Blog :: 2010

Brian French Real Estate

Jim Ross/Linda Murphy Shawn Kelley Kelly Farr
Jim Ross/Linda Murphy, Shawn Kelley, and Kelly Farr Sales Associates with CENTURY 21 Advantage in South Burlington, Vermont, were named the offices top sales associate in the month of November. Thank you for your continued efforts and for serving the buyers and sellers of Chittenden County with such care and loyalty.

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    Real Estate and Retiring in Vermont

    Can you pick the Top 5 worst places to retire? According to a recent article on Yahoo from Fidelity Market Watch and the website Topretirements.com the worst places to retire are the following in order from the worst: Illinois, California, New York, Rhode Island and New Jersey according to three major influencers that include Fiscal health of the state, taxation and climate. Living in Vermont, I began to wonder where we ranked because it does get cold and our taxes are high and our state is facing a deficit in the near future as well. According to the article, Vermont ranked 9th in 2010, for the highest cost of living in the country. It is no surprise to me with the ever increasing taxes that we seem to allow our government to keep raising. I think it is time for people to speak up and take a look at what our local and state governments are structured and start to make the hard decisions on decreasing our spending and budgets. We live in a wonderful state, but the cost of living has got to be addressed now and not 20 years from now.

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      Vermont Country Colonial in Enosburg

      [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJxDdhIjAyc[/youtube] Remarkable Truex Cullins designed brick reproduction Colonial w/frame extension in New England vernacular style. Custom everything! "Antique" elec range in kitchen. European radiators. Wmsburg shutters in LR, 4 fireplaces/wd stove, DR overlook, 6" plank cherry floors, built-ins galore.alarm sys, swimming pond on 37 lovely acres w/views of Jay Peak. (see list in documents). Caretaker quarters or office/apt. This home is a "must see" for the discriminating client who wants their estate get-away! For more information on this listing or to schudule a showing, email us at info@c21-advantage.com.

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        Real Estate in South Burlington, Vermont in December

        It is that time of the year where we take a step back and reflect on this past year and give thanks for all the blessings that we have received. I am so grateful for my wonderful family, friends and customers who make each day so special. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve so many people in our local market place during a time that was extremely difficult for most. The real estate market is coming back and 2011 will be an even better year.For now, I say thank you to all who have supported me and my Company and I wish you all the best for the upcoming new year for you and your families. Click totake a tour of this beautiful Shelburne home. Get instanct access to homes for sale on your cell!

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          CENTURY 21 Advantage of South Burlington Welcomes Matthew Mayer!

          Matt is a native Vermonter who prides himself on following through and practicing the golden rule. Matts interest in real estate started at an early age as he grew up working in the family property rental business in Chittenden County. Originally from Shelburne, Matt now resides in Burlington with his wife Sarah and their golden retriever, Scarlet. Matt received his Associates Degree in Business Management from Champlain College in 2002, and then received his Bachelors Degree from Johnson State College in 2004. His background in sales and customer service combined with his enthusiasm and work ethic, make him a perfect fit as a Buyers Specialist in the Brian French Group.

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            Search homes for sale in Chittenden County, Vermont from your mobile phone!

            Wish you could see home details while you are driving around looking at homes? NOW YOU CAN! With our Mobile MLS Search application, you can search for any home in the area on your cell phone. Check out price, beds/baths, details, maps, even photos all from the convenience of your cell phone, iPhone or BlackBerry. Once you find a house you like, just hit the Call To See button on your phone and youll reach us directly to answer your questions. SEARCH PROPERTIES WHENEVER AND WHEREVER YOU WANT! GET IT NOW - Text OURHOME to 87778

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              Our Top Sales Associates in October

              Shawn Kelley Kelly Farr Brian French
              Shawn Kelley, Kelly Farr, and Brian French,Sales Associates with CENTURY 21 Advantage in South Burlington, Vermont, were named the offices top sales associate in the month of October. Congratulations to all of you for your hard work, customer/client loyalty, and dedication.

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                CENTURY 21 Advantage in South Burlington Attends Job Fair

                Brian French and Corey McNamara of CENTURY 21 Advantage recently participated in this year's Fall 2010 Internship Fair at Champlain College in the Hauke Conference Center. Champlain College has a long-standing tradition of helping its students prepare for their chosen career by incorporating hands-on experience developed through internships. CENTURY 21 Advantage is proud to have assisted Champlain College with its attempt to provide real world experience for its students.

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                  Market Statistics for Chittenden County Real Estate Condos

                  According to market data obtained from the Northern New England Real Estate Network for this past month of Septmember, there were 32 closed condominium units. The average list price was $276,582 abd the actual sales price obtained was 97% of asking price. The average days on market was 135. If you are thinking about selling, get in touch with us. We can help.

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                    Appreciating South Burlington, Vermont

                    I just recently got back from a fantastic trip to Aruba with my wife celebrating our 20-year Anniversary of marriage. During that time we got to experience all the wonderful things that a tropical Island has to offer. We really enjoyed our week there and took full advantage of some amazing opportunities, like parasailing, an off-road jeep adventure and some incredible snorkeling to name a few. As I was flying back to our wonderful state, I was thinking about all the incredible opportunities that we have right here in our own back yard that tourists take advantage of everyday as well. We have the lake in the summer, we have the mountains in the winter, the beauty of the fall foliage season and we so many outdoor activities no matter what time of year it is. I met an Aruban who had spent some time in southern Vermont and he remembered how beautiful it was here during foliage season. Yes, I enjoy visiting other beautiful places outside of Vermont, but when I return, I realize how lucky I am to live in such a majestic place as well. If you ever need any assistance in your real estate move, please drop us a line. We can help. Brian Video For Four Season Property in Jeffesonville, VT

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                      South Burlington Vermont Sold Property Information for October

                      According to our market statistics pulled from the Northern New England Real Estate Network, single family residential sales were 65 closed units for Chittenden County. The average listing price was $315,000 and the average sales price was 95% of the asking price. Additionally, the average days on the market was 80. In Septmember, the active listing count for Chittenden County was 652 homes with an average days on market of 161 with an average price per square foot of $189. If you would like information concerning your home, please contact us. To view residential homes for sale in Chittenden County, click here.

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                        Brian French Real Estate

                        Wouldnt it be great to find your friends in the Chittenden County real estate market ? Sometimes when we think about the real estate market we only think in terms of dollars and cents and location and location. As I sit here today, I was thinking about a few of my very closest, dearest friends that I live within bike riding distance from. When we buy and sell homes, quite often we leave behind great friends as we improve our housing situation which makes the move that much more difficult. You can change jobs, you can change locations and you can change homes, but one thing that is almost unthinkable is to change your friends. I would suggest the next time you happen to find yourself in that position to remember with all the changes taking place, there will be one thing that will remain constant, and that is the bond that always holds you and your special friends together forever. There is always another house, but there isnt always a new best friend. Brian

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                          Century 21 Advantage Top Agent's for September in South Burlington, VT

                          Kelly Farr Brian French Chet Baranski
                          Kelly Farr,Brian French, and Chet Baranski, sales Associates with CENTURY 21 Advantage, were named the offices top sales associate in the month of September. We are pleased to recognizeKelly, Brian and Chet with this honor. Their competitive intelligence, professionalism and dedication to homebuyers and sellers have made them a valued and trusted real estate resource for the Greater Burlington community and a major contributor to the overall success of our office. Contragulations Kelly, Brianand Chet!!!!

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                            Burlington, Vermont a Haven for Investment

                            The current real estate market in Burlington, Vermont is experiencing an upswing in activity from last year's performance. Being the largest city in the state, and the hub of recreation and entertainiment with Lake Champlain, skiing close by the Flynn Theatre and Shelburne Museum down the road, things are looking up. According to last month's numbers alone, we are 36% ahead of last year. With that said, last year was a tough year, but things are heading in the right direction. If you are looking to buy or sell, drop us a line. We are here to help. Brian Learn about our Mobile Real Estate Estate Search App!

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                              Century 21 Advantage Top Agent's for August in South Burlington, Vermont

                              Brian French Lydia Wisloski Chet Baranski
                              CENTURY 21 Advantage is pleased to recognize Brian, Lydia and Chet with this honor. They are leaders and innovators, empowering local homebuyers and sellers with valuable information, helping them to make informed real estate decisions. Hear what their clients are saying, or view their current listings, or feel free to contact them with any questions you may have about the real estate market. Click here to contact them!

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                                Sizzling Summer Real Estate deals in Burlington, Vermont.

                                We are ending the summer with some pretty incredible interest rates and some very motivated Sellers in the Champlain Valley. The market is extremely active for my clients and we are going into the fall with great anticipation and optimism. Currently, our closings are 24% ahead of last years numbers through July and we should be above that after this month. There are a number of buyers looking to buy and the doom and gloom outlook has subsided a bit. We are heading in the right direction and will continue to do so through hard work and providing the service and assistance home buyers and sellers are looking for. If you or someone you know is thinking about buying or selling in the Chittenden County area or beyond,please drop me a line so I can walk you through the process. Go Mobile! Search all home listings from your cell phone. Brian

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                                  CENTURY 21 Advantage in South Burlington, Vermont announces new agents.

                                  Katie Winterbottom Tina Tomasi
                                  CENTURY 21 Advantage is pleased to announce that Katie Winterbottom and Tina Tomasi have joined our sales associates team. Katie with five years and Tina with six of real estate experience have an understanding of our area and market trends that are necessary when buying or selling your home. "We are so pleased to announce that Katie and Tina will be joining our team!" said Brian French, President/Owner of CENTURY 21 Advantage. "We believe their experience will greatly enhance the services we provide to our customers in Chittenden County and Greater Burlington area." As local market experts, Katie and Tina are uniquely qualified to help buyers and sellers navigate the opportunities that exist in the local real estate market and provide them with expert advice and knowledge to ensure a smooth transaction.

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                                    $8,000 List Your Home Sweepstakes!

                                    While the government is giving consumers up to an $8,000 tax credit for buying a home until April 30, 2010, CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC is giving home sellers a chance to earn $8,000 in cash for listing their home with a CENTURY 21 Agent through June 30, 2010! Click here for details.

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                                      Top 4 Questions Home Buyers Have About the Tax Credit

                                      Signing papers As the April 15 deadline to file 2009 federal tax returns approaches, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is providing answers to some of the questions home buyers are most frequently asking about the home buyer tax credit. NAHBs website that provides information about the home buyer tax credit, www.FederalHousingTaxCredit.com, has received more than 8 million visits, said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a builder and developer in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. We are doing everything we can to make sure home buyers are informed about this outstanding opportunity to benefit from buying a home before it expires April 30. Some of the more commonly-asked questions, and the answers, include: 1. How does a home buyer claim the tax credit? The credit is claimed when the home buyer files or amends their federal income taxes. For qualifying homes purchased in 2009 or 2010, the taxpayer must complete IRS Form 5405 and attach a copy of the settlement statement. In most cases, the settlement statement is a properly executed Form HUD-1. In circumstances where a HUD-1 is not provided, such as purchasing a mobile home or a newly constructed home, the IRS will accept an executed retail sales contract (mobile homes) or a copy of the certificate of occupancy (new homes). 2. Does the home buyer have to sell their current home in order to qualify for the $6,500 repeat home buyer tax credit? A home buyer does not need to sell their current home in order to be eligible for the repeat buyer credit. They can continue to own both homes, and rent or use their former home for something else, as long as it no longer serves as their principal residence. The taxpayer is required to use the new home as their principal residence, and live in it for at least 36 months, or they will have to repay the credit. 3. Do married couples both have to meet the eligibility requirements in order to claim the credit, even if they file taxes separately? Both spouses must fully meet all the eligibility requirements for either the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit or the $6,500 repeat buyer tax credit, regardless of if they file joint or separate tax returns. However, if an unmarried couple purchases a home and only one person qualifies, the eligible person may claim the full credit. 4. Do all home purchases need to be completed by April 30, 2010, in order to be eligible for the credit? There are two exceptions to the April 30 deadline. If the buyer enters into a binding contract by the deadline, they have until June 30, 2010, to complete the purchase. The deadline has been extended a year, to April 30, 2011, for members of the uniformed services, Foreign Service or employees of the intelligence community who have been on qualified extended duty outside the United States for at least 90 days between January 1, 2009, and April 30, 2010. Article recently taken from RISMedia

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