AboutDavid Beckett Expertise I`ve lived in the Burlington area since 1961.
I can answer questions about the Greater Burlington area, The Burlington music and performing arts scene, Vermont, Chittenden County, Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
(I sit on the board), Real Estate (I`ve been a Realtor since 1988 and a Certified Buyer Representative since 1995), Skiing (I grew up skiing and have taught skiing professionally since 1986).
Experience I can email comprehensive custom MLS listing data sheets with multiple photographs and information. These can be followed up with automatic email notification of New listings within specified criteria.
Numerous written references from Real Estate Clients and Relocation packages provided upon request.
Question QUESTION: Hi David! My wife and I have a dream to move to Burlington in the (hopefully) very near future, but we're just at the beginning of this process and would really appreciate any advice or information you could offer us. Our plan is to first try to find jobs from our present location (out of state), then try to find housing so we can go ahead with the move. We are young (26 and 27) and fairly limited in experience. I have a Bachelor's degree, three years administrative assistant experience and a diploma in Massage Therapy (650 hours). My wife has a GED, factory/warehouse experience and aspirations to be a carpenter. We are very open to employment options. Do you think we're likely to find work in these areas? Do you think employment in these areas is likely to cover the cost of living in Burlington?
While we're happy to rent an apartment or studio, and intend to do so initially, we are most interested in buying a rent-to-own or owner financed home. Are these arrangements common in Burlington?
Any resources, advice or information you have are greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much! :D
ANSWER: Hi Ashe -
Thanks for your questions...I'll do my best:
My first thought is "Where there's a will, there's a way". I'm a firm believer in making things happen, rather than waiting and hoping - so from my limited point of view, it seems the question isn't whether, but when and how - to all of your questions.
Now for the drearier perspective. Jobs which pay really well are not easy to find a) these days, and b) in Vermont these days. ...and it's frustrating but true I think: it's easier to find the best jobs of the sort you're looking for when you're already living here.
I'd look into the "step up for women" program if it's still available. It was a terrific program designed to help women break into the building trades, like carpentry. There are also lot and lots of massage therapists in the Burlington area. A massage therapist would find good demand here, but lots of other massage therapists. I know many - a few of whom work in PT practices and one who works in a Chiropracter's office.
Your question about rent-to-own and owner financed homes is interesting and more along the lines of my expertise. Transactions like this are relatively rare here, but it depends entirely on the seller's willingness to enter into such an agreement, and in whether the seller can afford to. I do know one landlord who bends over backwards to help his tenants become first time home buyers. I have a list of property managers I can pass on when the time is right. The better news is that there are some really terrific programs these days for qualified first time home buyers - including the opportunity to recieve a very significant first time home buyer tax credit...which, sadly, is not going to last forever. This, combined with some of the excellent mortgage programs available, make this a very attractive market for buyers right now.
I'd look at Vermont Business Magazine, Jobsinvt.com, Seven Days, The Burlington Free Press and so on, to see what's available. Best of Luck to you! Please let me know how else I can help.
David Beckett, Realtor, CBR
david (at) askdavidbeckett.com
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi again, David!
Well, we've done it! Thanks again for your help with our original question. We signed a lease on a little studio apartment on Church Street yesterday. It's so amazing. We're very excited.
The problem is, being on Church Street, there is no off-street parking with the apartment. And my understanding is that overnight parking is not allowed at the metered spots on the streets or in the garages. I've searched online for long-term parking options and come up completely empty-handed.
We're driving back with our stuff first thing Monday morning to get moved in, and presently we have no idea where to put our cars after that.
Do you have any information on where residents keep their cars when they don't have any off-street parking available?
Thank you so much - I'm at my wit's end trying to find an answer.
Have a wonderful day!
Ashe :D
Answer Congratulations!
Hmmmmmmmm...
Well, for a few days, while you're looking, you can borrow a guest pass and park on my street. Really.
I live a block from the southern end of Church Street.
The I'd ask
A) Your landlord
B) The city of Burlington - I'd call and start with Public Works and keep going through departments. Visiting City Hall on foot is actually more efficient, after you get here...
D) Property Management firms - I have a list - did I already email it?
Email me/phone me directly and I'll send you the list if I haven't already...
Let's have lunch once you get settled! I can introduce you to other people who have recently moved - One couple I can think of may possibly have researched parking recently, actually.
I'm also going to send a message to my local neighborhood email list (one of the "Front Porch Forum" groups) and ask for a parking space to rent. That may lead to something...
David Beckett
david [at] askdavidbeckett.com
1 802 264 1888
