricing higher than the competition,

2. Refusing reasonable offers early on,

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

4. Making showing the property difficult,

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

4. State of Vermont Mandatory Course for License Renewal

5. Integrated Marketing Specialist

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


Upcoming Events In And Near Burlington Vermont

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Events in Burlington, Vermont - August 26-28

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

Friday, August 26, 2011

Argentinean Tango

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

International Folk Dancing

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

Mad Robin Contra Dance

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

'Gateway to Knowledge' Exhibit

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

Queen City Ghostwalk

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

Tertulia Latina

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

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Aug 27 - Sept. 5, 2011

Burlington Farmers' Market

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

BCA Summer Artist Market

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

The Art of Hoop Dance

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

'Gateway to Knowledge' Exhibit

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

Historic Tour of UVM

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

Historical & Architectural Tour of Downtown Burlington

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

Queen City Ghostwalk

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

'From the Back of the Room'

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

Read to a Dog

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

Robin Kimmerer

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

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Sunday, August, 28, 2011

South Burlington Farmers Market

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

Burlington-Area Scrabble Club

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

Open Meditation Classes

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

Read to a Dog

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

French Conversation Group

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

Burlington Lakers Girls' Soccer Club Tryouts

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

Vermont Lake Monsters

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

Women's Adult Drop-In Sunday Soccer

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

Women's Lacrosse League

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

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