On Monday, June 17th, the Vermont Legislature overrode Governor Scott’s veto of Bill H.687, An act relating to community resilience and biodiversity protection through land use. This Bill includes many Act 250 updates and incentives for increased housing, which should be reviewed, but of more urgency, H.687 includes changes to the Property Transfer Tax that go into effect on August 1, 2024. The property transfer tax increases contained in Bill H.687 will affect the sale of residential, non-homestead properties. The legislature has increased the property transfer tax on these properties from 1.25% to 3.4%, plus a clean water surcharge, resulting in a total transfer tax of 3.62%. This tax applies to the entire purchase price of these properties and takes effect on August 1, 2024. Any closing on or after August 1st will be subject to this increase. Please review H.687 HERE for further details and information for your practice. There are tax benefits to the Bill, which include an increased initial transfer tax threshold for buyers of residential homestead properties, increasing from $100,000 to $200,000, and financing through VHFA, Vermont Housing Conservation Board, or US Department of Rural Development will include exemption from transfer tax of the first $250,000. Additionally, these purchasers are exempt from the clean water surcharge for the increased thresholds. Beyond these thresholds, the transfer tax rate of 1.25% will apply to the remaining purchase price. The Bill also raises the clean water surcharge from 0.2% to 0.22% on the value above the new thresholds. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. |
H.227, the Vermont Uniform Power of Attorney Act, 14 V.S.A. Chapter 127 — Effective July 1, 2023, as amended June 6, 2024
I. Real Estate Power of Attorney
A. If executed after July 1, 2023, to be valid under Vermont law, a Real Estate Power of Attorney must:
- Be in substantial compliance with the statutory form provided under 14 V.S.A. Sect. 4052 Vermont Short Form Power of Attorney for Real Estate Transactions here; and
- Be signed by the Principal; and
- Be acknowledged by a Notary Public.
B. If executed prior to July 2, 2023, under 14 V.S.A. 3502(d), to be valid under Vermont law, a Real Estate Power of Attorney must:
- Appoint an Agent and grant the Agent power to act on behalf of the Principal;
- Explicitly provide that the Agent has authority to a conduct specific real property related transaction (e.g. sale, purchase, mortgage);
- Specifically identify the property;
- Examples: By 911 address – 10 Main Street; By reference to Book and Page; By selling all of the Principal’s property – “Being all of the land I own in [Town/City].”
- Explicitly state that the duration of the POA is no more than 90 days; and
- Contain required statutory witness affirmation language;
- “I, ______ (witness) affirm that the principal appeared to be of sound mind and free from duress at the time the power of attorney was signed. The principal affirmed that they were aware of the nature of the document and signed it freely and voluntarily.”
- Be witnessed (by one or more witnesses); and
- Be acknowledged by a Notary Public [NOTE: The Notary and the witness may be the same person.
II. General Power of Attorney
A. If executed after July 1, 2023, to be valid under Vermont law, a general POA must:
- Be in substantial compliance with the statutory form provided under 14 V.S.A. Sect. 4051 Statutory Form Power of Attorney here; and
- Be signed by the Principal; and
- Be acknowledged by a Notary Public.
B. If executed prior to July 1, 2023, to be valid under Vermont law, a general POA must:
- Appoint an Agent and grant Agent power to act on behalf of the Principal;
- Explicitly provide that the Agent has authority to convey real property;
- Signed by the Principal;
- Contain required statutory witness affirmation language;
- “I, ______ (witness) affirm that the principal appeared to be of sound mind and free from duress at the time the power of attorney was signed. The principal affirmed that they were aware of the nature of the document and signed it freely and voluntarily.”
- Be witnessed (by one or more witnesses);
- Be acknowledged by a Notary Public [NOTE: The Notary and the witness MUST be two different people]; and
- Contain a signed acceptance of appointment by the Agent.
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Career Network
Peet Law Group
“We are looking for people interested in joining our incredible and dynamic team of paralegals, legal assistants and attorneys at our South Burlington or White River Junction offices. If you are ready for a challenging and rewarding career in Vermont real estate law, we would like to hear from you. Please contact attorney Paula LeBlanc () to learn about available job opportunities.
Thank you for considering Peet Law Group as your next career move!”
Attorney
Looking for an Upper Valley Lawyer to join our close-knit team located in Norwich, Vermont. Grossman Ripps Law was founded by Attorney Daniel F. Grossman in 1982 and is now led by Attorney Markell J. Ripps with Attorney J. Christopher Burgess, and their team of dedicated professionals. We have an active real estate practice, quickly growing estate planning practice, and also probate/estates focus in Vermont and New Hampshire. Our firm has been a leader in our field in electronic record-keeping and digitalization of our processes. The ideal candidate would be committed to our community of the Upper Valley, committed to working with our team, and be licensed to practice law in both Vermont and New Hampshire. Experience in our practice areas is a bonus. Compensation will be tailored to the candidate’s experience. Position start date flexible.
Find out more about us at: www.grlawvtnh.com
Associate Attorney
Gale & McAllister PLLC is a progressive and dynamic law firm that specializes in Real Estate Law. We have an unwavering commitment to excellence in our field and we continuously strive to create an environment where our attorneys can grow personally and professionally. We are seeking a dedicated and driven Associate Attorney to join our vibrant team.
Job Description:
As an Associate Attorney, you will assist in various aspects of real estate transactions, from drafting and negotiation to closing. You will collaborate with a team of skilled professionals and receive comprehensive mentorship from our senior attorneys. The role is an exceptional opportunity for a self-motivated individual to acquire real-world experience and evolve professionally.
Responsibilities:
- Draft and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, leases, and financing documents,
- Conduct title searches, real estate due diligence, and property closings,
- Coordinate with clients, realtors, lenders, and attorneys,
- Maintain and build client relationships,
- And maintain and build affiliate relationships through community involvement, education, and sponsorships.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctorate
- Admission to the State Bar
- 1-3 years of experience in real estate law preferred but not necessary
- Exceptional negotiation and communication skills
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines
- Interest in or background in Business law and/or Intellectual Property
What We Offer:
Personal Growth: At Gale & McAllister PLLC, we believe that personal development is an integral part of professional success. We provide a robust selection of personal development workshops, mental health resources, and wellness initiatives.
Mentorship & Collaboration: Our seasoned attorneys are committed to providing structured mentorship to guide you in your professional journey. We foster a culture of collaboration and learning, helping you evolve in your role.
Learning Opportunities: We offer in-house and external learning programs, seminars, and courses, focusing on continuous learning and updating legal knowledge.
Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance, so we offer flexible working hours and remote work opportunities.
Career Progression: We provide clear career paths and regular performance reviews to facilitate your growth and progression within the firm.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume, a brief cover letter, and writing samples (if any) via our website or the provided email address. Gale & McAllister PLLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Join us at Gale & McAllister PLLC as we pave the way for a new generation of lawyers who believe in personal growth and professional excellence. Your journey starts here.
![](https://www.vermontattorneystitle.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BGF.png)
Legal Assistant for Real Estate Sales
Our Real Estate Department has an immediate need for a Legal Assistant. Duties include answering the telephone and fielding customer inquiries, assisting in house attorneys, preparing documents for transactions, working with clients and other attorney offices, scheduling and additional office support.
Two or more years experience in a legal office setting, administrative experience and understanding of real estate transactions is required. Competitive salary and benefits are offered as well as a collaborative work environment. For success in this position, excellent attention to detail, accuracy and proficiency in Windows based applications are key.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to the attention of Daniel N. Farnham at .
Real Estate Paralegal | Burlington, VT
Clarke Demas & Baker is looking to grow our real estate team in Burlington, Vermont.
The ideal candidate will have the desire and attention to detail necessary to learn how to perform title searches, draft title documents, prepare deeds and assist staff with administrative duties. Experience with residential, corporate, and/or commercial real estate matters is a plus, but we are willing to train the right candidate. Applicant must have the ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments while delivering consistent quality work-product to attorneys, clients and lenders, and have excellent communication skills. Must be a self-starter with ability to work well with others.
The firm offers comprehensive benefits, work life balance and a salary commensurate with experience. Please forward cover letter and resume to: Aimee Cardinal, Office Manager, Clarke Demas & Baker, 346 Shelburne Road, Ste. 602, Burlington, VT 05401, or by email to: – please use Real Estate Paralegal in subject line.
Associate Attorney:
Field & Field P.C. is a busy transactional law firm with concentration in commercial and residential real estate matters, located in Barre, VT, seeking: (1) an experienced attorney interested in firm acquisition or partnership; and/or (2) a paralegal to join the firm. The firm serves individuals and businesses spanning multiple generations in Washington and Orange Counties.
The ideal candidate is (or will become) licensed in Vermont, has 5 years or more of experience in commercial and residential and transactions involving purchase, sales, mergers, entity formation, contract negotiations, business structuring, and possesses core competencies in the fundamentals of applicable tax matters; experience in the performance and review of complex title examinations, issuance of attorney reports and title insurance, and secured lender closings and all related document preparation, client representation and advice. Experience also desired in estate and probate work, and general financial management of all aspects of a small law firm.
If you are interested in being a part of a small team in an established law firm of 35 years with loyal clients and continued growth and the possibility of expansion into other areas of law, please send resume with a cover letter and references to: Sarah Field, Esq, at: .
Real Estate Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Full time Paralegal needed for busy transactional real estate and estate planning law firm located Enosburg Falls. Responsibilities include: opening files; scheduling closings; answering phones; correspondence; preparing Closing Disclosures, tax forms, and other real estate closing documents; clearing title issues; preparing title insurance policies; preparation of estate planning documents and general administrative support. Experience with the real estate closing process, title searches and title insurance is highly desirable but willing to train suitably enthusiastic candidate. Small office with family atmosphere and flexible work scheduling options.
Please email cover letter and resume to: or call 802-933-2115
Cities/Towns Retaining Glebe Lands
To our knowledge, the following Cities/Towns have retained glebe interests:
Burlington
Bristol
Cambridge
Chester
Concord
Hardwick
Huntington
Leicester
Marlboro
Panton
Shrewsbury
Starksboro
Stockbridge
Stowe
Victory
Warren
Waterbury
Westmore
If you hear of any others, please email . Thank you!