Irene's Blog

New Listing: The Ultimate Cabin in the Woods!

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:43:50 -0500

Cute and Cozy single family on approx. 14 acres, with 1 bedroom, plus a finished upstairs that can be used for more sleeping room, game or family room. Updated bath, eat in kitchen, wood stove and very large wrap around deck with cedar hot tub,heated by woodburning unit.

Located across from the Black River surrounded by trees and a stream, only 9 miles from Okemo Mountain on the Shuttle Bus Route.

Own your own piece of Vermont with plenty of room for expansion!

Offered for: $199,900.00

New Listing: Come Home to Okemo Mountain Vermont!

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:25:26 -0500

Move-in condition ranch style home sporting 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, formal dining room, updated eat-in kitchen, full basement. All the rooms are large and airy. The living room has a corner fireplace for those cold Vermont nights. The kitchen has one of 2 double doors. There is an attached 2 car garage with heat - plus another detached 2 car garage with separate driveway, electric and bathroom - How about a guest cottage?.

The manicured front and back yard make you feel as though you were in your own private world, but you can walk to the stores, bakery and post office.

Proctorsville (part of the town of Cavendish) is only about 3 miles from Okemo Mountain in Ludlow. The Okemo shuttle bus will be happy to pick you up as it travels back and forth to the mountain.

This is truly a home worth seeing!

Offered for: $349,900.00

Ludlow VT Real Estate: How to Tell When A Price Is Too Good To Be True

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:47:24 -0500

If you are currently looking to buy Ludlow VT real estate, you probably have a good idea of the general range you can expect to spend on a home. So you might be surprised when a great-looking home shows up on the MLS with what seems like a shockingly low price tag attached. The extra-low price seems too good to be true and - most of the time - it is.

In many cases, the price you are seeing does not represent the actual asking price of the property. Rather, it is likely a property that is in "pre-foreclosure" and the amount listed actually represents the balance of the defaulted loan, or the amount the current owner is in arrears. Below is an excerpt from an article I found at Inman News that does a great job explaining how these properties end up on MLS search engines, and what you can do to spot them:

Real estate agents, investors and sophisticated buyers will know that it's impossible to buy a house in Hermosa Beach for $4,712. But first-time home buyers may miss the fine print on sites like Yahoo and Trulia that explains that this is not the home's listing price -- and that the property may not even be for sale. The moral of the story here is two-fold; first, be sure to always read the fine print and don't trust everything you see on the Internet and, second, always consult with an experienced Realtor who can help you determine the legitimate value of a property and assist you in finding the home of your dreams.

The practice of mixing pre-foreclosure properties with listings of for-sale properties by major listings sites like Yahoo Real Estate and Trulia is misleading to consumers and damages the credibility of the sites that allow it, according to a company that's in the business of supplying similar information itself.

Brad Geisen, founder and CEO of Foreclosures.com, singled out Yahoo Real Estate and Trulia -- which have partnerships with Foreclosure.com's rival, RealtyTrac -- as sites that are presenting pre-foreclosure data to consumers in a potentially confusing way.

Property searches conducted by Inman News show both sites provide information that could help consumers understand that the pre-foreclosure properties are not "listings," and that the dollar figures displayed with each are not asking prices. But there does appear to be potential for confusion.

Checking "foreclosures" under "listing type" and entering a maximum value of $100,000 in the "price" field, a Yahoo Real Estate search for properties in Hermosa Beach, Calif., turned up seven properties, accompanied by dollar figures ranging from $4,712 to $100,000. According to Yahoo, the median asking price for 34 homes on the market in Hermosa Beach is $1.29 million.

But click on any of the properties for more details, and you are given a "property description" that reveals -- for the first time -- that the dollar figures associated with each property in the search results is not the asking price. Although "price" was specified in the query, the numbers may represent "estimated loan balance" or another figure related to the borrower's indebtedness.

If you are ready to learn more about Ludlow VT real estate, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. Search all Ludlow VT real estate!

Ludlow VT Real Estate: Home Sweet Second Home

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:51:47 -0500

Summer has turned many people's thoughts to second homes and Ludlow VT vacation homes. Unfortunately, though, encouraging statistics about the Ludlow VT vacation home market have been muffled under some of the negative news about the current economy and housing market.

According to the National Association of Realtors' 2007 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, second-home sales accounted for one-third of all existing and new-home sales in 2007. A large portion of those purchases were vacation homes. So - why do families buy these "homes away from home?" The survey found that several factors go into the decision to buy a second home. Eighty-four percent of buyers wanted to use the home as a family retreat; thirty percent planned to use the home as a future primary residence; twenty-six percent want to diversify investments, and 25 percent plan to rent the home out to other families.

If you are ready to learn more about purchasing a Ludlow VT vacation home, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. Contact me for a complimentary e-book!

Ludlow VT Real Estate Tip: What Is Universal Design?

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:17:22 -0500

You may have heard buzz around the term "universal design" in recent years, but do you know what it is or how it affects the Ludlow VT real estate and construction markets?

According to Lowes.com, universal design is the creation of products and environments meant to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialization. The intent is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal Design benefits people of all ages and abilities.

Think this is some "far out" theory just now working its way into the "modern" world? Think again: if you've ever walked through an automatic door, you've experienced a version of Universal Design. Likewise, a ramp or curb cut is just as welcome to someone with a baby stroller as it is to someone in a wheelchair.

Universal Design has become a hot topic in the Ludlow VT real estate market as more residents are retiring and making the decision to "age in place," as opposed to moving into assisted living facilities. As we discussed previously, this aging generation is already driving the design of new products for the home that will affect real estate in the future. Even if you are not part of the "mature" population, however, Universal Design should be important to you. If you are planning to build or renovate, keep in mind the principles of Universal Design and know that it's more cost effective to add many Universal Design features during the planning stage. There are a number of design features that can be built for little or no cost. Their addition at the beginning saves the need for future retrofits.

Some examples of Universal Design features include:

Lighting
Additional task lighting is needed for "older" eyes.
Added lighting is also advised in areas to increase safety, such as for stairs.
Kitchens
Push/pull lever faucets for those with limited hand strength or dexterity.
Side-by-side refrigerators.
Doors
Leverset entry or interior door hardware.
Wide swing hinges allow use of the entire doorway.
Baths
Roll-in showers.
Add reinforcement into the wall substructure now in the event the addition of grab bars is needed later.

To learn more about trends in the Ludlow VT real estate market, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com.

Celebrating Independence Day in Ludlow VT

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:34:32 -0500

Happy 4^th of July, Ludlow! Although this weekend is a time for fireworks and enjoying time with friends and family, it is also a time to remember what makes our country so great - our freedom. So as you gather with friends and neighbors on Friday, take a moment to thank our military-living and dead, at home and abroad-for the sacrifices they have made for us. Because, as we all know, freedom isn't free!

Be sure to check out the events and activities happening this holiday weekend in Ludlow!

We'll return to discussing Ludlow VT real estate next week; however, if you would like more information about Ludlow VT real estate, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com.

Ludlow VT Real Estate: American Dream Alive And Well

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:23:53 -0500

The so-called "American Dream" has, in the past, been an ideal goal for people which almost always included owning real estate. Due to the recent slowing of the real estate market, however, home ownership is often seen as more of a nightmare than a dream. But it doesn't have to be that way! Even in a slower economy, purchasing Ludlow VT real estate can still be a step toward achieving your own "American Dream!"

Inman News reminds us some of the benefits and advantages that being a home owner will always offer:

• The opportunity to build equity and create wealth over time.
• Protection from rent increases or eviction at the whim of a landlord.
• The pleasures of a relatively larger home, suitable for a family, and with a backyard, garage or other auxiliary space.

• The freedom -- design review boards notwithstanding -- to improve, remodel or redecorate to suit one's own style and budget.

• A variety of lucrative income-tax breaks.

• Pride of ownership and a greater sense of security and stability.

If you are considering purchasing Ludlow VT real estate, now is the time! Don't let the negative media attention on the market get you down - home ownership is still a realistic and attainable goal for most Americans.

If you are ready to begin looking at Ludlow VT real estate, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also request automated emails of new listings!

Ludlow VT Real Estate: Is The Price Right?

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:02:11 -0500

What do you think is the single most important factor that determines why one property sells more quickly than another?

In the real estate world, we always hear "Location, Location, Location," but according to a recent poll conducted by the National Association of Realtors, almost 2/3 of the respondents said price was the key factor.

The same results held true for sellers. "Getting the price right" was and is one of the most frequently cited challenges for sellers who are not represented by a Realtor®.

Other factors that were included in the poll were - no surprise here - location as well as condition of the property, staging, and upgrades.

If you are interested in learning about Ludlow VT real estate prices, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also begin searching the MLS!

Father’s Day Facts for Ludlow VT

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 06:26:56 -0500

In honor of Dear Old Dad, we are taking a week off from discussing Ludlow VT real estate. Father's Day is coming up this Sunday, and there is plenty to do around Ludlow VT and Okemo Mountain to celebrate with the special father in your life.

Here are some little-known facts about Father's Day:

- There are approximately 66.3 million fathers in the United States.

- The word "Dad" dates back to the sixteenth century, or possibly even earlier. It may have originated with the Welsh word "Tad" (meaning father), which later mutated to Dad. The word "Father" is derived from the Old English "Foeder".

- A father ocean catfish carries the eggs of his young in his MOUTH until they are ready to be born (which may take several weeks!). During that time he cannot eat anything.

- Father penguins remain on their feet in arctic temperatures for 60 days or more to protect his eggs, he also cannot eat while guarding his eggs.

- Neckties lead the list of Father's Day gifts, and there are 10,416 men's clothing stores around the country.

- Other items high on the list of Father's Day gifts include those you may find in dad's toolbox, such as hammers, wrenches and screwdrivers. You could buy some of these items for dad at one of the nation's 14,755 hardware stores or 5,280 home centers.

- There are 23,018 sporting goods stores. These stores are good places to purchase traditional gifts for dad such as fishing rods and golf clubs.

- There are approximately 98,000 "stay-at-home" dads. These are married fathers with children under 15 years old who have remained out of the labor force for more than one year primarily so they can care for the family while their wives work outside the home.

- Nearly 69 million Americans have participated in a barbeque in the last year - it's probably safe to assume many of these barbeques took place on Father's Day.

We'll be back next week to discuss Ludlow VT real estate. Meanwhile, enjoy a fantastic weekend with dad and call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com to begin searching Ludlow VT real estate now!

Why Stage Your Ludlow VT Real Estate ?

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:41:10 -0500

"Staging" Ludlow VT real estate for sale has become a hot trend in the industry. Unlike some trends that are more trouble than they're worth, however, this is one trend that can really pay off! Here are 12 reasons why you should consider staging your home on the market:

1. Turbo Boost Sales Time
Experts all agree and studies show staged homes sell quicker - sometimes up to 50% faster - than non-staged homes. Typically, when a home has been on the market for some time, buyers and agents will assume there must be something wrong with it or that the seller will be anxious to sell and will take much less than the asking price.

2. First Impressions Are The Most Important
People's first impression of your listing is critical. Staging gives you the best opportunity to make a positive first impression rather than a negative one. The stronger the impression, the less likely a potential buyer will be bothered if some things aren't perfect.

3. Gone In 60 Seconds...
Psychology experts have proven that people react based on emotion and then seek logic to back up the feeling. From a real estate perspective, a buyer will make an initial reaction in less than a minute whether they like your listing or not. Then, after the potential buyer's initial decision has been made, they will either confirm that decision or rescind it in the next 6 to 20 minutes as they tour the property. This is why proper staging is critical for any listing.

4. Ready, Set, Go - Move-In Ready Sells Faster
A properly staged listing not only appears to be in "Move-In Ready" condition, but it really is. Staging a house for sale means that every component of the house is as close as possible to model condition. All buyers prefer to buy a home where they can just move-in and start enjoying life. This is especially true for vacation homes, where buyers may not have a lot of time to devote to "updating" the property.

5. Imagination Not Included
Did you know that only 5% of the population can truly visualize how beautiful a home can be or see past the clutter, grime and so-so appearance? It's true. Help potential buyers see themselves happily living in your listing and let the offers come pouring in. For vacation homes, help buyers envision themselves enjoying a family vacation in your property and reaping the rewards of renting it out to others on vacation.

6. Be the Needle In The Haystack
Staged homes have a much greater competitive advantage over houses that are not staged. Experts are predicting that more and more listings will be sitting on the market for sale in the next few years. Some areas have already seen a 100-300% increase in available inventory and average time on market. A staged home stands apart from other listings because it has been properly merchandised to bring out the best qualities of the listing.

7. No Skeletons In The Closet
Staged homes project an image of being well maintained and well cared for. The underlying psychological message that is sent to potential buyers is that it's worth more. More importantly, staging helps remove a certain degree of risk that a potential buyer might have about buying a house that is in disarray.

8. Appraise It High Or Go Home
As more and more homes become available, you need every advantage possible. One marketing advantage you might overlook is to create instant loan to value (LTV) by getting an appraisal after the house is staged. If you can show a potential buyer how much the home is worth i.e. appraised value and the sales price is less....instant value. It will sell faster because it appears to be a better deal.

9. Move To The Head Of The Class
Real estate professionals never like to show a house that's not going to impress their buyer. A well-staged home could easily be described as "staged to sell" which means that it's going to impress their buyer. Staged homes are always at the top of the list when it comes to which properties an agent will show.

10. The Exception To The Rule - The Buyer's Rule
Would you show a house to a buyer that didn't meet their exact criteria? Maybe...but ONLY if the house is staged properly and gets clients excited. If an agent knows that a listing shows really well, but doesn't match the buyer's criteria exactly, it's possible they'll show it anyway. A well-staged home could be the one to get a buyer excited enough to make an offer.

11. Peace, Love and FREE Advertising
Brokerages love showcasing beautifully staged homes because they draw more business to their firm. They usually invest considerable money to advertise a well staged listing to generate leads for other agents. Why not use this to your advantage - the more advertising your home can get, the better!

12. Show Me The Money!
The better a home shows, the higher it will sell for - which means more dollars in your pocket. Non-staged homes are more likely to require price reductions in order to sell as opposed to staged homes, which are more likely to enjoy a number of offers, or even a bidding war or a sale above the asking price. Information provided by AHS.

Ludlow VT Vacation Home Trends

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:13:33 -0500

Although this article uses a beach vacation rental condo as an example, the tips included are valuable for any Ludlow VT vacation home owner as well.

Here are some of the many tips for retaining loyalty among your renters:
- Forget neutral! Bring on the "vacation-y" décor, but try not to go overboard!
- Furnish with easy-to-use furniture that is easy to clean and can withstand wear and tear
- Stock up on plenty of family-oriented indoor activities like board games and playing cards
- Include some homey touches like a binder of local restaurant menus or personal tips on local attractions

To learn more about Ludlow VT real estate or owning your own vacation home, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also begin searching for Ludlow VT property on the MLS!

Ludlow VT Vacation Home Trends

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:10:47 -0500

Homes That Save Vermont Home Buyers Money

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Sun, 25 May 2008 04:08:32 -0500

More Vermont and Okemo Mountain buyers are taking the environment into account when searching for a home-they're looking for earth-friendly features that translate into lower energy bills and less pollution.

I found this article by Linda Legner discussing how Vermont home sellers can make their home stand out from the rest and attract earth-friendly buyers....

This growing trend gives you the opportunity to make your listing stand out from the rest by calling attention to all of its energy-efficient amenities, from properly-sealed windows to Energy Star appliances.

Whether your listing is a brand new condo or an old Victorian, just a bit of investigating can uncover many "green" features that will grab buyers' attention. Use this list to identify areas of the home where energy efficiencies may be lurking:

Appliances and lighting. From the laundry machine to the dining room chandelier, energy-efficient products are proven to save money and consume less energy. To confirm that various products outperform average standards, look for the blue-and-white Energy Star label. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issues this designation only to products that are among the most efficient on the market. The Energy Star Web site provides a comprehensive list of all Energy Star Qualified Products.
Insulation. Air leaking through exterior surfaces-such as walls, windows, the roof, and the floor-can waste 25 percent to 40 percent of the energy used to heat or cool a home, according to Energy Star. Local building codes and the U.S. Department of Energy specify acceptable insulation, measured in R-values. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation. If your listing has insulation that surpasses local standards, that's an advantage you can tout to potential buyers. Be sure to mention insulation installed in attics and crawlspaces. Also, don't forget to point out wraps, sealants, foams, and tape installed to reduce air moving through the gaps around framing, piping, electrical wiring, and outlets.
Windows. Depending on the climate and total glass area, windows account for 25 percent to 50 percent of a home's heating and cooling needs. But technological advances in window materials mean much better energy efficiency. U-Factors rate insulating ability for windows; the lower the U-Factor, the better the insulation of the window. Typical U-Factor values range from 0.25 to 1.25. If your listing has insulated window frames or frames made of low-conductance materials (wood, vinyl, or fiberglass), you should call out these features to potential buyers.
Heating and cooling systems. Efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment consumes less fuel, emits less pollution, and generally requires less maintenance. A furnace's heating efficiency is measured by the annual fuel utilization efficiency rating, or AFUE. The U.S. Department of Energy requires all furnaces sold in the United States to have a minimum AFUE rating of 78 percent, which means that the furnace converts 78 percent of the fuel to heat. Only ratings of higher than 90 percent earn the Energy Star label. Similarly, air conditioners should have at least a 10 seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER. Energy Star requires a SEER rating of 12 or higher.
If the home has zoned systems that allow different areas to be heated and cooled separately, let potential buyers know that these features deliver additional operating savings. Point out programmable thermostats with timers and variable-air controls, as well as ceiling fans. Let buyers know if a fireplace has glass doors and a heat-air exchange mechanism, which returns warmed air to the room instead of letting it escape. And don't forget to promote radiant flooring, which heats from the ground up and eliminates the draft and dust problems associated with forced air heating systems.
Landscaping. Well-done landscaping can greatly reduce heating and cooling costs, protect the home from winter wind and summer sun, and help control noise and air pollution. Also, some species of trees, bushes, and grasses require less water than others, or are naturally more resistant to pests so they require fewer pesticides. Learn what kind of plants and trees are growing around the house and promote all of their benefits to buyers. For more details on what to look for, visit Landscaping for Energy Efficiency, an online guide from the U.S. Department of Energy.
The entire house. Some new homes are rated for overall efficiency by the Energy Star program. A new home certified through the Energy Star program performs at least 30 percent more efficiently than houses built to the 1993 Model Energy Code (or 15 percent more efficient than your state energy code if that is more stringent). The Energy Star designation is verified by an accredited home energy rater and displayed on the inside of the circuit breaker.

Even if your listing isn't a home that buyers would traditionally think of as being green, it is sure to have at least some eco-friendly features that will give it a marketing edge. Let potential buyers know how the home will help their energy bills and the environment, and you may be surprised at how fast you can clinch the sale.

Learn More...

Energy Star Program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency introduced Energy Star in 1992 to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The label is now on appliances, lighting, home electronics, and other products. It also covers new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.

Glossary of Energy-Related Terms
The acronyms alone can be confusing! If you can't recall what AFUE measures or what SEER stands for, come to this glossary for clarification. You'll also find definitions for hundreds of energy-related words.

Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home
This site, from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, offers energy-saving tips for all areas of the home, plus a variety of booklets you can download and print in English or Spanish.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
This portal site by the U.S. Department of Energy provides links to other Web sites and online information on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Ludlow VT Real Estate Tip: Watch Out For Termites!

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 23 May 2008 05:49:46 -0500

When we think of termites, most of us think they are only active in the spring and summer months. Although this is not the case, they do tend to swarm and become more active in most parts of the country this part of the year, and it is when most Ludlow VT real estate owners start thinking about them.

Termites can silently and secretly destroy a home before you even see the first sign of evidence that these hungry home wreckers are even present. And, contrary to popular belief, they don't just eat wood!

Check out this article to learn more about termites and the kind of damage they can cause. This article is a great resource if you think you might have termites and aren't sure what to do about them.

To learn more about Ludlow VT real estate, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also begin searching Ludlow VT real estate here.

Baby Boomers Setting the Latest Ludlow VT Real Estate Trends

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:19:51 -0500

We know that the Baby Boomers account for a large part of the real estate owning population in America; the majority of Ludlow VT vacation home owners are also of the Baby Boom generation. It should come as no surprise, then, that these folks - not the typical "trendy" crowd - may be the latest trend-setters in vacation real estate also.

Sounds unlikely, but it is very true! As this article in the Wall Street Journal explains, designers and architects are catering more and more toward this fast-growing segment of the population. Not only are more Baby Boomers planning to stay in their homes through retirement (as opposed to moving to "assisted living" or a retirement community), but they are also the ones willing and able to purchase vacation real estate during this economic downturn. This influx of aging vacation-home buyers has triggered home renovations and new construction including halls and doorways wide enough for walkers and wheelchairs, and master suites and laundries on the ground floor so residents can avoid stairs. Now, the technology behind home appliances and fixtures is catching up - making all kinds of appliances and home design elements more senior-friendly.

Some of the innovations in home design and appliance re-design include:
- Stoves that monitor pots to prevent boiling over
- Adjustable typeface on appliance control panels
- Faucets that turn on and off with just a touch anywhere on the spout
- Dishwashers designed to be mounted at a more comfortable height
- Refrigerators with doors and storage designed to reduce bending over
- Adjustable volume/pitch of oven alarms

Last but not least - yes, there is even a toilet on the market with an electric-blue nightlight built in and a motorized heated seat cover that rises with the touch of a button. I don't think you'd have to be a senior citizen to enjoy that kind of amenity during a late-night bathroom visit!

The impact these trends will have on the real estate market as a whole is uncertain, but with more Baby Boomers purchasing Ludlow VT vacation homes, light-up toilets may be a standard amenity before you know it!

To learn more about trends in Ludlow VT real estate, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also contact us to request services here!

Ludlow VT Real Estate Tip: Navigating Home Inspections

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:14:07 -0500

Home inspections are not just for new home buyers! As we have discussed in previous posts, it is extremely important to have your Ludlow VT real estate inspected professionally on a regular basis - especially if you are using it as a vacation property - to ensure you keep up with any necessary maintenance or repairs.

Professional home inspectors examine existing homes using professional standards as a measure to accurately report their condition to parties involved in a real estate transaction, or to the existing owners looking to repair or renovate.

Home inspectors offer many types of inspections to suit Ludlow VT real estate owners' needs - some of these include:
- Pre-Listing Inspections
- Pre-Purchase Inspections
- New Construction Inspections
- HUD/FHA Inspections
- Multiunit Inspections
- Annual Maintenance Checkup

When purchasing a home, it is realistic that a buyer could save thousands of dollars by having a professional home inspection performed. Moreover, in areas with extreme weather circumstances, inspectors can help locate potential problems or damage that may be hidden to the naked eye.

To learn more about Ludlow VT real estate or for a referral to an experienced home inspector, please call me at 802-353 1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also begin searching for Ludlow VT real estate here!

Tips for Remodeling Your Ludlow VT Vacation Home

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 02 May 2008 06:25:41 -0500

This article from 2nd Home Journal offers a fantastic list of tips for remodeling your second home. If you already own a Ludlow VT vacation home, you probably already know that remodeling a second home presents unique challenges. Below are the 10 main tips, and the article contains the full details on making your spring remodeling projects a success!

- Do your research; prioritize your needs
- Hire a competent designer or architect
- Define your total project budget
- Design for low maintenance and sustainability
- Get three bids
- Do reference checks
- Plan at least a 10 percent contingency fund
- Synchronize payments with work completed
- Hire an experienced project manager
- Anticipate issues and stay focused

Ready to learn more about owning Ludlow VT real estate? Please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also begin searching for a Ludlow VT vacation home here!

Cool Website Alert! Find Ludlow VT Gas Prices

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:11:10 -0500

There's no denying it - the cost of gas is rising through the roof. Some areas are even seeing gas prices as high as $4 a gallon! But not all gas stations are created equal, and gas prices can vary widely even in the same city. Before you fill up, check out GasBuddy.com and enter your ZIP code to find the very best (and worst) gas prices in Ludlow VT.

For information about Ludlow VT real estate, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also request a complimentary market valuation of your Ludlow VT home here!

How Does Ludlow VT Real Estate Compare Nationally?

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:37:22 -0500

Check out this website to see how Ludlow VT real estate valuation compares to other cities across the country. This site is not only informative, but it shows that - despite the national media's attention to the real estate slowdown - much of the national real estate market is still valued fairly, making it a great time to buy.

To learn more about Ludlow VT real estate, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also fill out this form to request a complimentary market analysis of your Ludlow VT home!

Encouraging News For Ludlow VT Real Estate Vacation Home Buyers

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 04:28:55 -0500

According to the latest research by the National Association of Realtors, 1/3 of all real estate transactions in 2007 involved second or vacation homes. Although sales declined overall when compared to 2006, the proportion of vacation home sales was still near-record.

Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist, said lifestyle factors and strong demographics remain positive for the vacation home market. "Investment considerations are secondary for vacation-home buyers, so there is some dormant underlying demand," he said. "A peak of population is moving through the prime years for buying recreational property. It is welcoming to see investment sales returning to pre-boom activity."

To learn more about investing in Ludlow VT real estate, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also begin receiving automated emails containing Ludlow VT real estate that matches your criteria here!

Owning a Ludlow VT Vacation Home

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:35:10 -0500

This article from the Wall Street Journal offers a great, comprehensive overview of purchasing and owning Ludlow VT real estate to be used as a vacation home. It follows the story of a couple beginning with deciding to purchase in VT, to maintaining the property, and how they chose to handle renting the property.

Important topics for all vacation home owners that are covered include:
- Researching the local rental market and important factors to consider
- Determining fees/maintenance costs ahead of time
- Deciding who will manage and maintain the property
- Deciding how rental income will be received and used
- Determining the IRS status of the home (second home or vacation home?)
- Drafting a rental contract

For more information about purchasing Ludlow VT real estate, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also request complimentary e-books and relocation information here!

What You Need To Know About Ludlow VT Tax Rebates

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 03:28:04 -0500

Congress' recent $170 billion economic stimulus plan is centered around new tax rebates; unfortunately, the details of the plan are foggy at best, leaving Ludlow VT real estate owners and taxpayers with questions about the rebates and how they will benefit. The details are still being worked out by the Treasury Department and the IRS, but here are some facts that have been made available:

- To be eligible for a full rebate, single tax filers must have 2007 adjusted gross income (AGI) below $75,000. These filers will get rebates up to $600.
- Joint filers must have AGI below $150,000 and are eligible to receive rebates of up to $1,200.
- Parents will receive $300 rebates per dependent child and there is no cap on the maximum number of children eligible.
- Filers who do not owe income taxes because of various credits and deductions but who do have at least $3,000 in income (can include Social Security or disability payments) will get $300 rebates per person or $600 per couple.
- The rebate is a one-time tax cut - an advance on a credit you'll receive on your 2008 return.

If you make the IRS deadline and file your taxes by April 15, you can expect to receive a rebate check in the mail sometime between May and July.

Why not put your 2007 tax rebate toward the purchase of a new home? To learn more about Ludlow VT real estate, please visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com or begin searching for homes here. For more personalized service, please call me at 802-353-1983.

The Bumpy Streets of Ludlow Vermont

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:50:59 -0500

What do potholes, mud season, and black flies have in common? They are all "indigenous to Vermont," jokes Ludlow Municipal Manager Frank Heald. Along with the blessing of our snowy white winters comes the inevitable result of less-than-smooth roadways.

This article from the Rutland Herald is a half-serious look at the trials and tribulations we all face as we navigate the [sometimes bumpy] streets of Ludlow every day, and addresses what is being done to help relieve the problems. Check it out and let us know what you think is the most infamous road hazard in Ludlow!

To learn more about living in Ludlow or Ludlow VT real estate, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. To request a complementary market analysis of your home, please click here!

United Country Land Loan Financing

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 09:52:28 -0500

United Country Mortgage is now offering Land Loan financing for qualified applicants. Click here to read more about it!

Let me help you find the right property, then call the United Country Financing team to secure your mortgage.

To learn more about Ludlow VT real estate or market trends, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also sign up to receive automated emails of new listings that match your criteria here .

Ludlow VT Real Estate Update

Irene Gaffigan (United Country Farm Town Realty) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:09:52 -0500

Attention, potential residential or vacation home buyers! CNN.com is reporting that now is the best time since 2004 to purchase a home.

The research and statistics compiled in this article show that, overall, prices are dropping across the nation as interest rates remain low.

To learn more about Ludlow VT real estate or market trends, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also sign up to receive automated emails of new listings that match your criteria here!