I read an article this evening that touched me deeply. The article focussed primarily upon a suburban family living in Colorado. Up until recently, husband and wife had been earning $100,000 per year. They wanted for nothing. They lacked nothing. Now, they are living in poverty as defined by earning less than $25,000/year for a family of five. Their actual income is now $1,500/month or $18,000/year! As I read about their story, I began thinking about the millions, like them, who are slipping. A decade ago, the Jefferson County School District in Golden, Colorado reported 58 students that were known to be homeless. A year ago, that number spiraled to 2,800. That dramatic increase in such a vulnerable group hit my Bullseye. It made me think about dramatic loss and the true value of HOME. ... 10/14/2011

My upcoming picks in and around Burlington VT. Be sure to mark your calendars: 1. Leef Peeping: Grab you bike, kayak, hiking boots, walking shoes, kids, dog, wife, sweetheart, chubby hubby, camera, ipod, book, blanket, picnic okay you come up with a couple on your own. But it's time to be out and about and with Indian Summer upon us this weekend we'll have to make this blessed warmth last a loooooooong time. So go for it!!!!! Come back in on Sunday wiped out from being out and about in our lovely state. I'll see you out there... 2. Stowe Foliage Arts Festival. 200 Exhibiting Artists & Artisans. Craft Demonstration. Vermont Craft Brewed Beer, Wine & Food. Live Music on Saturday (10/8) and Sunday (10/9). 10am - 5pm Topnotch Field 4000 Mountain Road Stowe Vermont 3. Friday's Art Walk. Fri... 10/14/2011

Guess who made the list? Okay, i'm a little giddy about this one. I mean Burlington Vermont has been piling these things up for more than twenty years now. Year after year, someone else says this place is the greatest. And guess what? It really is. Here are some fast facts: POPULATION: 42,417 MEDIAN AGE: 27 MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY: $38,598 MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $249,900 "Stop us if this sounds familiar: a college town anchored by a left-leaning ­university, with enough bars in a four-block radius to slake the thirst of an army of frat boys and a pedestrian-only main drag full of crepe vendors, retail outlets, locally sourced restaurants, bike racks, and street performers. We thought so. But what sets Burlington apart from other U-towns is its ­affordability and, more ­important, its Green Mo... 10/14/2011

My upcoming picks in and around Burlington Vermont. Be sure to mark your calendars: 1. Patagonia Burlington & Jay Peak present Films to Change Your World. Wild and Scenic Film Festival. "Where Activism Gets Inspired." Thursday, October 20th 5:30pm at Main Street Landing in Burlington Vermont. Tickets are now on sale, 2. Need a change or might you be looking for employment? Vermont Tech Jam 2011 presented by Dealer.com will be a locus for careers, education and networking (read what Outside Magazine recently reported that Dealer.com was #14 on a list of their 50 top companies to work at it the entire United States). Friday, October 28th from 10am-5pm and Saturday, October 29th from 10am-3pm. Both days will take place at the Border's Building at 29 Church Street in Burlington VT, 3. Emer... 10/14/2011

Today was the final day of the Vermont Real Estate Conference at the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center here in South Burlington Vermont. It was a day I was looking forward to as I had enrolled in a course entitled, "Volcanic Video Ideas to Make Your Messages Go Viral". The course instructor, Doug Devitre, taught us one of the most powerful tools for connecting with prospects can be the use of video on social media! He taught us how to use the web to build our authority in our niche and craft an online community of fans on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. He also taught us how to move our content on other blogs and websites using RSS, status updates and widgets.  I have long recognized that my next major commitment was to begin to learn how to implement a solid video strategy o... 10/14/2011

During this morning's session of the Vermont Real Estate Conference being held at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center here in South Burlington VT, I am taking a course entitled, "What's It Worth - Pricing Real Estate?" My course instructor who is a certified appraiser with over 34 years of experience in the real estate field imparted the Seven Deadly Sins Sellers Make These Days. Here they are for you sellers out there: 1. Pricing higher than the competition, 2. Refusing reasonable offers early on, 3. Not putting the property in the best possible condition for sale, 4. Making showing the property difficult, 5. Not recognizing that your home is a house, e.g. a commodity to a buyer, 6. Blaming the Realtor for the market. The market is what it is. The Realtor did not make the market,... 10/14/2011

Burlington Waterfront Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Burlington Vermont, its sure that time of year folks to gather for a mighty fun filled time.The Month of October sure does brings folks mighty Big, Pumpkins, Spooky Halloween Decorated Sugar Cookies and Cupcakes, Apple Cider Donuts, Pumpkin Donuts on weekends this Fall! It's also Apple Pie and Pumpkin Pie Season, Hay Rides for Pumpkins, all of that goes on in the Month of October for folks to enjoy! The Giant Pumpkin Regatta and Festival will be taking place at 1 Depot Street in Burlington, Vermont on Sunday the 9th of October, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. with the actual Regatta Races beginning at 12:00 P.m. So just what happens during ?  Different teams of folks, pumpkin sponsors, local celebrities, media personalities, P... 10/08/2011

Once each year, our professional association convenes affording Realtors time to gather in a setting that is full of speakers, classes, exhibits on new standards, technology and best practices. I'm excited this year to be taking several Continuing Education classes. They are as follows: 1. Volcanic Video Ideas to Make Your Message Go Viral: In this session Doug Devitre will deliver the "how-to" in addition to the "why" video is the simplest form of online communication.  Record, edit, and publish your way to proven success by creating videos your clients will welcome, watch, and want to share with their friends. 2. What's It Worth? This class will cover the basics of real estate valuation, including several quick ways to develop an opinion of value. The three approaches will be discusse... 09/27/2011

Mount Hunger remains one of my favorite hikes near Burlington Vermont. A short 30 minute drive. It takes about 2.5 hours to hike the peak. Glorious at this time of year with colors changing. This is the view of Camel's Hump seen atop Mount Hunger located in Waterbury Center Vermont. ---------------------If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont Real Estate or Chittenden County, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market, schools and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com 09/27/2011

The magic and beauty of Autumn closes in on Burlington Vermont, Lake Champlain & The Adirondack Mountains to the west. ---------------------If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont Real Estate or Chittenden County, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market, schools and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. I can be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com 09/27/2011

My picks in and around Burlington Vermont for September 23rd, 2011 to October 5th, 2011: 1. Don't forget it's time to nail down your upcoming season's pass (pre-season deals are on now) for downhill and cross country skiing. Contact your local area resort of choice located in Stowe, Sugarbush, Smuggler's Notch, Jay, Bolton, Mad River. 2. Todd Lecture Series Presents James Carville and Mary Matalin entitled, "A Conversation With A Washington Power Couple". Wednesday October, 5th at 7pm at Plumley Armory  Norwich University in Northfield, VT. 802.485.2633 3. I AM Vermont Strong Benefit Music Series Presents George Thorogood & The Destroyers. Saturday September 24th at 8pm at The Paramount Theater 30 Center Street Rutland Vermont. Tickets at ParamountLive.org or 802.775.0903 (a portion of ... 09/27/2011

Vermont Green Mountains Summer Homes and Cottages Winter Closing Tips Vermont, before living your Summer Season Vermont Green Mountains Home or Cottage because of the Winter Season Months are going to be siting in. You'll want to be sure your home or cottage is going to be okay while its all alone during the mighty cold and snowy days and nights time periods in the Green Mountains of Vermont. The Water System of your Vermont Green Mountains Summer Home or Cottage: 1. Shut off water systems by turning off the pump or shutting the valve if you happen to be on Town or City water. You'll want to drain the pressure tank. 2. Open all faucets. 3. Break a union close to the valve so water will drain out clear to the shut-off valve. 4. Drain pump and run a second or two to be sure all water is o... 09/25/2011

There is much to do in Burlington, Vermont.  Below is a sample of the some of the events happening in Burlington this weekend... Friday, August 26, 2011 Argentinean Tango Shoulders back, chin up! With or without partners, dancers of all abilities strut to bandoneón riffs in a self-guided practice session. Friday, August 26, 7:30–10PM at Salsalina Studio in Burlington. $5. International Folk Dancing Louise Brill organizes people into choreographed patterns from around the world. No partner necessary; instruction given the first hour. Friday, August 26, 8–10PM at North End Studio in Burlington. $5. Mad Robin Contra Dance The Irregulars dole out tunes for clean-soled folks taking organized steps. Beginner's lesson, 7:45 p.m. Friday, August 26, 8–11PM at First Congregational Church in Burli... 08/25/2011

Come to Burlington, Vermont to enjoy the many events throughout the day and great fireworks show at 9:30pm! Below is a schedule of the events happening on July 3, 2011 Click here for full schedule and information: 2011 Burlington Vermont Fireworks & Events Schedule Perkins Pier Time Location Broadcasting with Radio stations WOKO, WKOL WIZN, WJOY and The BUZZ 4:00 – 8:00 pm Lawn green area Blue Gardenias 5:30 – 7:30 pm   Rick and the Ramblers 8:00 – 9:30 pm   Strolling entertainment and stilt walkers 5:30 – 9:00 pm     Waterfront Park Time Location Information Tent 3:00 pm Bottom of College St. Boathouse Circle Local Motion Bike Parking Valet 4:00 – 11:00 pm Follow signs in park (Phase 1-Great law area by fence) Dux the Balloon Man (Balloon twisting & giant creations) 4:00-9:00pm Lawn ar... 06/29/2011

Here's a quick tip for Buyers up north in the Winter (and in years like this one, buyers down south too!). 03/06/2011

Today's video tip of the day for our sellers of homes in and around Burlington, VT has to do with lighting. As agents, we love to walk in to a showing with the home well lit, and here's our tip about it. Let us know if we can answer any of your questions, or you have any feedback for us! 03/04/2011

Burlington VT - March 1st, 2011 To answer this question, let me begin by asking a question. When you are in a legal proceeding, would you have the lawyer representing the person sitting across the table from you represent you as well? The answer is so simple. Of course not. Why then when buying a house or property which for many people represents one of the largest financial decisions of their lives would you utilize the Realtor who represents the Seller(s) to safeguard your best interests as the Buyer(s)? In Vermont, we do not have “dual agency.” Some states do allow this (where one Realtor represents both sides of the transaction while maintaining “neutrality”) but for the life of me I do not understand why. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. There are simply too many places for... 03/02/2011

Burlington VT - February 28th, 2011 It’s official! A new record snowfall of 42.8 inches for the month of February has been set at Burlington VT. This breaks the old record of 42.3 inches set in 2008. Time to either go sledding or head south for Spring break depending on your perspective. If you are considering listing your home for sale or buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont Real Estate or Chittenden County, please give me a call or email me to discuss the market and your options. I would be delighted to assist you. Feel free to visit my website at ChrisHurdVT. I can also be reached on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me at Chris@ChrisHurdVT.com As always, please feel free to post any thoughts and comments here below. Armed with solid numbers, buyers and se... 02/28/2011

Burlington VT February 25th, 2011 Here is my highly subjective Top Ten List of Fun Ideas if you’re in serious need of a lift as this snowy winter shows no signs of losing her grip on our weary, hunched-over, snow shoveled backs. 10. Vermont Maple Open House Weekend at Shelburne Farms March 19th and 20th, 9. Vermont Flower Show at the Champlain Valley Exposition March 4,5,6, 8. Dinner at the ‘Trat and don’t forget to try the profiterole for dessert, 7. Visit the Fleming Museum at the University of Vermont, 6. 25th Anniversary of Arts Alive March 21st downtown Burlington, 5. Sweeten your day at Lake Champlain Chocolate Factory, 4. Go Sledding at one of Hammerhead Sleds recommended hills across the entire Northeast, 3. 16th Annual Mardi Gras Parade in downtown Burlington VT Saturday March ... 02/28/2011

Burlington VT - February 24th, 2011 There is an organization you may know of or not. And if you are new to Vermont, you most assuredly need to be aware that Efficiency Vermont exists. To sumarize, Efficiency Vermont was created in 1999 when the Vermont legislature passed a law creating the nation’s first ratepayer-funded energy efficiency utility providing energy efficiency services to business owners, homeowners and renters to reduce their energy costs. Since its inception, Efficiency Vermont has been working diligently to help Vermonters reduce their annual energy costs which results in utilities not having to buy as much power from power plants. The net affect being ratepayers’ electric bills are likely to be less than they would be without energy efficient practices. If you go to th... 02/25/2011