Expert: David Beckett - 9/20/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi David:

I currently live in Toronto, Ontario and am thinking of moving to Burlington within the next 2 years.  I've been to Burlington a number of times and ideally envision living around 10-15 minutes outside of Burlington on between 25-50 acres, on a hilltop/hillside overlooking Lake Champlain.  Are such properties available that close to Burlington or am I dreaming?  I realize such a property would not be cheap, but keep in mind I'd be selling my house in downtown Toronto, which is a rather expensive place to live.  The plan would be to buy the land first, then rent while we build (I have a 21 month old baby girl, 2 cats and 2 dogs....so far, and my wife likes to ride so you get the idea).

Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Drew - You're not dreaming. Here's the beginning of an answer to your question: a link to the 22 Chittenden County properties which seem to have "water view" "lake access" or "lake frontage". I used those coded fields to search the MLS. These aren't all quite within your stated parameters, but this link should be a start:
http://www.vreinmls.com/ver/maildoc/a004PC8409.html
Your plan makes sense to me - and it could even be that a building package is available, that means I'd find it in residential section of the MLS as something "to be built" - the builder having secured the lot and permits and offering a home to be constructed. You're right - it's not going to be inexpensive, but what you desire does indeed come on the market from time to time!

Have a look at the link and let me know what I can do next to help...When the time's right I can even create a more specific search for you and let you know whenever anything new ls listed meeting your criteria!

David Beckett, Realtor, CBR
Chenette Real Estate
1 802 264 1888
david@askdavidbeckett.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi David:

One more question; what's the difference between "Common Acres" and "Approx. Acres"?

ANSWER: the Common Acres field would tell us how many acres are owned in common - in a condominium project for instance.

Approx Acres is the number of acres the property in question has.

Regards,
David Beckett
Chenette Real Estate
david@askdavidbeckett.com
1 802 264 1888



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks.  I'll keep your business e-mail for future contact.

Now I've really got an incentive to get moving on this!

Drew

Answer
Hi Drew -

Just a quick note to say hello. I'm happy to help with whatever information you'd like, if you're still interested in Burlington, VT.

We've had a very warm Autumn here, and the Real Estate market is remarkably strong. There's a lot of inventory, yet the number of sales is actually ahead of last year in many parts of the market here in the Burlington area.  VT has one of the very lowest numbers of problem sub-prime mortgages in the country, which is a bit of a relief!

Regards,
David Beckett
david@askdavidbeckett.com
1 802 264 1888