NAR Conference & Expo - San Diego, CA

NAR CONVENTION - SAN DIEGO, CA - NOVEMBER 11-17

Once again I will be attending the National Association of REALTORS annual convention and trade exposition. It's always a grea time to network with REALTOR members around the country and learn new techniques to apply in my local marketplace.

This year I will be traveling to San Diego, CA for the convention. It will be held November 23-16 at the San Diego Convention Center. I will be attending some meetings as I am the Vermont representative to the NAR Multiple Listing Service Committee. I will also be able to attend continuing education, motivational and technology courses.

The trade show isn't to be missed. There are over 400 vendors demonstrating thier products. It's always fun to see the newest technologies put to work. It should be a fabulous show, and I am really looking forward to it!

Mid-Year Meetings in Washington, DC

I just returned from a week of REALTOR meetings in Washington, DC. The National Association of Realtors meets for a week in May for the Mid-Year Meetings. I attended the meeting this year with a primary focus on my role as the President-Elect of the Northern New England Real Estate Network, the multiple listing service for my area.

During my time in Washington I was able to attend meetings about rules and regulations pertaining to Multiple Listing Services, a general overview of the NAR in general, great networking with my piers, and meetings with Rep. Peter Welch, Senator Bernie Sanders and representatives from the office of Senator Patrick Leahy. We were able to discuss the state of the real estate market here in Vermont and thanked our Congressmen for their efforts in getting the housing market back on track. The $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit is a great help, and we explained why we thought it necessary to extend it beyond the November 20, 2009 deadline. Our suggestions seemed heard.

The new Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Mr. Shaun Donovan spoke to the group of REALTORS in DC. He suggested that he favors finding a way to get the $8,000 tax credit into the hands of buyers at the time of closing instead of waiting to file a return next year. I stronly support this idea, and he is working with the Obama administration to make it happen.

If you have any questions about the real estate market or about the new $8,000 first-time tax credit, please give me a call. I would be happy to help.

Vermont REALTORS Lose Longtime Friend & Leader

Evelyn Biddle

The State Of Vermont, and the Vermont Association of REALTORS has lost a friend. Evelyn Biddle was a wonderful person, a fabulous REALTOR and a friend of many. She was active in the REALTOR organization giving guidance and leadership to real estate agents across the state. Evelyn will truely missed. Below is the full obituary from The Burlington Free Press.

EVELYN J. BIDDLE SHELBURNE - Evelyn J. Biddle, 70, of Shelburne, died in Fletcher Allen Health Care with her children by her side on Thursday, April 30, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Evelyn was born on Jan. 27, 1939, in Manchester, Conn., the daughter of the late Evelyn and John Yavinsky. After graduating from Manchester High, she went on to graduate from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine in 1961, where she served as class president. Evelyn and her former husband Bill Biddle moved with their family to Vermont in 1970. She began her real estate career in 1974, and became the first member of the elite Senior Associate Group at Lang McLaughry Spera Real Estate where she served as advisor and mentor to her fellow associates for three decades. A natural leader, Evelyn served two terms as president of the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors and one term as president of the Vermont Association of Realtors. Both organizations named her Realtor of the Year in 1985. In 2008, the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors awarded her their Distinguished Service award for her dedication and contributions both to her profession and community, an honor she was proud of. Evelyn's longstanding commitment to the community she loved was evident: as member and past-president of the Burlington Business and Professional Woman's Club, Burlington Meals on Wheels volunteer and member of Board of Directors, as well as tireless efforts over the years on behalf of Special Olympics, VSO, Ronald McDonald House, American Heart Association, March of Dimes, The United Way and voter registration. In spite of her accomplishments, Evelyn's greatest joy was spending time with her many friends and beloved family. Her generosity, passion, strength, loyalty and sense of fun will be missed by all who knew her. Evelyn will live on in the hearts of her son Carter Biddle of Burlington, daughter Ellen Biddle of South Burlington and her treasured granddaughter, Marisa; her brother Stephen Yavinsky and his wife Cathy of Bolton, Conn. and their children Michael, Mark and Cheryl, along with their spouses and children. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, May 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ready Funeral Home, South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Road, Burlington. Friends are invited to join her family in a joyous celebration of Evelyn's life to be held on Wednesday, May 6, in All Souls Interfaith Gathering at 291 Bostwick Farm Road, Shelburne, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Burlington Meals on Wheels, 3 Cathedral Square, Burlington, VT 05401 or to the Marisa Biddle Education Trust begun in Evelyn's honor by Lang McLaughry Spera Real Estate, c/o John O'Donnell, Bergeron Paradis & Fitzpatrick, P.O. Box 925, Burlington, VT 05402-0925. For directions or to send online condolences please visit http://www.readyfuneral.com/ .

Portland, Oregon - Connection, 2009

As Vice President of the Northern New England Real Estate Network (NNEREN), I recently traveled to Portland, Oregon to attend "Connection 2009", a gathering of MLS executives and board members to discuss issues related to the industry.

The meeting was at the Hilton Portland downtown and was a great success. Many agenda items relevant to the real estate industry across the country were discussed, and it was a great networking opportunity with my MLS peers nationwide.

I will be the 2010 President of NNEREN and look forward to gaining all the knowledge I can about the future of Multiple Listing Services across the country.

I NEED A NEW OWNER!

Let your imagination run wild! This three story wood frame building was a Gelatin factory in it's previous life and now awaits a new use. There are over 13,000 square feet of space and the building appears structurally sound - great bones they would say! Large metal beams in the basement, vinyl siding, some updates started. Previously the property had been permitted for 9 units of housing (with a portion of abutting lands), but could be used for many things.

The property is listed for $150,000 and the owner is willing to negotiate the replacement of the roof. There's a lot of building here, so if you are creative and looking for a project, this might be it. Be sure to see for yourself. Give me a call to arrange a private inspection.

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY

to all of my customers, clients and friends!

The Move Is Complete!

On Monday, March 2nd, 2009 the office's of Bysel Realty merged with New England Land Company, LTD. We have moved into our new office at 2 Park Street, Randolph. Like any move there was some frustrations with redirecting phones, e-mail accounts, etc, but we are now operating in the new office.

Our new contact information is:

New England Land Company, LTD.
2 Park Street
Randolph, Vermont 05060

Phone: (802) 728-9100
Fax: (802) 728-9191

Website: www.NewEnglandLandVermont.com

Be sure to give us a call for all of your real estate needs in Central Vermont!

Randolph Area Sales Down

Real estate transactions in the greater Randolph area have been slow so far this year. Below are some sales statistics from the Nothern New England Real Estate Network, the Multiple Listing Service covering this market area.

Sales from January 01, 2009 - February 22, 2009.

Town Home Sales & Price

Randolph 2 ($30,000 & $217,500)

Braintree 1 ($199,000)

Brookfield 0

Bethel 0

Royalton 0

Although sales are off, prices aren't down as much as the national average. Homes continue to hold value and are still one the biggest assets for most Central Vermonters. Mortgage lenders have funds to lend, and with interest rates that are some of the lowest in years make this a great time to buy.

If you are considering buyer a home, give me a call. I would be happy to assist you.

Fabulous Commercial Opportunity!

"The Beanville Schoolhouse"

This former one room schoolhouse is a must see.

GREAT VISIBILITY! It sits on over a half acre of land right on Vermont Route 12 just south of Randolph Village. Near Gifford Hospital, Shaw's Supermarket and The Dollar Store.

Lots of original features including two 1/2 baths (boys and girls), original chalkboards, built-in cabinets and the wonderfully large windows. Easy to heat, and lots of recent improvements.

Would be a great Antique Shop, Professional Office, Art Gallery/Studio, Retail or Specialty Shop.

Located in a commercial district, good parking and signage potential.

Don't miss this property - be sure to arrange a viewing.

Call Dennis today - 728-5518

Volunteer Positions

Having a career in the real estate business has really helped me understand what volunteerism is all about. Since I first started in real estate over 16 years ago I have learned the importance of volunteerism. I enjoy being able to give of my time to many organizations and to my community. I have served as a Planning Commission Member, Development Review Board Member and on the Randolph Selectboard. For the past several years I have served as a Trustee of Clara Martin Center.

I have also given numerous hours to the REALTOR organization over the years. Early on I served as the president of the White River Valley Multiple Listing Service, and various state committees. I am the immediate past president of the Central Vermont Board of Realtors. Currently I am a member of the Vermont Association of Realtors Board of Directors and I am president-elect for the Northern New England Real Estate Network (NNEREN).


NNEREN is a multiple listing service covering all of New Hampshire and portions of Vermont. Currently there are over 7,000 member participants in NNEREN. I have served on this board for over 3 years and look forward to many more. Our monthly board meetings are split between Concord, NH and White River Junction, VT, so many months I drive to Concord.

In addition to NNEREN being a data-sharing system for Realtors, they also have a public website so that consumers can view listings within the system (http://www.nneren.com/).


All of the positions for which I volunteer have helped me in both my personal and professional lives. Not only do I feel I am up to date on many issues, but the networking opportunities have been fabulous. So if you ever need a referral for a real estate professional outside of the Central Vermont area just give me a call.

REALTORS Legislative Day

REALTOR DAY AT THE STATEHOUSE

Every year the Vermont Association of REALTORS (VAR) holds a Legislative Day for all of their members. REALTORS from around the state gather in Montpelier to visit with our representatives in the House & Senate.

This year our Legislative Day was held on Wednesday, February 4th. Many REALTORS gathered in the Senate Chambers to hear the VAR Public Affairs Committee chairman testify to before the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs. There was also testimony taken from the Executive Directors of the Vermont Bankers Association and the Vermont Homebuilders Association.

It is interesting to note some recent statistics from the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). The median home price in Vermont was down less and 2% from the previous year, but the volume of sales was down by 20%. This tells me that the value of Vermont real estate remains strong, but that there is a major slowdown in sales due to low consumer confidence.

What I see in my business here in Randolph is a lack of the first time homebuyers. It is my opinion that these buyers a crucial to any market. The next tier, the "move up" buyers will not make a purchase unless they can sell their existing homes. Without the first time buyers coming to the table, it slows sales across the board. I was sure to relay this message to my two State Representatives in the House, Patsy French and Larry Townsend. The VAR and it's members were sure to encourage our State leaders to all that is possible to stimulate the market by adding some sort of incentive to first time buyers.

There is great news for the consumer at this point in time: inventory is high, many sellers are motivated, there is capital to lend at many local, community or national banks and interest rates remain low. I am encouraging first time buyers to strongly consider getting into the marketplace as soon as possible to avoid a spring rush.

If you have any questions about real estate in the greater Randolph area, please call me.

WELCOME!

I decided it would be a great idea if I had a real estate related blog so that I could share whats happening in the real estate market in the Central Vermont area.

I am a full-time REALTOR that works primarily in a 20 mile radius of my market area which mainly conisists of Randolph, Braintree, Brookfield and Bethel.

As everyone knows, the real estate market for the past year has been a challenge. Although there is a lot of inventory available and interest rates are at a long time low, buyers are still very cautious about a home purchase. Many are fearful of the potential for a job loss, and others just not willing to commit until the economy has "recovered". Basically I interpret the current slow housing market as very low consumer confidence.

I continue to list and sell properties in all markets, but Sellers have to be more accomodating to buyers needs than ever before.

With the creation of this blog I will be able to share my 16 plus years of real estate experience working in the Randolph area. You will be seeing pointers and tips on home preperation, marketing, financing and negotiating. This site will also feature special properties, new listings and general real estate information including my take on the housing market at any given time.

I hope you will all follow this blog and comment on my postings. If you have a specific topic that you would like me to discuss, please feel free to e-mail me: dennisinvt@gmail.com

Also, feel free to check out these links:

Real Estate Website: http://www.randolphvtrealestate.com/

Personal Blog: http://www.dennisinvermont.blogspot.com/