Vermont's Real Estate Gossip

Save Energy- Paint your Roof!

jessiecook — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:06:31 +0000

Recently, the secretary of energy has come out with a statement saying that $40 billion dollars is spent annually to cool buildings in the United States. Dr. Chu said this large amount of money can be dramatically decreased if Americans just paint their roofs white!

The idea is that white does not absorb as much heat as a non-reflective darker color. The result from a mass change of roofing color across America will reduce global warming, reflect sunlight back into space, and the most immediate and most practical to homeowners- save on energy bills!

If you think a white roof is tacky, another great option that is arguably better than painting your roof, is to replace it with a highly reflective metal roof. This will reduce monthly bill dramatically.

Taxpayers! please note: “Between January 1, 2009 and December 21, 2010, may be eligible for a tax credit worth 30 percent of the installation costs (materials only) up to $1,500 per home.”

See more from the source at: http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20090617_metalroof.htm

Increased Mortgage Rates: Beware!

jessiecook — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:23:20 +0000

If you’re in the market to buy a house, BEWARE of increased mortgage rates! Tuesday’s average rates were 5% and in just three short days, they have increased to 5.5%.

For you first time home buyers hoping to take advantage of the tax credit, interest rates are still competitive, so consider getting in while the going’s good.

Please make sure you have your approval letters updated because the more the rates increase, the less borrowing power you have.

Stay tuned for real estate updates!

South Burlington Airport Buyout

jessiecook — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:29:10 +0000

As many of you are aware, the airport is in the lengthy process of buying out numerous homes in the surrounding areas. These areas are determined by their noise level in decimals and any property that is in the line of 65 decimals and above is considered too loud to be a comfortable living area. The upgraded plan and budgeting is to buy out 20 houses a year for the next 2 years, then 10 houses a year after that, potentially through the year 2019. The property buy outs are on a volunteer basis only and you do not have to relinquish your house ever, if you don’t choose to. That has been the number 1 miscommunication with this process so far and worthy of note- this is not an eminent domain situation and it will always be the homeowners decision whether or not to sell. The exact intent with the land that will be purchased by the airport is not clear, but the tentative plan is to put up border shading through hedges to damper the airport noise for those other surrounding neighborhoods and to be aesthetically pleasing to those passing by.

We had an active City Council meeting last night centered around the software used to generate the 65 decimal line, how effective the “living wall” will actually be and whether or not the decimal detector was effective. These discussions were lead by neighbors just outside the line, airpot representatives and city council members. I will post the paperwork from this meeting on my blog tomorrow.

Stay tuned for my blog on Green Building…

Free $8,000 for Being a 1st Time Homebuyer!

jessiecook — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:56:43 +0000

This is an amazing opportunity and the best time to buy a house! If you have never owned a house, or have not owned a house in the past 3 years, take advantage of this FREE money! Many questions are arising from this tax credit as in 2008 there was a similar offering by Congress, only it had to be repaid over time. This is not the same situation, this money DOES NOT have to be repaid! The most important things to keep in mind are that you have to purchase and occupy the property between 1/1/09-12/1/09, that you need to qualify for the income limits ($75,000 for single, $150,000 for married to qualify in full, $90,000 and $170,000 to qualify for at least a portion) and that if you want to see this credit in one lump sum, it will be after you file your 2010 taxes. You can however, reduce your income tax withholding and thereby raise your take home pay. There are so many great advantages with this credit. Post your questions, I am here to help!

Next week look for info on the Burlington International Airport Home Buy Out….