As a real estate agent in Burlington Vermont, much of my carbon footprint comes from my car. I drive thousands of miles each year showing properties in and around the Champlain Valley. Those miles started to wear on my conscience, so I recently traded in my gas-guzzling SUV for a used 2007 Lexus Hybrid SUV and haven’t looked back.

I launched the “Realtors Driving Hybrids” Initiative as a challenge to my fellow real estate agents to consider a more environmentally friendly alternative to their traditional vehicles. Initially this initiative was for Coldwell Banker agents, but this year, we’re opening it up to real estate agents across the country.

If you’re a real estate agent and you drive a hybrid, please send me an email, or register on site and I will be sure to add you to the growing list of agents on this site.

If you have not heard, the government announced that it extended and expanded the tax credit for home purchases.  This means that First-time home buyers in Burlington and all across the country may yet be eligible to receive a credit of up to $8,000 and those moving who have owned for at least five out of the last eight years may qualify for up to $6,500.

What’s the catch?

• You must be under contract to purchase no later than April 30, 2010.
• You must close on that purchase no later than June 30, 2010.
• There are some income restrictions
• Purchase price on a home is capped at $800,000

Visit the national federal tax credit web site for more information. Or call me for the local response to the Federal Tax Credit at (802) 238-1704 for more info. I have yet to meet a person who didn’t like free money – take advantage and claim yours now!

Heather D. Myott
Mortgage Advisor
Coldwell Banker

Burlington Church Street Marketplace

Travel & Leisure Magazine votes Burlington Vermont as one of the coolest college towns in America. It’s just another reason Burlington Vermont real estate is so hot right now.

What makes Burlington the coolest college town? Maybe it’s the array of performers in the Church St Marketplace, the fact it’s a bike friendly city, or perhaps the various restaurants Burlington VT has in it’s roster. The surrounding Lake Champlain real estate can’t hurt too much either; a beautiful environment for students to study for their upcoming exams!

There are plenty of schools to chose from. Burlington VT colleges include:

• University of Vermont – Vermont state college with engaging faculty and over 90 majors to choose from

• Champlain College – One of America’s “Top Up-and-Coming Schools”

• Burlington College – Independent liberal arts college with a variety of unique programs

• Community College of Vermont – Open admissions college with affordable programs

• Saint Michael’s College – A catholic, residential, liberal arts college located right next to Burlington VT

Explore this hip college hub today. I’d love to show you what a cool place Burlington VT is, so get in contact today and schedule a tour!

This historical Burlington home has 7 bedrooms, hardwood floors, elegant architecture, and is full of history. It also is located within walking or biking distance of all local Burlington colleges.

83 Willard Street, Burlington VT - MLS #2908468

This 2-level Burlington VT condo has a gorgeous lakeview, 3-4 bedrooms, off street parking, and the convenience of being located directly in downtown Burlington.

40 College St, Burlington VT - MLS #2901442

Come experience Burlington and find out why it’s America’s coolest college town. Check out the available Brian Boardman real estate while you’re here too!

This image from Sports Illustrated captures a terrific Burlington event

We all know that Burlington Vermont is famous for exquisite lakefront real estate with Adirondack views and incredible sunsets. But this fall, Sports Illustrated has given Burlington a new claim to fame: the site of the most ridiculous competition, the Burlington Vermont Giant Pumpkin Regatta.

Yes, it is a boat race, but each boat is a carved and decorated giant pumpkin, raced like a kayak. The Giant Pumpkin Regatta & Festival is a benefit for a youth leadership program for area high school students run by Linking Learning to Life and the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce

Burlington VT Real Estate - Dramatic Apartment near Lake Champlain

This Burlington apartment might get a great view of this terrific spectacle in Burlington Harbor on Lake Champlain (it’s walking distance to the Harbor, anyway).