We've been creating resources we think will be of great use to you. From market statistics to Home Maintenance Checklists (and many more to come), click on the following links to access some vital docs! Check back often, as we'll be adding several over the next few months...
MARKET STATS:
Compare quarterly market statistics (current year to the previous) for Addison County's 23 towns.
1st Quarter - 2018
2nd Quarter - 2018
3rd Quarter - 2018
4th Quarter - 2018
2018 vs. 2017, Addison County
1st Quarter - 2019
2nd Quarter - 2019
HOME MAINTENANCE:
We encourage you to put the same diligence into upkeep and maintenance as you did during due diligence and inspections of your home before purchase! Waiting to investigate trouble spots or repair is rarely a good idea (and there's rarely a good time) - as they say, 'Just do it'!
Spring Maintenance Checklist
Fall Maintenance Checklist
FINANCIAL RESOURCES:
BUYER TIP: Pre-Qualification VS Pre-Approval - The terms are often used interchangeably, although traditionally, they mean different things. We've unpacked the language with great input from local lenders to give you a leg-up on the process!
The Vermont Housing Finance Authority offers a Home Buyer Education Program, which is required for VHFA loans. It's a well-presented course and not too hard to absorb! Of course, there are several mortgage options your lender may encourage you to consider: the USDA Rural Development Direct Program; the USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Loan Program, the 203(k) Loan Program for "Fixer-Uppers", and the US Department of Veterans Affairs VA Guaranteed Loan Program
In 2012, the Vermont Legislature established the Vermont Wastewater and Potable Water Revolving Loan Fund to provide homeowners a source for low-cost financing. Find the document on the State of Vermont's site here, or download a PDF version here.
BUYER & SELLER RESOURCES:
BUYER: What to Expect - the process summarized, start to finish, for Buyers!
SELLER: What to Expect - the process summarized, start to finish, for Sellers!
Insurance! Your mortgage lender won't let you forget to purchase certain types, but there are a lot of options out there. Inform yourself. Let's hope you will not need the National Flood Insurance Program - the Flood Map Service Center database will help you to define your risk levels.
Wastewater and Potable Water Supply Rules (effective April 12, 2019).
Visit healthvermont.gov for links to the what, why, when, where and how of safe drinking water!
VERMONT SCHOOL INFO:
Vermont Agency of Education - your link to public education in VT with Directories, Maps and info on Education Laws, Governance, Finance and Operations
Supervisory Union & Town Boundaries - map of Supervisory Unions and the Vermont towns that fall within their boundaries
State of Vermont Tuitioning Program - a list of Vermont towns, and the towns' grades, that qualify for the Tuitioning Program
REGIONAL/STATE RESOURCES:
The Addison County Regional Planning Commission published a REGIONAL PLAN in July of 2018 - it's an informative read!
Wanting to delve into Vermont Tax Law? The Vermont Department of Taxes offers helpful info on the Education Tax Rate, Land Gains Tax, Land Gains Withholding, Property Tax Adjustment, Property Transfer Tax, Real Estate Withholding Tax, and more on their "Understanding Property Taxes" page.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES:
the Vermont Shoreline Protection Act Handbook (V. 1.2, April 2015) helps to inform shoreland property owners, municipal officials, landscapers and contractors what activities require a permit and how to obtain one. Not sure if you need to apply for a permit? Start here!
VT Well Completion Searchable Database - well drillers have been req'rd to submit completion reports since 1966; use this database to find their reports
Wastewater Permit Search - access to the project database for documents and/or plans associated with regional office permits
Agency of Natural Resources Atlas - it will load slowly, but hang tight - this resource allows you to filter by layer, to custom-reveal invaluable natural resource data
Wetlands Map - the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources viewer is provided to help the public to research wetlands and features
FEMA Flood Map Service Center - search by address, place or coordinates; whether you are in a high-risk zone or not
ACT 250 - the State's official website; learn the history of Act 250 here; find and contact any of the nine district offices here; or click here to search the database
Flood Survival Guide - Alarms.org is a great site for Home Safety Resources. Specifically, you'll find one of the best Flood Survival Guides.
LEARN MORE:
The Fair Housing Act is designed to protect you from discrimination. As Realtors, we uphold these protections not only because we must as licensed professionals, but because we believe in and value these protections.
"Aboveground Storage Tank Rules" in the State of Vermont can be found through the State's ANR site - this link provides direct access to the PDF.
The State of Vermont offers a Residential Aboveground Storage Tank Removal/Replacement Program. You'll find all the information on the application process for assistance on the ANR website.
Questions on lead? You can find all the basics, thanks to leadsafevermont.org, HERE.