Berkley & Veller Real Estate Blog

Posted on 1/29/12

by Barbara Yanke

Every day I say "rates just can't go any lower" and then rates just keep going down.  Buying a home is so much more affordable now then it was even this time last year let alone 5 or 10 years ago.  For example a $150,000.00, 30 year fixed rate mortgage would be $70.00 less a month now then it was just last year, which gives you more bang for your buck.  Many Windham County, Vermont renters think they can not afford to buy and many home owners think they can not afford a larger home but the reality is there has never been a better time.  Some customers are able to upgrade the home they are in and it cost them the same since the interest rates are so much lower then they used to be.  

We know these low rates can not last for ever but we do not have a crystal ball to determine when that change is going to happen.  The best thing to do is speak to a mortgage professional now to determine what you may or may not qualify for.  There are still many financing options out there and your mortgage professional will help custom fit the one that is right for you. 

Barbara Yanke AVP, Residential Lending Sales Officer

802-258-6021 Office

802-318-3935 Mobile

80 Allerton Avenue, Brattleboro Vermont

MLS# 4126212

$199,500
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 3
Square Feet: 1,900
Acres: .4
With a nod to the 50's, this classic ranch style home is characterized by vintage bathroom fixtures, tiles and glass block windows. This meticulously maintained home is surrounded by a generous yard and benefits from neighboring woodlands. The kitchen is complete with hardwood cabinets, indoor brick barbeque, center island and breakfast nook. A granite fireplace and large windows enhance a generous living/dining area. Three bedrooms with hardwood floors, covered porch, and attached 2-car garage complete this fine property. Additionally, a full basement with interior and exterior entrance offers space for workshop and storage. This convenient Brattleboro, Vermont location and one level living provide ease and comfort.

1 Cottage Street Brattleboro Vermont

$225,000
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2
Square Feet: 1,464
Acres: .13

This 1924 Brattleboro, Vermont Craftsman-style bungalow is full of surprises. Sited on tidy town lot in quiet neighborhood, step inside this jewel box house to find 9 ft ceilings, ample light from 6-over-1 windows, fireplace, dining room built-ins, lovely architectural touches, quarter-sawn yellow pine floors throughout. Lower level reveals family room/office & 2nd bath with soaking tub. Originally built as rectory to former church next door, this house is delightfully spacious & welcoming. Screened porch looks southeast onto park-like setting, bounded by neighbor's meticulously tended shade garden on north side & owners simple perennials & ornamental shrubs to the south & west. Sun room is a delightful morning coffee spot. Simply must be seen to be believed

166 Carriage Hill Road Brattleboro Vermont

$189,900
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 3
Square Feet: 1,641
Acres: .32
Are you looking for a bargain? This property in Brattleboro, Vermont, is priced well below the town assessment and the owner is encouraging an offer! This home enjoys a spacious master bedroom with private bath, a 2nd bed and bath on the main level and an open concept living space with sliders to a large, private deck. The lower level has a huge family room with private bath, an office or small 3rd bedroom and lots of storage space. There is an attached 1+ car garage and access to the fenced back yard and shed. The house has only been occupied by one family and it is time to move on! Owner says sell!!

5 Reynolds Drive Brattleboro Vermont

MLS #4121399

Attractive investment property in Brattleboro,Vermont near shopping and services. Solid rental history, property in good condition. Excellent opportunity for owner occupied situation. The third floor is now used as three bedrooms, but could be rented as a third apartment unit. Improvements incl. Roof replaced 2009, exterior paint 2009,2010, three Rinnai heaters 2004-6, new windows 2002.

3293 Route 100 South Jamaica Vermont

MLS# 4122346

Beautiful new 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath home located on a wooded lot,, at 3293 Route 100, South Jamaica VT - nicely sited back from the road for privacy. Home features pegged 12" pine wideboard flooring throughout with 12x12 tile flooring in kitchen, baths and large laundry room. Attractive handcrafted FP mantel, open kitchen has maple cabinetry and center work island with butcher block top. Half bath off kitchen, master bdrm suite with walk-in closet and tiled oversized shower. Full unfinished bsmnt, oil heat and central vacuum. A must see!

1222 Putney Road, Brattleboro, Vermont

MLS# 4118450

List Price: $1,295,000

Property Type: Office Building
Year Built: 1989

Description: Exceptionally well-cared for and attractive multi-tenant commercial building on highly-traficked Putney Road in Brattleboro, Vermont.

BUILDING: The 2 1/2 story timber frame building was originally designed & constructed by Ted Benson. GBA of 19,462 s.f.; NLA of 16,570 s.f. Features include elevator to all levels, central A/C, sprinkler system, 800 Amp service, propane-fired heat pump system, standing seam metal roof, cedar clapboards.

SITE: 1.01 acres. Access for commercial traffic is good. There is parking on the south side sufficient for 37 cars, and reciprocal parking easements with the Steak Out Restaurant. The right-of-way is improved with a paved drive. The water & sewer lines also run under this driveway, with an easement for this property enabling use, repair and replacement of the water & sewer lines.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Complete set of financials available for qualified Buyers who have signed a Confidentiality Agreement. Attractive historical net income from this property.

704 Dover Road Newfane Vermont

MLS #4120553

This extremely tasteful "green" Craftsman style home in Newfane, VT, was thoughtfully designed to take advantage of the 2+/- acre lot offering nice views of the river and a pathway for access to the river. Built with efficiency in mind, the main level has radiant heated concrete floors, and an open floor plan with lots of windows designed to integrate the inside with the beautifully landscaped exterior. There is a second floor with a master bedroom and bath and a cat walk leading to a loft overlooking the lower level. The grounds around this appealing home have been lovingly landscaped with numerous perennial beds, fruit trees, blueberries, an arbor with grapes and kiwi vines and a small fish pond. Simple, elegant, tasteful and efficient are some of the words that come to mind in describing this well planned home. The perfect getaway or a great primary residence for anyone looking to simplify. * Hemlock Clapboard & Cedar Shakes. Click here for details.

Posted on 11/30/11  

by Barbara Yanke

When you are looking at a home that needs “some work” it is very important that the lender you are working with is made aware up front that the property may need some TLC.  In today’s mortgage world the secondary market has gotten very particular about the property, the home has to be in average condition and not need any immediate repairs.  There are very few programs available to borrowers with low down payment that allow for the work to be done after closing.  The last thing anyone wants is to pay money for an appraisal and then be told the home can not be financed with out the work being done prior to closing.  This can not always be negotiated with the seller as they may not have the money to fix the problem before closing. 

Barbara Yanke AVP, Residential Lending Sales Officer

802-258-6021 Office

802-318-3935 Mobile

   Molds are living organisms that form a vital, natural part of our outdoor environment, and assisting in the breakdown of organic matter. Molds are most prolific in the Autumn, and are part of the natural, life regeneration cycle among dead plants, fallen leaves, and decaying trees. There are many types of mold. During the breezy days in the Fall, mold spores travel through the air, and are deposited in new areas to reproduce themselves. This is the natural order of life in the out-of-doors.
   Trouble begins to arise, however, when these tiny, microscopic mold spores are deposited inside our homes, and slowly begin to grow. The main ingredient for mold survival and reproduction is moisture.  Wet/moist surfaces such as bathrooms, and moist basements are some of the trigger areas for the growth of mold. It is important to periodically inspect our homes for any signs of water leakage such as staining, and “black-spotted or white-spotted” areas on walls, ceilings, and floors and in crevices. Dark, moist, hidden areas are at risk for mold proliferation. Wet or moist areas must be thoroughly cleaned and dried within 48 hours, in order to prevent mold growth. With the large amounts of rain and flooding this year, mold has invaded many homes.   Remember:  Mold cannot grow without water!
   Molds are often the culprit of many of the allergy problems that we humans encounter. Inhaling/touching mold can initiate allergic sensitivity. Respiratory diseases such as asthma, and airway reactive disease can occur in highly sensitive individuals, and may require immediate medical treatment. Allergic reactions such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, sore throat, lung irritation, and skin dermatitis conditions can commonly occur, and should also be evaluated by a physician. Symptoms can occur in the present time or can be delayed for weeks or months later. Molds can also produce potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins, which can cause, or further aggrevate other medical conditions. For more information on mold health hazards, or if your home has obvious mold contamination, consult your healthcare professional, and/or your local health department.

6  IMPORTANT TIPS ABOUT MOLDS
1)    You must fix the moisture or water problem BEFORE you clean-up the mold!  Keep indoor humidity at low levels – 30 to 50%, to prevent spread or re-growth of molds. Condensation on windows, pipes, and walls, can be a sign of high humidity. Be sure the dirt fill at the base of the house slopes away, preventing ground water from collecting at the foundation’s base, and getting into the basement areas. Keep roof gutters clean and free-flowing for good drainage, away from the house.
2)    Scrub off mold on surfaces with detergent, and dry the area, thoroughly. Chlorine bleach will NOT kill mold spores!  Porous surfaces and carpets with mold contamination may have to be torn away and replaced. It may be impossible to remove it all. Paint or caulk will not adhere to any moldy surface. Mold can also grow on the undersurface of wallpapered walls, in crevices, and hidden areas.
3)    When cleaning mold, wear gloves, and an N-95 respirator mask, to avoid inhaling airborne mold spores when cleaning or disposing of contaminated surfaces. Do not run HVAC systems if they are suspected to contain mold, or during the clean-up process, as this will cause the spread of the mold spores to yourself, and to other parts of the house.
4)    It is not enough to simply scrub the mold off – it must be completely removed, and the moisture must be stopped to prevent the spread and/or re-growth of the mold spores.
5)    Do not expose yourself or other persons to mold unnecessarily, and be sure to wear protective clothing when working in the area, and handling the contaminated surfaces.
6)    If you are uncertain about the cleaning process, if due water damage from flooding, or the area containing mold is large (greater than 10 square feet), it is best to consult a professional contractor who is experienced in mold clean-up, and follows the EPA recommendations. Be sure to check for references!  The EPA guidelines website will also have the most reliable, updated information on many common questions arising about mold clean-up: www.epa.gov/mold
REMEMBER – MOISTURE IS THE KEY FACTOR IN CONTROLLING MOLD !

Bob Jack
Certified Home Inspector
Heritage Home Inspection, LLC.
802 258 4548