Learn about Green building and design, the latest developments in alternative energy, and bring the kids to the Green kids zone!  May 10th and 11th at the Gutterson Athletic Center @ UVM.  This event is not to be missed by anyone who is “green” curious!

Don’t just assume that because a well was drilled by professionals that the water is automatically tested for potability or the for presence of radiation or heavy metals. 

This testing is relatively inexpensive and, in my opinion, imperative, it is after all, your water.  If you don’t drink your water and use it only for household chores and showering, you are still just as affected by the presence of radiation and heavy metals.  Just because the water was once safe, does not mean it still is.  The few hundred dollars spent on water testing as a part of your building inspection is a small price to pay for the peace of mind you’ll have after receiving satisfactory test results.  For more information on water safety, visit the Vermont Department of Health’s website.  

-Jessica Bridge 

“What happens if I make an offer on a home and then change my mind or am unable to purchase it?    Do I just lose that money?”

The simple answer is “no”.  If you and your Realtor work diligently, your money will be protected.  A standard Purchase & Sale Contract has built-in contingencies.  These contingencies are the safeguards that will protect your deposit.  

These contingencies may include financing and building inspection.  For example, if you write an offer and then can not purchase the home because you can not get financing you can withdraw your offer as long as you and your Realtor submit a termination addendum in the time frame that your contract permits. 

Similarly, if items come up during the building inspection that you were not anticipating and are not comfortable with (roof needs to be replaced, foundation needs repairs etc.), you can (1) request that the seller fixes those items (2) request that the seller financially contributes towards those repairs or (3) submit a termination addendum in the time frame that your contract permits.

These are just a couple of contingencies that can be included in a Purchase and Sale Contract.  Other contingencies may include water quality, radon…or anything else that is important to you.

Work with a professional Realtor that can help you prepare a Purchase & Sale Contract.  If the contract is written correctly you and your assets will be protected.

-Jessica Bridge 

“I can’t afford a Realtor.  All of the money I have needs to be applied towards the purchase of my new home!”

Frankly, you can’t afford NOT to use a Realtor.  Even if you are the type of consumer who does TONS of research before you purchase anything, you can still benefit from using a Realtor.  

Here’s the thing, YOUR REALTOR IS PAID BY THE SELLER (from proceeds of the sale), NOT BY YOU!  When you enter into a buy-broker agreement with a Realtor, you are hiring them to represent your best interest.  Your realtor does this for a living, let her help you, with (potentially) the biggest financial investment of your life.

-Jessica Bridge