Bennington, VT — Moosefest Committee 2009 announces a Request for Proposals (RFP) from not-for-profit organizations.  The RFP is available for review today at the Moosefest 2009 web page www.benningtonmoosefest.com 

Proposals are for a portion of the funds raised through Moosefest 2009 and will be awarded to three to five 501c3 organizations that meet the RFPs requirements.  Funding requirements include location in the Shires of Vermont that promote and support area volunteerism and tourism, and are committed to community pride and spirit.   In lieu of requesting matching funding, organizations are asked to volunteer some time to Moosefest 2009.

Recipient organizations, in addition to the monetary award, will be promoted on the official Moosefest 2009 website with a link to their own website and their name included in press releases and articles on Moosefest.

Proposals are due to the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce, no later than February 20, 2009 at 4:30pm.  Late applications will not be accepted. Award decisions will be made by February 27, 2009 and recipients will be notified by letter. Awards will be distributed in October 2009.

Organizations that were awarded funds from Moosefest 2005 were: Park McCullough House, Bennington Museum, Old Castle Theatre, Vermont Arts Exchange.

To download a copy of the RFP go to www.benningtonmoosefest.com or call Gay Baker at (802) 447-3311.

Bennington VT, Community Information

 

 It’s that time of year when we all try to cut expenses where we are able. The U.S. Department of Energy offers these tips to keep Bennington, Vermont real estate owners warm and keep the cold cash in their pocket:  
1. Plug air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping. Even insulating the electrical outlets can save money.
2. Make sure the furnace is serviced each year. The small cost of servicing will result in greater savings.
 
3. Install a programmable thermostat. Lowering the thermostat when no one is home can save up to 10% of your heating bill.
  
5. Insulate the attic.  Heat rises – most real estate should have between R-30 and R-49 insulation in the attic. Go to www.eere.energy.gov/consumer for more information.
 
7. Welcome the sun. Open curtains to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home.
8. Find the star. Cut energy bills by up to 30 percent with Energy Star labeled products. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in place of comparable incandescent bulbs. Find stores at www.energystar.gov.
 Making a home energy efficient can not only save you money but make your real estate more appealing to potential buyers. Call Troy Richardson for more ideas on how to get your home ready to sell!

Bennington VT, First Time Buyers, Environmental

The recent ice storms in our area is a reminder for Bennington, Vermont real estate owners to prepare for power outages this winter. Many power outages are short-lived, but some may last days. Here are a few things to keep on hand:
1.      Candles and holders, or oil lamps and oil.
2.      Matches or lighters
3.      Flashlight and extra batteries – keep this in an easy to reach area!
4.      Water.
5.      Extra blankets.
6.      Fire extinguisher
7.      Food items that are easy to prepare.
8.      A deck of cards or a game to play while the power is out!

Bennington VT, First Time Buyers, Safety

RISMEDIA, January 8, 2009-Many rental-home owners think that a higher rent will always result in more rent dollars-not true. The cost of a long vacancy can far exceed the cost of a lower rent with a shorter vacancy period. Since for every two-and-a-half weeks that a unit sits vacant, the annual revenue drops 5%, a long vacancy-due to a higher rent-can net an owner far less money.

It is imperative to make sure that the rental unit condition is not the reason why that vacancy is not renting. Lack of proper preparation contributes to longer vacancies and lesser desirable residents.

Provided that the house has been properly readied for the market, never let a vacancy sit longer than two weeks without lowering the rent. Proper vacant-unit preparation techniques include the following:

- Always make sure the walls have been completely repainted or at least appear that way.
- Touching up existing paint with the same paint can frequently accomplish this task.
- Clean is king. From the kitchen appliances and countertops to all of the fixtures in the bathrooms, it is of the upmost importance for the whole unit to look and smell clean.
- Clean all carpet and remove any odors that may exist.
- For the exterior, the lawn needs to be neatly groomed, with fresh-looking paint on exterior surfaces. Keep in mind that the outside of a rental house or apartment building is what forms a first impression for prospective renters.

Use Internet listing services to find comparable rental properties in the same area and price the unit accordingly. Recognize that the lesser amount of rent, realized from pricing the rent slightly below the market, can be easily offset by a shorter vacancy duration. This is especially important during slower times of the year and when market conditions are off.

Also, pay attention to annual lease cycles in the localized rental market. Many markets slow down during the last quarter of the year. With that knowledge, tailoring a lease to expire at a more favorable time of the year going forward makes good sense. It also warrants a lower-asking rent during slower annual periods.

The amount of the monthly rent is an important determinant for gross annual revenue, but don’t overlook the negative effects of a long vacancy on the bottom line, which can easily be averted by a lower rent adjusted for market conditions.

Rob Massey, Jr., CPM, is founder of RentalHouses.com and a consultant for Rentals.com.

For more information, please visit www.rentals.com.

Selling, Bennington VT

Buyers and sellers develop a natural sense of excitement as a transaction’s closing date nears.  While most aspects should run smoothly, it’s wise to be prepared for unexpected delays.  Anticipating potential problems before they develop could save untold time and stress.

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Are you considering a move to a larger home in Bennington or the surrounding area? Or perhaps you are moving into retirement or downsizing for personal reasons. How do you know when it is the right time to purchase Bennington, VT real estate?
Ask yourself if these factors fit your current situation:
1. Remodeling or adding on to your existing real estate isn’t an option. Often Bennington city codes or regulations don’t allow home owners to create the space they require, or maintenance has become an issue.
2. Your income has changed.
3. You have a fair amount of equity in your home.
4. The location no longer fits your needs. Your children may be grown and no longer need to walk to school, or you are ready for a larger piece of acreage or real estate.
5. The market is right. Interest rates are lower and will help you buy the right home.
6. The right house is on the real estate market waiting for you! Call Troy Richardson to find out about current listings in the Bennington area!

Bennington VT, Buying, Selling