Tips for Homeowners in Ludlow VT

The recent coverage of Hurricane Dean and other weather-related disasters across the country should be giving homeowners everywhere cause to take a minute and review their homeowners insurance policies. It is a good idea to look over your policy periodically to be sure you are familiar with all of its details and feel comfortable that you will be protected before a natural disaster strikes or you have to file a claim. Below are 5 tips for understanding your homeowners insurance:

1. Look for exclusions to coverage. For example, most policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item – these coverages must be purchased separately.

2. Look for dollar limitations on claims. Even if you are covered for a risk, there may be a limit on how much the insurer will pay. For example, many policies limit the amount paid for stolen jewelry unless items are insured separately.

3. Understand replacement cost. If your home is destroyed you’ll receive money to replace it only to the maximum of your coverage, so be sure your insurance is sufficient. This means that if your home is insured for $150,000 and it costs $180,000 to replace it, you’ll only receive $150,000.

4. Understand actual cash value. If you choose not to replace your home when it’s destroyed, you’ll receive replacement cost, less depreciation.

5. Understand liability. Generally your homeowners insurance covers you for accidents that happen to other people on your property, including medical care, court costs, and awards by the court. However, there is usually an upper limit to the amount of coverage provided. Be sure that it’s sufficient if you have significant assets.

To learn more about homeownership and Okemo Mountain real estate, please visit my website or call me at 802-226-8022.

How Walk-able is Your Ludlow VT Neighborhood?

This week I came across a website that is just so neat, I had to share it. www.WalkScore.com allows you to type in any address, and it will rate the “walk-ability” of that property by calculating its distance to things like the nearest grocery store, movie theater, library, school, park, and pharmacy.

We all know that walking is important for our health and, with all of the hype over “going green” lately, we know that walking instead of driving when possible is one way that we can all help to save the environment. In fact, it is recommended that adults tread 10,000 steps per day to reap the many benefits of walking. Why not consider the walk-ability of a neighborhood if you are in the market for a new home or a vacation home in Ludlow? Or, if you have recently purchased a vacation home in Vermont, check out the walk-ability to various destinations in your new “neighborhood away from home.”

To learn more about Okemo Mountain real estate and neighborhoods, please visit my website or call me today at 802-353-1983. I would love to help you find a new neighborhood to explore on foot!

Ludlow July 4 Fireworks

If part of your annual Independence Day celebration includes watching fireworks, you can enjoy them at West Hill Park in Ludlow. The fireworks display begins at dusk with children's games during the day.

Location: West Hill Park.
Time: Dusk.
Information: 802-228-5830.

See you there!

For Ludlow real estate information, visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com.

Vermont Interest Rates Decline

Freddie Mac has released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey®. Rates have decline for the first time in six weeks due to signs of moderating inflation.

The rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.17 percent, down from last week when it averaged 6.22 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year averaged 6.53 percent.

This is great news for Ludlow home buyers. Historically rates inch up during the spring buying season. Now is when the most homes are available for sale and to have rates low is having your cake and eating it too.

Thinking of buying Ludlow real estate? Visit my website to view all Vermont real estate listings or give me a call at 800-659-1819 #103.

Pending Home Sales Index Declines

The National Association of Realtors reports the Pending Home Sales Index, which is based on contracts signed in February is at 109.3, down 8.5 percent from February 2006. David Lereah, the chief economist for NAR, attributese this decline to unusually bad weather in February and the problems in the subprime market. Read the full story...

For updates on Ludlow real estate market, visit my website or give me a call at 800-659-1819 #103.

Tax Deduction For Prepaid Interest

Tax Day is only a couple of weeks away. Don't forget to claim the deduction for the mortgage interest you paid at closing when you bought your home.

All mortgage interest is tax deductible. You should have received a year-end statement from your lender showing how much interest you paid for 2006. However, this statement does not include the interest paid at closing. You will need to pull out your settlement statement or HUD-1 to determine how much interest was paid at closing. This amount can then be added to the number on your lender's statement. If in doubt, provide your HUD-1 to your accountant or tax preparer.

For information about buying a home in the Ludlow, VT area, visit my website or give me a call at 800-659-1819 #103.

Time for a Vacation Home?

Pros and Cons of a Second Home
Buying a second home is a big step and likely your second most valuable investment. Never rush into a second home purchase. You need to consider it over time. Determine how much use your vacation home will get and how it can fit into your finances.
Don’t forget to double everything. Buying a vacation home means that you will not only have two mortgages, but two property tax bills, water bills, fuel bills etc. Two homes mean more maintenance, including two plumbing and heating systems, septic systems, and roofs. And if something breaks down in your second home, chances are you may not be there to see it. For some, this is just too stressful.
At the same time, owning a second home can be very rewarding. It can be the source of relaxation: a time to get closer to your family, a place to be a kid again, and a place to meet new friends. It can even be a place to retire.
Lastly, owning your own home is not like renting. You get to leave your stuff there to truly make it yours. You can make impromptu escapes, leaving the stress behind. And your children and grandchildren will feel more comfortable in a place they have learned to call home.
If you’re thinking about buying a vacation home, you’re not alone. The rate of second homeownership has jumped, as large numbers of Baby Boomers move into their prime wage-earning years. It is estimated that 6-10 percent of homes in the United States are second homes. That number is much higher in desirable vacation communities.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 32 percent of homes on Cape Cod are seasonal and prices have increased by more than 60 percent since 2000. Seasonal homes represent an even higher percentage on Cape May – 48 percent – and prices have increased by more than 70 percent since 2000, dwarfing the national average, which increased by about 32 percent.
The trend of second home ownership shows no signs of slowing. People in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond are much more active than their parents. They’re seeking outlets for fun, and with two wage-earners at home who have more disposable income than ever, the trend of second home ownership will continue.
If you’re considering a second home purchase, where do you start?
► Location. Consider your personal tastes, interests, and hobbies when you’re choosing a second home. For example, if you’re the type of person who thinks anything over a two-hour ride is long, you’ll have a fairly small geographic area in which to conduct your search. If you plan to use your second home for a couple of vacations every year and long holiday weekends, then you can extend your search to a larger radius. Many second homeowners purchase properties in their favorite vacation spots because they already enjoy the area and want to spend more time there.
► How much are you willing to spend?
Prices can vary greatly. Up and coming communities are less expensive than established vacation hotspots which have seen explosive appreciation. Prices in these popular areas range from a home on the beach worth $1 million to the same-sized home a mile down the road worth half that price. Check current mortgage rates to get an idea of what your monthly payment might be. Don’t shy from jumping in the car and spending weekends looking for different vacation homes.
► Get more specific on your location.
Is your dream vacation home near the lake or on the lake? Do you want to water ski on that lake? Or do you seek a quieter spot to kayak or fish? Or is the lake in the mountains so you can combine winter and summer sports? Is it in an area that is a plane ride away, but one in which you hope to retire? This part of the process will take some time, but you can easily find the prices of second homes in your desired area without leaving your computer.
► Think about what it should look like.
Is your dream vacation home a rustic cottage near the ocean? Or is it a condominium on a golf course? Perhaps it’s a ski chalet in the woods. You also need to determine how big it should be. Is it just for your immediate family or would you like to invite your extended family and friends?
► Find a great real estate agent.
This step is absolutely critical. A terrific real estate agent can not only find you a great home, but find one in a town with moderate property taxes and fun neighborhoods for your children. They can help you with the finerpoints of owning a second home – everything from obtaining beach stickers to trash removal to finding someone to watch your second home when you’re away. And if you rent out your second home, the agent can help you determine the rental price. When you are ready visit: http://isellvermontrealestate.com
► Take your time.
It’s tough to look for a second home, even with the Internet simplifying the process. A growing number of real estate agents make both interior and exterior photos available online to narrow your search without driving back and forth. Remember - rushing into a second home purchase can be a mistake. A trailer on the lake might look good today, but thinking about your long-term goals could lead you to a cottage down the street from a lake, just a mile from the ocean. Look at a second home in the same way as your primary home. The most costly home repair projects are:
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Heating systems
Roofs
That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t purchase a second home with an outdated kitchen. Just understand that if you can’t tolerate the current kitchen, it could cost you $10,000 to $40,000 to update. Unlike your primary home, you’ll have the additional challenge of managing a renovation project long distance with a quality contractor you can trust.
Buy a second home that suits your personality and needs. If you don’t like working on your primary residence or dealing with contractors, look for a home that needs little work. At the same time, buying the smallest second home in the best neighborhood you can afford means your investment may appreciate at a higher rate.
While rentals in your chosen area may be strong today, make sure you can afford the mortgage without any rental income when budgeting for your purchase. There are many facets of second home ownership that are out of your direct control – everything from a gasoline shortage to a hurricane.
Taking the time to choose wisely means monitoring events in your desired vacation community. Learn how long homes have been on the market to get an idea of how much room you have in negotiation. Learning the overall direction of housing values in your region also helps you make educated buying decisions.

Okemo Luck Of The Irish

Okemo Mountain is experiencing the 'Luck Of the Irish' this St. Patrick's Day weekend with new snow falling. Visit their website for some amazing spring deals.

For amazing real estate deals in Okemo and Ludlow, visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. You'll be glad you did!

VT To Address Housing Affordability

67 percent of Vermont residents cannot afford to buy the average priced home in Vermont according to a reort released by the Vermont Housing Council and the Vermont Housing Awareness Campaign along with several other agencies and groups.

The average price of a home has risen 97 percent since 1996 to $197,000. An income of $66,000 is needed to purchase a home at this price, which is out of reach for 33 percent of Vermont residents. Home prices rose only 8 percent last year, but have risen 97 percent since 1996.

Additionally, the report reveals the cost of new housing has increased by 15 percent to $282,000, meaning that a Vermont family would need an annual income of $93,000 to afford to build a new home.

The Governor and the Legislature are both promising to address the rising cost of housing with several bills being introduced to bring relief to the affordability crisis. Let's hope this not not too little too late. Read the full story here.

If you are thinking of buying home, visit my website to view all Ludlow real estate listings or give me a call, 800-659-1819 #103. I have a network of lenders that can help you buy the Vermont home of your dreams.

Interest Rates Drop Again

The results of FreddieMac.com's Primary Mortgage Market Survey show a lowering of interest rates for the second week in a row. The average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.18% last week, down from the previous week's 6.24%.

"Mortgage rates drifted lower this week largely on the basis of new economic information suggesting a slower economy and lower inflation," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist.

This drop in rates reinforces last week's post that it is an excellent time to buy Ludlow real estate. Are you in the market to buy a home? Visit my website to view all Ludlow real estate listings. Or for more personalized service, give me a call, 800-659-1819 #103.

Housing Starts Plunge But Rise In Northeast

The Commerce Department reports housing starts plunged 14.3% in January to the lowest point in ten years. This unexpected decrease off-set the gains of the previous two months.

Regionally, housing starts in January decreased by 28.5% in the West, 15.2% in the Midwest, and 11.8% in the South. Starts rose 8.9% in the Northeast.

Interested in Ludlow Vermont real estate? Contact me, 800-659-1819 #103 or visit my website to view homes for sale.

FEDs Leave Rates Alone

The Federal Reserve Board announced this week that it would keep the the federal funds rate at 5-1/4 percent.

What does this mean for Ludlow home buyers? Mortgage interest rates should remain stable. There was a slight increase in rates in anticipation of the FED announcement, but that slight increase should settle back down again.

If you are in the market to purchase Ludlow real estate and are wondering how much home you can buy at the current interest rates, give me a call. I am glad to talk with you!