Ludlow VT Vacation Home Trends

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!

Homes That Save Vermont Home Buyers Money

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.

Baby Boomers Setting the Latest Ludlow VT Real Estate Trends

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

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 802-3531983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also begin searching for Ludlow VT real estate here!

Tips for Remodeling Your Ludlow VT Vacation Home

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

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?

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

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

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

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 VT

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!

Land Loan Financing

United Country Mortgage is now offering Land Loan financing for qualified applicants. Click here to find out more.

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

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!

Add Some Green To Your Ludlow VT Home

It seems like everywhere we turn these days, products and services we use every day are “going green.” With so many ways available now to help the environment, it may be overwhelming to figure out how exactly you as a homeowner can make changes. This article from RealEstateJournal.com details five ways homeowners can add “green” upgrades to their home, saving money and increasing their homes’ values at the same time. Below is the list of suggestions, check out the article for full descriptions of each item:

- Washers that save energy and water
- Toilets that conserve water
- No-VOC paints
- Smart thermostat applications
- Low-flow faucets and showerheads

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

The Truth about Second Home Buyers in Today's Real Estate Market.

This article is presented with permission and written by Denise Lones, M.I.R.M., CSP

Journalists are still riding the bandwagon of fear, reporting that second home purchases are going to be no more. Just last week, I heard a pundit advising people to keep their money in their primary residence because of the “impending recession”.

This is ridiculous. Nothing could be further from the truth. Contrary to popular belief, investing in a second home is—and will continue to be—a smart buying decision for many homeowners.

We live in the wealthiest country in the world. Second home buyers are not going anywhere. While the media hems and haws about all the unfortunate people who are in hard times, they completely ignore the fact that there are others who still have lots of money to invest. And what better investment than real estate—even if it’s not your primary residence?

I’m even going so far as to make a radical prediction:

Second home purchases will rise in the next five years.

That’s right—rise! Not diminish.

Here’s why:

1. As people age, they experience an increased need to have more quality of life and time away from home.

People love to get away. If they have the money, why not? They want a lifestyle change—the ability to go to a “home away from home”. Whether it’s a cottage in the mountains or a seaside shanty, there’s nothing like having a secondary place to escape to.

2. People have money and they want to invest it.

Traditionally, real estate is more stable than the stock market. This makes it a much more attractive investment for anyone skittish about putting their hard-earned money in the hands of Wall Street sharks.

In addition, the recent and dramatic drops in the Dow Jones have stirred up many valid fears among investors. For that very reason, real estate will continue to be the safer investment—guaranteeing that second-home buyers are here to stay.

Tell your clients about what’s going on. Don’t hold back. Crunch the numbers for them so that they see the incredible value of a second home.

3. People love to own real estate.

The very idea of being a “real estate investor” is enough to make some people purchase a property. Having that label is a sign of prestige, and raises people’s perception of themselves.

Whether or not you find this type of vanity attractive or repulsive, forget about how you think. Again, think like they think. It’s an undeniable fact that such people exist. They love nothing better than to go to cocktail parties and parade their wealth in front of others—describing their properties in detail.

Rather than despising these people for their snobbery—which many of us fall into the habit of doing—learn to love them for their ability to supercharge your business. With just a handful of wealthy investors as clients, a real estate agent can make a fortune.

4. Second-home communities are creating rental income possibilities for investors.

Many developers of second-home communities know that by including certain services, investors will take advantage of the additional income they may receive. Services such as having a concierge on duty 24/7. Or rental pools that encourage owners to rent during the off-season.

Developers have known for a long time that there is a huge market of second-home investors out there. By installing such services from the get-go, they maximize the potential of their community to attract them.

They know people will rent when they’re not there. Why pretend they’re not going to? Now, they encourage them instead. It’s a win-win for both the developer and the investor.

5. Having the ability to purchase a second home is an attractive trait to lenders.

Remember that second-home buyers have a solid track record being the owner of a first home. If a mortgage is all paid for and the buyer is looking to invest in a second one, then chances are this is a good client for the lender. It’s just plain easier to find financing if you already own a home.

Add in possible rental income and lenders become even more enthusiastic.

Side note: I know many of you reading this are struggling with mortgage payments of your own and can’t imagine buying a second home, especially in the current economic climate.

But in order to function best as a real estate agent, think outside of yourself. Think like an investor with a lot of capital. Where would you rather put your money—in volatile stocks or in a second home that you know will appreciate in value over the next 20 years?

As a real estate agent, what an opportunity it is to educate your wealthy clients about the value (and joy!) of investing in a second home rather than a Wall Street portfolio that has a higher chance of going bust.

Don’t listen to the media. Don’t listen to conventional wisdom. Don’t listen to people in financial trouble.

Second-home buyers are here to stay. Find them. Educate them. Help them make more money. When you do, you’ll see your own bank account grow.


Thank you Denise for allowing me to use the article

Irene

To learn more about buying a second home on Okemo Mountain VT or Ludlow VT real estate, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also request a relocation package by clicking here.

Okemo Mountain VT Trivia

Whether you are an Okemo Mountain VT homeowner or a visitor to the area, you’ll find these fun facts interesting:

- There are 624 acres of skiable area and 117 runs on Okemo Mountain
- Lift tickets were 20 cents in 1956, when operations first began
- Okemo is Native American for “All Come Home”
- The summit is 3,344 ft.
- A “Beach House” used to be at the top of the mountain instead of the Summit Lodge that stands now
- The trail Home Stretch used to be named Ugh

To learn more about Okemo Mountain VT or Ludlow VT real estate, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also request a relocation package by clicking here.

Vermont Investment Property

Chester, Vermont Seven Unit Apartment House The house is approx 120 years old, the two back apartments were added about 20 years ago they are 3 bedrooms each with their own furnace and hot water heater tenants pay their own heat and hot water. The main roof of the house is slate The roofs over the porches are asphalt. The foundation is stone - there are 2 basements, one for the front apartments with the main furnace and water heater and one for the back 2 apartments with their own water heaters and furnaces. Each basement has an outside entrance bilko doors. The outside of the house is Clapboard. The outside of the front potion of the house was painted during the renovations. The front of the house has mostly original windows, some storm windows. The house is heated with oil throughout. There is no gas. All the stoves are electric and all the tenants pay their own electricity. There is town water and sewer. The house is on approx 1.5 acres of property with parking for 12+ cars along the side and in the back, it is on a main street (rte 103), across from Chester Town Hall; an ideal location, walking distance to store. Good Numbers! Call or e-mail for more info. Owner/broker
MLS #2801839

Ludlow VT Home Buyers – Why Get A Home Inspection

Buying your Ludlow VT home is one of the most significant decisions and biggest investments you will ever make. A professional home inspection will enable you to learn a great deal about a home, help give you peace of mind and answer some important questions. Whether you are buying or selling, you will have the benefit of knowing the ins and outs of a particular home.

Homebuyer Benefits:
You will gain an education of the home, top to bottom, so that you will know exactly what you are buying.. This information will help you to buy with confidence knowing that a true professional has carefully evaluated and inspected your future home.

Home Seller Benefits:
For sellers, a pre-listing inspection can detect previously unknown problems or potential upgrades that you wish to address prior to selling your home. Being aware of issues in advance will allow for disclosure of problems, which can result in smoother transactions for all parties.

Good Hiring Practices:
1. Hire a Professional.
Confirm your home inspector is a member of American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) – http://www.ashi.org/ and National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) http://nahi.org/.

2. Obtain a printed report.
Make sure you are given a complete, written report of your inspection results, preferably with photos included.

3. Attend the inspection.There is no substitute for the being at the inspection. The report provided is only a part of the inspection. When you attend the inspection, you can ask questions, and become more familiar with your home, you'll gain greater comfort and confidence in your buying decision.

If you are ready to take advantage of the current Ludlow VT real estate market, please begin by calling me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also begin searching the MLS here.

Ludlow VT Real Estate Update

With the first month of 2008 complete, experts have begun to speculate on how the real estate market will fare for the rest of the year. A continuation of soft market conditions is forecast for existing-home sales in the months ahead, with improvement expected by the second half of this year if loan limits are increased, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors®.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said sales activity is expected to remain soft through the first half of the year despite a generational low in mortgage interest rates. “Existing home sales have moved narrowly since last September, but when the full impact of higher loan limits for conventional mortgages begins to impact the market there is likely to be a notable rise in home sales and prices,” he said.

If you are ready to take advantage of the current Ludlow VT real estate market, please begin by calling me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You may also begin searching the MLS here.

Calling all Farmers and Horse Owners - New Listing

1800's authentic Vermont Farmhouse on 227 acres, in Topsham Vermont, just waiting to be restored (but can be lived in now)! There are mostly new windows and some new wiring - 5 bedrooms, plus extra rooms. There is a 165ft barn, with electric and water and 8 bays, hay storage for about 5000 bales. Some of the land fronts the Waits River, has about 100 acres of hay land, pastures, a pond, apple orchard, trees and views! Close to Snow mobile trails. Included is a newer (2000) 3 bedroom, 2 bath doublewide to live in, while enjoying the beauty, the wildlife and watching the farmhouse come back to life. This land is perfect for organic farming!

Go to: http://isellvermontrealestate.com/ for more info or e-mail Irene at: Irene@isellvermontrealestate.com