Sunrise over Lake Champlain, looking east at Green Mountains, and sunset over Lake Champlain, looking west.

Sunny Homes, Homes with Views

So, exposure for a house setting can be key to your everyday needs. Me, I want a sunny house all day long (disclaimer: except on cloudy days, but we don’t have many of those do we?). Another person might like a house tucked in the woods with limited sunlight, but with southern exposure to take advantage of what light there is. Then again, some simply don’t care as long as they get the view.

On the western side of Mount Mansfield, where Underhill, Jericho, Cambridge, and Jeffersonville are located, the best views are eastern views with great morning light. Depending on what lies behind you, you may not get the western light.

If the day ever comes that I must move off of our hill I will seek a location that offers me the best exposure to as much light in my house as possible. It could be southern exposure with great windows, or it could be another east/west exposure. As long as I have lots of sunlight in my house, I don’t have to have great views.

Here is a great examples of a home and land with various exposures. If you want to see this house  in person, contact me for a personal tour.

Underhill, Vermont, house for sale, situated to get afternoon sun, with views of Mount Mansfield’s Chin and Alpenglow.

Or you could move to Florida, but I won’t be able to help you find a home with this view:

A location suitable for Adirondack chairs in a lovely lawn. Photo by Kate Carter.

I recently read an article from Trulia describing facts and fictions regarding “rule of thumb” concepts about real estate. In particular Real Estate Rule of Thumb #1: Location, location, location. So… what does “Location, location, location” really mean?

Fact or Fiction?

Fact. No question about it. One of the elemental truths of real estate is that almost everything can be changed about a home… except its location. By the same token, location is essential to our ability to afford and enjoy living in a place, given that it impacts everything we do, including where our children go to school (and whether or not we have to pay for it), how much time and money we spend getting to and from work, our safety, the beauty, quiet and convenience of our surroundings, and the recreational, shopping, and cultural options which do – or don’t – become part of our daily lives.

Location with open spaces and views.

Location impacts whether you hear train tracks or birdsong in the morning, whether your neighbors bring you cookies or bring you drama when you move in. It can even impact your career and job prospects. The deep, numerous impacts of where we live on our experience of a home, in turn, give location a powerful role in driving whether we can resell our homes, and for how much.

The critical importance of location is one real estate rule of thumb that grows more true over time. However, the specifics of what makes a location desirable have evolved and continue to evolve rapidly. For example, urban homes with super-short commutes to bustling job centers have grown more and more interesting to some buyers as their prices have come down and gas prices have gone up. Another example might be the family that wants a smaller community with closer ties and smaller class room sizes in the schools. They may be willing to drive farther if the lifestyle they seek is offered outside of these busier urban centers. Perhaps a couple wants less noise and less hustle and bustle and a closer proximity to nature.

One of the first questions I like to ask buyers, especially when they are not sure where they want to buy is, “What do you like to do in your free time?” or “What sorts of activities do enjoy?” The answers to these questions help me pinpoint the homes to show to these prospective buyers.

Location just a short drive from Lake Champlain

So, YES, location, location, location is important but it is an individual decision and not necessarily defined by one specific spot alone. When you are ready to move, ask yourself some specific questions about your lifestyle, your family’s needs, your community desires. Your answers will help you define what is important to you about YOUR location needs. If you need a little help doing this reality check exercise, contact me and I’ll walk you through the important questions, and then I’ll walk you through a few houses I think will best suit your needs.

When January came and I was receiving an unusual amount of phone calls to see various properties, I was lulled out of my usual January complacency and soon wondered, “Hey, when did I get so busy? Did someone say GO?”

Interest Rates

I am sure there are many reasons for our economic recovery and many questions as to whether or not it is sustainable. Let’s keep it simple. How about… This has been a very mild winter and the interest rates are at an all-time low! It’s funny, but since the early nineties I have heard “historically low,” and “lowest in 14 years” and now “lowest ever.” Well, if that doesn’t get you to the starting line I don’t know what will.

Really, why wait? There is no telling how long these “lowest rates ever” will hang around. It has been a mild winter, the inventory level is still good, and new houses are coming on the market because activity is good.

Buyer or Seller’s Market?

So, is it still a buyer’s market? I say, “Yes,” and all the more reason for buyer’s to come out of their igloos. Many seller’s are realizing it is wiser to price appropriately and to stage their homes to be successful today. The success is as clear as Vermont air in March.

Since December we have had 15 closings in Jericho and Underhill, demonstrating a strong end of the year, but since January 1 we have had 8 pending sales, showing a very strong start to 2012.

Sellers, come one come all, the buyers are out in strength right now. Be sure to price reasonably and stage your home appropriately. Of course you can call your local real estate agent and have her come and walk you through all of this, even assist in the staging. I know she likes to do this ♥

Buyers, who knows how long these “lowest interest rates ever” are gong to be here. Sellers are ready to be realistic and work with you, so hit the dirt running and be sure to contact your friendly real estate agent. I hear she loves to look at houses too.

Here are a few of my favorites for you to see:

61 McClellan Farm Road, Underhill, $520,000                         175 Pleasant Valley Road, Underhill, $494,000

33 Range Road, Underhill, $339,000                                                10 Park St., Jericho, $210,000

Draker Laboratories

Draker Labs provides highly accurate and reliable turnkey monitoring solutions that help owners and operators of commercial- and utility-scale PV systems maximize the efficiency and profitability of their solar assets. Draker’s Sentalis™ monitoring suite combines proven field instrumentation with an intuitive web-based data management system and unmatched customer support.

Northern Power Systems

Northern Power Systems has over 30 years of experience developing and manufacturing advanced, innovative wind turbines. The company’s next generation wind turbine technology is based on a vastly simplified architecture that utilizes a unique combination of permanent magnet generators and direct-drive design.

I have always found wind turbines to be stately structures, the modern day wind mills. They appeal to me, Contrarily others will say that solar is by far more beautiful. Thus… beauty is the in the eye of the beholder.

Inspiration Beyond Vermont

Recently I attended a conference in Florida, and I was checking out what I thought was a bus stop.

As I approached I realized it was a solar panel array with a nice architectural flare.

WOW that looks pretty cool… an ah-ha moment for sure.

So now my perspective of what is beautiful in the alternative energy world has been broadened and I will keep an open mind regarding the variety of energy resources now and future.

Pick of the Week

Once again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Behold this charming reproduction home featuring much of yesteryear’s charm with today’s construction. Exterior features include views both west and east with sunshine all day long; an attached over-sized two-car garage; and a screened-in porch off the master bedroom. Interior features include a formal dinning room and large open kitchen with eating area; a spacious formal living room, and a wood stove and hearth to keep it warm; an office on main level with a fireplace; and a family room upstairs. The master bedroom is extra large and has an attached enclosed porch with screens and windows. The house sits on 3+ acres.

Click HERE for a virtual tour, and when you’re ready to see it in person, contact me and we’ll go together.

My husband, Charlie, in romantic Paris.

I have never been much of a Valentine’s person. Don’t get me wrong, I like the romance of it and what the day represents, but to spend a large amount of money for roses on the most expensive day of the year seems a waste of money. Some might say my husband lucked out (of course I think that, too!). But let’s learn a bit about the history of this lovers’ day. Who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?

Origins of Valentine’s Day: A Pagan Festival in February

While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial, which probably occurred around A.D. 270, others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the Ides of February, or February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.

To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or Lupa. The priests would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then strip the goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide.

Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage.

Another Legend

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered him put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl, possibly his jailor’s daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.

Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and, most importantly, romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Well, alright then, someone was either killed or slapped with the raw meat. OKAY. I think we have improved this day for sure! I would much rather my husband get “slapped” with a large debit card bill then either of the above!

What I do like about it is that it is a special day set aside for romance. Unfortunately, this year I am away at a real estate conference and unfortunately not with my family, and most importantly I am not with my husband. I did manage to remember to mail my daughter and husband Valentine’s Day cards before I left and they will think of me for this!

So remember, it is about recognizing the loved ones in our lives, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

Without further ado:

Happy Valentines Day!

Burlington Winter Festival

Plunge right in and enjoy yourself… literally. The Penguin Plunge takes place every year down at the waterfront, when hardy individuals raise money by plunging into the icy waters of Lake Champlain. It’s all great fun. I am not sure who has more fun, the plungers or the spectators.

Vermont State Snow Sculpting Competition

Five teams of carvers compete on the Burlington Waterfront to win the opportunity to compete in the US Nationals competition in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, in 2013. WOW, who knew?

Church Street’s Lighting Show

Accompanied by music, the facades of buildings on City Hall Block will dance with color. Shows every hour starting February 3, 6 p.m., ending 24 hours later.

Outdoor Ice Bar

On February 3 and 4, the new Hotel Vermont Ice Bar has its grand opening at the Courtyard Marriot, 25 Cherry Street. Festivities go from 6 to 9 p.m. Chill outdoors with a frosted brew or a custom cocktail that has been run through the ICE LUGE! Great food, DJ, and good times.

Spirit Week

Mount Mansfield Union High School is featuring their Spirit Week, from February 6 through February 10. Monday is hip hop day, Tuesday is neon day (eew no one liked those days), and so on. Come support the MMU team at the Penguin Plunge, this weekend down at the lake front.

So Come One, Come All, join us down at the Burlington Waterfront this weekend to enjoy and celebrate winter festivities. Shake off that cabin fever!

Snowshoeing

Bolton Valley’s Snowshoe Shuffle 5K is February 11. The event raises money to support the American Lung Association. You can enter a race or just go for a ramble on snowshoes through Bolton’s beautiful and snowy backcountry trails.

Family Fun

Smugglers’ Notch Resort has sweet packages, tasty delights, and Winter Carnival. Families can ski and ride on three mountains, as well as snowshoe and cross country ski. Be sure to check out the snowtubing, and flying through the trees on a 3- or 6-line zip line canopy tour. Over the Presidents’ Day holiday week, on February 22, there’s a free tasting party of Vermont specialty foods. On February 23, Family Fun Magazine Winter Carnival has games, entertainment, giveaways and a barbecue. That night, Snow Sport University instructors light up the mountainside with a dramatic torchlight parade, followed by fireworks against the backdrop of the Green Mountains. For more info, click HERE.

Music in the Mountains

The Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center at Stowe Mountain Resort presents Suzanne Vega on February 24 and Blackberry Smoke on February 25, both shows are at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online at Spruce Peak Performing Arts.

Widely regarded as one of the most brilliant songwriters of her generation, Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s when, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she sang what has been labeled contemporary folk or neo-folk songs of her own creation in Greenwich Village clubs.

Atlanta based Blackberry Smoke continues to grow into the premiere Southern Rock band of America. Over the last 12 months they have shared the stage with ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Shooter Jennings, Cross Canadian Ragweed and countless others. They strike the right balance between the original purveyors of Southern Rock and the legitimate second-generation revivalists.

The Heart of Winter

Sugarbush Resort is primed for some great skiing and riding. With all the great entertainment, not to mention the excellent snow conditions, February is the time to visit Sugarbush. For more info, click HERE.

Come to Vermont in February and you’re sure to find great skiing and lots to do. And if you decide to stay, contact me and we’ll find you the perfect house in ski country.

View of Mount Mansfield from Underhill.

A Home in Vermont

Weather wise, I was prepared for Vermont, since central NY is known for wet and snowy weather coming off Lake Ontario. Unlike Vermont, however, central New York is flat. Vermont’s mountains, lakes, and streams soon won my heart. I was one of the few children that did not go back home to live with her parents, not even for a summer. Vermont was my new home. I spent my vacations and summers here and eventually moved here full time. While I did travel away for a period of four to five years, I came back. Clearly Vermont had made its mark on me.

I love to travel. I spent months in Europe in my youth, and I’ve traveled back and forth across the U.S. I have lived from the east coast to the west coast and places in between, but always I came back to Vermont. I got married here, started a business here, and had a family here, and I have immersed by husband and daughter in exploring foreign countries with me.

The Eiffel Tower.

My daughter is now almost 17 and she has already traveled with us to Europe, Fiji, the Bahamas, Paris, and Italy with a cousin. Most recently she spent the first semester of her junior year of high school in Spain. She has been bitten by the travel bug and so much lies a head of her! I wondered what it would be like for her when she came home from Spain. Would she crave more travel? Well, turns out she was grateful to come home to her own comfy bed and her own stuff around her.

I see how much she has grown up and how much more confidence she has. I hear her talking about going away to a big city for college, and I know she will not be staying in Vermont. She will leave home, just as my husband and I both did, and find her own path and find her own new home. Like it or not, it’s a natural course of life.

However, there is something about Vermont that weaves its way into your soul and I think there is a good chance she will return from time to time, and when she does, she, too, will know what it’s like to be Coming Home to Vermont!

Our home. Sorry, it's not for sale!

If you are thinking about making Vermont your new home, contact me.

I’ll help you find the right house to call home.

View of Mount Mansfield from the east.

Years ago, when I lived in Stowe, Vermont, on the east side of Mount Mansfield, one of my favorite things to do at night was go to the movies. Stowe had a small theater and the best part was the special seating area where you were allowed to order a cocktail while you watched the movie. The seating was limited and it filled up quickly. You had to go early if you wanted a seat in the cocktail area.

Enter… Essex Cinemas Club Take 2

Now that I live in Underhill on the west side of Mount Mansfield, my movie theaters of choice are Essex Cinemas in the Essex Shoppes, Essex, and Majestic Ten in Taft Corners, Williston. Recently, Essex Cinemas opened Club Take 2.

While the price of going to the movies has gone up, it is still a cheap date. With Club Take 2 you can make it a complete dinner and a movie date all in one place! Recently I had the pleasure of double dating with my husband and friends. We chose to check out the Club Take 2 and the 21+ Showings Theater at the Essex Cinema. Similar but different from Stowe, there is a small restaurant with a bar and you can dine prior to seeing any movie. But, in the 21+ theater you can actually bring your meal and drinks into the theater with you, if you want, and it’s only open to patrons age 21 and older.

Here is my take on my experience there: I had the best burger ever and the sweet potato fries were to die for. There was no need to hurry and finish because you could bring your meal into the theater. You can also keep a running tab. Our server checked in on us to see if we needed anything else. I LOVED IT! The absolute best part was getting carded when we bought our tickets for the 21+ show…”Really? Okay here you go!”

There was only one negative for me, but it was a very large negative… they do not dim the lights. We were told it is because alcohol is being served they can not. Right… bars are always well lit, aren’t they? Really, watching Sherlock Holmes at the movies with the lights on is just not the same. I would not go to this particular theater again, but I would definitely go back to the Club Take 2, and go to a different movie in the same complex. I just wouldn’t take my dinner with me. You can also rent Club Take 2 for private events. It is a nice add-on to the Essex Cinemas, which has a T-Rex theater as well, for 3D movies.

If you love watching movies at a theater, Majestic Ten Cinema is also a good choice. Several great restaurants are within walking distance, and they now have their own little bar/restaurant as well, but alcohol in not allowed in the theaters. I love their stadium seating and the escalator ride up to the lobby.

Whatever your choice of cinema locations, going to the movies is a still a good choice for Date Night. And if you love theaters so much that you have to live near one, contact me about finding a house close to the Essex Cinema or The Majestic Ten.

33 Range Road

Okay… so… living in rural Vermont and owning a 4WD Ford pickup is probably not a bad idea, but I am actually using it as a metaphor for a durable house. Read on…

33 Range Road

This appealing house on a 3.7-acre lot in Underhill was created with a lot of thought given to a rural lifestyle and raising a family. While located within the village limits, its proximity to the country still offers the rural lifestyle many buyers seek.

Here are some reasons why this house demonstrates good solid thinking when building rural.

1. The great outdoors are at your finger tips, yet the location is on a paved town road, a situation that is unique to Underhill.

2. You can actually walk to the town post office, two stores, schools, the town rec area, and a pond. Not a bad thing when you have small children and need to get a couple of errands done or just to go for a walk!

But I digress. Back to the truck. Why is this house Ford tough? Well, there are several features that have kept this 30-year old home looking as fresh as it does.

1. The owner, in designing it, realized he was going to be dealing with mountain weather, so he used T111 for siding. It is durable and to this day still looks new.
2. Landscaping was done with the climate in mind, and shrubs and perennials were all chosen appropriately.
3. The two-car garage is attached and enters on the lower level of the house, helping to keep the dirt out!
4. There is a screened-in porch down on the lower level, with a hot tub just outside of it.
5. The upstairs has a year-round sun-porch to take advantage of the southern exposure.
6. A deck off of the kitchen/dinning area looks out over the yard and towards Mount Mansfield, so you’ll always know if there’s snow in the mountains!
7. Every feature of the house was used to enjoy our four very distinct seasons and to accommodate harsh weather.
8. Separate living spaces. The lower level has a full family room with a made-in-Vermont gas Hearthstone stove and egress through the screened porch to the hot tub and yard. There is a full bath and a bedroom as well as an additional room for woodworking, storage, or a billiard room. Upstairs has a formal living room, dining room, three bedrooms, two baths, a great four-season sun-room, a remodeled kitchen, and a fabulous open deck. So, when the kids are needing space away from the parents (or vice versa), the downstairs level offers plenty of getaway space. Also, it provides privacy for overnight guests.

The owner of this house chose this piece of land because of its location, and they he designed a house that would be well suited to those who understand that “Ford Tough” can be a very excellent thing!

Stay tuned for the next blog featuring the new Essex Cinemas. And if you want to see 33 Range Road, contact me and I’ll arrange a private tour.