South Burlington VT February 23rd, 2011 Remember the old song “Down On The Corner” by Creedence Clearwater Revival? Well, it just might be we’re heading Back to the Future. There is a shift in Vermont real estate trends that is now underway. An article this week in the Burlington Free Press by Matt Sutkoski entitled, “Data Shows Vermonters Moving Back Towards The City”, in which the author made several interesting conclusions. Mr. Sutkoski writes there is “evidence that policy, planning tools, economic realities and people’s housing choices are beginning to shift the focus of growth toward Vermont’s village centers and downtowns”. Sally Dames, a resident of South Burlington VT and co-founder ofWhat’s Alive Inside Productions, an organization focused on what makes life more wonderful an... 02/24/2011

  Burlington VTFebruary 22nd, 2011 RealtyTrac, the leading online marketplace for foreclosed properties, is a major source of information about foreclosed properties in the United States. In their January 2011 report, they declare that the state of Vermont had 21 foreclosures (yes, that’s for the entire state) or 1 in every 14,487 homes. This analysis shows Vermont foreclosure numbers are way below other states by a wide margin. Compare this number to the other states chosen randomly for the month of January 2011: Florida had 21,671 foreclosures or 1 in every 406 housing units,New York had 2,885 foreclosures or 1 in every 2,765 housing units,Connecticut had 837 foreclosures or 1 in every 1,724 housing units,California had 67,072 foreclosures or 1 in every 200 housing units,Arizona had 1... 02/23/2011

Below are a few upcoming events coming up in the Burlington Vermont area… Balé Folclórico da Bahia -- Burlington, VT January 21, 2011With explosive energy and rich pageantry, Balé Folclórico da Bahia returns to the Flynn and brings to life the rich culture of Bahia, a region of northern Brazil influenced by African, European, and Native Indian cultures. This troupe of over 30 dancers, musicians, and singers perform Carnival and slave dances, samba, and Capoeira—a thrilling Afro-Brazilian art form that combines martial arts, music, and dance. Location: Flynn Main Stage, 153 Main Street. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $23 - $37. Information: 802-863-5966 or visit www.flynncenter.org ---------------- Vermont Log Home ShowVermont Green Builders & Energy Conservation Show Jan. 21-23Friday 12-7, Saturda... 01/21/2011

  Carriage Court - located within a very short walking distance to UVM and Fletcher Allen Hospital, Church Street and the Burlington Waterfront, these townhomes have an unparalleled location in central Burlington. Carriage Court has eight townhomes which are comprised of four levels - a main living area, large bedroom area plus a basement and a loft. These homes have three bedrooms, two and a half baths at about 1,600 square feet, not counting the basement. Lots of windows plus skylights let lots of natural lighting into these homes. There is also a fireplace to enjoy. Each unit has a carport. This secluded city oasis offers a private courtyard with expansive garden area. Each home has front and back decks as well as a patio. These homes were built circa 1977 and are connected to public... 01/18/2011

       Strathmore at Appletree Point townhomes are located in a wonderful community complete with private beach and two pools! The sandy beach has amazing views of Lake Champlain and a nice picnic area. The neighborhood is located directly across the street from Appletree Park which offers three tennis courts, two basketball courts, baseball field and playground with swings making this a perfect one stop entertainment center for the family. The neighborhood is also within walking distance to the wonderful Burlington Bike Path! The 57 homes in Strathmore at Appletree Point were built in the 1986 to 1998 time period and rest on just over six acres of land. They range in size from approximately 1,200 - 2,000 square feet and range from a one level two bedroom, two bath ranch style home to a... 01/18/2011

       Strathmore at Appletree Point homes are located in a wonderful community complete with private beach and two pools! The sandy beach has amazing views of Lake Champlain and a nice picnic area. The neighborhood is located directly across the street from Appletree Park which offers three tennis courts, two basketball courts, baseball field and playground with swings making this a perfect one stop entertainment center for the family. The neighborhood is also within walking distance to the wonderful Burlington Bike Path!The majority of homes in Appletree were built between about 1993 to 1995 and rest on about one third to one half acre of land. They average in size from approximately 1,700 - 2,400 square feet with some homes as large as 3,300 square feet. Most homes are located on woo... 01/18/2011

      Appletree Townhomes are located in a wonderful community complete with private beach and two pools! The sandy beach has amazing views of Lake Champlain and a nice picnic area. The neighborhood is located directly across the street from Appletree Park which offers three tennis courts, two basketball courts, baseball field and playground with swings making this a perfect one stop entertainment center for the family. The neighborhood is also within walking distance to the wonderful Burlington Bike Path! The 38 homes in Appletree were built in 1993 and rest on just over five acres of land. They range in size from approximately 1,200 - 1,700 square feet and range from a one level two bedroom, two bath ranch style home to a two story home with double master bedroom suites each with thei... 01/18/2011

This New Year's Eve, celebrate First Night in Burlington Vermont! If you haven't been to a First Night in Burlington yet, keep it in mind this year. Where else can you pay $18 to get into so many, many venues? Okay, a few of the choice concerts at the Flynn Theater added $3 more to the night per person per event but it's laughable how much fun can be had for such a modest outlay. For a brief history, First Night originated in Boston Massachusetts in 1976 by a small group of artists who sought an alternative way of celebrating New Year's Eve, creating an event where the consumption of alcohol is banned. First Night is an indoor/outdoor artistic and cultural celebration which occurs from afternoon until midnight. The intention of First Night is to celebrate that community's local cultures... 12/29/2010

Burlington Vermont Real Estate Report - Homes Sold as of 10/30/2010 The Burlington Vermont real estate year to date activity reports an increase in average sales price with a decrease in the number of homes sold. Visit Burlington Vermont real estate for a complete report including condominium activity in 2010.  The Burlington VT real estate and homes for sale site provides community information that includes MLS search, relocation, school and home buying information. Burlington VT Single Family Homes There were 125 homes sold in 2010 as compared to 138 with only 103 sold in 2008.  The average sales price in 2010 has increased 3% from $269,527 in 2009 to $284,813 in 2010.  In 2008, the average sales price was at $324,075 which was the peak for the last four years as values were at $310,9... 11/21/2010

‎ I was interviewed last week for my views by the reporter from the VPOR. Below is the article in full... ------------- NATIONAL REAL ESTATE MARKET SLOW; VERMONT MLS VOLUME UP National reports on property sales and prices tell a familiar story for the last months of the summer: a market varying from month to month and location to location, but in no hurry to recover from the market plunge of recent years. By comparison, Vermont’s market still looks better than most. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) offered the most optimistic report, announcing on October 25 that sales of existing homes nationally rose in September by 10% over August (by 10.1% in the Northeast), “affirming that a sales recovery has begun.” However, the national median existing-home price for all housing types ... 11/11/2010

Burlington Halloween Bike Ride will occur today, October 31st from 3:00 until 4:30. Come join hundreds of costumed bicyclers who will cycle in costume through the Queen City. Cyclists in costume will meet at City Hall Park where they will receive a map of the ride which will end at Battery Park. The ride will have police escorts and volunteers controlling traffic at intersections. This event is open to cyclists of all age groups and is free. If you would like to ride but don't have a bike, there are a limited number of bikes available to share at 30 Decature Street (donations accepted). People are also invited to skateboard, scooter or walk the route. There will be haunting music, candy and ice cream. This ride is organized by the volunteer group Burlington Bicyle Coalition (bicycling a... 10/31/2010

Below are a few upcoming events coming up in the Burlington Vermont area...Nightmare Vermont - South Burlington, VT October 28, 29, and 30, 2010. 7 p.m. (and every half-hour through 10 p.m.) — The young whippersnapper in the walk-and-be-scared sweepstakes is Nightmare Vermont, which creates its nightmare not on Elm Street but on Picard Circle in South Burlington. Shows continue at the same times Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. $10. 1-888-830-0888, www.nightmarevermont.org.--------------------The Wiyos and Red Molly -- Burlington, VT October 29, 2010 Red Molly has consistently brought concert-goers to their feet with stunning three-part harmonies, crisp musicianship and warm, American roots music. They'll be joined by the Wiyos,a NYC band who really know how to spread the musical h... 10/28/2010

On Sunday after our open house at our listing at 123 Nottingham Lane in Burlington, Lisa and I did a short hike to Rocky Point in Burlington. Rocky Point hiking trails are located on the grounds of the Episcopal Church behind the Burlington High School. The scenery was very beautiful. Remember, if you would like to buy or sell real estate in the Burlington area, please contact Mark and Lisa at Catamount Realty Group.  Enjoy the photos! 10/19/2010

Burlington Zombie Walk 2010 occured on Saturday October 16th at 5:00.  Many college age zombies congregated at the church and took a stroll down Church Street with zany acts and sounds. This is just one of the many fun and eclectic events that Burlington has to offer. If you would like to buy a house in this fun town, be sure to look up Catamount Realty Group! 10/19/2010

Cows on Parade Burlington was a huge success. There were approximately 30 cows displayed throughout downtown Burlington, mainly in the Church Street Marketplace. The cows were auctioned off to raise funds for the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger. The fiberglass cows were painted by local artists and sponsored by local businesses. Enjoy the photos of several of these beautiful works of art.    10/11/2010

Burlington Vermont held a Dog Costume Contest today at the Burlington Waterfront. The theme was autumn so there were many dogs dressed as pumpkins and with other holiday themes such as a scarecrow and a football player. There were several adorable contestants! Prizes included chew toys and stuffed animals. Also, there was a pumpkin pie eating contest (for people, not the dogs). What a beautiful afternoon to spend at Waterfront Park! Remember, Catamount Realty Group loves dogs so if you would like to buy a new home to enjoy with your furry friend, be sure to call us! 10/10/2010

Pumpkin Regatta Burlington Vermont 2010 was a fantastic event. What fun it was to watch the contestants dressed up in costume sailing their fine ships (Oops, I mean PUMPKINS!) There were three races with approximately 8 pumkins per race. A racer dressed up as a cowgirl on a pumpkin horse, a Ben & Jerry's cow and a pirate were my favorites. There was only one sinker and he pumped out his pumpkin prior to the beginning of the race. The largest pumpkin I saw was 1,254 pounds! 10/10/2010

Pumpkin Regatta Burlington Vermont will be held tomorrow October 10th with festivities beginning at 10 am. Several contestants will paddle in a race on Lake Champlain in hollowed out giant pumpkins. Some pumpkins could weigh as much as 1,000 pounds before being carved out. This fun event at the Burlington waterfront will have different teams including students, local celebrities and media personalities. There will also be a festival to include crafts, fall treats and snacks, pie eating contests and a pet costume contest. Burlington's Pumpkin Regatta has been spoofed on Saturday Night Live and listed in a Sports Illustrated article.  Come on out and enjoy the fun! 10/09/2010

Below are a few upcoming events coming up in the Burlington Vermont area...State of Craft Showcase -- Burlington, VT - Now through September 30, 2010. Frog Hollow State Craft Center was the first designated state craft center and has served as a leader in the field. This exhibit chronicles trends in Vermont’s contemporary studio craft movement and the evolution of a state craft center through representative artists’ work. Location: 85 Church Street. Time: Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon - 2 p.m. Cost: free. Information: visit www.froghollow.org.--------------------The Khmer Arts Ensemble -- Burlington, VT - October 1, 2010. The Khmer Arts Ensemble—a 30-member company with 18 dancers, four singers, and eight musicians... 09/27/2010

Burlington, Vermont is hosting the fabulous 'Cows Come Home' art display through October 11th. The cows are displayed throughout Burlington to be auctioned off to raise funds for the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger. The fiberglass cows are painted by local artists and sponsored by local businesses. The majority of cows are located along the pedestrian Church Street and you can often see people having fun going on cow tours and posing for photos with various cows. I believe there are around 30 cows on display. Come on down to downtown Burlington and enjoy the cows, the food, the art and the atmosphere. 09/18/2010