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If you look in the daily news you will find so many people who are close to having their home foreclosed on or are in the process of it. The economy has had a devastating effect on so many people and we hope that things will turn for the better sooner than later.  With that said, there are things you can do to assure that you will not lose your most prized possesion, your home. If you haven’t already, start an emergency savings plan. Deduct 10-20% of your income before you pay all your bills and put it in a separate savings account. If you can’t do this much, start with the smallest amount possible. Reduce your credit card debt. Credit card debt is one of the biggest reasons why people can not afford to get ahead. If you can’t pay off your credit card bill with what you are charging in the next month, then find a way to go without unless it affects your health or well being. There are lots of ways to save money on things that we think we need, but really don’t. Priortitize your life. Be a coupon shopper and don’t pay full price for anything. Take your lunch to work with your leftovers from the night before. Car pool if possible. Turn down your heat and shut off your lights when you leave a room. There are lots of ways to save money if you really stop and think of what is truly important. If you have your health, a loving family and a roof over your head, how much more do you really need to be happy.

The kids are on school vacation this week and we are going to take advantage of it. We are heading to Florida tomorrow for a week. We have been looking forward to this for some time. It will be a nice break from winter and it will rejuvenate the spirit. As our kids get older we realize that it will only be a couple more years where will be able to take the family vacation together. It is amazing how fast time goes by and  it is a bit sad when we think about it sometimes. But then we get a grip and remember that it is our responsibility to raise our children to be independent productive members of society. Sometimes that is much easier to say then to actually experience. At least for us. So tomorrow we are off, on one of our memory making family vacations that we will cherish for a long time. Hopefully our kids will as well.

I just rented one of my apartments to a Somalian family that was just relocated to the U.S. last week. It is a family of six. Two parents, two boys ages 19 and 18 and two daughters who are 12 and 10. The boys speak a little bit of English, but the rest of the family does not. They were assisted by the Refugee Resettlement program to get them here and orient them to our culture. I can’t even imagine how difficult it must be  for them to come to a new country not being able to speak the language, and not to mention some of the simple things we know how to do to survive. For example, how to work the electric range, how to set the thermostat for the apartment, or how to put batteries in the smoke detectors. They seem to be a loving family that I am excited about helping acclimate to our world. I know that I will be able to make them feel welcomed and I feel really lucky to have them as tenants. Yes, I may be able to teach them some things, but I believe that I will be able to learn a lot more from them.  They are in need of many daily necessities as well as furniture.  Email me if you have items you could donate.

JAY PEAK AREA Restuarant opportunity!

Listen to the sounds of nature while dining in the solarium windowed dining room overlooking brook in this totally unique estate with restaurant downstairs and residence upstairs. BRAND NEW restaurant appliances (Blodgett), 2 central AC systems & furnishings sitting atop 1.5 beautiful acres w/brook, covered bridge, skiing & golfing only min away at Jay Peak Resort that has already started Phase I of 100 million dollar expansion. Price for both bldg & restaurant business. Golden opportunity!

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Northwestern Vermont is one of the prettiest places you will ever see. If  you live here, I hope you don’t take it for granted, because it is so special. There are a number of places to visit while you are here and one of the more popular places is downtown Burlington and the Church Street Marketplace. Designed somewhat like Fanuell Hall in Boston, the street is bricked  and restricted to pedistrians only. It is lined with numerous shops and ethnic prescribed restaurants along with the art gallery and the Flynn theater just to the south. Being the largest city in Vermont it often is mistaken for being the capital with all its culture and diversity. If you head west from main street you board the Community Boathouse where you can have lunch, rent a boat or take an excursion on the Spirit of Ethan Allen. If you jump on the adjacent bike path you can run, jog, blade or bike up to north beach where you can stop for a swim or pack a lunch and have a picnic. We live in a pretty incredible place in my opinion. What do you think?

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Wonderfully renovated apartment building with hardwood floors, coin operated laundry in basement, two bay garage and shed. Remodeled bath & kit on 3rd flr only 2 yrs old. Cellar has Tri-State waterproof install; guaranteed for 25 years. New front steps, new asphalt, new paint in 2nd flr LR. Don’t miss this gem!

Century 21 Advantage is pleased to announce that Anthony Gamache has joined our sales associates team.  A full-time Realtor for the past ten years, Anthony is a dedicated broker providing buyers and sellers the information they need with expert advice and undivided attention to detail ensuring results and a smooth transaction.  As a native Vermonter, life long resident and real estate broker, Anthony has a thorough understanding of our area, market trends and a great appreciation for the beautiful state in which we live.  Before making your next move, call Anthony. 862-6433 ext 30.

I just got back from a Realtor meeting where the Govenor’s Commerce Secretary gave an overview of the Govenor’s plan for 2009 for the State.  His initiatives were outlined, and his strategy was reviewed. All in all, it is an opportunity for the fundamentals of the State Government to be redefined. It is a time where big problems require big thinking and doing the same old, same old, is just not going to work. Budgets have to be slashed and spending has to be reduced. The State faces huge deficits with the economy wallowing in a recession.  Everyone has to be prepared to make sacrifices, because it is inevitable. Yes, things are tough, but they are not insurmountable.

It is different this year then in the past when it comes to a new year’s resolution. I have taken a different outlook when it comes to losing weight and I think it has to do with the economy. In the past, I would have committed to be a certain weight at a certain time and be all gun ho. This year, I don’t seem to have the energy to go after it, although i have committed to working out longer each session. I just need to commit to not eat all the food with all the sugar. The holiday snack attack seems to have lasted longer than normal. In fact, I just had two pieces of fudge. What’s up with that. If the economy leads some people to not eat, it seems like it has made me want to eat more. If there is such a thing as recessionary weight gain, I hope I don’t become the poster child. Maybe I should make a better resolution, write it down and stick with it. After all, it has worked in the past.

The interest rates hit 5.25% with zero points today with Century 21 Mortgage. Sometimes it is better to act than wait, and now is the time. Prices are lower than they were three years ago and who knows how long this opportunity is going to last? If you think this market is tough, can you imagine if the rates were 15% like they were back in 1982?  Yes it is all relative. So get it in gear and make the best investment you can make. If you miss this opportunity, you may never forgive yourself. Contact me today and I can help. What are your thoughts? Brian