The Condo Guy talks about the key factors of buying new!

There’s something about new construction Vermont condos that just stands out, it’s much like that new car smell, it’s just…….new!  There are many benefits that come with new construction, especially if you get to add your personal touches.  Just like when purchasing any kind of home, it is crucial that you’re well informed.  What’s the reputation of the developer or the builder?  Is the building definitely going to be built, or does the developer nees a certain number of presales before construction can begin?  How realistic are the completion and move in dates?  These are all important questions that should be asked and answered.

Another crucial element in purchasing new construction is the P.O.S. (Public Offering Statement).  This is a crucial document that is mandated by Vermont law that the developer must provide to all purchasers.  Here, you’ll find not only permit status but also anything in the neighborhood that might impact how you enjoy your home.  Are there any correctional facilities nearby?  Are there any roads like the Circ that might be coming within earshot?

There is nothing like new construction.  Being the first person to occupy a home really makes it feel like yours, just know what you are getting.  To learn more about new construction, contact me at condoguy@condoguy.com .  As always, I’ll talk to you soon!

~ Bill Desautels

The Condo guy explains the ins and outs of insuring your condo.

When you are buying a Vermont condo, it is critical to get a copy of the condominium project’s Master Insurance binder.  Even more impoortant, it is essential that you and your insurance agent are fully aware of just what your Master Insurance covers.  At the very least, you will need to insure your contents but you may also need to insure certain imporvements made to the condo such as stainless steel appliances and finished basements.

If you don’t already have an insurance company in mind, it might be wise to consider using the same company that holds your Master Insurance policy on your Vermont condo.  That way, you avoid the possibility of two insurance companies arguing over who is responsible for what.

To learn more about condo insurance, contact me at condoguy@condoguy.com .  As always, I’ll talk with you soon!

 ~ Bill Desautels

The Condo Guy talks about the growth of the Vermont Condo market in 2007.

Contrary to what you have been hearing on the national news, Vermont condo prices continue to rise in Chittenden County.  According to statistics from our local MLS, the average sales price for Vermont condos has risen just over 4% from the same time in 2006.  To learn more about specific statistics for your Vermont condominium or town, please feel free to contact me at anytime at condoguy@condoguy.com . As always, I’ll talk to you soon!

~ Bill Desautels

The Condo Guy talks about association fees at Vermont condos.

I often receive calls from owners of Vermont condos where the association fees are about to go up.  They seek my advice as to what the fees should be with the thought that an increase in fees is unnecessary.  Condo fees run the shole gamut from lows around $75 per month to highs around $450 per month.  On average, you should be expecting fees closer to $200 per month which is a bargain when you consider that it usually covers snow, trash, water, sewer, insurance, and building maintenance.  Some monthly fees are higher because they also cover heat.  My thoughts are that when it comes to increases, vote ‘yes’.  You don’t want to be living someplace where the pride of ownership slips and special assessments become the norm.  To see what association fees are at Vermont condo projects, visit www.condoguy.com . As always, I’ll take with you soon!

~ Bill Desautels 

The Flynn Theatre:  www.flynncenter.org  The Flynn Center offers a full range of cultural and educational experiences to our community and plays an important role in nurturing the creative development of new work by both national and local performing artists.

St. Michael’s College Playhouse:  hhtp://academics.smcvt.edu/playhouse  Saint Michael’s Playhouse is Northern Vermont’s Resident Actors’ Equity Theater Company which brings together Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theater artists offering Vermont audiences an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the  very best in live theater.  From its humble beginnings in 1947, performing in an old wooden farm building, this professional theater has blossomed into a high quality equity theater company presenting its works in the vibrant state-of-the-art McCarthy Arts Center Theater. Each year approximately 15,000 audience members enjoy professional theatrical productions at Saint Michael’s Playhouse.

Essex Palyers:  www.essexplayers.com   We began as the Essex Players in 1958, the brainchild of Bess Cohen, Elinor Barr, and their theater-minded friends. In 1965 we became the Essex Community Players, and made Memorial Hall our home. Our mission is to produce quality, live community theater, promote the development of theater skills, and advance theater talents in Essex and Chittenden County.

Vermont Opera:  www.vermontopera.com  Based in the state capital of Montpelier,  Vermont Opera Theater features local professional talent in opera, operetta, and original programs ranging from classical recitals to cabaret. In addition to performances, we offer opera workshops and master classes in classical song.

Barre Opera House:  www.barreoperahouse.org  Welcome to the Barre Opera House, central Vermont’s premier performing arts facility. This century-old theater is the cornerstone of history and culture for Barre, Vermont - granite center of the world. The Opera House hosts 70-100 events each year - from local theater and arts organizations to internationally renowned musicians and dancers, and is home to the Celebration Series, our performance series, which runs from September to May and features some of today’s finest performers.

UVM Theater:  www.uvmtheatre.org  The UVM Theatre is a vital academic program of the University of Vermont. We are committed to providing a superior, broad-based education to our students through intensive classroom study and practical experience. We also strive to actively engage our community through the theatre experience. All of our programs are designed to meet our educational mission.  Our Season consists of three major productions, our annual holiday event and a festival of One Act plays in the spring that is the culmination project of the senior directing class.

Lyric Theatre:  www.lyrichteatre.org  Lyric Theatre Company is a non-profit, volunteer community theatre organization located in beautiful Burlington, Vermont. Over 400 of your relatives, friends and neighbors volunteer their time and talent each year both on stage and off. The size of our membership together with the size and scope of our bi-annual productions ranks us as one of the largest amateur theater companies in the United States.