Typically as it becomes more difficult to qualify for mortgage programs, rental vacancies go down as more people are forced to rent.  This in turn causes rents to go up and additionally creates a larger inventory of properties for sale creating downward pressure on pricing.  The decision on when to purchase versus rent can be a difficult one for a first time buyer.  The reality is that it is almost always better to purchase as you can start building equity and take advantage of available tax deductions.

The best thing to do is speak with a qualified lender to find out what your financial position allows you to do.  Nearly everyone shares the dream of home ownership.  Building equity, getting tax benefits, and pride of ownership are just a few of the reasons why.  Don’t let the national media convince you not to buy.  Evaluate your own specific situation and make the move that is best for your family.

Tim Little
Realtor
802-343-9699
tim@attaccarealty.com

With so much riding on the home inspection, there are a few things you need to know in order to better protect yourself.

• Only do business with well-known, well-respected home inspection companies. There are a lot home inspection companies out there, so be sure to do your research and only do business with the respectable ones!  Your realtor should also be able to get you a list of reputable inspectors.
• Look for good credentials. Before hiring a home inspection company, find out their credentials and Google them to make sure they are valid.  Make sure their credentials are well respected in the industry.
• Spring for additional tests. There are several tests that the home inspector can do that will cost you extra, but that may prove to be a good investment.  For instance, you can have the home tested for radon, mold, and termites. Although these tests cost more than just the standard home inspection, they are a good idea as they offer additional protection.
• Accompany the home inspector. Even if the home inspector doesn’t find anything wrong with the house, there is a lot to be learned by tagging along during his inspection.  He can give you tips such as where more insulation may be needed, how long you have until the roof will need to be replaced, and whether there are signs of repairs or additions that have been made over the years.  These may not be deal-breaking structural issues, but they are still good to know.
• Follow up on any problems the home inspector identifies. As already mentioned, the home inspection is for your protection.  If any problems are found, you will have the opportunity to either back out of the sale OR make the sale contingent on the repair (i.e., the seller fixing the problem will be part of the revised sale contract).  You may also want to renegotiate a lower price based on the home inspector’s findings, so that you will have the money to do the repairs yourself (instead of having the seller do them).

Don’t underestimate the value of a home inspection.  The average buyer or seller often does not recognize the signs of a serious problem, so a home inspector’s expertise is needed to help you steer clear of financial black holes and properties you won’t be able to resell when the time comes.

Theresa Ferrara
Realtor
802-578-9497
Email

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGnBPRmS9qk

Business People Vermont - July 2011

Attacca Realty and Vermont Outdoor Properties is the featured cover story in the July 2011 issue of Business People Vermont!

The Trousdales have a reputation for listening to their customers. “The part that always impressed me,” says Tricia Senzel, CFO of Opportunities Credit Union, who has known them over 10 years as both friend and client, “is how, with the friend/business relationship, one evolves out of the other. Barb is amazing at listening to what you’re saying and distilling out the pieces.”

The company operates from the Trousdales’ basement, which they have transformed into offices, replete with a conference room, bathroom, tiny kitchen area, and shared office space for employees, except for Barb, whose office is on the second floor.

Click here to read the full article!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB-lNYpjnyI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtDyzRuxYt8

353 Patchen Place

353 Patchen Place Unit 2

Light & bright 2 level South Burlington condo with full basement tucked away on a private cul-de-sac. Convenient South Burlington location is close to shopping, hospital, downtown, and interstate. The kitchen features a pantry and 4 year old appliances. Open floor plan on first level has combo living/dining area and newer sliding door leading out to back deck. You’ll find double closets in both bedrooms. Unfinished basement (480 sf) is great for storage; washer & dryer convey with property. Natural gas hot water baseboard heat with multiple zones has averaged just $52/month over the last 12 mos. One pet is allowed. Each unit is assigned 2 parking spaces with guest parking. More storage is available in the pull down attic. You’ll be impressed with the updates including laminate flooring on first floor & tile in both baths as well as new vanity top & fan in full bath. Simply a great unit with low $120/month association fees. Call today for an appt

13 Skyline Drive

13 Skyline Drive

Amazing 3, 200+ sq ft home in desirable Essex neighborhood awaits you! Plenty of space to spread out in this 5 bedroom, 4 bath home with family room, living room and huge finished walk out basement. Large master bedroom has its own private bath and walk-in closet. Kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances including gas cooktop and double oven. You will love the hardwood in the combo living/dining room. Stay warm and cozy with 2 gas fireplaces, one in the family room and another in the basement. Large 2 car garage leads into convenient mud/laundry room and allows easy access into home. A wonderful back deck offers views of a forested backyard and Camels Hump in the winter. Home has been well maintained with a 3 year old roof, and fresh paint throughout. Dining room chandelier does not stay & will be replaced with $200 fixture chosen by Buyer. Pinewood Manor Association fees are just $15 per year with optional pool fees. A must see!!

19 George Street

19 George Street

Wonderful opportunity for a large and convenient city home. Close to the bus line and easy walk to schools and playgrounds. Built in 1996 with many recent updates, this home offers 5 large bedrooms, 2.5 baths and over 2700 SF of living space. First floor features a great tiled mudroom, office and exercise room along with two bedrooms and large den. Second floor features vaulted ceilings, bright eat-in kitchen, dining room, living room with hardwood floors & gas fireplace along with 3 large bedrooms. Home is in very good condition with many recent updates including kitchen, baths, some flooring, metal roof, mudroom addition and second floor deck. Back yard is fully fenced, great for pets, with separate entrance to mudroom. Large 16′x18′ shed/workshop and propane heat. Town water and sewer with natural gas heat. Central air conditioning. Driveway is paved with plenty of parking spaces. Entrance ramps and 36″ doors for easy access to ground floor.