by John Biondolillo, BCK Real Estate

City of Montpelier, Vermont by John Biondolillo, BCK Real Estate

The February 2010 data is in and it confirms what we predicted over a year ago, Washington County Vermont real estate hit bottom at the end of 2008.  On January 13, 2009 we made a bold prediction.  In a press release sent out to several Vermont newspapers, radio and television stations as well as the Associated Press, we claimed that the Vermont market was on the upswing.  We even it sent it out to our competing Realtors. No one picked up the story. 

The median sale price for a Washington County single family home or condominium in February was $225,000.  13 months ago in January of 2009 the median price was $120,000.  That’s almost an 88% increase.  Now that is not to say the prices increased 88% although prices are improving.  What that number shows is that the market has gotten some legs. 2009 was characterized by first time buyers taking advantage of the federal tax credit.  We noticed last November that buyers were starting to come out in all price ranges.  That trend has continued into March.  Other areas of Vermont like Chittenden County are experiencing similar patterns.  Chittenden County median sale prices are up 14% to $242,000.  Lamoille County, including Stowe, is up over 37% at $205,000 compared to $149,000 13 months ago.  The notable exception is Orange County.  Orange County is flat with the median price unchanged from 13 months ago at $155,000.

To view a  full report of the median price report  for Washington County, VT click here:  John Biondolillo, Washington County VT Real Estate Report BCK Real Estate.

To view a full report of the median price report  for Orange County, VT click here:John Biondolillo, Orange County VT Real Estate Report by BCK Real Estate.

To view a full report of the median price report  for Orance County, VT click here:  John Biondolillo Lamoille County VT Real Estate Report by BCK Real Estate.

BCK Real Estate has offices in Barre, Montpelier, Northfield, Stowe, Rochester and Waterbury Vermont.   If you are interested in buying a home in central Vermont please email John Biondolillo at John@bckrealestate.com or check out his site at http://www.bckrealestate.com  John is one of the less than 300 Realtors who have achieved the Star Power “Star” designation. According to renowned real estate speaker and trainer Howard Brinton, “being a Star is the greatest distinction in real estate today.”

by John Biondolillo

The phones are pretty quiet today at BCK Real Company’s 6 offices as Vermont consumers run out to buy things during today’s tax free day.  Even BCK’s affliate company Stowe Realty is reporting lighter activity than usual.

But while Tax Free Day in Vermont ends at midnight tonight, home buyers can still get a federal tax credit of up to $8,000 if they get a home under contract by April 30th and close before June 30, 2010.  Call a BCK agent to find out if you qualify.  This credit is not just for first time buyers.  Call today.

BCK Real Estate has offices in Barre, Montpelier, Northfield, Stowe, Rochester and Waterbury Vermont.   If you are interested in buying a home in central Vermont or to learn more about Stowe Homes for Sale, please email John Biondolillo at John@bckrealestate.com or check out his site at www.bckrealestate.com.  John is one of the less than 300 Realtors who have achieved the Star Power “Star” designation. According to renowned real estate speaker and trainer Howard Brinton, “being a Star is the greatest distinction in real estate today.”

by John Biondolillo
The Spaulding High School Boys Hockey team won their first State Championship in 13 years last night. After letting in an early goal, Barre goalie Chris Pelkey was unbeatable as he turned away shot after shot.  Colby Laperle was the toast of Barre after his hat trick led the Crimson Tide to a 4-1 victory of Champlain Valley Union.  Laperle’s first goal was assisted by Garrett Arnold, son of Northfield Savings Bank mortgage officer Ian Arnold.

If you are looking for your dream home in Barre or anywhere in central Vermont  Call John Biondolillo at BCK Real Estate (802) 479-3366 to help you find your home and call Ian Arnold for a great mortgage loan.

by John Biondolillo, BCK Real Estate

The Norwich Cadets defeated the University of New England 8 -1 last night at Norwich University in Northfield.  After a sluggish start, the Cadets roared back and turned it into a rout.  Norwich advances to the ECAC semi-finals next Friday.  That game will also be played in Northfield at Kreitzberg Arena.

BCK Real Estate, with six offices including 17 East Street in Northfield, is a proud Sponsor of Norwich Hockey.  Stop by our Northfield office and visit Butch Churchill or Melissa Cadorette.  BCK and Stowe Realty clients have access to Norwich Hockey Tickets.  Contact your agent for details.  To buy or sell a home in Northfield or anywhere else in central Vermont, call click or come by today.

by John Biondolillo, BCK Real Estate

Winter in Vermont… what could be more beautiful?  This week, USA Today recognized the beauty of Barre, Vermont with an outstanding photograph taken by local realtor John Biondolillo of BCK Real Estate.

“The sheer natural beauty of where we live is amazing,” says Biondolillo. “Living in Vermont is truly like living in a beautiful photograph. We are very lucky to enjoy the winter weather in all its majesty.”

If you would like to see the photograph taken by John Biondolillo, click here:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/02/winter-in-america-barre-vt/1

If you are interested in buying a  home or investment property in central Vermont or to learn more about Barre Homes for Sale, please email Vermon’ts leading realtor John Biondolillo at John@bckrealestate.com or check out his site at www.bckrealestate.com.

by John Biondolillo, BCK Real Estate

Marcia and I attended the annual Barre Opera House Valentine’s Gala at Lucia’s Restaurant the other night. On our way home we drove by the beautiful park in downtown Barre.  The trees were lit up brightly and the Gazebo sported a big red heart.

Downtown Barre Lights Up for Valentine's Day

Unseasonably warm weather and lower than normal snowfall amounts have put the damper on Barre’s snow sculpture contest but not on Barre’s spirit. Barre is a great place to live. Centrally located just 6 miles from the state capital of Montpelier and less than an hour from Burlington, VT, people choose to live Barre for the culture, outdoor activities and convenient location….not to mention the wonderful spirit of the citizens and merchants.

If you are interested in buying a  home or investment property in central Vermont or to learn more about Barre Homes for Sale, please email John Biondolillo at John@bckrealestate.com or check out his site at www.bckrealestate.com.

by John Biondolillo, BCK Real Estate

Stowe Vermont Home for Sale . See more at www.bckrealestate.com.

Recently the NY Times ran an article about skiers buying vacation homes as prices fall. Vacation home buyers are taking advantage of great buys. They saw a recessionary opportunity to make a smart vacation home purchase no that would reap them financial rewards in the years to come. Many buyers cited in this article were ready to pay in cash if they found a great deal.

This is good news for second home buyers in the Stowe area as well as central Vermont.   Vacation home buyers and skiers looking for great home deals can find them today.

“It is a great time to buy,” says successful real estate agent, John Biondolillo. “Sellers that have a compelling reason to sell are accepting offers that they may not have even entertained in years past. The time is now to come and see what is available – many vacation homes are priced to move.”

Deb Howard, a second-home expert at the National Association of Realtors, said that through the 2009 market was the lowest it had been in a decade, she expected some good news this year.  Agents interviewed in the NY Times article said that traffic was particularly high during the holidays.

If you would like to read the NY Times article in depth, please click on NYTimesSecondHomes.   If you are interested in buying a second home or vacation home in central Vermont or to learn more about Stowe Homes for Sale, please email John Biondolillo at John@bckrealestate.com or check out his site at www.bckrealestate.com.

I am delighted to let you know that you can now have access to much of the same data that BCK Real Estate Professionals  have at their fingertips.  Using our new Market Snapshot online program you can see all sales in your area within the last 90 days as well as everything that is on the market currently.  Click on the following link and test drive this wonderful program for yourself.   Vermont Market Snapshot

BCK Real Estate is the foremost VT real estate brokerage in central Vermont with offices in Montpelier, Barre, Northfield, Waterbury, Rochester and Stowe.  We are always on the cutting edge of real estate technology.  Market Snapshot is another example of how BCK Real Estate is leading the way in Vermont Real Estate.

BCK President John Biondolillo is in elite company as a Star Power “Star.” John and Nancy Jenkins are the only two Realtors in Vermont to be accorded such an honor.

Star Power is now under new leadership. Alex Charfen took over leadership of StarPower! He let me know about some amazing enhancements to what the organization will offer members, and as a StarPower Star it’s incredibly exciting to be involved in the continuation of StarPower into a new era of industry leadership.

Lots of changes are coming to StarPower, including its convention, the StarPower Club, StarPower University and the new StarPower website. To learn more, visit: http://countdown.gostarpower.com

StarPower also has a new saying that fits perfectly with the organization’s goals:

StarPower is … Success Shared™.

John is proud to be a part of this extraordinary organization helping thousands of agents across the country learn how to be more successful, both professionally and personally.

Agents interested in elevating their business should definitely look into joining StarPower. Again, the site is: http://countdown.gostarpower.com

John Biondolillo, president of BCK Real Estate and owner of Stowe Realty, was invited to be part of the most elite group of Realtors in the United States.  Star Power Systems (www.GoStarPower.com) annually selects the top 12 agents nationwide to be interviewed by legendary real estate guru Howard Brinton. John Biondolillo, who was interviewed by Brinton in June , is the newest Star Power “Star.”  There are less than 300 Stars worldwide.  It is the hardest designation to achieve in the real estate business.

At a gathering of the Stars in Henderson, Nevada today it was announced that Alex Charfen has purchased Star Power. Howard Brinton will continue to be involved. Charfen, who is best known as the founder of the Certified Distressed Property Institute (www.CDPE.com) , has a brilliant game plan that will elevate Star power even further.  Plans are currently being made to hold the next Star Power Convention.  The date is not set yet, but right now Austin, Texas is slated to host the event in January 2011.