Hey Burlington Vermont. What the Fed Cut Means To Your Mortgage? - 01/29/08 10:19 AM
An article by CNBC described it this way.
"On days like this, I think it's important to go back to the ol' mortgage primer and figure out exactly what all this news means to you, to your mortgage, to your home equity line and to your home's financial future. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the 30 year fixed is not tied to short-term treasuries.
Fixed mortgage rates are tied to long-term bond yields that move based on the outlook for the economy and inflation. And guess what? The long-term outlook for the economy isn't exactly rosy right now.
This week's rate … (0 comments)

Full Moon Over Burlington Vermont - 01/22/08 07:43 AM
We have a glorious full moon upcoming on Tuesday, January 22nd. I celebrate such events. It's quite possible my love of full moons began while as a young child being read Goodnight Moon by my mother over and over night after night. That reassuring story and the gentle melody of my mum's voice comforted me to sleep as I found my sweet spot amidst the tangle of my sheets and cozy Hudson's Bay blankets. Years later, I, as have many of us, read this same classic story to my/our children. 
In a newer book, On The Day You Were Born, it's author Debra Frasier pays loving homage to the moon … (1 comments)

The Mother of All Sledding Hills - Charlotte VT - 01/07/08 09:11 AM
Can we possibly be any luckier than we are?
Living in the shadow of mighty Mount Philo, we don't even have to get into our car to reach the mother of all sledding hills.
For those of you looking for the best sledding on the planet, look no further! When our glorious state park, which has won awards as Vermont's best in past years, closes its gate after the last leaves have fallen, those in the know start getting really, really itchy. There's a buzz in our house.
Questions begin their annual percolation. Past year's memorable runs generate laughter and anticipation... Will we have a great snowy … (0 comments)

Chittenden County Annual Closed Sales Data for 2007 - 01/07/08 09:08 AM
Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for the year of 2007, there were 1,678 residential, townhouse/condo and land units sold within all towns in Chittenden County with a total listed volume of $499,610,659. Divide this number by the units sold (1,678) and you get an average listed price of $297,742. Juxtapose this figure to the actual total sold volume of $486,985,952 then divide this number by the units sold (1,678) and you come up with an average sold price of $290,218. 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 $7,524 or (drum roll please) a … (0 comments)

Burlington Vermont Market Trends Dec. 2007 - 01/07/08 09:05 AM
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 … (0 comments)

Chittenden County Market Trends Dec. 2007 - 01/07/08 09:02 AM
Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for the month of December 2007, there were 109 total units sold within all towns in Chittenden County with a total listed volume of $35,610,105. Divide this number by the units sold (109) and you get an average listed price of $326,698. Juxtapose this figure to the actual total sold volume of $34,461,310 then divide this number by the units sold (109) and you come up with an average sold price of $316,159. 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 $10,539 or (drum roll please) a 96.8% list to … (0 comments)

Stowe Vermont Market Trends Dec. 2007 - 01/07/08 08:59 AM
Based upon information provided by the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors (NVBR) as of today for the month of December 2007, there were 5 residential units sold within the town of Stowe Vermont with a total listed volume of $4,888,000. Divide this number by the units sold (5) and you get an average listed sold price of $977,600. Juxtapose this figure to the actual total sold volume of $4,444,000 then divide this number by the units sold (5) and you come up with an average sold price of $888,800. 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 $444,000 or (drum roll please) a 90.91% list to sell … (1 comments)

The Driveway From Hell - 01/02/08 08:00 AM
Let's face it. My driveway in Charlotte Vermont was not designed by the Army Corps of Engineers (hmmmm or maybe it WAS...). Winter poses its challenges turning fancy schmancy SUV's into helpless sleds. In my third winter, I've learned a few tricks. But last night, our driveway claimed her first casualty of the ‘07-'08 campaign.
I've known since winter one I must clear the driveway of snow early each morning in the hopes of catching the late day sun's warmth from our western exposure. Works like a charm really. When mother nature cooperates, that is.
Goes like this. Snowblow driveway. Sun melts snow. Spotless driveway! Simple. That's nice! Seems easy. Right?
It's … (2 comments)