Northern Vermont offers the best of both worlds in the Green Mountains. There’s Burlington, the state’s largest city, as well as some of the state’s most rural communities.

Central Vermont is home to the state capitol of Montpelier and historic towns such as Brandon, Middlebury, Rutland, Vergennes and Woodstock.

Southern Vermont offers picture postcard-perfect villages and lively communities, including Arlington, Bellows Falls, Bennington, Brattleboro, Manchester and Newfane.

Vermont’s 9,609 square miles make it the second largest state in New England after Maine. The Green Mountain State is bordered by Canada, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York. It is 157.4 miles in length, 90.3 miles wide at the Canadian border, and 41.6 miles along the Massachusetts border. The Connecticut River forms the eastern boundary, while the western boundary runs down the middle of Lake Champlain for more than half of its length. Wherever in Vermont you want to live, Pall Spera has properties that you’ll fall in love with.

Before you start your property search, ask yourself three important questions:
What types of property am I interested?
How much am I willing to spend?
Where in Vermont do I want to live?
With that information the Pall Spera team can find you suitable listings to view. Recent listings include:

Mountain View Farm, Rupert – an equine-lover’s dream
With panoramic and far reaching views of the Merck Forest, this center chimney reproduction saltbox home with tunnels to the four plus garage barn and greenhouse is a must see, if you are looking for an equine-friendly home. The new five-stall barn and tack room has plenty of room for expansion and could be doubled in size. Two ten-acre corrals with heated water troughs overlook the swimming pond. The property also boasts a restored cape cod guest home with 5 fireplaces, a second pond and mature fruit trees. $2,250,000

5181 Jersey Street, Panton
A substantial four bed, 3 bath home to suit a growing family. Built in 1792, this property has plenty of character and traditional features and sits on a 10-acre lot. $475,000

With a wide range of exclusive listings, as well as access to all the listings in the region, Pall Spera will find you the perfect property to fit your needs and budget. From sprawling estates to cosy cottages, there’s plenty to choose from. Beyond that, the team’s great relationships with other area real estate agencies and community partners guarantee a service second to none. With their extensive local knowledge, they will give you the benefits or drawbacks of any property, town or purchase agreement and ensure that you have the best possible information to make a decision on.

You can enjoy the majesty of Vermont’s year-round beauty, by letting Pall Spera Company Realtors work with you to sell your existing property and find your new home. Our realtors will listen to your needs and act on them. Call in at our Stowe, Stowe Village and Morrisville offices and let’s start the journey to finding your next home.

Pall Spera Website Related:
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Contact Pall Spera Company Realtors today to learn more about buying and selling real estate in Vermont.

Pall Spera Company Realtors
1800 Mountain Road
Stowe, VT 05672
802-253-9771
info@pallspera.com
http://www.pallspera.com/

We came across this video on MSN “8 ways to boost your home’s appraisal“. While the video does not actually contain a list of ways to boost your home’s appraisal, we thought that it did contain important information.  You can look for errors in the report or you can look for a better set of comparable sold houses. There is no guarantee that the lender will change their mind, but it is worth a shot.  Another approach would be to take a few simple steps that will assist in reaching a higher value for your home. The appraiser is going to be taking pictures of every room in your house. Make sure that it is as tidy and uncluttered as possible. Clutter makes rooms appear smaller than they actually are. Outside pictures will be taken as well… make sure that your lawn is neatly manicured and all garden equipment, outside toys, etc. are in their place. Be your own advocate and point out improvements and upgrades.

It is best to have an appraiser who is local and is an “expert” in your market. They will have the best understanding of the town and the property.

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Contact Pall Spera Company Realtors today to learn more about buying and selling real estate in Vermont.

Pall Spera Company Realtors
1800 Mountain Road
Stowe, VT 05672
802-253-9771
info@pallspera.com
http://www.pallspera.com/

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression”.  The front door and approach to the home is the first impression for potential buyers.  Give them something to look forward to, instead of giving them fear about what is next. Consider repainting, changing out door hardware, or replacing the door entirely if you feel it’s time.

2. Cluttered Basements and Garages

When a buyer is coming into your home they want to picture their stuff in your space.  If they see that your stuff does not fit they are not going to be able to picture how it will work for them.  They immediately think, not enough storage.

If this is what you are offering

Take some time and try to offer this

photos source HGTV

3. Smoke Filled Rooms

The smell of smoke lingers in a room long after the source of the smoke has been removed.  For non-smokers they will notice the smell immediately.

4. Excessive Pet Interiors

Buyers may or may not like the pet that you love, but they will never understand your love for your pets.

5. Outdated Outdoor Spa Tubs

You may have this…

…but the buyer sees this

6. Abandoned Cars and Equipment

If you have an old tractor parked in the middle of a field buyers will see it as an abandoned piece of equipment (even if your tractor still works).  If they think it is abandoned they are going to think that you don’t value your property.  If you don’t value your property why should they value your property.

7. Decks that need repair

When buyers are looking at a house and picturing their future life in that house they do not want to worry about the potential lawsuit that comes when someone fell because the decking had a hole in it.

8.Fireplaces that need cleaning

Fireplaces provide ambiance.  If you remind the buyer of the work involved in having a fireplace it loses it romantic notion.

9.Roof Leaks

A roof is one of those things that buyers do not want to think about.  The fact that you just replaced the roof is great, but all buyers are expecting the roof to work.  If it does not work a buyer will think about the problem and the repair of the roof as well as what other water damage might exist.  “Does the house have mold?  What is it going to cost to have the mold removed?  Did the water cause rot?  Is the house safe?  I am not sure I want to open that can of worms.”  If you have fixed the leak, remove all signs of interior damage, a scene like this will make the buyer wonder if the leak is fixed.

Rather than give the buyer the thought that your house is “full of mold and about to fall over from rot”, fix the roof and any interior damage.

10. Cluttered Interiors

Buyers want to know that they can fit into your house.  If they have to step over and around thing to move around they will be distracted trying not to break any of your belongings and not focusing on whether the house will work for them.

You might not think that these things are important or fair, but remember when you are trying to sell your house you want to appeal to the largest segment of the market and entice buyers to want live in your home (hopefully what used to be your home).

Within New England, only Boston and Providence have more award-winning restaurants than Stowe, Vermont. Stowe is ideally located in a valley between Mount Mansfield and the Green Mountains of the west, and the Worcester Range in the East. Because of its location, Stowe is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, which only adds to the appeal of this region, especially for people who are seeking a second home to enjoy. Unlike other locations, Stowe truly offers a variety of activities for residents to enjoy throughout the year, despite its small size of just 4,700 residents. Just a short drive from Burlington International Airport, many people choose to buy a second home in Stowe because of its quaint size, unmatched beauty and variety of activities.

Those who live there love the various seasons: In the winter, Stowe is known for its incredible skiing. For downhill skiing, the world-famous Stowe Mountain features 113 trails of varying skill levels. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is also available for those looking for a more relaxing journey through the snow. There are trails throughout the town that lead into the forests and surrounding areas of the community. Residents also enjoy ice skating, winter sleigh rides and snowmobiling. During the summer, Stowe Mountain turns into an amazing place to hike to enjoy the beautiful surroundings once at the top. Additionally, one of Stowe’s most desired dining establishments, the Cliff House Restaurant, offers a great location to enjoy a lazy summer day, including some unforgettable food. People also enjoy fishing and meandering through the town on beautiful summer days. Additionally, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory Tours are a short drive away to cool off on the hottest of summer days. Fall and spring bring beautiful vistas and an opportunity to enjoy the best time of year in New England, where the weather isn’t too hot nor too cold.

Additionally, residents love living in Stowe for the variety of activities that are available in the town as well. The town is home to various small businesses run by local residents that feature unique goods – including clothing, Vermont cheese and home decor. The area features several notable restaurants that offer highly rated food and an opportunity for residents to mingle with their neighbors and friends. The town is also home to a movie theater and theatre guild, which provides four theatre presentations to residents and visitors each year.

With all of this in mind, it’s no wonder why Stowe, Vermont is a favorite place for people to purchase a second home that they can turn to for a relaxing getaway. Furthermore, real estate in Stowe is known for its affordability and variety, truly offering something for everyone. The town has beautiful luxury homes, but also has quaint mountainside getaways that are perfect for a second home. Homes are available in various areas, including within the city limits, on the mountain and in the country for a more secluded feel. There are several reputable real estate companies are based in the area, including Pall Spera Company Realtors.

Related
Vermont Real Estate
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Contact Pall Spera Company Realtors today to learn more about buying and selling real estate in Vermont.

Pall Spera Company Realtors
1800 Mountain Road
Stowe, VT 05672
802-253-9771
info@pallspera.com
http://www.pallspera.com/

The state is working on a level funding budget for next year. What does this mean for real estate in Vermont? Certainly there is a cautious feeling but we are seeing a strong interest in Vermont residential purchases as well as out of state second home purchases as a result of the clear opportunity these times offer for value priced purchases.

As this crisis eases, the unprecedented opportunities currently in the marketplace are becoming very apparent.

Vermont’s economy weakened but stable; new challenges loom

Driving through Stowe on my way home, I cannot help but notice the difference in traffic from when I first discovered this gorgeous community 44 years ago.

We got around in a 1965 Ford Mustang then. My parents had heard an announcement on the radio about the “quaint little town south of the border”. One day, we simply packed up for one of our occasional “nowheres” and ended up in Stowe, Vermont. It would some day become home.

Cars have changed, and so have our driving habits. We drove slower then. Also, it seems people did a lot more walking in the sixties, even though there were no sidewalks outside of the village at that time, and no recreation paths.

As tourists, we tend to be in our bubble. We are not aware of the occasional disturbances we may cause in traffic, even indoors standing in line at the grocery store. As tourists, we simply do not move about as we do in our home town, on our own turf and on our own time.

In this sense, when relocating to a vacation destination, amidst restaurants, inns and tourist-centric merchants and activities, the daily pace must bend to a new rhythm; much like water adopts and shapes the river shore.

How much of a difference in perspective is there for people who have watched their neighborhood develop into a full-fledged vacation destination, as is the case in Stowe, as opposed to those who choose to move here after having experienced it as a tourist only?

A March 2010 Front Door article observes that, “For some residents, Orlando’s popular tourist attractions are the reason they call the city home.” The same article quotes a resident. He says, “I’ve heard of people deciding to move to Orlando because they were such a fan of the theme parks.” Like Orlando, but in its own unique way, Stowe offers a wealth of experiences.

A resort-rich community is vibrant, for by definition it must evolve in such a way as to provide a culturally-rich array of activities, resources and entertainment. In this sense, living in a vacation destination also means we have the opportunity to experience a truly diversified lifestyle.

While some may set residency in a Walt Disney-esque community; others prefer the atmosphere of a New England town such as Stowe. Perhaps it is a sort of personality match. We are in search of the perfect community in much the same way, and perhaps for some of the same reasons we are drawn to the most compatible companion.

44 years later, Stowe is still gorgeous. Expansion and development, when done in a manner that adheres to the integrity of the landscape and the spirit of the community, add character rather than diminish it. And the diversity of people who come to the conclusion that this is home also contributes to the character of our town.

Living in a resort community, then, draws you out of yourself, because there is so much to be lived beyond your front steps.

You have the most impeccable credit history. Your finances are in good order. You were pre-approved even before you finished filling out the pre-approval paperwork. You’ve enlisted the assistance of the best Realtor. You have approached your home search with diligence and intelligence; there is no doubt about that. So don’t play head games with your gut!

I had a dream last night, about touring a home. Picture this…

The tour began as I soared over the land, discovering every hill and valley that led to a beautiful home, as though the entire world were anchored at its front door. The sky was clear; the land green and luscious, refreshing somehow. It does not matter that I was soaring without the assistance of a plane, mind you. Remember, this was a dream. But I digress.

From the outside, the house looked impressive, especially from above. The tour began in a gigantic living room. Moments after I entered, preceded by my Realtor, a knock at the door revealed a bus-load of home buyers. They swarmed the place, much like tourists who feel rushed to see everything, lest the bus leave without them. We sat on the couch, the only piece of furniture in the entire house, stupefied.

Moments later, my Realtor and I entered a room with poorly applied sheet-rock (it is an art, you know), no windows and a switch box on the wall. We flipped switches, curious to see what might happen. Each switch either turned on a cold breeze, or turned it off. We moved on, unimpressed, though wondering where the breeze actually came from. The next room was a giant, elongated bathroom with a huge tub at its far, very far end. The rim was so high that it reached shoulder height. The tub was filled with bubbling water. It all seemed grand, too grand, and utterly pointless. And to think that we flew such distances over such beautiful country!

Back to reality. Your desire to acquire a new home springs from a powerful, multi-layered dream. Your vision is so clear, your desire so earnest, that you may begin to see it even when it is not there.

There is a wide difference between discovering the fixer-upper that has the right feel and real potential, and settling for less. You may catch yourself mentally redesigning an entire house to match your dream. Precisely; catch yourself. You are playing head games with your gut. Only you can determine whether you are rationalizing or truly inspired. Settling for less will not ignite your creativity; it will only send you on a rationalizing spiral and leave you empty.

Ha! But you are not alone in your dream world. When you stand in the middle of the kitchen that could match your dream; if only it were facing south instead of north; if only it had adequate plumbing; if only the floor were level; if only it had a window… your Realtor can reach out and flip the switch that returns your attention to your real dream.

In a July 28 National Association of Realtors press release, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun spoke true words of wisdom when he said, “The best way to ensure a more solid recovery in housing is to simply return to normal, sound credit standards so more creditworthy home buyers can get a mortgage.”

Yun’s comment follows the announcement by NAR that, “Pending home sales increased in June following a wide swing down in April.” The Pending Home Sales Index, an indicator based on contract signings, rose to 90.0 % in June (from 88.8 % in May).

On average, it takes between one and two months for a property to close after it has received an offer. Yun suggests that, “The two consecutive months of rising activity should lead to overall improvement in closed sales in upcoming months.”

While for us in the Northeast the Pending Home Sales Index shows a 0.4 % dip down from May, it is actually 19.4 % higher than in June of 2010.

Existing-home sales, this year, are expected to rise slightly above 2010 totals, to reach 5.0 million. This is reassuring. When you consider the tribulations of market and regulations, home buyers and sellers alike might have good reason to feel insecure. However, it is clear that their determination and confidence remain a driving force, as revealed by the Pending Home Sales Index results.

This may also confirm that, increasingly, home buyers and sellers do not come to the market blindly. More have developed an action plan that is tailored to their true needs and means and that is founded on sound research and information.

After all, when it looks like the system (any system) appears to be failing us, it is only natural to turn to a creative approach. This requires an unwavering belief in possibilities. As a nation, we have long demonstrated that we do have that strength of character. This, also, is what inevitably leads to changes in “the system”, for it must eventually mold to our vision.

As individuals persistently make sound standards a part of their own personal goals and actions, they send a strong message in favor of better practices.

Click HERE to read the full NAR article.