Burlington Vermont Real Estate
Making Sense: Burlington Vermont's Foreclosure Rate Update
October 29th, 2009
Burlington VT
I was interviewed by CNN/Money.com this past Tuesday to comment on the foreclosure filing increases over the past few months being recorded in the Burlington metro region. The reporter, Julianne Pepitone, asked me several questions about our real estate market. The gyst of her reporting indicated that the Burlington metro area has had a significant increase in foreclosure filings. She juxtaposed Burlington's numbers with four other larger metro areas that had had major foreclosure increases lumping these areas together in a manner that suggested something more dire.
Further, last week, Vermont Public Radio (VPR) interviewed a Statistics Professor, Vince Bolduc, from Saint Michael's College in Colchester VT on how perverted the Vermont statistics are given that we have such a small population base. Actual numbers of foreclosures in the Burlington metro market per month have risen from 10 per month up to 12 per month. These numbers are hardly anything to be alarmed about.
In fact, Vermont as a state as recorded on June 11th, 2009 had the lowest rate of foreclosures of any state in the entire United States. Now that is something we can be proud of on a number of important levels. (These statistics were compiled by RealtyTrac (www.RealtyTrac.com), the nations leading source for online foreclosure properties.)
In addition, RealtyTrac reported that 1 in every 357 households nation-wide received a foreclosure filing in August 2009. Vermont's foreclosure filing rate was 1 in every 9,437 in that same month. However, in July 2009, it was 1 in every 28,312 a 200 percent change from July and an 83.3 percent change from August 2008. When these statistics are examined more closely, we can see the percentages may be startling but the actual numbers are not.
We all know our economy is hurting and hurting badly in specific areas across our country. We need reporting accuracy, not hyperbole and a steady hand on the tiller combined with our resourcefulness and resiliency. Vermont has so far weathered this economic storm admirably.
If you are interested in purchasing a Home in and around Burlington VT, please call me on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com
As always, please feel free to place your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.
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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.
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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.
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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 Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.
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Summer 2009 Top Ten Fun List for Burlington VT
My completely random, highly subjective FUN LIST of things to do this summer in the Queen City. Enjoy and, MOST OF ALL, have fun!!
PLEASE add your own favorites to this list by placing your comments here at Hurd's The Word. If you have questions about buying a home or property, please call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.
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Burlington VT Real Estate 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.)
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2009 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Comes to Burlington Vermont
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.
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UVM Parents Interested in Buying Investment Property in Burlington VT
It’s that time of year for mad purchasing for dorm rooms. The have to have’s in what’s hip in the latest clothing. Haircuts. The University Bookstore. Meeting so many new faces, getting settled and all the rest…
Burlington is a great location for purchasing an investment property for your son or daughter and recouping your investment when they graduate. I have worked with parents/families over the years to find just the right property.
Read this recent testimonial:
“My husband and I live out of state in Connecticut and our son attends the University of Vermont. During our first visit to Burlington Vermont, we fell in love with the area and decided it would be a good place to purchase an investment property. At that time, we knew basically nothing about the area and by sheer luck became connected to Chris Hurd when we Google searched for a realtor who could represent us. Chris was sensitive to our many concerns about purchasing and renting a property from out of state. He realized we needed to proceed cautiously. He quickly understood our wants and needs and found properties that we liked and would require very little maintenance. We did not have time to waste and Chris was very efficient and thorough. Chris is an extremely ethical and responsible person and my husband and I would highly recommend him as your realtor. We found Chris to be a genuine person who filled all our needs and requirements.”
Stan & Nancy Mikrut - Southbury,
Read the following recent remark from the National Association of Realtors:
“VERMONT AT THE TOP OF SALES RECOVERY. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun reported last week at the Annual Leadership Summit in Chicago that Vermont is in the top ten states for sales recovery. “
I have lived in the Burlington area for over 29 years. Burlington Vermont is a great community. Full of cultural activities, shopping, great restaurants, nationally recognized educational institutions with all the qualities that only Vermont can offer set on the shores of lovely Lake Champlain.
Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com with your inquiries about purchasing an investment property in this great city.
Post your comments at Hurd's The Word.
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Burlington Vermont Real Estate Market Trends Dec. 2007
Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for the month of November 2007, there were 14 residential units sold within Burlington Vermont with a total listed volume of $3,764,279. Divide this number by the units sold (14) and you get an average listed price of $268,877. Juxtapose this figure to the actual total sold volume of $3,650,800 then divide this number by the units sold (14) and you come up with an average sold price of $260,771. Are ya’ having an ADD moment yet?
So, “what’s up Chris?” you’re asking. Well, here you are. These numbers produced a list-to-sell variance of $8,106.00 or (drum roll please) a 96.98% list to sell percentage. Average days on the market for these 14 properties was 79.36.
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 here at Burlington VT Real Estate Blog or by going to my website at Burlington VT Real Estate.
These figures include sold numbers for single family residential Burlington Vermont real estate only.
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Top Ten List for Burlington Vermont
A purely personal list subject to change (guaranteed!) of my favorite things to do in Burlington Vermont throughout the year:
10. Summer picnic pilgrammage to enjoy a sunset at Waterfront Park on Lake Champlain,
9. A show at the Flynn Theater followed by profiteroles for dessert at the “Trat”,
8. An evening stroll down Church Street,
7. Finding a parking spot,
6. JazzFest in June,
5. First Night,
4. Burlington Bike Path,
3. Coming in by boat to the Community Boat House to hang out on the docks for a sunset, dinner, drinks or all 3,
2. Christmas Lighting Ceremony on Church Street,
1. 4th of July fireworks on the waterfront.
If you would like to add a comment or add your favorite Top Ten list, please do so by posting a comment here at Burlington VT Real Estate Blog or go to my website at Burlington VT Real Estate
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Market Trends for Burlington Vermont Real Estate in Nov. 2007
Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for the month of November 2007, there were 16 residential units sold within Burlington Vermont with a total listed volume of $3,709,600. Divide this number by the units sold (16) and you get an average listed price of $231,850. Juxtapose this figure to the actual total sold volume of $3,372,500 then divide this number by the units sold (16) and you come up with an average sold price of $210,781.25. Are ya’ having an ADD moment yet?
So, “what’s up Chris?” you’re asking. Well, here you are. These numbers produced a list-to-sell variance of $21,068.75 or (drum roll please) a 90.9% list to sell percentage. Average days on the market for these 16 properties was 102.75.
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 here at Burlington VT Real Estate Blog or by going to my website at Burlington VT Real Estate.
These figures include sold numbers for single family residential Burlington Vermont real estate only.
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