Neal Charnoff of Vermont Public Radio interviews Leslee MacKenzie, President of the Vermont Association of Realtors and President/Owner of Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty about the Vermont housing market. A reflection of 2009 and what’s in store for 2010.

The National Association of Realtors released figures this week that indicate a slowing pace of home sales.

The report shows that the number of houses under contract fell sharply in November and market analysts say this could foreshadow another downturn in real estate.

Listen to the interview here

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