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 Hi David,
What a great service you provide! I live in Austin, TX but originally from upstate NY. Vermont is my favorite state and I have always had dreams of living there... I've read some of your past responses...
Questions on the weather: I used to be used to the snow but having been in Austin for 9 years my skin is thin and I am a wimp to the cold now...but I love the beauty of the seasons. Do you have recommendations on proper footwear that's warm and waterproof? Does your car need special tires or chains? It's been a long time! Any special car care tips in general?
I've looked at some apartment postings on craigslist and prices do seem steep. I work in Admin field and thought about an admin job at a local university or in real estate (I am currently a real estate assistant/office manager - contract to close process but NO desire to be an agent). Do you think I could afford a decent studio or 1 bedroom working in this field? I would esp love something on the lake or with a lake view but that may be asking too much!
thanks!
Answer Funny you mention Austin - A couple from Austin I met through AllExperts are presently renting something here in Burlington, and they've begun to have me show them condos for a possible purchase now that they've been here a year... They seem deliriously happy here, even after thier first Winter.
I wear ordinary clogs (like nurses wear...only black :-) ) a lot. Lots of people here seem to wear the slip-on clog-like things with the suede outer... I can't remember the brand. Merril? Here in Burlington Snow is not an every day thing, so I gave up wearing boots when I was a kid. Now I wear shoes, clogs, sneakers, etc, and simply put an overshoe on when there's real snow on the ground. There's a brand of overshoe I like a lot, ("Neos") which are a heavy rubber overshoe with a nearly weightless upper made of ripstop nylon like a ski jacket. They come in various heights. I just wear them to the car and bring them along. But the winter footwear question has a different answer for every person. Some people seem to wear LL Bean boots everywhere, but I don't quite know why. This would make more sense inland, away from the lake, but in Burlington it's not needed except when it's during or after a snowstorm.
My tire dealer (who's fabulous...) would tell you everybody should have snow tires and Summer tires. My wife does as do many friends and neighbors. I myself run all season radials, and have for decades - even when I was teaching skiing by contract 30+ days a year. Some people like me do very well with front wheel drive and all season radials. But it really depends on where you live, and where you drive. I live right in downtown Burlington. If I had a long steep driveway that would be another story altogether. Chains? I don't know anybody who uses them. Loggers? Yes indeed, but I don't think I've seen a set more then half a dozen times in my life, and 4 of those times were in California.
I have more car tips, too... but most of them are pretty mundane... ;-)
And finally, Yes - I think you could afford a decent apartment. The rental market is very tight, and it's expensive. But if you're patient, you can find something. I'd be happy to send you my list of rental resources. Then if you have a job lined up and are ready to move, I'm happy to go take a look in person at a place before you sign a lease or send a cheque. I've done this for several people in the last few years...
Where shall I email the list of rental resources?
Cheers,
David Beckett
Realtor, CBR
david (at) askdavidbeckett.com
