Is your home "market ready"?

2010 is just around the corner, and many homeowners are planning to sell their current homes in the new year. In order to ensure that your home sells in the least amount of time and for the highest dollar, your home should be well staged and market ready! I found this article on Realtor.com that offers a great list of items that should be done to your home prior to putting it on the market: http://www.realtor.com/Basics/Sell/PrepHome/GetReady.asp?source=hp.
If you are planning on selling your home this year- please feel free to call or e-mail me, as I would love to discuss the marketing of your home! To view the complete inventory of homes on the market in Chittenden County, don't forget to check out Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty's newly enhanced website: http://www.hickokandboardman.com/



-Jamie Wright, REALTOR

JWright@HickokandBoardman.com

Check out the Griswolds' House!

Since its release in 1989, the Griswold family's house- as seen in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation- has practically become an American icon. Yesterday, one of my favorite blogs, Hooked On Houses (http://hookedonhouses.net/), posted this tour of the Griswold's house: http://hookedonhouses.net/2009/12/20/griswold-house-national-lampoons-christmas-vacation/. So in the spirt of the holiday, I thought I would pass it along...Enjoy!!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR

photo credit: Hookedonhouses.net

Protect Your Home this Holiday Season

For many homeowners, the holidays mean traveling to see friends and family. Although Vermont is ranked the #2 safest state in the nation (according to CQ Press's Annual Crime Rating: http://www.walletpop.com/insurance/safest-states), homeowners should still take exta precautions when leaving their homes unattended for a number of days. To ensure your family returns home to the same house you left behind, please take a look at these suggested precautions (courtesy of the Burlington Police Department):

*Lock all doors and windows: use deadbolts

*Store all valuables and personal belongings out of sight, securely inside your residence

*Draw all first floor shades and window treatments to prevent thieves from "window shopping"

*Utilize timed lights and/or motion lights to deter thieves

*Notify trusted neighbors of your travel plans

*Arrange to have mail and other deliveries to your home stopped or picked up

Of couse, may your travels be safe as well, and have a very happy holiday!


-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
JWright@HickokandBoardman.com

Energy and MONEY saving tips!

Virtually everyone is looking to cut costs lately...and a great place to save some money is on your utility bills. The number one way to save on your utility bills is to cut back on energy consumption. I found this article on RealSimple.com that offers some fantastic ideas on how to cut back on your home's electric bill: http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/save-electric-bill-00000000005997/index.html By implementing some of these suggestions, you'll be helping the environment too!

If you're looking for a new (more energy efficiet) home, make sure to visit http://www.hickokandboardman.com/, and search our entire inventory of properties!
-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
JWright@HickokandBoardman.com

A GREAT day trip from Burlington (for skiers AND non-skiers)!

If you haven't been to Stowe Mountain recently...you might not recognize it! The mountain just underwent $400 million worth of upgrades- including a beautiful new "rustic chic" base lodge at Spruce Peak, a new gondola, and a new pedestrian village (complete with heated walkways)! Both skiers and non-skiers alike will find plenty of ways to entertain themselves in Stowe- which is a mere 45 minute ride from Burlington. In fact, Stowe was just written up in The New York Times 2010 Ski Guide- check it out! This article is loaded with great suggestions for all the hot spots to dine, lodge, enjoy a little apres-ski, and more: http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/12/13/travel/13hours.html

Of course, if you are headed to Stowe from Burlington, no trip is complete without a quick stop at the Cabot Cheese Annex Store, where you can sample all of their delicious varieties of cheddar and "fuel up" for the slopes! http://www.cabotcheese.coop/pages/visit_us/

Photo credit: New York Times Travel

Jamie Wright, REALTOR

Open House Sunday- Great Condo Alternative!

: Want to procrastinate the holiday shopping a bit more?! Stop by my Open House at 58 Matthew Avenue in Burlington anytime from 1:00-3:00 this Sunday, December 12th, and see this adorable 2 bedroom Ranch for yourself! The home features an updated kitchen with dining area, a spacious master bedroom, finished basement with a bar, 2 car garage and much more!

DIRECTIONS: Head north on North Avenue, turn right onto Ethan Allen Parkway. Turn left onto James Avenue, followed by a right onto Matthew Avenue. House #58 will be on the right...look for the signs!

Is your home ready for winter?

It's official: winter is just around the corner. While Burlington has had mild temperatures the last few weeks (postponing the opening weekends of several local ski resorts), the thermometer has started to drop and flurries were flying this morning! I just found this article of Better Homes & Gardens about preparing your home for winter- so if you haven't started, please take a look! http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/maintenance/weatherizing/prepare-your-home-for-winter/?page=1 Perfoming the items on this list can save you money on heating costs this winter, as well as maintenance costs further down the line!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR

Looking to get the holiday started?!?!

There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the holiday season throughout Chittenden County, and the Burlington Free Press just released its Holiday Arts Preview for those of us hoping to get a peek at all the holiday arts & entertainment shows scheduled for our area in the upcoming month. Whether you are looking to purchase tickets to "The Nutcracker" at The Fynn, or hoping to catch "The Logger's Holiday Variety Show", make sure you check out this calender of local events: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200991125018

Today is the final day of the Women's Festival of Crafts at Burlington's City Hall, so make sure you check it out! The 20th annual craft show features 50 booths of vermont women crafters and ends at 5:00 p.m. today! Get a jump start on your holiday shopping while supporting fantastic local artists: http://womensfestivalofcrafts.com/default.aspx

For all you "Twi-hards" in the market for a new home....

You can now purchase the Cullen family home that was featured in the film New Moon. I found the listing on HookedonHouses.net (http://hookedonhouses.net/2009/11/19/you-can-buy-edward-cullens-house-from-new-moon/), and had to join the Twilight-mania! The 5 bedroom, 2 full bath modern design home is situated on a .5 acre creekside lot in Vancouver, Canada. For just $2,298,000 you can truly own a piece of the Twilight saga! To view the listing, please visit:http://www.soprovich.com/home40.html

However, if you're like me- seeing the home featured in the movie is probably the closest you will ever get! Of course, if you are interested in purchasing this home- I can refer you to an agent in the area that can assist you!

Jamie Wright, Realtor

JWright@HickokandBoardman.com

Just Reduced! For those of you who missed the last Open House....

I will be hosting an Open House this Sunday, November 22nd, from 1:00-3:00 at this fantastic custom-built home on 75 Muirfield Road in Burlington! There was an amazing turnout for the last Open House, so if you weren't able to make it to the previous one, be sure to stop by this weekend BEFORE THIS AWESOME HOME SELLS! This pristine home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, an open kitchen overlooking the living room with cozy woodburning fireplace and MUCH more.

Did I mention that it just had a $15,000 price reduction?!?! NOW OFFERED AT $399,000!

Located in the sought-after Appletree Point neighborhood, this home also has access to the private neighborhood beach and 2 pools! City park, tennis and basketball courts, and the Burlington

bike path are all just a block away!

Burlington, VT named one of the "Coolest"!

Travel & Leisure just released a list of "America's Coolest College Towns", and Burlington, VT landed a spot- adding yet another accolade to its already impressive list! Given that I arrived in Burlington to attend the University of Vermont and- 5 years after graduating- still haven't been able to leave this amazing area, I can certainly attest first-hand to the validity of Burlington being named a one of the "coolest" college towns! To read the entire article, please visit:
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-coolest-college-towns/6/

Some other recent commendations for Burlington, VT include "Healthiest City in the U.S.", "Greenest Small City", and "Safe Haven for Real Estate". If you are thinking of moving to the Burlington area, please feel free to contact me. I would be more than happy to assist you in finding your next home in this captivating city!

Jamie Wright, Realtor
JWright@HickokandBoardman.com

Stop by this Sunday from 1:00-3:00!

I'll be hosting an Open House this Sunday- November 15th- from 1:00-3:00 at 177 Hayes Avenue in South Burlington. This spacious 4 bedroom Colonial boasts 2000 square feet of living space and is in move-in condition! The home features an amazing four-season sunroom that overlooks a sunny and fully-fenced backyard- ideal for BBQ's and entertaining!

Now that the first-time homebuyer tax credit has been officially extended (and expanded!!!), it's time for all of your home shoppers that thought it was too late to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit to start reviving your new home search!

If you can't make it to the Open House on Sunday, but don't want to miss out on seeing this charming home, please feel free to call or e-mail me and I will set up a showing for you! (802)846-9530 or JWright@HickokandBoardman.com

Can't wait to see you there!

CHEAP and Easy Kitchen Updates!

Cheap and Easy- 2 magical words that homeowners love to hear! It is no surprise that kitchens have the biggest impact on buyers when they are searching for a new home. If you are thinking of selling your home and want to freshen up your kitchen, or if you just want a change, take a quick peek at this article that I found on The Nest. For under $500 you can give your kitchen a totally new look! http://ideas.thenest.com/decor-tricks/home-renovations/Articles/renovate-your-kitchen-for-500.aspx

Open House this Sunday in Sought-After Burlington Neighborhood!

Stop by my Open House this Sunday, November 8th, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and tour this beautiful custom built Burlington home! Located in Appletree Point, this spacious one-level home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms on a lovely .4 acre lot! Offered at $415,000.

I would love to see you there, but if you can't make it....be sure to spread the word! If you have any questions regarding this home, or would like to schedule a private showing, please feel free to call or e-mail me: 802-846-9530 or JWright@HickokandBoardman.com

Extension to the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Inching Forward!

First-time homebuyers that haven't yet found their next home may still be able to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit! Yesterday, the Senate voted 85-2 to move the bill that is proposing to extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit until April 30, 2010 to a final vote. The current tax credit is set to expire on November 30, 2009 and offers no incentive to current homeowners. Conversely, the proposed bill would not only extend the tax credit for first-time homebuyers, but also render repeat buyers, that have owned their homes for at least 5 years, eligible for a reduced $6,500 tax credit!
http://blogs.forbes.com/moneybuilder/2009/11/03/homebuyer-tax-credit-closer-to-extension/