Burlington, VT

Burlington VT
October 29th, 2009

I was interviewed by CNN/Money.com this past Tuesday to comment on the foreclosure filing increases over the past few months being recorded in the Burlington metro region. The reporter, Julianne Pepitone, asked me several questions about our real estate market. The gyst of her reporting indicated that the Burlington metro area has had a significant increase in foreclosure filings. She juxtaposed Burlington's numbers with four other larger metro areas that had had major foreclosure increases lumping these areas together in a manner that suggested something more dire.

Further, last week, Vermont Public Radio (VPR) interviewed a Statistics Professor, Vince Bolduc, from Saint Michael's College in Colchester VT on how perverted the Vermont statistics are given that we have such a small population base. Actual numbers of foreclosures in the Burlington metro market per month have risen from 10 per month up to 12 per month. These numbers are hardly anything to be alarmed about.

In fact, Vermont as a state as recorded on June 11th, 2009 had the lowest rate of foreclosures of any state in the entire United States. Now that is something we can be proud of on a number of important levels. (These statistics were compiled by RealtyTrac (www.RealtyTrac.com), the nations leading source for online foreclosure properties.)

In addition, RealtyTrac reported that 1 in every 357 households nation-wide received a foreclosure filing in August 2009. Vermont's foreclosure filing rate was 1 in every 9,437 in that same month. However, in July 2009, it was 1 in every 28,312 a 200 percent change from July and an 83.3 percent change from August 2008. When these statistics are examined more closely, we can see the percentages may be startling but the actual numbers are not.

We all know our economy is hurting and hurting badly in specific areas across our country. We need reporting accuracy, not hyperbole and a steady hand on the tiller combined with our resourcefulness and resiliency. Vermont has so far weathered this economic storm admirably.

If you are interested in purchasing a Home in and around Burlington VT, please call me on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

As always, please feel free to place your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

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October 19th, 2009

Burlington VT

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) awarded Chris Hurd its newest Green Designation over the weekend. Mr Hurd is the first Realtor in Burlington Vermont and Chittenden County to have achieved this distinction. He is one of only 9 Realtors across the entire state of Vermont who have fully completed NAR's education/certification process and become fully certified.

Mr. Hurd recognizes that Green Real Estate is altering fundamental market dynamics. Studies now show that two-thirds of consumers are paying attention to green homes and buildings; they recognize the link between green properties, cost savings and healthy living. Chris seeks to be a positive force for change with his clients and within his community as NAR's newest Green Designee.

NAR's Green Designation is a real estate designation designed for residential, commercial and property management professionals looking to green their businesses and their lives. When you earn NAR's Green Designation, you'll gain:

• A comprehensive understanding of what it means to go green and the concerns of consumers seeking green knowledge about real estate
• Valuable real estate education that broadens your abilities in the eyes your clients, prospective clients and associates
• Enhanced ability to participate in the green real estate market
• Ongoing specialized training and resources that help you stay on top of green real estate issues and trends
• Access to customizable members-only marketing tools to help you build your business and gain a competitive edge

If you are interested in purchasing a Green Home in and around Burlington VT, please call me at my direct line at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Hurd's The Word or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

Men's Journal magazine in their June 2009 issue listed the thirty best neighborhoods to live in in America. They noted that "a neighborhood with real soul can make a vibrant city even better. And enclaves of unique vitality can breathe life into unsung workaday towns. No matter where you live, finding just the right 'hood is what really makes a place home."

With names like Catherine, Charlotte, Caroline, Margaret and Marion you'd think I'd be giving you the list of dates my rambunctious neighbor had last week alone. But in all seriousness, this is the neighborhood known in Burlington Vermont as the "Five Sisters." Located about a mile's walk south of the Church Street Marketplace, Burlington's hub, and about a three quarter mile walk to Lake Champlain, this neighborhood has a lot to offer.

Sleepy, quiet and close to it all including the University of Vermont, the Five Sisters neighborhood is highly sought after. Homes, when they come on the market, last for a very short time. If you are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, you just may wind up being counted as one of her fortunate residents.

All within walking distance, one can easily find yoga studios, coffee shops, bakeries, gourmet food markets, breakfast, lunch and dinner places and lots more. On Saturday's, there's the Farmer's Market in downtown Burlington's City Hall Park.

Typical homes are kinda bungalowy with friendly front porches and many have been renovated. It is not at all uncommon to buy in this area and see intrepid renovations quickly underway. The scale in this established neighborhood seems to feel familiar in that special way. You know what I mean. It just feels right. Small, tree lined streets, kids headed to the nearby park, people on bicycles... It feels real, not contrived.

If you are interested in purchasing a home in the Five Sisters neighborhood of Burlington Vermont, please call me at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com

As always, please feel free to place your comments here at Burlington Vermont Real Estate Blog or go to my website at Burlington Vermont Real Estate.

September 24th, 2009
Burlington VT

Having lived here now going on 31 years, I am always excited each time Burlington and Vermont are recognized by independent organizations for the extraordinary quality of life we are so lucky to enjoy. Over these many years, this area has been recognized on so many levels I have simply lost count. It is a great testament to the quality of the people in this state and in the Burlington area that invest themselves so wholeheartedly into making this area so vibrant and special. We are truly blessed.

Having said that, another honor has now been bestowed upon Burlington. Children's Health Magazine (CHM) has just ranked Burlington Vermont as the #1 place in the United States to raise a family. (http://ow.ly/psk0 )

Citing school per pupil spending and graduation rates near the top in all the United States coupled with a high percentage of the population having earned advanced degrees and a high median family income level as strong indicators of overall great health and a well educated population.

Additionally, an educated population by and large also enjoys better health and Burlington seems to fit that trend as well.

CHM notes Burlington has the lowest obesity rates in the country. Having the fewest fast food restaurants per capita and possibly because of the many outdoor recreational pursuits many of its residents enjoy seasonally and the importance of local, organically produced produce, meat and poultry, The Queen City continues to blaze her path of excellence.

Congratulations Burlington!

Call me at 802.238.5256, email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com or post your comments at Burlington Vermont Real Estate Blog or go to my website at Vermont Real Estate.