Blog
VT Real Estate Market Report
Every quarter, the new market statistics are released. We have the new one available instantly, provided by the Vermont Realtors association. View current market conditions here first! Click on the photo or the title to enter the article.
House Hacking
House hacking is a smart investment strategy where you buy a multi-family property, live in one unit, and rent out the others. Tenant rent helps cover your mortgage, reducing or eliminating housing costs while you build equity for future investments..
VT Property Transfer Tax Rules
Big updates are here for Vermont’s Property Transfer Tax, which is due upon closing day when purchasing property in VT. This is normally paid by the homebuyer, and often concessions can be allotted within the purchase agreement to assist with this closing cost.
Lamoille County, VT Lifestyle
By: Tami Lantz
For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is a must-explore destination. This scenic trail stretches for 93 miles, following the former route of the historic St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Railroad.
Life In Grand Isle County Vermont
By: Tami Lantz
In this corner of Vermont, we’ve mastered the art of slowing down without feeling like life is passing you by. Whether you choose to spend your day fishing on Lake Champlain, hiking the scenic trails, or simply kicking back on the sandy beaches of Alburg Dunes State Park, soaking up the fresh lake air with a good book and an occasional dip
What is Tax Prebate and How Does it Apply to You?
By: Tami Lantz A tax prebate is a tax credit for homeowners who claim their property as their full time residence. This is a great program for alleviating a major concern of first-time buyers – high closing costs and high property taxes.
12 Must-Do’s When Moving to Vermont
You’re about to move to one of the most scenic places on earth and meet some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. But for your move to go smoothly, you will want to plan well ahead of moving day.
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See what the USDA is proposing to mitigate rising building costs
By: Kris Lantz
According to the USDA, Vermont has 4.5 million acres of forest comprising 73% of the state, but there has yet to be a mass timber building constructed in the state and that’s what the Fairbanks Museum is hoping to move the needle on.
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Turtles on the Roadway Need Your Help
Vermont’s turtles are on the move this spring, and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is asking for the public’s help in keeping them safe.
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How to Get Your Home Staged (on a Budget) for an Epic Showing
Staging a home doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money. Though the payoff is huge, a few well-placed purchases and a little time can make all the difference.
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TNT Properties: Barn Rentals located Berkshire, VT, off Rt-105 in Enosburg
By: Tami Lantz and Tyler Hull
Farm for rent with 5400SqFt barn and 600SqFt barns – both climate controlled with plumbing and power – along with 11.8 acres organic land for agriculture. Private location near Enosburg, VT.
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Kansas city refuses to let veterans stay homeless, builds tiny home villages to house them
By: Farah R.
“Due to a variety of disorders, disabilities, and medical conditions such as post-traumatic stress…, veterans come back from service and find themselves without a job and eventually, without a home…, with little to no hope…”
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Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Vermont – Your Complete Guide
“Thinking about moving to Vermont? Whether you’ve found a new job, are looking for a change of scenery, or want to move for any other reason, there are a few things you should know about The Green Mountain State before you start planning on moving to Vermont.”
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Report: Vermont Ranked as Best Place to Live in America
By: Brad Evans
“CNBC reports that “the Green Mountain State has America’s second-lowest violent-crime rate, a healthy population, a pristine environment and strong antidiscrimination laws to make sure all can enjoy the place.”
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Solar Homes – Understanding the Benefits
By: John Cunningham
“Most homeowners don’t realize that by adding a solar panel system to your home, you actually increase the value of your house. You are essentially, by going solar, creating an investment to your personal property.”
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Traits of a Successful Real Estate Investor
By: Ellen Paris
“When you come from nothing you have to work a lot harder to get ahead. Starting from zero you are always the underdog which led me to define the traits for my real estate business.”
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Our Coziest Winter Decorating Ideas 26 Popular Architectural Home Styles
By: Annika Peick
“It’s time to maximize what natural light is still available. Hanging a large mirror on a blank stretch of wall or above a mantel display will reflect light throughout your space. Turn the mirror into a decorative display…”
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6 Reasons To Buy A Fixer-Upper
By: Tami Lantz
“Adding your own personal touches to your home creates that feeling that it’s truly yours. If you’re interested in a custom home, tailored to your every desire, you will feel much more of a deep connection to your abode if you do it yourself. There’s not much better in life feeling that close personal connection to your palace.”
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How To Successfully Sell Your Luxury Home
By: Luke Skar
Since the term luxury conveys with it additional expectations luxury home sellers need to be prepared to deliver great luxury marketing and presentation of their home. By concentrating on great videos, photos and home presentation home buyers will be wowed online as well as in-person.
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How to Stage Your Outdoor Space to Sell Your Home Faster
By: Amalie Drury
Today’s homebuyers want to be able to use their patios, yards and porches like extensions of their living and dining rooms. Show them how it can be done in your home by arranging comfortable, clean-lined outdoor furniture in both lounge and dining settings on your home’s patio.
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Financial Don’t When Getting Ready To Buy A Home
By: Keith Fiskum
“You’ve probably already met with a lender who advised you on what to do and what not to do during the escrow process. But if you’re just getting ready to buy or plan on doing so in the near future, following a few financial tips can mean the difference between qualifying…and not, and also getting a decent rate.”
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Vermont’s largest solar farm to go online at Superfund site
By: Timothy McQuiston
“…A design that maximized energy production while protecting the integrity of site’s remedial cap. Once completed, the 4.7 MW project will produce 8,850,000 kWh of electricity every year, enough energy to power over 1,200 homes. It will offset 6,272 tons of carbon dioxide every year, the equivalent to burning 14,192 barrels of oil.”
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7 Reasons Why You Should Hire an Agent to Sell Your Home
By: Tami Lantz
“They spend every waking moment practicing their craft…they can negotiate on your behalf using their level of expertise in real estate laws, regulations and the current market conditions. This can only produce winning results…from the time the offer is presented to the time the lawyer hands you your check.”
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The US Real Estate Forecast 2018 to 2020
By: Gord Collins
“…the economy is looking good and unemployment is low. This is a time when you can take changes to improve your life however, it’s wise to consider specifically where the real opportunities are. That might even include Real Estate Investing and investing in Rental Income Property. 30% to 40% ROI speaks pretty loudly!”
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How to Buy a Home With No Money Down
By: Luke Skar
“A poll conducted by the National Association of Realtors shows that over 85% of people considering buying their first home believe that it is necessary to have a 10% down payment or more in order to qualify for a mortgage. Thankfully, that is not the case for most home buyers. Several mortgage programs allow for buyers to buy a home with a no money down option or a much smaller down payment.”
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Top 10 Negotiation Mistakes to Avoid in Real Estate
By: Kyle Hiscock
“With so many variables in play in each buying/selling scenario, it’s impossible to determine how any negotiation will go beforehand. This is why it’s so important to learn key negotiation strategies ahead of time to prepare yourself. By doing so, you’ll put yourself in a position to more smoothly navigate any real estate transaction in the future, no matter what type of buyer or seller you’re up against.”
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A Vermont Company Designs Handicap-Accessible Modules for Any Home
By: Amy Lilly
“With Wheel Pad, a family doesn’t need to implement major renovations to the home in order to accommodate, say, an injured returning vet or accident victim. And, for those suddenly rendered dependent on others, the module offers more independence and privacy.”
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Budget Friendly Kitchen Upgrades for Home Sellers
By: Jim McLachlin
“Investing a large amount of money in huge kitchen renovations will not just drain your wallet but may also delay how soon you can list your home. There are several time friendly changes you can make in the kitchen that are budget friendly and help you to avoid over spending.”
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Vermont Fishing
By: Tami Lantz
“It’s a time when parents and their children have the opportunity to build a lasting bond for the memory books, one that includes outdoor adventuring, completely unplugged from the normal static of our digital world. There’s no greater feeling that of floating on the open water, taking in breaths of fresh mountain air, and sharing some laughs with fellow nature enthusiasts.”
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Jay Peak 4-Season Resort
By: Tami Lantz (Sherwood Real Estate)
“Jay Peak opened for skiing in 1957, and since then, has become one of the top ski spots in the nation. The resort offers a mix of beginner and advanced hills, so no matter your level, there’s a comfortable slope for you to ride, whether you prefer skiing or snowboarding.”
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Burlington, An Introduction
By: Tami Lantz (Sherwood Real Estate)
“One of the qualities I cherished most is the frequency of small local business and that is also what I appreciate most about Burlington. People like you and me spreading their desires and talents and being successful doing it. The American Dream is still very much alive in Vermont. If you want it enough and you work hard for it, you’ll achieve it!”
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Brewed In Vermont
By: Tami Lantz (Sherwood Real Estate)
“This move makes Switchback the first 100% employee owned brewery in Vermont. It’s really refreshing to see this mentality…A sense of genuine support and appreciation for the community, who work hard for what they believe in and create quality products that people can stand to support.”
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Should you buy a home in 2017? Here’s what 3 experts say.
By: Nneka McGuire (Chicago Tribune)
“Inventory is low, particularly in the starter-home segment. Prices are rising fast. Mortgage rates are expected to climb. Competition is stiff. According to the National Association of Realtors, the first three months of 2017 marked the speediest quarterly sales pace of existing homes in a decade.”
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May Housing Market Set New Records for Low Supply, Speed and Competition
By: Alina Ptaszynski (Redfin)
“The median home sale price increased 6.8 percent in May to $288,000. Sales increased 7.5 percent compared to last year, a strong gain despite a severe shortage in the number of homes for sale…The typical home went under contract in 37 days, setting a new record for home-selling speeds.”