Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors
Mount Snow and Brattleboro, Vermont Real Estate
According to a study released by Wallethub.com, Vermont ranks first in “Health and Safety” and third overall in a comparison of 40 key factors of family-friendliness. New Hampshire ranks second overall. The site ranked all 50 states and the District of Columbia in five categories: family fun; health and safety; education and child care; affordability; and socioeconomics.
In the state of Vermont especially, energy efficiency is a hot topic. Many people are becoming aware of the savings they stand to gain and are taking advantage of solutions. Heat pumps are one of the best options in the world of energy efficiency, particularly for the cold New England winters.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
The most basic explanation of a heat pump is that it moves warm air from one place to another. In the winter the refrigerant in the system absorbs heat from the cold air outside and transfers it inside your home. It may seem counter-intuitive to use cold air as a heat source, but heat energy is present even at very cold temperatures. In the summer the process is reversed and the pump will act as an air conditioner, absorbing the heat from within your home and transferring it outside.
Will a Heat Pump Work in Vermont?
One of the most common misconceptions about heat pumps is that they won’t function cost effectively in places like Vermont with cold weather extremes. Thanks to advancements in technology you can now install Cold Climate Heat Pump (CCHP) that function at temperatures as low as -17 degree Fahrenheit. You’re still going to want to hold onto your main source of heating for winter storms and those very cold nights but you can expect to see a substantial decrease in primary heating usage.
Will It Take a Long Time to Install?
No! A heat pump can be installed in less than a day.
How Much Money Will I Save?
According to VPIRG.org, the “typical” vermont household heating with fuel oil or propane spends around $3000 a year. With a heat pump homeowners can expect to see anywhere from $1000-$1500 in savings. Some estimates are slightly more conservative suggesting a more modest 30% decrease in heating expenses for homeowners using propane (“How Does a Heat Pump Work in Vermont” co-opheatpumps.net). If you heat with cord wood or wood pellets you can expect to see slight savings. Homeowners with newer natural gas systems will see very little, if any savings. Something worth considering is that is oil and propane prices can fluctuate significantly while electricity prices stay relatively stable. A heat pump will insulate you from future price increases in the energy market.
Are There Other Benefits?
Yes! Heat pumps are two times more efficient than the average air conditioning unit and are much quieter as well. Many units have smart controls, making it easy to keep temperatures in your home stable and comfortable. Heat pumps will also filter and dehumidify the air inside your home year-round.
Alright I Want One, How Expensive Are They?
The cost of installation will, on average, fall within the $3000-$8000 range. Not a small amount of money to be sure, however, with financing you could see savings in the first year!
Originally from a small town in Maine, Maria grew up immersed in nature, skiing the mountain and exploring the woods. Having lived all over the country and the world, it was a natural transition for her to finally come ‘home’ to the peaceful and beautiful countryside of New England. Maria chose to settle in Brattleboro for the gorgeous mountains, rural feel and the wonderful people.
Maria’s natural curiosity and intuition about people led her into the field of Psychology. She has been a psychotherapist for 12 years and brings these skills to her Real Estate Career. Maria’s clients benefit from her communication skills, empathy and understanding, finding her easy to connect with while knowing she’s looking out for their best interests.
Much of Maria’s family is in the Real Estate business and she acquired from them an appreciation for architecture, design and craftsmanship in building.
Maria Diran
802-254-6400 ext.154
802-380-2393 cell
maria.diran@berkleyveller.com
For those considering selling in the near future it might be worth considering a few home improvements to increase the desirability, aesthetic and ultimately value of your home. Home improvement is often expensive, however, there are cost effective options for any budget.
Start with the Front Door – The entranceway is the focal point for anyone approaching your home and, as we all know, first impressions are important. You can pick up a high end steel door ($2000 avg. – National Association of the Remodeling Industry “2015 Remodeling Impact Report”) or a fiberglass one. This will not only improve energy efficiency but also your curbside appeal. If you’re reluctant to shell out thousands for a high end door some new hardware and a paint job can go a long way. Installing a doorbell ($50 – $150) and improving outdoor lighting are both easy and cost effective improvements as well.
Basic Maintenance – Not the most glamorous category in the world of home improvement projects, however, making sure the basics are taken care of is absolutely essential. A potential buyer won’t take a second look at a bathroom remodel if you have leaky roof or old rusty iron plumbing. These sorts of updates often cost a lot less than homeowners expect them to so it’s important to check the basics before pursuing other improvement projects.
Minor Bathroom Remodel – No need to go crazy. Minor bathroom improvements offer a significant return on investment. Updating lighting fixtures, putting up a new mirror, caulking, repainting, etc. are all simple and affordable ways to boost the appeal of your bathroom. Bathroom improvements of this nature can return more than 100% on your initial investment (“Top Home Updates that Pay-Off”, HGTV.com).
Renovate the Attic – This one can be a little bit more of an undertaking, however, renovating the attic can be a great way to instantly add square footage and value. A master suite is the best option if you have the space for it. If not, an office or lounge area are both good options as well. For those looking to keep effort and expenditure to a minimum simply insulating your attic is one of the best things you can do. According to the “2016 Cost vs. Value” report by remodeling.net, for homeowners in New England, insulating your attic offers the best ROI of any project. Returns averaged 143.8%, more than 20% over the national average!
Presently, I reside in Westminster, Vermont high on a hill with my grand-kitty Chuck, who loves to roam the fields and woods surrounding our home. I have always loved Vermont from every perspective and in every season – the soft hues of spring, the crisp fall with its vivid array of spectacular colors and the fresh white blanket of snow in the winter.
Real estate is my passion. Throughout the years, it has brought me from the experience of a first home buyer to a person or group of people desiring an investment property or business. It is that diversity of buyers which continues to hold me captive and also the professionalism and equal passion of my colleagues.
Since 1970, I have held broker licenses in both Vermont and New Hampshire. During that time, I have been awarded the Emeritus status with the National Association of Realtors. In addition to receiving the GRI designation, I was a State Director for the Vermont Association of Realtors and Chairperson of the Grievance Committee.
Personally, I have served on several area boards: Co-Chair of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Regional Board, President of the Saxtons River Art Guild for two terms, and a board member of Youth Services. Their community missions are important to the fabric of Vermont and I embrace them all. Another passion of mine is painting where I love to capture the surrounding beauty and place it on canvas.
I am committed to my clients and their satisfaction. Because real estate reflects personality, inner needs and happiness, I am here to find the place for the individual who wishes to create a home in the mountains, hills, valleys or on the rivers of Vermont.
Let me help you make your dreams come true
Penelope Arms
802-254-6400 ext. 112
802-376-7075 cell
penelope.arms@berkleyveller.com
5 Timeless Features that Will Never Go Out of Style
The Beatles, Denim, Men in Suits… some things are here to stay. A kitchen remodel can be expensive, and with the average of homeowner spending a little over $20,000 (homeadvisor.com) it’s best to chose features that will retain their value and marketability as other trends go out of style. Following are five timeless features that will look great in any kitchen.
Paint it White – While it isn’t the most exciting color, white is both budget friendly and timeless. It frequently appears atop lists as the most desirable color for kitchens, a big bonus for future marketability. Often commended by color therapists for its effects on mood and happiness, it will make your kitchen feel both larger and brighter. Plus nowhere for dirt to hide!
Carrara Marble for the Counters – Quartz and Granite have both been in vogue for some time now, and there’s no denying that they are both great options. That being said, Carrara marble is a great choice for the budget conscious homeowner looking for a more original countertop style. The biggest knock on marble in the past has been its vulnerability to staining, however, if you reseal once or twice a year that concern is easily banished. If taken care of properly, marble will last forever and only increase in visual character as it ages.
Hardwood Floors – Hardwood is a big one, it looks great and is considered one of the most desirable features by homeowners. It’s durable, timeless, and versatile. Hardwood will add warmth and a more “homey” inviting feel to your kitchen. It’s also a great investment. According to a 2013 survey conducted by National Association of Realtors buyers, on average, said they would be willing to pay just over $2000 more for a home with hardwood flooring. Furthermore, buyers surveyed in the northeast assigned more value to hardwood flooring than buyers in any other region in the country.
Shaker Style Cabinets – Few home design features are as ubiquitous as shaker style cabinets. The simple panel and frame design lends an unobtrusive elegance allowing for your personal design feature eccentricities to take center stage. The most popular kitchen style currently is a transitional one. These cabinets make it easy to blend the traditional with a more unique and modern look.
LED Ambient Lighting – This one may be a bit of a reach as “timeless”. However, given their affordability, popularity, and efficiency LED lighting seems to have what it takes to become a kitchen design staple for years to come. LEDs are cooler than incandescents so they serve well as under-cabinet or recessed lighting. The best fixtures are dimmable so lighting can be adjusted to fit any mood or occasion.
Thinking of building or improving your home?
Come see what high performance looks like.
Sustainable Energy Outreach Network’s Sustainable Home Tour – Saturday, October 15 from 10am-4pm. Enjoy a self-guided tour of seven local homes that exemplify high performance building by giving consideration to energy efficiency, durability, indoor air quality and renewable energy. Buy tickets here or at the door at any of the homes.
Sagerman, a licensed agent in Vermont, looks forward to assisting customers and clients with their real estate needs. She has lived in Windham County for most of her life and has a fondness and knowledge of the area, as well experience in the fields of architecture, historic preservation and planning. Her background includes a B.A. from Lehigh University with a major in Architecture and a minor in Sociology, an M.S. in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania, working for 17 years as an independent historic preservation consultant, and serving as the town of Brattleboro’s Assistant Planner. Sagerman lives in Brattleboro.
Paula Sagerman
802-254-6400 ext. 125
802-345-1092 cell
paula.sagerman@berkleyveller.com
Hoppe, after 20-plus years in the insurance industry, felt it was time for a change. Dealing with real estate from an insurance perspective has only served to deepen her knowledge and pique her interest in learning all she can as she moves into real estate. Karen and her husband, Rich, currently live in West Chesterfield, N.H., with their daughter, Meghan.
Karen Hoppe
802-254-6400 ext. 124
802-258-1902 cell
karen.hoppe@berkleyveller.com
Brown, after nearly 30 years on Main Street owning and managing his own real estate company, looks forward to continuing serving repeat generations of clients and introducing new ones to the community. His community involvements have included serving on the Southern Vermont Board of Realtors, Brattleboro Area Affordable Housing, being past Realtor of the Year, Court Diversion Panel Member and the Board of Youth Services.
David Brown
802-254-6400 ext.150
802-579-9966 cell
david.brown@berkleyveller.com
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