Selling Your Rutland VT and Okemo Mountain VT Home Yourself

Selling your Rutland VT and Okemo Mountain VT home yourself might sound like a good idea at first, but many FSBO (for sale by owner) sellers quickly realize they’ve gotten in over their heads or may have sold their home for much less than they would have had they worked with a Realtor®. 

The 2008 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers found that two-thirds of “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) sellers found some aspect of the home sale to be difficult. 

Twelve percent of sellers who knew the buyer thought that getting the price right was the hardest task. Among FSBO sellers who didn’t know the buyer, 16 percent found it difficult to sell within the time planned, 15 percent found fixing up the home arduous, and 12 percent found it difficult to get the price right. 

Statistics also show 25 percent of FSBO sellers took no action to market their home and 72 percent didn’t offer incentives to attract buyers? 

If you are considering selling your Rutland VT home yourself and want to discuss other missteps FSBO sellers risk when attempting to go it alone, give me a call. I am glad to talk with you. 

Learn how I can help you sell your Rutland VT  home by visiting ISellVermontRealEstate.com.

What’s your Rutland VT home worth?

Has Vermont Real Estate Hit Bottom?

Many Vermont real estate buyers want to wait until the market reaches bottom to buy, insuring they are getting the best possible price. This is a natural thing to do…but how do you know when the market has reached bottom?

Usually it is by looking back and saying “Oh, I wish I had Bought back then!” We may be reaching the bottom of the current real estate market and beginning to see the return of appreciation. Do Not Miss your opportunity.

Here is an “Interesting” excerpt from CNBC. I suggest you take it as a “For What It’s Worth”. There are certainly some good and some “Over the Top” comments in this clip: http://www.CNBC.com/id/29757411.

Personally, I don’t subscribe to “Over the Top” commentary. I just think it makes sense to realize we are likely at or very near the bottom of the housing market and it IS a great time to buy a home! Rates are extremely low, Sellers are ready to sell and there is a large inventory of homes in all price ranges. The “Magic Three”… Think about it… Take advantage of it… Give us a call!

Learn more about Vermont real estate by visiting ISellVermontRealEstate.com.

Search all Vermont real estate and homes for sale.

Reasons To Take First Offer Seriously

Many Rutland and Okemo Mountain VT  home sellers look at the first offer on their home as just that, the First Offer with many more to come. You know what they say, ‘A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.’ And in the current Buyers Market, offers are few and far between. Rutland and Okemo Mountain VT  home sellers will want to consider the first offer very seriously. Here are reasons why: 

• An early offer (if you’re lucky!) doesn’t necessarily mean buyers are lining up to follow suit. It could just mean that your home meets the needs or preferences of that one particular buyer who made the offer.
• Your home will get the most interest from buyers just after it goes on the market. The longer it stays on the market, the more “desperate” buyers will think you are, prompting lower and lower offers.
• Even if the first offer is thousands lower than your list price, consider carefully whether it might be enough – in terms of price and contract terms — before rejecting it out of hand. After all, the longer your home is on the market, the more it costs you in mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, upkeep and sheer inconvenience.
• If the offered price and contract terms are less than ideal, start negotiations by making a counteroffer, being as flexible with the terms as possible. It isn’t uncommon for buyers to offer a price below what they are truly willing to pay, sometimes much below, just to see if they can buy under market.

An offer indicates serious interest in your home — don’t underestimate that but don’t take it for granted, either.

Thinking of selling your Rutland or Okemo Mountain VT home? We’ll be happy to work with you to fine-tune your home’s listing price so it fits our local market. We can also advise you on what would make your home more saleable at low cost to you. Most importantly, we can put our expertise to work for you when it comes time to negotiate with potential buyers. Learn more about us by visiting ISellVermontRealEstate.com. 

Get the value of your Rutland or Okemo Mountain VT home.

Cautious Optimism For Rutland VT Home Market

According to the recently released Real Estate Roundtable’s Sentiment Survey, real estate experts think market conditions are improving despite the credit crunch.

Nearly 60 percent of the survey’s 120 respondents expect market conditions to improve within a year. Although 88 percent of the respondents think loans are tougher to get now compared to a year ago, 68 percent predict conditions will improve in the next year.

Their optimism is based on an uptick in the Overall Q2 2009 Sentiment Index. Measured on a scale of 1-100, the index evaluates surveys from recent quarters and calculates an overall average. Currently the index rests at 41, up from 38 last quarter and 33 six months ago.

What do these figures really mean for Rutland VT home buyers? It means the market is bottoming out, prices have reached bottom or close to it and now is the time to buy a Rutland VT home. Don’t be one of those people next year who has to say, “I wish I had bought last year when prices were low.” Give me a call today and for the best deal on your next Rutland Vt home!

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FRAME THE VIEW

Circular Driveway

Maple Hill is one of Vermont’s most beautiful venues.  Although only 7 minutes from Jackson gore, this property offers serenity, privacy and splendor. The 4-bedroom, 4-bath Georgian Ranch fits right into the 18.63 acres which include a pond, a pool, exceptional landscaping and majestic mountain views. A great room features a Rumford fireplace abd the kitchen has granite countertops and commercial-grade appliances.  The master suite includes the bedroom, a sitting room, a fireplace and a whirlpool. With a full, walk-out lower level, this home’s 5,200 s.f. will comfortably and elegantly accommodate your family and friends.  More land is available – making a total of approximately 65 acres – so bring the horses! There are wonderful meadows for riding, hiking, cross-country skiing and communing with nature’s best in beautiful southern Vermont. Offered for:  $1,295,000.00

Using Feng Shui To Sell Your Ludlow or Rutland VT Home

To put the best face on your Ludlow  or Rutland VT home and appeal to buyers who follow feng shui principles, keep these tips in mind.

1. Pay special attention to the front door, which is considered the “mouth of chi” (chi is the “life force” of all things) and one of the most powerful aspects of the entire property. Abundance, blessings, opportunities, and good fortune enter through the front door. It’s also the first impression buyers have of how well the sellers have taken care of the rest of the property. Make sure the area around the front door is swept clean, free of cobwebs and clutter. Make sure all lighting is straight and properly hung. Better yet, light the path leading up to the front door to create an inviting atmosphere.

2. Chi energy can be flushed away wherever there are drains in the home. To keep the good forces of a home in, always keep the toilet seats down and close the doors to bathrooms.

3. The master bed should be in a place of honor, power, and protection, which is farthest from and facing toward the entryway of the room. It’s even better if you can place the bed diagonally in the farthest corner. Paint the room in colors that promote serenity, relaxation, and romance, such as soft tones of green, blue, and lavender.

4. The dining room symbolizes the energy and power of family togetherness. Make sure the table is clear and uncluttered during showings. Use an attractive tablecloth to enhance the look of the table while also softening sharp corners.

5. The windows are considered to be the eyes of the home. Getting the windows professionally cleaned will make the home sparkle and ensure that the view will be optimally displayed.

Get more information about selling your Ludlow  or RutlandVT home at ISellVermontRealEstate.com.

What’s the value of your Ludlow or Rutland VT home?

Source: Sell Your Home Faster With Feng Shui by Holly Ziegler (Dragon Chi Publications, 2001) Reprinted with permission Realtor Magazine.

Rutland VT Home Buying Tips

The thought of buying your first Rutland VT home can be intimidating…but it doesn’t have to be. Below are tips to guide you through the intial stages of buying a Rutland VT home. 

1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing. 

2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.

3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.

4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.

5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.

6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.

7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

8. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment.

For more about buying a Rutland VT home or South Central VT, visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. And give me a call so I can get to work for YOU!

Investment Property in Bomoseen Vermont – REDUCED!

JUST REDUCED!   3 separate buildings on 5.7 acres, plus possibilty of building another building.  2 story single family, singlewide mobile home, storefront with efficency.  All apts are rented.  Storefront can be another apt. or business.  Excellent numbers! 2 barns on property -  Across from the lake.  INVESTORS DELIGHT!  Offered for $149,000.00.  E-mail or call for more info and to set up an appointment!  Irene@isellvermontrealestate.com - 802-353-1983.

Things To Consider When Investing In Okemo Mountain or Killington Real Estate To Rent

If you are thinking of buying Okemo Mountain or Killington real estate and making it a rental property, there are a number of things to consider when choosing the property: 

1. Location

If you will be renting to a year ‘round tenant, look for a property convenient to major employers, schools, shopping facilities, transportation. If the property will be a vacation property, you will want to be near major tourist attractions such as the Okemo Mountain Ski Resort or Killington. 

2. Price

If you hope the rental income will be more than the cost of the monthly mortgage, insurance and taxes on the home, you should be careful to invest no more per month than the local rental market can bear. If your goal for rental income is to “break even” or even to have a negative cash flow, price becomes somewhat less important. 

3. Resale

Consider the long-term resale value of the property. If you buy in a fast growing area, the resale value will be greater further down the road. If you buy is a slow growth area, your resale value will be less, but there may be a better rental market. When buying Okemo Mountain or Killington real estate, you want to consider how long the tourist season is. Okemo and Killington both Have year round activities to attract vacation renters. Skiing and other snow activities in the winter; golf, swimming and other outdoor sports in the spring and summer; and fall foliage  for ‘leaf-peepers.’ 

4. Neighboring homes

Are the neighboring homes well-maintained? If not, they will drive down your property values. 

5. Solid construction

Look for solid construction. Tenants tend to put more wear and tear on a home than owners. Find a low-maintenance property suitable for renters. For example, white carpeting will have a much shorter life than something more neutral. 

6. Do it yourself

If you live nearby, it can be relatively simple to stay in touch with tenants, and to keep an eye on your investment. If you lack the time, or your property is some distance away, you may wish to work with a property management firm.

Learn more about Okemo Mountain or Killington real estate by visiting ISellVermontRealEstate.com.

How To Make the Move To Your Ludlow & Rutland VT Home Hassle Free

It doesn’t matter if you are moving across town or across the country, moving is stressful! But a little planning can go a long way to making the move to your new Ludlow VT home less stressful. Below are 10 time-saving tips for a hassle-free move. 

1. Make a list. 

Create a week-by-week checklist of everything that needs doing. Start 60 days prior to your move and include the most trivial items. Staying on schedule will eliminate a lot of headaches, especially the closer you get to moving day. 

2. Hire a quality moving company. 

If the quote you get from a moving company seems too good to be true…it probably is! An unreliable company will cost you more in the long run, so be sure to check out the companies you interview with the Better Business Bureau. 

3. Have a yard sale. 

Now is the perfect time to get rid of items you haven’t used in the last few years. Why pack, move and unpack something you most likely won’t use in your new Ludlow VT home? Discard it now rather than later. 

4. Create a system. 

Create a color coded boxing system with a different color for each room in the house. Only pack items for a specific room in specific boxes. Let your movers know which colors correspond to which room so they will put the boxes in the correct room. 

5. Unplug. 

Most movers won’t unplug appliances, computers, etc. Before the movers arrive, disconnect all appliances, electrical equipment and lighting fixtures that go to your new Ludlow Vt home.

6. Stock up on packing supplies. 

Don’t run out of packing tape the morning of the move; have plenty of supplies on hand. Early on in the moving process, start gathering boxes, tape, bubble wrap, newsprint, box cutters and markers. Try to save time and the environment by packing with materials you already have. Load up suitcases and plastic containers and use pillows, scarves and towels to “wrap” fragile items.

7. Pack a moving survival kit. 

Pack a “last-to-go” box with all of the necessities-toiletries, snacks, important documents-and keep it with you instead of packing it in moving truck.

8. Clean it up. 

An empty house is much easier to clean than one with boxed stacked everywhere. Clean your new home before you move in so you can concentrate on unpacking after the movers leave. 

9. Create a floor plan. 

Prior to the move, create a floor plan with graph paper and cutouts for the furniture. Plan where the furniture will go so the movers can put it in the right place the first time and you don’t have to move it around later.

10. Change service prior to the move. 

Arrange for your mail, utilities, phone, cable, Internet and any other services to be transferred prior to the move so you don’t have a lapse in service. There is nothing worse than not having water, heat or air conditioning on moving day! 

Learn more about Ludlow and Rutland VT homes by visiting ISellVermontRealEstate.com.