What Every First Time Home Buyer Should Know

If you’re planning on buying your very first home, chances are you are not taking the decision lightly, and for good reason. You should conduct as much research as possible about the process before you commit to your first home. Here are some things that every first time home buyer should know before purchasing a home.

Location Vs. Space

When it comes to purchasing a home, you’re likely going to have to choose between location and space. Should you go for a small house in your favorite city, or should you get the large house located in a less desirable area? Therefore, before you start shopping for a home, you should definitely know where your priorities lie. You need to decide beforehand whether space or location is more important to you. Doing this will make the home-buying process much easier for you, and it also reduce the chance of you experiencing buyer’s remorse later down the road.

Don’t Commit Too Early

One of the worst things you can do as a first time home buyer is commit too early to a home. Since owning a home is such a big and expensive commitment, you should only purchase a home when you’re sure that you’re ready for the responsibility. Know that your monthly housing expenses will likely increase by hundreds, even thousands, of dollars when you become a homeowner. Besides the monthly mortgage payment, you should consider if you’re financially ready to pay for property taxes, HOA fees, and homeowner’s insurance as these costs can truly add up.

Down Payments

If you have the money and can afford it, you should definitely make a down payment on your home. In fact, you should be saving up money now, so you can make a substantial down payment on your new home once the time comes.

Believe it or not, but a down payment is never a bad investment. When you invest money in the stock market, while there’s a chance that you will gain, there is also the likelihood that you will lose money. However, when you put money down on a home, it minimizes the risk and it enables you to begin with some equity.

Consider School Districts

Even if you don’t have children, you should still consider the neighborhood’s school district when going shopping for a home. A good, desirable school district can actually raise the value of your home. Reselling a home located near quality schools is usually easy, because demand for a good home in an excellent school district is always high.

Check Building Plans

Before you purchase your first home, you should check the future building plans for the neighborhood. First of all, you don’t want to live next to the sound of nails being hammered for months and months. While this situation will only be temporary, you may not want to be located next to the project being built. For example, if you don’t have any children, the last thing you’ll want next to your home is a playground, because you’ll have to listen to the squeaking of swings and the yelling of children, and you won’t benefit at all.

Look Deeper

When inspecting a home, you should take the time and effort to look deeper. Take the words of others with a grain of salt, and check out the house for yourself. If a problem happens to pop up during your inspection, take it seriously, especially if it’s a problem that could be particularly expensive to fix.

If you end up discovering a flaw while inspecting the home you like, you can actually use it to your advantage. After the inspection, try negotiating to bring the price of the house down, using the flaws of the home to support your case. As you can see, it’s not impossible to get a great deal on a home even after the inspection.

Establish Your Budget

Before you even start hunting for your perfect home, you should establish your budget. There’s nothing more disappointing than completely falling in love with a home, only to not able to purchase it due to lack of financing.

Not only should you establish your budget, but you should also secure financing. Many people make the mistake of not locking down a mortgage quickly, because they believed that house hunting for the perfect home would take a long time. By the time they’ve secured a loan for their home, they often end up losing the very home they had such high hopes for.

Check Out Renovations

One thing you should pay close attention to is whether the renovations of the home you’re interested in were done by a professional. While structural details are very important, a home’s aesthetic details should not be ignored. Many DIY remodelers use low-quality materials for a quick, cheap fix. These materials are often low in durability, resulting in problems for future homeowners when everything is said and down.

Inspect the Landscaping

Many people don’t realize that updating the exterior of a home can be just as costly, if not more so, than remodeling a home’s interior. If your goal is to not spend much money on the details once you’ve found a home, you should definitely pay attention to the landscaping of the home. Look for a property with landscaping and amenities that you already consider ideal without any costly changes. For example, it’s typically much cheaper to purchase a home that already has a fence than to install the fence yourself. However, just as you should when inspecting the interior of a home, you should pay close attention and figure out whether renovations were done by a professional.

The home buying process is far from being a piece of cake, especially if it’s your very first time going through the process. Therefore, you should make an effort to become as informed and knowledgeable as possible before making a decision. Being a homeowner is a huge responsibility and commitment, so you definitely want to avoid doing something you’ll regret later on.

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Lesson: Home Insurance 101

One aspect of buying a home that people don’t pay enough attention to is homeowner’s insurance. Although lenders require everyone buying a house to get some insurance covering basic risks like theft and vandalism, fire and smoke and other common forms of unintentional damage, such insurance is usually inadequate for your long term needs.

Adequate Coverage

Soon after becoming a homeowner, one of your top priorities should be to expand your homeowner’s insurance so that it becomes more comprehensive. For example, you will want your insurance to cover such things as personal items, your furniture and any structures on your property besides the house. These structures could be a garage, a shed or even a pool. However, if any of these additional structures are used for a home based business, then to cover them you will need a different type of insurance entirely, one that is geared more towards business needs.

Not Covered

If you don’t have a home business, but nonetheless keep business equipment at your home, then it will not be covered under standard homeowner’s insurance. The coverage is also likely to be minimal for such calamities as earthquakes and natural disasters or for the loss of extraordinarily expensive items in your house such as jewelry or works of art. You will need to purchase supplemental insurance in order to cover these things.

Personal Liability

One category where you should definitely add extra insurance is the area of personal liability to protect you from lawsuits if someone is injured on your property. It also gives you protection should your child or pet cause damage to other people’s property. Few lenders require you to have liability insurance, but it can prevent you from losing your home if you end up liable for somebody else’s medical bills or property repairs.

Protecting Your Insurance

The ease of availability for homeowner’s insurance varies from state to state. However, once you purchase insurance, you need to take steps to protect it. Resolve to avoid making claims unless it is absolutely necessary and fully justified. Otherwise, you may find your premiums rising to unaffordable levels or being discontinued entirely. One good idea is to have a high deductible so you are not tempted to makes claims over minor matters.

The best way to ensure that you are not caught short with too little insurance is to call your insurance professional today.

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Top 10 Family Vacation Spots

Where it used to be difficult to decide on a vacation spot that would please the whole family, a new trend, family-friendly resorts solves the problem of where to go for that great family trip. Experience everything from an African Safari to the Wild West with one of these top 10 family vacation spots.

#1 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Experience the thrill of an African safari without leaving the continent at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando, Florida. Start by greeting the 33-acre property via the lobby’s 65-foot window. Over 200 animals from 100 different species roam the property.

#2 Hilton Waikoloa Village

If a trip to the islands is on your agenda, take the family to the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii. Parents can sign kids up for Camp Menehune, a day and night camp where they get to feed swans, hunt for treasure and search the tidepools for sea life.

#3 Tanque Verde Ranch

Tanque Verde literally means “Green Pool.” This 640-acre ranch is Tuscan, Arizona is a green oasis in the Sonoran Desert. Turn into cowboys and go on a specialty horseback ride with lunch in Cottonwood Grove. Riding lessons are available.

#4 Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort

Take a wonderful winter vacation at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort near Salt Lake City, Utah.In addition to skiing, family members can enjoy ice skating, snowboarding, snow tubing, luge sledding and snowshoe tours.

#5 Atlantis Resort

Explore a lost civilization with an Atlantis Resort vacation. Located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, it has 11 exhibit lagoons and thousands of animals such as stingrays, lionfish and sharks. This trip is for the water-loving family with miles of beaches, seven water slides and 11 different pool areas.

#6 Tyler Place Family Resort

Family vacations have been the specialty of Tyler Place in Highgate Springs, Vermont since 1933. Not only do they provide activities for grade school kids, they cater to kids from newborns to teens with musical games, a fleet of strollers, bikes with baby seats, water skiing and camp outs.

#7 Vista Verde, Steamboat Springs

At Vista Verde in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, kids can learn horseback riding basics and hold powwows in teepees while parents take a wine tasting class or have a romantic candlelight dinner.

#8 Earthshine Mountain Lodge

Located in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, Earthshine Mountain Lodge is a refreshing way to experience pioneer life. Press apple cider, make candles, apprentice in a blacksmith shop and learn the ways of the Cherokee Native American tribe.

#9 Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa, Gainey Ranch

At the Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale, Arizona, parents get plenty of R&R while the kids are entertained at Camp Hyatt Kachina. There are separate programs for kids aged 3 to 6 and 6 to 12. The camp activities are influenced by Native American culture.

#10 The Hotel Hershey

The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania pairs adult activities like golf and spa treatments with the Cocoa Kids Club, a supervised program featuring arts and crafts and sports activities. Older kids get to go hiking and participate in team-building activities.

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Top 10 Tips To Save Water This Summer

With the warm summer weather comes an increase in activities around your home, outside and inside, that use water. Here are 10 tips for smart water usage.

Check Your Connections

1. Check hose connections and outdoor faucets for leaks. Replace or adjust them as soon as you notice a leak. Also watch lengths of hose when water is running through them for holes or other damage.

Strategically Schedule Your Water

2. Be strategic by scheduling when you water lawns, gardens and flower beds. Watering before the heat of the day means less water is lost to evaporation. A regular watering schedule also keep plants and lawns from drying out and becoming stressed, which in turn leads to the need to water more.

Regularly Adjust Your Sprinklers

4. Stay pointed in the right direction. Regularly adjust the direction of your sprinklers to make sure you aren’t watering the sidewalk or driveway.

Make A Clean Sweep

5. Use a broom on driveways and walkways as a first step to cleaning them. Use the hose as the second step.

Maintain Your Pool

6. Don’t let your pool make an unwanted splash on your water bill. If you have a pool, make sure it is regularly maintained and thoroughly checked for leaks.

Use A Rain Barrel

7. Set up a rain barrel. Then use water collected to water trees, shrubs and flowers. In a similar vein, see if downspouts can be directed to deliver water to certain areas that need it such as lawns or garden beds.

Fill Your Appliances

8. Appliances are most efficient when full. Wait until there is a full load to run the dishwasher or washing machine.

Inspect Your Appliance

9. Inspect other appliances that use water to make sure they are performing in an optimum way. Don’t forget your evaporative cooler or hot water heater.

Don’t Wait For The Tap To Get Cold

10. Keep a container of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting tap water run to get cold for drinking. This has the added benefit of giving you a cool drink instantly.

Saving a drop here and a drop there really makes a difference when it comes to water usage. What looks like a small amount of wasted water adds up quickly when it happens every day or all summer long. In a similar way making what seems like a small step now will help keep your home green. Then you can enjoy summer the way it was meant to be.

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Keeping A Germ Free Home During Flu Season

Flu season can be a dangerous time of the year. We all like to think our home is safe and germ free, but germs can be lurking everywhere! Thankfully, there are ways that you can keep your home germ free during the flu season and keep your family healthy and safe!

High-traffic Areas

There are some spots in your house that receive a lot of traffic, such as faucets, doorknobs, remote controls, toys and toilets. These are areas where germs build up quickly. That is why it is important to disinfect these areas often. Once someone from your family comes into contact with the flu virus, they can easily spread it to other areas of the house. Try to keep it from spreading by cleaning these high-traffic areas.

Disinfectants

When you want to get rid of dirt, soap and water will do the trick. However, when you want to get rid of germs, you are going to need something with a little bit more power. That is where disinfectants and sanitizers come into play. These types of cleaning products are used to kill viruses and bacteria. Keep in mind, however, that disinfectants need time to work. Sometimes they need between a few seconds to a few minutes. Read the directions on your disinfectant product to ensure that you get the maximum benefit from it.

Take Out the Trash

During the cold and flu season, your family is going to use a lot of tissues. As a result, your trash will be filled with dirty tissues that are simply overflowing with germs. This is why it is extremely important to empty your trash can often. Also, ensure that your family members do not leave their dirty tissues lying around. This is just asking for more germs to spread to other surfaces.

Be sure to keep these tips in mind when it comes to keeping your home germ free this flu season. Just remember, there is no sure-fire way to stop the spread of the flu. Thus, as soon as you notice signs of being infected, you should contact your doctor right away for treatment. The sooner you seek treatment for the flu, the quicker you can get back to your normal life!

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Why Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage is Important

While plenty of people pick out the house they want and then go to the lender for a mortgage, this is actually quite backwards. If you are hoping to purchase a home soon, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be the first item on your list. Here are some reasons why this will make buying a house a much less painful experience with a pre-approval in hand.

Establishing a Purchase Range

There is no sense in viewing homes you cannot afford. Getting a pre-approval will give you an idea as to how much you can reasonably purchase, so there will be no let-down later in the process. Having a range to use when house hunting will save you time and frustration, as well as save the time and frustration of homeowners and your realtor. Your pre-approval amount will also tell you how large of a down payment you will need, which is largely dependent on how much you are approved to borrow.

Finding Credit Problems First

Some people decide to buy a home and have one picked out, only to find out that their credit is destroyed and they don’t qualify for a mortgage. In another scenario, you may think you are prepared to buy and find out your score is only 20 points from being within prime range. Getting a pre-approval first will tell you what you can reasonably expect to be offered from lenders. Then, you will be able to make your own decision about whether or not you want to focus on some credit repair before taking the plunge.

Allowing You to Move Quickly

If you are searching for the perfect house and find it without being pre-approved, another person can swoop in and buy it before you can get all of your paperwork in order. This is not uncommon at all, as many people find the house, make an offer and close within 30 days. If you want to be able to snap up the right house for you, having a pre-approval can help speed the process.

Getting a pre-approval for a mortgage is important because it will save you time and effort. If you need to do some credit repairs first or gather some documentation, you won’t have two realtors and a homeowner waiting on the process. If you are serious about home ownership, having a pre-approval in hand will make it easier for everyone involved.

Pre-Approval

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Top 10 Mortgage Tips

When getting a mortgage, you should do your research and know how to proceed wisely. For most inexperienced buyers, this is hard. However, if you can follow these top 10 mortgage tips for borrowers, you will land the best mortgage at the lowest APR.

1. Document

Above all else, when you want to borrow a large sum of money, you will want to document your finances. Then, when you have to head to the bank and speak with a lending representative, you can avoid any unnecessary delays in the process.

2. Lock In Early

With a mortgage, you will want to lock in rates quickly. Remember, the APR will fluctuate, and you will want to get in at the best time.

3. Shop Around; A Lot

Now, more than ever, the mortgage market is competitive and a buyer should take advantage of this by looking at plenty of options. Remember, you should not hurry; instead, you should find the best mortgage for your situation.

4. Look At Credit

Before getting a mortgage, you need to look at your credit. If it is in great shape and you have a score of over 750, you should not take action. On the other hand, if you have a low score, you should fix your credit and pay off old debts.

5. Keep Your Down Payment Small

If you have a lot of cash saved up, you should not put it all on the down payment. Think about it, when getting a house, you will need cash to make repairs and upgrades. Luckily, with a few grand in savings, you can pay for this easily.

6. Be Aware Of Rights

Now, a consumer enjoys plenty of protection when he or she takes out a mortgage. Of course, you should still read up on these laws.

7. Start Early

When you want to get a mortgage, you should start early. Otherwise, you may end up with problems when one delay after another occurs.

8. Look Local

Sometimes, you should head to your own bank and look for a loan. If you have a great relationship with them, you may get a low rate.

9. Really Think About It

Now, a home purchase is a big deal. To avoid overspending, you should sit on any big decision.

10. Do Not Fear

Without a doubt, getting a mortgage is not a scary process.

With these 10 tips, you can land the mortgage you want. Not only that, you will experience fewer problems when following these tips.

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The 5th Annual Vermont Restaurant Kicks Off April 25

Do you love going to different restaurants and trying a variety of foods? If so, then you will be happy to know that the 5th Annual Vermont Restaurant will kick off on April 25th. It will last until May 4th. Participating in Restaurant Week is very easy. All you have to do is choose from a list of participating restaurants, make an early reservation, ask for a menu special and share your adventure on Facebook.

When you are making your reservations, make sure that you tell the restaurant manager that you will be coming to Restaurant week. You will be able to enjoy dinner for $15, $25 or $35 per person. At some restaurants, you will be able to have lunch for less than $10 per person. Vermont Restaurant Week is on Facebook. Make sure that you talk about your experiences on Facebook. You can also talk about your experiences on Instagram and Twitter. Make sure that you use the hashtags #vtrw.

The Bobcat Café And Brewery is one of the many restaurants that is participating in the 5th Annual Vermont Restaurant Week. This restaurant serves farm-fresh comfort food. It also serves house-brewed beers. The Bobcat Café And Brewery is open seven days a week.

Black Sheep Bistro is also participating in the 5th Annual Vermont Restaurant Week. Every entrée at this restaurant is $19. Every entrée also comes with garlicky mashed potatoes and a cone of frites.

Silver Place is another one of the restaurants participating in Restaurant Week. It serves Chinese food with an American twist. It is open seven days per week, but lunch is not served on Sundays.

L’Amante Ristorante will most likely be visited by a lot of people during the 5th Annual Vermont Restaurant Week. It serves Italian food, but the menu changes on a regular basis. Squash blossom fritters with truffle oil and honey and potato-crusted seabass are some of the choices that people have on the menu. This restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Additionally, you can eat at Juniper during Restaurant Week. This is a restaurant and cocktail lounge that is located inside of Hotel Vermont. The beverages and food are inspired by local, fresh products.

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New Rules for Home Loans: How Will They Affect You?

In January, 2014, new home mortgage lending rules aimed at strengthening protections for consumers went into effect in the United States. Created by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — a federal agency responsible for regulating financial protection for consumers — the new rules come in the wake of the banking crisis that left millions of Americans in foreclosure, underwater on their home loans or struggling to make payments that they were never financially qualified to make. The law tightens restrictions on the banking industry, spelling out clearly what constitutes a qualified mortgage and placing limits on the fees and terms of some home loans.

However, many lenders already have tightened their lending criteria significantly since 2012, so some of the restrictions will not come as much of a surprise. Borrowers who do not qualify for low-interest mortgage loans will still have the option of applying for a mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Authority; they will just pay more for the loan.

Some of the requirements of the new law seem glaringly obvious from a consumer’s point of view. For example, self-employed borrowers or those whose income includes regular overtime or commission income will have to provide proof of how much money they make. Just asserting that you make 20 percent more than your base pay in overtime every month will no longer work. Additionally, loans to borrowers with an income-to-debt ratio of more than 43 percent are limited.

Another restriction imposed by new law is the elimination of interest-only loans, which were popular right before the housing market collapsed and greatly contributed to thousands of foreclosures in parts of the United States. Consumers who relied on these loans to purchase homes later discovered that they could not meet the higher payments they faced when the interest-only period ended, causing them to default and lose their homes. Adjustable rate mortgages—another popular lending strategy used to help low-income borrowers qualify for a home loan — are still allowed. However, the borrower must be qualified to meet the highest possible payment within the first five years. In other words, you cannot qualify for an adjustable mortgage with very low initial payments that will increase substantially in two to three years unless you are in a position to pay those higher payments now. Further restrictions limit mortgage terms to no more than 30 years and the total cost of points and fees to 3 percent of the loan (for loans of $100,000 or more.) The law also prohibits lenders from providing financial incentives to loan officers for steering customers into high-interest loans or large loans that they cannot afford to repay.

In addition to lending guidelines, the new CFPB regulations contain stricter rules regarding the mortgage banking industry’s obligation to keep consumers informed about the status of their loans. Mortgage servicer’s must now send monthly statements, credit payments on the first day they are received and notify borrowers when their payments are 36 days past-due. Additionally, banks cannot begin foreclosure proceedings until at least 120 days after the last payment was received. Homeowners who file a completed application for assistance and are working with the bank to avoid foreclosure are also protected under the new law.

Undoubtedly, the mortgage banking industry’s response to the new regulations will be some initial belt-tightening, Nevertheless, according to Keith Gumbinger, spokesperson for the country’s largest publisher of consumer loan information, HSH.com, “…everybody has been preparing for the change for months.” The new law simply codifies much of what the industry already has put in place. What’s more, the protections it affords consumers…while they come too late for the many thousands of families who lost their homes…ensure that future home loan transactions are open, honest and above board.

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A Single Pebble Serves Up The Best Chinese Food In Burlington

Every community deserves to have a culinary experience. A Single Pebble in Burlington provides this experience with ease. With formally trained chefs and a truly committed and passionate staff, this restaurant provides the best individually cooked “made-to-order” Chinese cuisine available. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene, while the food makes the taste buds come alive. Burlington proudly offers this unique and delightful dining establishment for residents and visitors alike.

For lovers of Chinese cuisine, A Single Pebble offers Dim Sum tasting. This type of dining opportunity allows for the sampling of new and different cuisines that many diners may not ordinarily try. The chefs select a variety of dishes and they are presented to diners so that they may “pick and choose” what appeals to them. But the offering is completely at the discretion of the chefs, creating an exciting and interactive experience between the chefs and the diners.

Whether dining for lunch or dinner, you are in good hands with the knowledgeable staff and expert chefs at A Single Pebble. The menu offers a variety of dishes including chicken, beef, pork, and vegetarian options including vegetables and tofu. Perfect for intimate dining or an evening out with a group of friends, you can and will find your needs met beautifully. Reservations can be called-in, or made online, providing the most convenient method of reserving a table.

This truly remarkable Chinese food experience is truly one-of-a-kind, but it doesn’t end with the food. A Single Pebble also has a full bar, offering a great atmosphere and environment for relaxing and enjoying a great evening. Whether enjoying the evening after your meal, or having a glass of wine with your food, they are set to meet your expectations. Their wine list is quite extensive with prices by the glass, half bottle or full bottle. Whether your taste is for sparkling, white or red wine, you’ll find that their offering is remarkable.

So with a great reputation for it’s amazing atmosphere, superb made-to-order cuisine and extensive wine list, A Single Pebble offers the Burlington community with a crown jewel of dining. The staff at the restaurant are proud of the service and quality that they offer and it is evident by the remarkable word-of-mouth reputation that this establishment has received throughout the whole community.

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What Burlington Home Buyers Should Know About Mortgage Points

Buying a home in Burlington, Massachusetts can be exciting. Whether you are buying your first home or want to get into real estate investing, it is important for you to know how mortgage points function. When you are closing on a home, you will have the opportunity to pay for mortgage points. Burlington home buyers should know that they may be able to decrease their monthly mortgage payments by paying for points. This pre-paid interest has a significant impact on the monthly mortgage payments that you make for the rest of your life.

Reduction of Loan Interest Rates

Before you actually purchase a home in Burlington, you may want to try to save up as much money as possible to pay for numerous points. The more points you purchase, the lower your mortgage interest rate will be. Experts estimate that the purchase of one point typically reduces a mortgage by 0.125 percent. A point amounts to one percent of the total loan amount. If you plan on obtaining a mortgage for $100,000, then a point will equal $1,000. It will cost you $1,000 to purchase one point to reduce the interest rate of the mortgage.

Difference Between Mortgage Points and Loan Fees

You should also be aware that mortgage points differ from loan origination fees. Every loan requires the payment of certain fees for processing and administering the loan. These are known as “origination fees” and are paid at closing. The payment of origination fees does not result in a reduction of your loan interest rate. When you are purchasing a home and working with a Burlington lender, you can ask him or her to clarify the differences amongst all of the fees that you owe. He or she can also tell you whether the payment of a certain fee will result in an interest rate reduction for your mortgage.

Before you start shopping for a mortgage, you should also determine the amount that you can afford to pay for points. If you can afford to pay $50,000 for points, then you may be better off purchasing an inexpensive home that costs $150,000, rather than one costing $300,000, due to the fact that your monthly payments will be much lower.

Comparing Mortgage Rates

A lender can help you compare all of your mortgage options. By speaking with a lender, you can learn about the differences amongst mortgages. A lender can also help you choose a mortgage that may work best for your financial situation. Lenders can help you assess the impact of points on your home purchase and if it is right for you.

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Burlington’s Annual Kids Day Celebration Takes Place 05/10/14

The family friendly town of Burlington will be holding its annual Kids Day celebration on May 10th this year. Sponsored by Burlington Parks and Recreation, it is the largest children’s celebration in the entire state of Vermont and Burlington has been celebrating this event for 29 years!

The celebration, which is held from 10:00 am-3:00 pm is always a much anticipated event for families in the area. It is held at the beautiful Battery Park. There is no charge for Kids Day and smoking and pets are prohibited. This day is all for the kids!

Kids Day is full of activities and entertainment that the whole family will enjoy. Some of the highlights are:

Parade

Burlington’s Kids Day parade is one of the best and biggest in the area! Starting on Main Street at Edmunds School at 9:30, the parade winds through the local streets to showcase its many participants. Members of the community are welcome to submit an application to join in on the parade fun.

Entertainment

From 11:00-3:00, attendees young and old can enjoy a concert provided by Young Tradition.

At 4:00 at the Leddy Park arena, visitors can watch ice skaters from several local clubs show off their talents on the ice.

Fun Run

At 9:30 at the Edmunds School on Main Street, the Burlington Kids Day “Champ on Church” Fun Run will begin. This mile long run is open to kids ages 4 to 12.

Exhibits

There are many exhibits and informational booths at the Kids Day celebration. Some highlights are:

• Face Painting


• Costume Photos


• Craft Making


• USTA Tennis


• Art Show


• Meet Miss Vermont National Teenager


• Giant Bubbles

Burlington’s Kids Day celebration is all about the kids and the day’s activities are all geared to be just for kids. All children of all abilities are welcomed and encouraged to attend. The celebration usually hosts up to 5000 people! For more information about Kids Day, please call (802)864-0123.

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Credit Card Myths Uncovered

Advice can be helpful in many cases, but following misguided or erroneous advice, even when well-intended, can have a devastating impact. The same is true of advice on bolstering your credit score. Unfortunately, there is a variety of mistaken credit advice floating around that can actually make yours worse. Here are some common myths that you should disregard when trying to get a better credit score.

Inquiries Hurt

Too many inquiries can cause your score to fall slightly, but the idea that score inquiries hurt is overblown. Indeed, with many scoring types, inquiries made within a certain period are actually considered to be a single one. There are good reasons for this. Say you want to buy a car. The dealer will often look to several banks for financing, and it would be wrong for you to be penalized for it. Furthermore, if you have a credit account, the company will regularly review your credit status. This method, called a “soft pull”, doesn’t affect your score. Another example of a “soft pull” is inquiring about your own credit score, so don’t be afraid to check.

Debt = Good Score

This claim is patently untrue. If you have more debt than credit, your overall credit score will take a big hit. Your repayment habits also impact this. Repaying the full balance every month doesn’t help. It’s much more important to make regular payments on time. In fact, just by being dutiful with your payment schedule, you can achieve an excellent score with minimal or no debt.

Debit Doesn’t Impact Credit

Debit card activity isn’t turned over to credit companies, but using one does have an effect. If your bank account is protected from overdrafts by a line of credit, it can have either a positive or negative impact. If you don’t make any payments on the loan, or if you max it out, your score will suffer. However, if you use this carefully, it can improve your credit standing. You should also carefully look over your account details regularly. It’s common for people to be unaware that they’ve gone above their line of credit.

Co-Signing Doesn’t Matter

When you sign onto another person’s loan and it’s significant enough to upset your income to debt balance, your credit is circling the drain. This can cause you to be denied for any future loans you may need. The lending company might accept a note claiming that you’re not paying on the loan, or they might not. Either way, you’ll still be considered responsible for whatever you sign your name on.

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Fun Family Spring Break Activities

With cold weather lifting and warm weather on the horizon, families are preparing for an exciting spring break. Instead of being surprised with bored faces on the first vacation day, plan your entire week with fun ideas that explore your neighborhood or just entertain you at home. Any budget works with simple ideas that are just plain fun for kids and adults.

Expand Your Mind

Keep everyone’s minds busy with enhancement activities over spring break. Visit a local museum you were meaning to see, from natural history to art. If you plan ahead of time, you could take advantage of free or discounted days, depending on the institution. Take a look at your community events. Many cities offer week-long art classes for kids, or even exercise classes for the entire family. Trying something new allows everyone to find a potential hobby that they may like to pursue in the future.

Road Trip

Take a road trip to a destination 100 miles away, for example. Many botanical gardens and fields are in bloom during spring break. Take a look at the flowers and plants. Afterward, eat at a local restaurant that locals enjoy. Take in a parade or other outdoor event as well. With spring break overlapping in many communities, there may be several events celebrating spring’s arrival.

Game Day

Rainy days do occur over spring break, but you can battle any boredom with game day. Set up several board games, and create a friendly competition amongst family and friends. Teach kids the art of chess, Parcheesi or Chinese checkers for a throwback to older game days. If you prefer video games, try a singing or band game that brings everyone together. Dancing games are perfect as well. The key is to have everyone involved for the most fun.

Get Close To Nature

You may be cooped up inside with work and school on most days, but spring break allows you to explore your neighborhood. Go outside and explore local mountains, beaches or parks. Walk out on a pier to watch the surfers and waves. Hike up into the mountains for a unique experience with nature. Because most of these activities are free, you save money while gaining a new view of the world.

Keep everyone mentally and physically active this spring break. By mixing different activities over several days, both kids and adults will be pleasantly surprised at how fast the week flies by.

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Spring Holidays And Traditions Around The World

From time immemorial, the Spring season has been a time of celebration as people, animals and plants emerge from our winter dens to enjoy the warming sun and relish in the signs of birth and renewal all around us. There’s no better time for a party, and you can find one just about anywhere you go around the globe!

Many spring-time traditions have roots centered around the Spring Equinox, which kicks off the season in March. The Iranian New Year (No-Ruz) occurs at this time with parties that include dancing, picnics and spring flower displays. It’s also a great time to find deals in the Iranian markets, as the traditions include buying new clothes to celebrate this season of hope and re-birth. In addition to the festivities however, you’ll also notice people giving their homes a good cleaning and making repairs.

Like the well-known Mardi Gras celebrations, the Russian folk festival Maslenitsa is observed just before the Lenten season. There is a great amount of traditional food, dancing and general revelry, including the burning of an effigy of the Lady of Maslenitsa. As the festivities come to a close, leftover goodies are also thrown into the fire. Once it has burned out, the ashes are spread in local fields to fertilize the new year of crops.

In mid-April, Thailand celebrates the Buddhist New Year with a water festival, Songkran. Festival-goers should count on getting wet! In the larger cities, traditions include grand parades, often with statues of Buddha that spray water on the spectators. In smaller villages, youngsters celebrate by throwing water on each other. It is also a tradition to release fish into rivers to show kindness and respect for other living beings.

In England, you can participate in traditional May Day celebrations, including Maypole dances. A tall pole is decorated with ribbons in all the colors of a rainbow. As children dance around the pole, they weave the ribbons tightly around it. Of course, music and food are also a part of England’s celebration of the return of Spring!

Wherever you travel during the Spring season, you’re sure to find a party with unique, local traditions. Perhaps you’ll discover one to make a new tradition for your own family!

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Make Your House a Home – Top 10 Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art designed to balance the energy in a space while making it more inviting and cohesive. Here are a few suggestions to enhance your home and inspire you as well.

1. Clean Up Your Clutter

One of the most important Feng Shui principles is to clear away any unnecessary clutter. Feng Shui states that we are energetically connected to everything we possess. Having too many unnecessary things in your space literally drains your energy. Go through your entire home and remove anything you no longer love or use.

2. Rearrange Your Furniture

Your furniture should be placed where you can see who’s entering the room. Ideally, you should never walk into a room and see the back of someone sitting in a chair or sofa. This creates a feeling of disempowerment and unease.

3. Make the Entryway to Your Home Inviting

The entryway to your home is considered the portal where all opportunity can enter. It should make you and everyone else inspired and eager to enter. Implement special touches like colorful pots of flowers, a clean doormat, and a fresh coat of paint on your front door. Your home’s entryway is the first impression your visitors will get and says a lot about you and the home you live in.

3. Care for Your Home

Fix or replace anything in your home that is broken, rotting, or cracked. How you care for your home reflects how you care for yourself.

4. Color Affects Everything

Color affects us on both a conscious and subconscious level. Look at the colors in your home. Do they make you feel safe, nurtured, and inspired? Color is a key element in affecting our everyday mood.

5. Room Function

Make sure every room in your house is conducive to its function. For example, it doesn’t make sense to put exercise equipment in a bedroom where you rest and sleep.

6. Create a Friendly Atmosphere

Sharp-edged furniture sends the message your home is unsafe. Remove other unfriendly items like kitchen knife racks or spiky pot hooks as well. Every element in your home should feel comfortable and secure.

7. Create Flow

The path meandering through your home should flow easily. Do not place furniture where it will obstruct a path. Lack of movement inside your home may indicate a lack of movement regarding your career, relationships, and health.

8. Forget Trends

Remove anything in your space you feel obligated to keep. Forget popular trends and only surround yourself with things that inspire you.

9. Little Things Mean A Lot

Little things like keeping the toilet seat down or replacing the handle on a drawer may not seem like much, but they actually convey a sense of order and mindfulness. Keeping things in order equates to a peaceful existence.

10. Invite Mother Nature into Your Home

What is it about nature that makes us feel one with the world? Nature essentially realigns our energy field with the rest of the Universe and makes us feel whole.

Once you understand the primary principles of Feng Shui and incorporate them, you’ll begin to notice a shift in the way you feel. It’s called peace and happiness.

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Shake Your Silly’s Out With Derek Burkins At Burlington’s UMall

Preschoolers are sure to love Shake Your Silly’s Out at Burlington’s University Mall every Monday morning from now until March 31. Bring the kids, and join in the fun provided by Derek Burkins and his guitar, singing live from 10:30 until 11:00. Derek’s rousing music is guaranteed to have the little ones, and maybe an adult or two, on their feet and shaking to the beat. Gather on the carpeted area right in front of Sears, and say goodbye to the late winter blahs.

All the feet stomping, body waving music Derek sings is either original music composed by him or popular songs the kids know borrowed from the public domain. The event is free, but come early; Derek’s performances are popular with the kids, and space fills fast. As a father himself, Derek knows exactly what makes kids giggle and laugh. A good time for adult and child is assured.

If you can’t make the University Mall, you can catch another preschool music session with Derek on other days around the area. On Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. he is at the Jericho Town Library, on Wednesday afternoons at 1:00 he can be seen at the Burnham Memorial Library in Colchester. He is at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library in Williston at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays, and on Friday mornings at 10:00 you can catch him, also in Williston, at the Buttered Noodles.

Mr. Burkins is much more than just a kid’s entertainer. He is an accomplished musician who has played guitar for over 30 years. He has also played brass and about five years ago, he started playing the clawhammer banjo and mandolin. He studied music at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and released his first album in 2013. In 2012 he won the Vermont SolarFest Songwriting Competition.

Derek Burkins is a representative of the best of Vermont’s homegrown talent. If you have preschoolers and are looking for a fun and free way to entertain them, try to get to the University Mall on Monday mornings. The children’s glee will make you glad you did.

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Burlington’s Restorative Justice Panels Help Prevent Low Level Crimes

Restorative justice panels are working to prevent low level crimes that occur inside of the Burlington community. The Restorative Justice Panels are made up of a team of three to five volunteers. These volunteers meet with the victims of the crimes and the offenders. They address the harm that has been caused by the low level crimes. The mission of the Restorative Justice Panel is to hold offenders accountable for the harm that they have caused to others and their actions. The restorative justice panel will discuss ways that offenders can prevent the crimes from occurring in the future.

There are currently three ways that cases get referred to the Restorative Justice Panels:

Alternative Justice

These types of referrals come directly from the police department inside of Burlington. The panel will be used in the place of the traditional court process, (prosecution, conviction). In many cases, Youth Panel cases will be placed in this category.

Reparative Probation

These referrals will come from the criminal court. They are a part of the sentencing order that the judge signs. Offenders will be supervised by the Reparative Service Unit and the Department Of Corrections Court.

Rapid Arrangement Community Court

These referrals come from the state’s attorney office. After the Restorative Panel process has been completed, a person can avoid getting a charge place on the permanent record. However, people will typically be required to pay restitution to the victim. Other requirements will also need to be fulfilled, such as going to counseling or substance abuse treatment.

How Do Victims Get Involved?

In every case, an attempt will be made to contact the victims. A victim liaison volunteer will explain the process. He or she will also support the victim. While some victims will choose to attend the offender’s meeting others will choose to not to attend. People who choose not to attend may ask the victim liaison volunteer to speak on their volunteer. The victim will be kept informed of the process during the entire case.

What Types Of Crimes Can Be Addressed By A Restorative Justice Panel?

Resisting arrest

Vandalism

Underage drinking

Simple assault

Driving under the influence

Fraud

Possession of marijuana

Buying alcohol for minors

Operating a vehicle in a negligent manner

Disorderly conduct

Impersonating an officer

Petty larceny

Drinking under age

Simple assault

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The 2014 Burlington Irish Heritage Festival Kicks Off March 8

The 2014 Burlington Irish Heritage Festival begins Saturday, March 8 with a lecture titled “The Irish in the American Civil War” and a concert. It continues through Sunday, March 16. On Saturday morning, author Liam McKone delivers the Civil War lecture. McKone authored “Vermont’s Irish Rebel,” which is about Captain John Lonergan, a Medal of Honor recipient for his valor at Gettysburg. Vermont Genealogy Library, 377 hegeman Avenue, Room 202, Dupont Building, Fort Ethan Allen, Colchester, Vermont. Donation.

Music is prominent at the Burlington Irish Heritage Festival. On Saturday evening March 8, the Alan Kelly Gang will perform. The group performs Celtic songs using vocals, accordion, flute, fiddle and guitar. A $20 donation is suggested. St. Michael’s College, 1 Winooski Park, Colchester, Vt. Following are some of the other musical events:

Sunday, March 9, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The duo O’hAnleigh performs at the Westford Church in Westford, Vermont. Donation.

Tuesday, March 11, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Trinity, a Vermont band, performs at Ri RA Irish Pub, 123 Church Street in Burlington. Free.

Saturday, March 15, 8 p.m. Danu, a group from County Waterford in Ireland performs at the Flynn Theater, 153 Main Street in Burlington. $15 to $40.

Among events designed for children are:

Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Instrument Petting Zoo. Children will be able to touch instruments. Outside the Pickering Room, Fletcher Free Library, 235 College Street, Burlington. Donation. At the same time at the library will be the Bodhrans, Spoons and Bones Workshop for adults and musically inclined children with an interest in percussion instruments can bring their instruments. Donation.

A filling, traditional Irish meal with entertainment will be served on Thursday, March 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. North End Studios, 294 North Winooski Avenue, Burlington. $15 and $18. (802) 863-6713.

The Festival Ceili is the concluding event. Taking place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Contois Auditorium, 149 Church Street, Burlington on Sunday, March 16, there will be music and dance. At the end of the event, a roundtrip flight for two to Ireland from Boston or New York will be raffled off. Raffle tickets are $10 each. Purchasers do not have to be present to win. Nine tickets are $90. Send a check payable to the Burlington Irish Heritage Festival with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to BIHF, P. O. Box 311, Burlington, VT 05402.

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How much cash do I need to buy a house?

One of the first questions potential home buyers ask is “how much cash do I need to buy a house?” Most of the time, some cash will be needed for a down payment and closing costs. The exact amount of cash will depend on several factors, including the type of loan.

Conventional loans

A conventional loan is made by a bank, mortgage company, or another type of financial institution without government insurance. Conventional loans typically require a down payment in the 5% – 20% range, depending on location and specific loan structure. For some people, this will price them out of using this loan product. However, the ability to put down a large amount of cash brings certain advantages with it. 20% down will usually eliminate the need for Private Mortgage Insurance. A large down payment means a smaller mortgage payment giving you less overhead on a monthly basis.

VA Loans

VA loans are administered by the Veterans Administration. This program was originally created to help veterans purchase a home by providing loans with low down payments and low interest rates. Because VA loans are guaranteed by the federal government, it is still possible to buy a home with up to 100% financing. Other benefits of VA loans are that no PMI is required and loans are usually a little bit easier to qualify. Although the loans are administered by the VA, they are made through a private lender.

FHA Loans

Loans obtained under the guidance of the Federal Housing Administration carry low down payments, usually 3.5% or less. For a $100,000 home, then, a person would need about $3,500 down. One advantage to FHA loans is that the down payment can actually come in the form of a gift. This means it could be a gift from parents or another relative. It will be necessary, though, to document that the funds are available and that the donor intends to provide them as a gift. Every situation is different so be sure to address your goals with your loan officer and Realtor so they can advise the best program for you.

Other Type Loans

Other type loans are available, such as those for investment property. Additionally, down payments are sometimes provided through governmental assistance and charities. More information can be shared by contacting your Benchmark loan officer and discussing how much cash you will need to buy a house.

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A Historic Landmark, Shelburne Farm Is A Must See For Burlington Families

A visit to Shelburne Farms is an experience you will not want to miss. This picturesque 1,400-acre wonder situated on Lake Champlain is a National Historic Landmark and a sustainable working farm. The entire staff is dedicated to supporting the sustainability of the earth and cultivating an appreciation of the environment.

The Shelburne Farms experience began in 1886 when Dr. William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb initiated plans to develop an agricultural estate. Family descendants revived the farm in the early 1970s, and today it is a thriving nonprofit educational organization and sustainability model.

Here are some activities you can enjoy at Shelburne Farms:

• Welcome Center. The Welcome Center is open year round and offers Vermont food products and crafts as well as information on the environment. It is also where you sign up for nature walks.

• Nature Walks. Shelburne Farms offers more than 10 miles of walking trails for all ages. If you have a baby or toddler who needs transportation, try the stroller trail. Otherwise walk the half-mile Lone Tree Hill trail, the 4.5-mile Farm Trail, or others. Trails are open year round, weather permitting.

• Children’s Farmyard. The Children’s Farmyard provides activities from 10:30 AM until 4:00 PM. Volunteers and trained educators are available to help children learn about milking cows, collecting eggs, caring for farm animals, spinning wool, gardening, and interacting with a wide range of farm animals.

• Farm Lunch. During the regular season, the Farm Cart serves lunch. The menu includes local produce and items from Shelburne and nearby farms.

• Programs. Shelburne Farms offers dozens of educational programs for preschoolers, kids, teens, and adults. Topics range from owls to sustainability, making cheese, flower arranging, and much more.

• Stay at the Inn. The restored historic Inn at Shelburne Farms offers 24 guest rooms and 4 guest cottages year round. A public restaurant serves breakfast, dinner, and a Sunday brunch.

• General Admission. From May 10 to October 19, 2014, the entire Shelburne Farms is open to the general public. That includes not only the nature walks and welcome center, but the children’s farmyard and various guided tours. General admission prices are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for children 3-17 and free for children younger than 3 and for Shelburne residents and members.

Shelburne Farms is a historic and natural treasure you and your family can enjoy. Don’t miss it.

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Tax Tips for Homeowners Claiming a Home Office Deduction

A recent survey by the Small Business Administration indicates that nearly half of all businesses are based in American homes. These home-based businesses for the self-employed run the gamut from accounting services to providing medical care. American professionals surveyed by Telework Research Network indicate that the number is expected to grow in the next five years. With that number of Americans going to the self-employment route to earn money, it’s imperative that these small entrepreneurs know what the rules are when reporting income to the IRS. One of the primary things to learn is how to use the home office deduction. Here is a brief breakdown of the rules.

Evidence to Show that the Home is the Primary Base of that Business

To use the home deduction, the entrepreneur must use a part of the home to conduct business regularly. That part of the home must be used exclusively for business. To meet that requirement, it’s best that an actual office be set up. A good way to meet that requirement is to set up a phone, a desk, filing cabinets, a computer station and other things that are needed to conduct business in that room. All material goods in this office may be written off as expenses for the business. That would include the cost of the computer, paper, business forms and even stamps. Curtains, desks, rugs and chairs can also be deducted.

Deducting Expenses

Hooking up a phone and Internet line into the home office is a monthly expense that can be deducted. These are classified by the IRS as ordinary and necessary expenses that are essential to the business. All lawful deductions must meet the necessary expenses requirement in order to qualify as a deduction. Deducting a portion of the mortgage payments and real estate taxes is also allowed as are repairs, utilities, insurance and depreciation.

Calculating the Deductions

All deductions will be based on the percentage of the home used for business. This will be calculated by measuring the number of square feet used for business in the home. For example, if one-quarter of the home is used for business, one-quarter of all utility bills can be lawfully deducted as a home office expense. Form 8829 explains how this is done.

Keep Records

All receipts for the business should be filed away for reference when calculating the home office deduction. These deductions will be entered in Schedule C. Publication 587 titled “Business Use of Your Home” explains in detail how to keep records and what the IRS recognizes as allowable deductions.

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Sail Away From The Ordinary Aboard Burlingtons Largest Cruise Ship

Sail away from the ordinary aboard the Burlington, Vermont’s largest cruise ship. This amazing 363 passenger ship operates from April to November and features three heated and air conditioned dining decks. The Burlington sets sail on Lake Champlain, the largest freshwater lake in the country following the five Great Lakes. The ship cruises along the lake’s unique geographic formations while being surrounded by the incredible beauty of the Adirondack and Green Mountain ranges. The lake is even known to contain Champ, a friendly lake monster that lives beneath the surface!

There are many different types of cruises that take place aboard the Burlington throughout the operating season. Families will especially enjoy the educational Scenic Narrated Cruise that departs four times during the day. During the cruise, the captain narrates the interesting history of the region including stories of Indians, the Revolutionary War and Ethan Allen. There are also Lunch and Brunch cruises where passengers can enjoy a lavish buffet while among the spectacular Vermont views. The various dinner cruises in the Burlington are also very popular! On Sunday and Monday nights, passengers can enjoy a delicious Italian family-style dinner. Tuesday and Wednesday nights feature a BBQ on the Bay Dinner that includes everything from brisket to Chef’s special corn on the cob. Finally, on Thursday through Saturday nights, the ship offers dinnertainment cruises that feature mouthwatering dinners, entertainment, dancing and more. The Interactive Murder Mystery Thursdays are an especially fun night out for couples and groups.

For cruises that are more casual than the dinner cruises, the Burlington has nightly sunset cruises that are perfect for small gatherings. While enjoying a gorgeous sunset, passengers can purchase a cocktail, a bite to eat from the snack bar, or even a picnic basket that contains cured meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, French baguette slices, and a glass of sparkling wine or water. For a more casual meal on board, passengers can have a pizza party that comes with a 16 inch cheese or pepperoni pizza with four sodas. Finally, the Celebration Package is available on any of the Burlington’s cruises and offers champagne, wine or sparkling cider, a celebration cake for two, and two souvenir toasting flutes.

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Leunig’s Bistro Brings The Panache Of Paris To Burlington,VT

Leunig’s Bistro and Café is a restaurant located in Burlington, Vermont. It serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. Brunch is served on the weekends. Leunig’s Bistro and Café serves French cuisine. It also has a French look and feel.

People who eat at Leunig’s Bistro and Café will be able to choose from a number of delicious food items on the menu. Duck tacos, burgers, roasted chickpea wraps, crab cake rissoles and heirloom baby spinach salad are some of the lunch items on the menu. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Filet mignon, almond crusted chicken, the bistro burger and pumpkin stuffed pork tenderloin are some of the dinner options that people have. Dinner is served every day starting at 5 p.m.

Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Roasted veggie hash, eggs benedict and sausage and apple frittata are some of the items on the Brunch menu.

People who have to follow a gluten-free diet often have trouble finding restaurants that have gluten-free options. However, Leunig’s Bistro and Café has a gluten-free menu. La platte river farm angus beef burger, steak frittes and corned beef hash are some of the gluten-free options that you can choose.

If you are still hungry after enjoying brunch, lunch or dinner, then you will be happy to know that there are a number of great delicious desserts. You can have white chocolate caramel cheesecake, maple crème brulee, peanut butter pie, vanilla ice cream and many more delicious dessert items. Additionally, wine and cocktails are served at this restaurant.

A lot has changed about Leunig’s Bistro and Café ever since it first opened its doors in 1980. When it first opened, it was a coffee shop and café. Today, it is a full service restaurant that is opened 363 days out of the year.

Bob Conlon is the co-owner and Donnell Collins is the executive chef. They both strive to make sure that every customer has a good experience at the restaurant. Chef Donnell Collins keeps customers coming back for more by whipping up delicious meals with local ingredients. Bob Conlon ensures that customers feel comfortable by greeting them at the door and offering them gracious, friendly and accommodating services.

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2nd Annual Big Spring Art Party At Burlington College Starts April 19th 2014

Looking for something fun and inexpensive to do in Burlington, VT? Why not explore what Burlington College has to offer the community?

Situated on 32 lush acres of rolling New England landscape, Burlington College provides a vibrant environment that encourages its students to develop their own individuality and creativity. The college seeks to involve students in their communities on a local and global scale through a dynamic combination of academic work and experience. Burlington College’s annual Big Spring Art Party is one example of how the institution strives to build student-community relationships.

In fact, the Big Spring Art Party is just around the corner. A much-loved community event, you will not want to miss this cultural extravaganza. Held in mid-April, this event celebrates visual and performing arts created and performed by Burlington College faculty, students, alumni and board of trustee members. A weekend filled with internationally diverse multi-media art experiences, there is something to please everyone. Be sure to bring your family and friends along!

On Friday April 18, festivities begin at 6 pm with an opening reception of the GUMBO Art Exhibit. A campus-wide event, the Burlington College community invites everyone to enjoy unpredictable and eclectic performing and visual art experiences that include photography exhibits, woodworking pieces, live musical performances, readings and more. Delicious food is available throughout the evening. Fantastic door prizes will also be given away.

Visitors may enjoy this exhibit through Sunday, April 20. The galleries are located at 351 North Avenue and are free and open to the public.

Love to watch movies?

The fun continues on Saturday, April 19, with the 14th Annual Burlington College Student Film Festival. This event proudly showcases the best work written, directed and produced by students enrolled in Burlington College’s film program this year. Viewers will enjoy thought-provoking documentary, experimental and other short films.

The opening reception begins at 6 pm at the Main Street Landing Performing Art Center, 60 Lake St. Wonderful door prizes will be given away to select lucky attendees. Film screenings start promptly at 7 pm. Top the evening off by staying for the Big Spring Awards After Party where the best student films receive honors from categories that include Best of Show, Audience Choice and more. Winners will take home customized Big Spring trophies.

Saturday’s event is also free and open to the public.

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Burlington’s Shelburne Museum Displays More Than 150,000 Works Of Art

Vermont’s Shelburne Museum is known for its extensive collection of artwork and buildings. To visit Shelburne is to step back in time into a quaint village filled with artifacts that furnish a feast for the eyes and ears. The grounds feature 38 distinct buildings, of which 25 are actual historic buildings that were relocated from another place. The displays are extensive enough that many people find a single day insufficient to truly take in all that the museum has to offer. The scenic beauty of the Lake Champlain Valley adds to the appeal of this unique tourist destination that is fit for the whole family.

American folk art collector Electra Havemeyer Webb created the Shelburne Museum in 1947, eager to create a museum experience that would be vibrant and truly excite the sensibilities of those who visit. The museum is focused on art and architecture from the 1600s to the 1900s and includes more than 150,000 works of art, with particular emphasis on folk art, as well as more utilitarian examples of craftsmanship such as carriages and quilts. Together, the museum’s 38 buildings and numerous gardens form a village in which patrons are free to wander, interacting with the exhibits and taking part in the many educational programs the museum has to offer.

The buildings that make up the museum give a good taste of what life was like in previous centuries in New England. The buildings that act as galleries house not only American paintings but also many examples of toys, circus memorabilia, decoys and costumes. Among the buildings that are displays in and of themselves are the apothecary, the jail, the schoolhouse and the blacksmith shop.

The museum boasts more than 20 different gardens, each offering its own natural beauty to complement the human ingenuity on display within the buildings. Among the many flowers on display, particularly prominent are lilacs, of which there are over 400 plants on the museum grounds. Peonies are also plentiful, with 25 different varieties to peruse, and visitors will find geraniums, zinnias and daylilies aplenty.

The full grounds of the Shelburne Museum are open from mid-May through October. During that time, adult admission is $22, while children cost $10. During the rest of the year, when only the main building is open, adults cost $10 and children cost $5. Hours are generally Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. See http://ift.tt/SZsoQ1.

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The Vermont Metro Gallery Now Open In Burlingtons Church Street District

Here is an ongoing indoor event that those who enjoy the fine arts will be pleased to know about. The Vermont Metro Gallery on Church Street in Burlington will be open to the public from January 24 to March 22, 2014. This year, the exhibit will display and offer for sale the assorted, unique and interesting works of art by some very talented Vermont based artists who are seeking more exposure in the local visual arts market. The featured artists whose work is being showcased this year are: Karen Henderson, Jennifer Koch, Gowri Savoor and Mary Zompetti.

Each of these art makers’ work has a special style that can only be fully appreciated in person. There are many delightful and enchanting pieces to see in the gallery, such as paintings, drawings, sculptures, fabric manipulations, scanner experiments, ink transfers, abstracts, photographs, and impressions. I have viewed the gallery myself, and I can tell you that it is truly fascinating and well worth the visit. Who knows, you might even find a really special, rare and exclusive piece of art that you just cannot live without! So, if you love the fine arts as much as I do, and you are looking for something fun to do from now through March 22, I would like to make a personal suggestion that you go down to the Burlington City Arts Center and see these creative artisans and their amazing artwork.

The BCA is a non-profit organization who recognizes and supports creative minds in Vermont, and this is a wonderful way for you to be a part of their mission. Your kindness and generosity will enable the BCA to continue offering their comprehensive educational programs, which have benefited so many brilliant and artistic minds over the past 20 years that it has been a part of our great community. Go check it out when you have the chance; I think you will have a great time.

The BCA and the Vermont Metro Gallery is located in the old firehouse in downtown Burlington next to City Hall Park. The actual physical address for your GPS is: Vermont Metro Gallery, 135 Church Street, Burlington, VT 05401. The Opening Reception for the exhibit was: Friday, January 24th, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. However, the normal business hours to view the gallery are as follows: Tuesday thru Saturday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The building is closed Sunday and Monday.

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Tips To Get Your Burlington Home Ready For Spring

Spring is the ideal time to inspect, clean and conduct repairs to one’s home. Getting these

chores done before summer gives one the chance to enjoy both the indoor and outdoor home environment once the weather warms up for good. Those seeking to sell their homes often find early spring the best time to prepare the property for visits from potential buyers who usually look for new homes during the spring and summer more so than the fall and winter seasons. Here are some important elements to consider when conducting spring cleaning in and around the home.

Begin a Walk Through Inspection of the Home’s Exterior

During the winter months, most people spend a lot of their time indoors. This means that a home’s indoor environment gets regularly cleaned and inspected while its exterior remains largely neglected. The first thing that one should do is to create a comprehensive check-list of items that need inspection, replacement or maintenance and use it to conduct a walk through investigation. Many home owners typically include the following items on their comprehensive check-list:

Roof

Chimney

Gutters

Windows

Siding

Foundation

During winter storms, roof shingles and tiles blow off exposing the home to precipitation if left unchecked for long periods of time. Usually replacing a few shingles is a small price to pay to keep the home protected against more serious damage. The hard part is safely accessing the roof to make the minor repairs. Hiring a handy person to make the repairs is smart if one is not sure how to navigate the roof safely. An inspection of one’s chimney and fireplace by a certified chimney sweep is also advisable.

Cleaning the gutters of leaves and other debris is a relatively easy chore for the average do-it-yourself weekend warrior. Also, nearby trees should be trimmed at this time to prevent excess leaves from dropping into the gutter and eliminate damage to the home’s structure from wind strewn tree limbs.

One should also investigate the windows and doors for potential moisture leaks. Clues that there is an issue with leaks around windows and doors are exceptionally high electric bills during the winter months. Spring is the time to fill in the spaces with caulking and other professional weather-stripping materials. Painting chipped or worn wooden siding as well as making sure water sources drain away from the home’s foundation are additional activities one should consider.

Conducting An Internal Inspection

Indoor items that should be inspected and maintained are the home’s heating and cooling system as well as the air and water filters. Smart home owners also conduct a test of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors during this time and change batteries as needed. Thorough window cleaning also helps to brighten the home’s interior environment.

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Burlington’s 2014 Annual Mardi Gras Weekend Starts February 28

The 19th annual Magic Hat Mardi Gras Weekend will begin on February 28th. It will run all weekend until March 2nd, and there will be loads of entertainment for visitors to enjoy. Here is a look at all the excitement that people who attend will have to look forward to.

A Concert to Kick Things Off

The festivities begin on Friday night, February 28th with a concert at Higher Ground. The show will be a double feature, featuring Conspirator and Dopapod. Conspirator is known for their great electronic music, moving back and forth between dubstep, house and drum and bass. Dopapod is a jam band that fuses metal, funk and soul together to create a distinctive sound.

The Main Event

The highlight of the Magic Hat Mardi Gras Weekend is the Grand Parade on Saturday, March 1st. The parade is scheduled to begin at 3 pm. It goes right down Main Street, beginning at South Winooski Street and finishing when it reaches Battery Street. Before the parade begins, there will be a costume contest for Kings and Queens as well as live music outside on Main Street starting at 12 pm.

After-Party

When the parade ends, the Mardi Gras Parade Post-Party begins. There will be a ton of live music to enjoy. There will also be loads of food stalls and Magic Hat beer for revelers to enjoy. When the live music shuts down, partygoers can enjoy heading in to one of the many fine restaurants, bars and clubs to enjoy in the downtown area. The after-party will keep rocking until the bars close at 2 am.

Sunday

After a long day and night of partying at the Mardi Gras Parade and Post-Party, attendees will enjoy recuperating with a hearty brunch on Sunday. There are some fantastic restaurants that will be offering gourmet buffets to munch on. Some of the best spots for buffet eaters on Sunday include The Scuffer Ale House, Ri Ra Irish Pub, Leuinig’s Bistro and Halvorson’s.

The best way to end Magic Hat Mardi Gras Weekend in Burlington is to take a tour at the Magic Hat Artifactory. They will be offering tours between 1 and 2 pm, including free samples that will delight visitors’ taste buds.

Don’t miss the 19th annual Magic Hat Mardi Gras Weekend. It will be a great time, and there will be lots of fun music, food, beer and activities to enjoy. Make reservations now to enjoy yourself here this year.

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Burlingtons Grand Isle Lake House Is A 100 Year Old Lakeshore Hotel

Grand Isle Lake House is located on Lake Champlain. The lake itself has long been regarded as one of our state’s greatest natural treasures. The Grand Isle Lake House offers visitors and guests the perfect setting for their dream wedding, high-stakes corporate event, and important social gatherings at a beautiful and historical venue.

Brief History and Timeline

In 2003, the Lake House celebrated its 100th anniversary. Few historic lake-shore hotels have stood the test of time like this one. The hotel was initially named Island Villa Hotel and was popular among the notables of the early 20th century. Weekends here were filled with croquet tournaments, fancy dinners, and fishing in the lake during the day. After dinner, guests gathered by the fireside to enjoy parlor games.

In 1956, the Sisters of Mercy bought the property and turned it into a girls’ summer camp. Over the years, they hosted thousands of girls here, many of whom were not otherwise financially able to go to camp.

In 1997, the property that is currently Grand Isle Lake House was donated to the Preservation Trust of Vermont, who decided to create a facility for meetings and events. The Trust and its benefactors returned the building to its original glory. Now, the Lake House is used for both private and non-profit events and gatherings, preserving one of the waterfront’s greatest historical treasures.

Weddings

Grand Isle Lake House is the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding with grounds that can accommodate large tents for 250 wedding guests, just 2,500 feet from the lake-shore. The East and South porches have dinner seating for groups of 150. The historic dining room is now used for refreshments, cake, and dancing. The staff has more than thirty years of catering experience.

Other Events

Grand Isle Lake House offers the ideal venue for other types of events as well, including:

Corporate events/retreats

Business retreats

Non-profit events

This venue is growing increasingly popular as a site for corporate retreats because of the relaxing setting and amenities, which contribute to a better environment for focusing on goals while keeping the tone low-stress and fun. Non-profit organizations receive an substantial discount on accommodations and other services.

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LetGo your Mind: Lego Workshop At Maple Recreation Center Essex Junction, VT

The LetGo Your Mind: Legos in Motion activity will be held at the Maple Street Recreation Center in Essex Junction, Vermont, on Saturday, February 22, 2014. The ticket pricing for residents of the area is $21 apiece, whereas for non-residents it is $26. Parking for the event is free, however. The event will last from 10 am to noon and is designed to offer students between the ages of 6 and 13 an introduction to stop animation.

The event is termed the “Legos in Motion” activity because students will learn about engineering and physics concepts by creating vehicles with LEGOs. They will learn how to build race cars with LEGOs as well as how to use LEGO pieces to create a gear and motor that will demonstrate to them how the pieces work together.

The program focuses on teaching students about the vital STEM subjects, which include the following:

• Science

• Technology

• Engineering

• Math

The LetGo Your Mind event utilizes the experience of state certified teachers to teach the students these concepts. With a low student to teacher ratio, students are given the one-on-one attention that they need to ensure that they fully grasp the material presented to them. The teachers are attentive to the different types of learning styles as well. For instance, they are knowledgeable about the different types of learning styles and know that verbal-linguistic learners learn best through lectures and reading material, whereas visual-spatial ones learn best through seeing graphs and pictures. Moreover, the activities are approved by the national standards for the subject matter, and all the students will be actively engaged in hands-on learning activities to ensure that they better retain the information.

Some of the skills that students are expected to develop more fully during the event include the following:

• Teamwork skills

• Problem solving skills

• Planning skills

• Analytical skills

• Interpretive skills

• Communication skills

• Higher level thinking skills

• Creativity skills

Not only does the program assist students with learning important concepts that they should know, but it also gives them invaluable skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. Additionally, it helps them build their confidence levels so that they will be more motivated to succeed in the future. This program is a challenging one that helps students unleash their potential. Parents might want to consider enrolling their children in this program as a fun and creative, yet educational activity for the summertime.

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Get Your Closet Organized While It’s Cold Outside

Its winter time and thoughts of going outside in the cold just gives you the chills in most of the country. So, why not look for something productive to do inside like cleaning out and organizing your closet? Closets are usually taken for granted because you can just toss things inside them and forget about it.

Think about how nice it would be to have a neatly organized closet.

A disorganized closet can look like it went through a storm, but with a little patience and by following some of the tips below, your closet can be quickly transformed into an organized space.

Get in Season

To get a fresh start on your closet, take out all the clothes that are out of season and neatly store them away in a plastic container or cedar chest. This way, they will be easily available when you are ready to use them again.

What Really Fits

Next, take out all the clothes you cannot or won’t wear again and give them to a local charity. This includes items on shelves in the closet as well as shoes. This creates plenty of space for more organization. Afterwards, vacuum, clean up any cobwebs and dust the closet. Start working from the top, down.

Get Organized

Next is the fun part – organizing your clothes. One great way of organizing clothes and shoes is by color. Start with the lightest colors and end with the darker colors. Clothes should be placed neatly on hangars and all facing one way. If you share a closet with a spouse, use a divider and organize the other person’s clothes in the same manner.

Tackle the Shoes

Shoes should be arranged in the same manner, from lightest to darkest. Use a shoe organizer or some shelves to give yourself more space in the closet. Continue this process with the rest of your closets until they all look the way you want them to.

The Small Stuff

A closet organizer serves a wonderful purpose helping you organize closets. You can find closet organizers in all sizes, and they serve any type of function you might need them for. They come in several styles and different prices ranges to fit all budgets. If you want variety in your closets, you have options.

Now you have organized closets that are easy to maintain and much nicer to look at.

We hope these tips help with your closets and if you need any help with mortgage and refinance questions, please contact us.

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Stick to Your New Year Resolution with These 5 Tips

New Year’s Resolutions are hot topics this time of year with many honestly wanting to make changes that will help them to be healthier, wiser and more organized people overall. While some stick with their goals for a few weeks or possibly even a few months, a very low percentage of individuals actually keep their resolutions for an entire year or incorporate their goals as sustainable parts of their lives. These five tips will help individuals make their goals more attainable.

1. Defined and Achievable

First, resolutions should always be easily defined and should be achievable. Many people set generalized goals for themselves, such as being thinner, becoming healthier or learning how to sew. However, without specific goals, chances are that this resolution will fall by the wayside before January is even completed. For example, instead of resolving to become thinner or even lose 20 pounds, one should resolve to hire a personal trainer, work out for 30 minutes 5 days each week or count and limit calories to 1,500 each day.

2. Start Small

Second, the best resolutions begin with small changes that gradually become larger. Someone who wants to run a marathon would find it impossible to start suddenly running 10 miles a day. It would be easier and less discouraging to commit to a running program that gradually immerses the individual in the exercise.

3. Tell Someone

Third, telling family and friends can be a great help when making a resolution. They will be an encouragement to the individual who is making life changes. Not only will they be the cheering team, but also they will be able to hold the individual accountable. People are much less likely to quit new routines if they know that someone will be asking for updates.

4. Think Positively

Fourth, positive thinking is necessary. If individuals have no faith that they can make a change, they will be discouraged from the start. Although fear or worry is normal when starting something new, these thoughts should not be allowed to take root in one’s mind. Positive, uplifting thoughts should be the focus.

5. Stay Strong

Fifth, those making resolutions should strengthen their willpower. They may be tempted to have just one cookie or stay in bed late just one time. Often, the best way to do increase willpower is to distract oneself when these tempting thoughts come. Distraction can be as simple as getting up and taking a walk or opening a new book or magazine.

After many years of making resolutions and failing to keep them, this is the year to make a change. The best resolutions are attainable and easily started. While individuals require willpower and positive thinking to succeed, family and friends may offer the extra boost of strength that is needed.

We hope this helps you stay committed to those goals for 2014. We are to help if one of your goals is home ownership. Contact us today.

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The Echo Center In Burlington Presents Alice’s Wonderland

The Echo Center, located in beautiful Burlington, Vermont is the perfect place for families to spend the day laughing and learning together. Adults and children of all ages will find a wide variety of exhibits at The Echo Center ranging from waterfront exploration labs and weather reporter stations to none other than the latest Alice’s Wonderland exhibit. This popular exhibit can be enjoyed at The Echo Center from January 18, 2014 through May 11, 2014. Both residents and those visiting Burlington will not want to miss the opportunity to explore Alice’s Wonderland. Best of all, this popular aquarium and science center aims to educate and teach others that everyone can make a difference through more than 100 hands-on, interactive experiences.

The Alice’s Wonderland Exhibit

A visit to The Echo Center during January through May of 2014 would not be complete without a stop at the Alice’s Wonderland exhibit. Whether you’re a fan of the famous classic by Lewis Carroll, “Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland” or are simply looking for something unique, fun and exciting to enjoy, this exhibit is one that you will not want to miss. This exhibit is designed to encourage imaginations, creativity and wonder in both children and adults alike. Here you will take a journey down the rabbit hole into a world of wonder where you will encounter popular characters from the story book.

Exhibit Features

Upon entering the exhibit, you will begin where Alice first falls asleep on her sisters lap. You will then make your way right into Alice’s dream world by following the White Rabbit through the rabbit hole and exiting the hole into a room full of doorways and optical illusions. You may never know what you’ll see each way that you look. Throughout the exhibit, visitors can enjoy a wide range of different educational and fun activities such as Digging to China, playing a game of Crazy Croquet against Alice and the Queen or even taking a seat at the Mad Tea Party. This adventurous and imaginative exhibit helps children to interact through play while learning different math and science concepts.

Burlington, Vermont provides residents and visitors with many different places to visit all throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreational activities or places to play indoors, you’ll find it all within Burlington. The Echo Center is just one of many premier attractions that this area offers.

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The Famous Vermont Teddy Bear Company Calls Burlington, VT Home

The beautiful and famous Vermont Teddy Bear Company is located in gorgeous Burlington, VT. This hot spot is one of the most famous in the area with thousands of people flocking to it every single year. There are many different things that the Vermont Teddy Bear Company can offer to individuals who go there for the fun of it. From children to adults, there is something for everyone when they make the trip to this beautiful location.

Burlington, Vermont is a gorgeous spot that is perfect for the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. It’s where the company got its start and it has been attracting visitors to the area ever since. This particular tourist destination is laden in bright colors and fun art both on the inside of the building and on the outside. On the outside, you’ll be able to take a few pictures next to bears or look at the large silo that is clad in bright colors. Walk through the front doors and a lot of magic awaits you on the inside.

The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory is ideal for kids and adults alike. The large gift shop has a number of different already-made bears for you to choose. From small to large, there are bears and other animals for you to choose and buy for yourself. You can also pick out different outfits to dress your stuffed toy in while there. Kids will have a blast making their own fuzzy friend in another room that allows them to choose a stuffed animal shell and stuff it themselves using a fluff pump.

This beautiful location that is found in gorgeous Burlington, Vermont is a great attraction for the young and young at heart. The factory tours that are given can also educate anyone on how the factory got its start as well as how their bears and stuffed toys are made. Whether you’re taking a tour around the factory or just want to pick up a few things from the gift store, there are a lot of things you can easily do while there. This is why this gorgeous location and tourist hot spot has attracted thousands of people to it each year and continues to grow with time. The quality and workmanship that goes into these beautiful stuffed toys is unlike any other that happens to be out there and this is why people continue to come back for more.

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