First Time Homebuyer Tips from 7 Top Mortgage Professionals

Purchasing your first home will be one of the most exciting times of your life. It will most likely be the largest investment that you ever make. It is where you will entertain friends and family, and it is where you will go to rest and relax each evening. With so much at stake, it is easy to see why most people are nervous throughout the process.

While purchasing a home can be a little nerve wracking, it is also worth the trouble. In an effort to reduce the stress associated with purchasing your first home, we have gathered top advice from seven leading mortgage professionals.

Top Tips For First-Time Home Buyers

1. Scott Schubert (NMLS #523812): “It is advisable that as soon as you decide to purchase a home you meet with a mortgage professional to create a game plan. It can be one year or one month out from the actual purchase time, but it is still important. A lot of times potential buyers have one financial plan in order, such as paying down debt, when they really need to be saving for a down payment. Working with a mortgage professional first will help them to discover the best way to get approved for a loan.”

2.Wade Byers (NMLS #197143): “You need to make a realistic budget before looking for a home. Decide what you are comfortable with paying each month on a loan and stick to your budget. In reality, I can most likely get you qualified for a higher loan amount, allowing you to purchase a larger home. However, this is not necessarily in your best interest. Stick to a budget and I will work with you to discover what price range of home will meet these guidelines.”

3. Scott Layden (NMLS #164302): “ Make sure that you use professional and trustworthy realtor to protect your interests during the entire sale process. This same thought process should be applied to your mortgage professional as well.”

4. Melody Kennedy (NMLS #448262): “Always work with a realtor and mortgage professional that will explain everything to you in great detail. First-time home buyers are often unfamiliar with specific terms and processes and this can lead to disappointment and confusion.”

5. Valerie Springer (NMLS #198479): “Talk to your mortgage professional about interest rates and what makes them change. If they cannot give you a logical answer, move on to another mortgage professional. You cannot expect this person to provide you with the best interest rates if they do not understand how they work.”

6. Chris Young (NMLS #111276): “Most first-time home buyers were previous renters. They are unaware of tax deductions that are offered to home owners. There are many ways that home ownership can reduce your tax burden. By using the tax calculators on the IRS website to determine your tax burden, you can adjust your withholding tax to allow you to bring home more money each week to offset new home expenses while not having to worry about paying extra at the end of the year.”

7. Stacey Jordan (NMLS #23542): “ Your credit, income, assets and employment history is very critical to the approval process for a mortgage. However, communication with your mortgage professional is also very important. By working openly with your mortgage professional, you will ensure that you find the loan that fits your needs.”

These tips should help when considering to purchase your first home. If you need more help and would like to get started, contact us today.

via http://benchmark.us/first-time-homebuyer-tips-from-7-top-mortgage-professionals/

Get Involved in 2014! Burlington, VT Volunteer Opportunities

After moving to Burlington, there is no better way of making new friends and becoming part of the community than by your time and talent to someone else in need. Regardless of age, education level or financial status, our township has many options for lending a helping hand.

United Way of Chittenden County

Known around the world, the United Way brings people and organizations together to accomplish many different projects. All year long, the local chapter features opportunities for volunteering for programs that address the educational, health, income or transportation needs of community residents.

Fletcher Allen Healthcare

Besides the Burlington community, the expansive medical center serves the needs of more than one million residents in the Vermont and northern New York areas. The facility provides a comprehensive list of inpatient and outpatient services and includes the award-winning Children’s Hospital. Volunteer options at the facility are many from acting as a liaison between patient families and staff members to interacting and brightening the day of patients of all ages. Share a personal experience with a cancer or cardiac patient or spend the day entertaining children.

Burlington Food Council

The group has more than 100 members who meet throughout the year for the purpose of providing educational and food access programs to the community. The number of projects sponsored by the organization evolve around food, sustainable farming and nutrition. Volunteer options include the chance to work on the ½ acre Healthy City Youth Farm at Hunt Middle School. The school asks for assistance with farming duties, sampling the produce and cooking meals. Other projects include fund raising efforts, establishing mobile farm stands and fruit tree planting.

Burlington City Arts

Regardless of personal experience or education level, volunteer options provide local residents with the chance to enhance the relationship between the community and locally available fine arts. The many opportunities available include the “Art from the Heart” program that encourages self-expression in recovering hospitalized children through the efforts of compassionate volunteers. The Clay and Print Studios welcome guests to work as facility assistants, teaching assistants or monitors. Gallery volunteers help with installing exhibits, interact with the public or provide general support to facility staff.

Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf

Striving to combat hunger in the community, the Food Shelf helps feed more than 12,000 residents every year and represents the largest emergency food service provider in the state. The facility also coordinates efforts to operate a local soup kitchen. Numerous options for volunteering are connected with the facility, which include unloading food donations when delivered, stocking shelves, picking up donations and delivering groceries to home-bound citizens.

via http://michaelblanchard.benchmark.us/2014/01/03/get-involved-in-2014-burlington-vt-volunteer-opportunities/

Often you will hear the term “escrow account” when applying for a mortgage. With some lenders, an escrow account is required, with others, it is an option. Often the criteria for whether or not an account is required is tied to the percentage of down payment made for the mortgage.

What is an escrow account?

Your lender will add on an amount to your monthly mortgage payment which flows to this account, and is a set-aside for property tax and insurance. If you live in an area covered by a Homeowner’s Association, on occasion, the monthly dues or maintenance fee payments can be added to the escrow account.

Advantages to Having an Escrow Account:

1) No Sticker Shock

If your property taxes are due annually or semi-annually, these payments can be large and sometimes inconvenient to your family budget. Having the payments amortized over the course of the year enables you to make the payments over the twelve months, and the payments are smaller.

2) Easier to Budget

Depending on what your escrow account covers, taxes, insurance, HOA dues, or more, making one payment monthly to your mortgage holder for these payments eliminates the need to write multiple checks monthly, is easier to budget for, and requires less discipline.

One of the potential “downsides” is the fact that your property tax obligations may vary from year to year, as rate increases are made by your local government, or your property value is re-assessed in value. This will cause variations in your mortgage payments from year to year, however, the upsides in budgeting and smaller monthly payments for taxes and fees far exceed the downside.

How Can You Get an Escrow Account?

If you are not offered or required to have an escrow account with your mortgage, and it seems to offer advantages that you would like, your lender will most likely be happy to set one up for you.

via http://benchmark.us/what-is-an-escrow-account/

Trattoria Delia Offers Romantic Dining For Valentines Day In Burlington, VT

If you are trying to decide on the perfect and romantic dining spot to take your loved one to for Valentines Day right here in Burlington, Trattoria Delia offers a unique and outstanding choice that will make your special someone very happy.

It starts with the cozy and relaxing romantic atmosphere of this authentic Italian restaurant, which is one of Vermont’s best. Although it is located on Saint Paul Street in a basement one block south of the City Hall park, and thus is a place you might walk right by, it surprisingly is actually a rather elaborate dining establishment once you enter through a heavy wooden door.

Trattoria Delia’s interesting decor is highlighted by delightful Italian music, Italian pottery, photographs which were taken in the “old country” and a magnificent fireplace made out of Vermont Panton stone.

High quality service is a major offering along with fantastic authentic cooked-to-order true-flavored Italian cuisine, which is a gastronomic journey based on traditional dishes from owner Thomas Delia’s family heritage in Oriolo, a small town in Calabria. Researching the recipes required numerous travels to Italy and assembling the dishes with the owner’s relatives’ input. These dishes have then been recreated using the finest imported ingredients together with fresh and wholesome locally grown foods.

Thomas and his wife, Lori, established this restaurant in 1993 in what had been the historic Vermont House, a turn of the century hotel. The interior was originally a working sugar house that was relocated to Burlington from New Hampshire.

Their extensive Italian wine list has been recognized by The Wine Spectator with an “Award of Excellence” since 1995. They also have an “Award of Distinction” from the Wine Enthusiast.

Experience these spectacular flavors of Italy at dinner served seven nights a week from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Start out with their always exceptional Antipastone, the house antipasti with a selection of meats, cheeses and bruschetta. For a main course, it will be difficult to choose between the various delicious pasta and other dishes.

Reservations several days in advance, accepted after 3:00 p.m. daily, are recommended, especially for an occasion such as Valentines Day, other holiday, birthday, anniversary or group get-together.

via http://michaelblanchard.benchmark.us/2013/12/31/trattoria-delia-offers-romantic-dining-for-valentines-day-in-burlington-vt/

Top 10 Best Selling Toys on Amazon.com for Christmas 2013

Christmas 2013 is in the books and now retailers will have the rush of returns so people can get the gifts they really wanted.

If your kids still have a couple toys on their list, you might want to check online.

Here are the 10 best selling toys on Amazon.com for Christmas 2013:

10. Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow Kit – This air-powered rocket is great for your elementary school-aged children. It does not require any fuel or batteries and can soar to heights of up to 100 feet.

9. Qwirkle Board Game – Qwirkle is a great board game that is fun and mind-stimulating for the whole family. It is perfect for ages six and up and has been given various awards from organizations such as Mensa and the National Parent’s Choice.

8. Crayola Marker Maker – This easy-to-use kit allows your children to create 16 markers of your own choosing, giving them a little scientific freedom in an accessible, safe, and fun package.

7. Snap Circuits – This toy is perfect for the engineer in your family. Suited for children 12 and up, Snap Circuits allows you to create your own electronics. It has the parts and instructions for creating a fire alarm, radio, doorbell, and more.

6. Spot It - The Spot It board game takes a new twist on the quintessential card-matching game. It comes with circular game pieces that with 50 variations in total and also includes various mini games that keep each game of Spot It different from the last.

5. LEGO Minecraft The Nether – This Minecraft LEGO recreation is perfect for the Minecraft lover in your family. Suitable for young children as well as old, the LEGO Minecraft The Nether is a sure way to please the LEGO lover in your family this holiday season.

4. Perplexus Maze Game – The Perplexus Maze Game is a game in which players must move a marble around an obstacle course inside a clear sphere. A unique take on the classic Labryinth game, Perplexus features a 3D experience that will not disappoint.

3. VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker – VTech has developed a line of toys that allow both babies and toddlers to pay with because it can be used sitting or standing. Little ones can enjoy the toy on the floor, and as they grow the toy will still be a unique learning experience as they start walking with it.

2. Rainbow Loom - Rainbow Loom allows children to create their very own one-of-a-kind rubber bracelets. It is perfect for the constructive child in your family.

1. Cards Against Humanity – While the other toys on this list are suitable for children of most ages, Cards Against Humanity is not recommended for children under 17. This party game is sure to provide hours of hilarious entertainment for the older members of your family.

via http://benchmark.us/top-10-best-selling-toys-on-amazon-com-for-christmas-2013/

5 Simple Ways to Relieve Holiday Stress at Home

The holidays are here, and with it can come unwanted stress. The good news is that there are simple ways that you can relieve stress from your own home. So when you start feeling overwhelmed from shopping, baking, cleaning and planning holiday parties, remember these tips to help you relieve some stress!

Set a Budget and Stick With It

Nothing stresses people out quicker than money. To be more accurate, it is the lack of money that stresses people. When it comes time to buying gifts this year, be sure to set yourself a reasonable budget. Determine how much you have and how much you are going to spend on the people for whom you need to buy gifts.

After setting a budget, remember to stick with it! After all, a budget is only as good as your ability to follow it.

Understand Your Limits

During the holidays, people love to give 110 percent. That being said, you also have to remember that everyone has limits, and you need to respect yours. By understanding your own limits, you can avoid reaching your breaking point.

When you become overrun by holiday tasks, ask others to lend a hand! It is the time of year for sharing, so share some of those responsibilities with others!

Try to Keep Things Small

At some point, everyone figured that the bigger their holiday party was, the more fun it was. The truth is that, the bigger the party, the more stress you are putting on yourself. Instead of trying to go all out this holiday season, try to keep your gatherings more intimate. Don’t worry about inviting all of your friends and every family member!

One year of not sending cards and spreading Christmas cheer is not going to ruin any of your relationships.

Don’t Become the “Yes” Man

Do not say, “Yes,” to every request that you get. During the holiday season, we tend to find ourselves saying, “Yes,” a lot more often than what we normally do. It is the holiday season, after all. However, saying, “Yes,” to every request that you get puts a lot of pressure on you, which raises your stress level. By turning down some commitments, you may find yourself with a little extra free time this holiday season.

Take Some Time to Listen to Music

There is nothing that is more relaxing than sitting back and listening to some music. It doesn’t have to be holiday music; it can be any kind of music that you find relaxing. Try setting up your own personal radio station on Rdio or Pandora. Listening to music while you are working or setting up a holiday party is a great way to stay relaxed and tension free.

via http://benchmark.us/5-simple-ways-to-relieve-holiday-stress-at-home/

Pistou Restaurant Brings The Finest Parisian Cuisine To Burlington,Vt

Paris is world renowned as one of the world’s capitals of gastronomy. For centuries, people have traveled from near and far to sample the delights of Parisian cuisine. Vermonters are now lucky enough to have a restaurant right in the heart of Burlington where they can enjoy fine French food.

Pistou Restaurant offers Vermonters dining with French flair. The owners change their menus daily in order to best make use of what is locally available. The combination of French technique and fresh Vermont produce, meat and dairy products creates a truly delicious result.

Diners may choose from an a la carte menu with varied choices or sample the guided tasting menu where dishes are picked for them by Pistou’s chefs. A typical meal might begin with leeks in a delicate vinaigrette and garlic breadcrumbs or fire roasted beets with ricotta. After that, diners may choose to order steak tartare with fingerling potatoes or pork with polenta and mustard greens. Pistou also offers a selection of house made desserts and wine pairings.

Pistou also offers diners other dining options as well. The bar and lounge menu offers additional dishes to diners seated at the bar area or the high top table. Diners can expect such Parisian specialties as grilled octopus, a selection of cured meats and the opportunity to sample French cheeses. All food is offered with appropriate wines to help bring out the flavor even further.

The restaurant is also host to a very special Wednesday menu. Every single Wednesday, the owner seeks to bring Vermonters the chance to taste some of the new flavors of France and the French countryside. The Paris Sessions menu consists of a six course tasting menu arranged around the owner’s knowledge of French food. A recent menu began with peekytoe crab with sunchokes. The menu included coal roasted beets with marrow, scallops with celery root, squash gnocchi with radicchio, strip steak with eggplant and sugar roasted parsnip with hazelnut crumble.

Wine lovers can also flock to Pistou to find a carefully vetted wine list with an emphasis on French flavors and local growers. The owners provide guests with a selection of wines from many different regions of France including Corsica, Burgundy, the Loire Valley and the Rhone region.

Come visit Pistou. You’ll find a charming and elegant yet intimate taste of Paris right in the center of one of Vermont’s most exciting cities.

via http://michaelblanchard.benchmark.us/2013/12/24/pistou-restaurant-brings-the-finest-parisian-cuisine-to-burlingtonvt/