Buyers Have More Buying Power

Home buyers acquired more buying power with the recent changes in 100 percent loan guidelines.

The guidelines for 80/20 and 75/25 Conforming Fixed-Rate loans now allow seller contributions up to 6 percent of the sales price or appraised value, whichever is less. Previous guidelines allowed only 3 percent contributions.

Now it’s easier to purchase the new home you deserve! Are you thinking of buying an Okemo Mountain home? Visit my website to view all real estate listings.

Tips For A Quick Sale This Winter

Selling a home in winter can have its pluses and minuses. On the plus side, there is less competition. On the minus side, days are shorter, the weather doesn't always cooperate and flowers aren't in bloom.

BankRate.com has some excellent tips to help speed up a winter sale:

1. Keep walkways and driveways clear of snow and ice. You may not have to mow the lawn or trim the shrubs, but in the winter, consider this duty your "yard work."

2. Present a warm and cozy home. Make sure the temperature is comfortable and not too cool for visitors coming in from the outside. Turn on gas fireplaces if you have them.

3. Show during "high-daylight" hours and make your home as light as possible. Clean blinds and curtains and keep them open during daytime showings. Put the highest wattage bulbs in amps and fixtures, and turn the lights on when you show. And wash your windows -- even a little bit of grime gives the impression that the home isn't well cared for.

4. Set the mood with a little soft background music and some pleasant smells. Light a few candles that give off a nice scent, such as vanilla. Just don't overdo it -- you don't want people to think you're trying to mask a bad smell.

5. Ask prospective buyers to remove their shoes or slip on paper booties over them. Doing so shows buyers that you are proud of your home and take meticulous care of it.

6. Emphasize the features of your home that make it a good place to live in the winter. If your roads are regularly plowed and de-iced, be sure to make it known.

For more information about selling Ludlow, VT real estate and Okemo Mountain real estate, visit my website. You'll be glad you did!

Vermont Ranks High In Education Survey

BurlingtonFreePress.com reports that Vermont public schools have ranked #3 in academic achievement behind # 2 New Jersey and #1 Massachusetts. this Ranking is a result of the Education Week Quality Counts survey.

Vermont ranked ninth among states on a chance-for-success index measuring demographic, economic and education attainment indicators. Virginia was No. 1 on the success meter and New Mexico was last.

The quality of education in Vermont makes it a great place to live. Are you thinking of buying a home in Ludlow, VT? Real estate here is affordable and offers an excellent quality of life. Visit my website to view all homes for sale in Ludlow and Okemo Mountain. Then, give me a call. I'm here to help!


Tags: burlington free press, education week quality count survey, ludlow vt real estate, ludlow vt home for sale, vermont public schools

Consumer Confidence Skyrockets

Consumer Confidence Index skyrocketed in December, increasing from 105.3 in November to 109.0 in December which could be an indication that the national housing slump may have ended. Full story...


Tags: consumer confidence, ludlow real estate, irene gaffigan