Every time a bell rings...

The Rossi Team just wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a VERY Merry Christmas! May you be surrounded by all things that bring you Christmas cheer!!

...and if you need help getting into the holiday spirit, check out my post on the Griswald's house, OR this post from Hooked on Houses about the best all-time Christmas Movie Houses.

Finally, if you find yourself with a little spare time over the holidays, make sure to check out the latest listings on HomesBurlingtonVermont.com Natalie Wood isn't the only one asking for a new home for Christmas ;)

Happy Holidays,
-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
(802)846-9530
Jamie@HomesBurlingtonVermont.com

Keep your home safe this holiday season

If you are traveling this holiday season, make sure you take the necessary precautions to ensure your vacant home isn't left vulnerable to theft and other crimes. Please take a moment and read through these tips, courtesy of the Burlington Police Department:

-Lock all doors and windows, using 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 course, safe travels and happy holidays!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR

photo credit: MarthaStewart.com

Vermont is #1....again!

Three cheers for Vermont! The Green Mountain State just claimed the title of Healthiest State in Nation for the 5th year in a row! The United Health Foundation released the results of its 2011 America's Health Ranking this week, and Vermont secured the number one spot- followed by New Hampshire, Connecticut, Hawaii, and Massachusetts. The results cited VT's low rate of infectious disease, high use of prenatal care and lack of violent crime as factors contributing to its favorable ranking. To read more about the study and results, click here.

Make sure to check out our website to see all of the newest Real Estate listings in our nation's healthiest state!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
JWright@HickokandBoardman.com
(802)846-9530

photo credit: Burlngton Free Press

O Christmas Tree!

How lovely are thy branches?

Many of us will be headed out this weekend to pick out our Christmas Tree- one of my favorite holiday traditions. Even though Christmas trees add a certain holiday glow to our homes, they can also be a danger to our houses, if proper precautions are not taken. According to the National Safety Council, each year an average of 250 home structure fires are caused by Christmas trees- accounting for approximately $13.8 million in property damage!

I found some Christmas tree safety tips (courtesy of the National Safety Council) that I thought I would share:

-Try to select a fresh tree by looking for one that is green. The needles of pines and spruces should bend and not break and should be hard to pull off the branches. On fir species, a needle pulled from a fresh tree will snap when bent, much like a fresh carrot. Also, look for a trunk with sticky sap.
-Cut off about two inches of the trunk and put the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly.
-Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources. Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways.
-If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.
-Only use indoor lights indoors (and outdoor lights only outdoors). Look for the UL label. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets.
-Use no more than three light sets on any extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against a wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run cords under rugs.
-Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.

If you are looking for a place to pick out your Christmas Tree, check out this list of local Tree Farms.

Finally, there are a TON of holiday activities happening in our area this weekend, including the Festival of Trees in St. Albans. Just in case that doesn't satiate your Christmas Tree fix, next weekend is the Festival of Trees and Light at the Helen Day Art Center in Stowe.

Have a safe and festive weekend!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
Jamie@HomesBurlingtonVermont.com
(802)846-9530

ps- If you plan on traveling holiday season, make sure your home is safe while you are away. Click here to check out these home safety tips that I shared a couple years ago.

Photo credit: TraditionalHome.com

South Burlington OPEN HOUSE Sunday, November 6th

CUTE AS A BUTTON- come see this charming 2 bedroom Ranch for yourself! Join me this Sunday, November 6th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at 19 Davis Parkway in South Burlington. This home features a light-filled open floor plan, an inviting living room with hardwood floors and a gorgeous stone fireplace, a spacious kitchen that opens to a sunny dining room, and a lovely 3 season sunroom that walks out to a large deck. Offered at $259,900. For more information on this home, click here, or click here for more information on the South Burlington area! To view all of Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman's Open Houses, click here.

Hope to see you Sunday!
-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
(802)846-9530
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

*This property is listed by Susan Wickart

VERY excited to share this with you: Northwest Vermont Market Report

SO many people ask me every day: "How is our Real Estate Market Doing?". Whether you are a homeowner, buyer, or seller- or even just THINKING about one day possibly purchasing a home, virtually everyone wants to know how the greater Burlington area is faring throughout this "housing crisis" that is being experienced throughout so much of the country. As I have said before, Real Estate is entirely local, so national statistics on the housing market don't necessarily pertain to our area (particularly given how stable our market has remained- fist pump!). Long story short, noting this discrepency between national stats and our local stats, the incredibly innovative and ever-so-clever people that I work with compiled the first ever....(drumroll please)....wait for it....wait for it....Northwest Vermont Market Report. TA DA!

This report truly is a work of art (contain your excitement). It contains a plethora of valuable information based on the most recent sales from our summer season: May through August of 2011. Stats from Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle, and Addison county have been compiled and tediously analyzed in preparing this report. Go ahead, take a peek at how the market in your town is holding up!

I would love to hear any feedback you might have from this. Not to worry, this is the first, but not the last of these reports...much more info coming your way courtesy of Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty!

To view the full report (or at least catch a few of the highlights), click here. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you!

OHHH: While I have your attention, don't forget to check out my Open House in Burlington this weekend, mentioned here.

Happy Reading!
-Jamie Wright, Realtor
(802)846-9530
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

Burlington Open House this Sunday, October 16th

34 Edgemoor Drive in Burlington: Join me this Sunday afternoon, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at this adorable Burlington home! Located in Burlington's New North End, this 3 bedroom Ranch is just a quick ride to downtown Burlington (by bike, car, or the bus!) and close to schools, the shopping plaza, bike path, dog park, the lake, and more! The interior of the home features hardwood floors, new flooring in the kitchen and bathroom, a wood-burning fireplace, and an updated kitchen with newer counters and appliances. This home is move-in ready and offered at $229,000: perfect for first-time homebuyers!

If you can't make it to the Open House this Sunday, click here for additional information on this fantastic property, or feel free to contact me and arrange a showing! To check out all of Hickok & Boardman's Open Houses this weekend, click here. Hope to see you Sunday!

-Jamie Wright, Realtor
(802)846-9530
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

*This property is listed by Carol Audette

Village Charmer: Open House this Sunday, October 2nd!

Join me this Sunday, October 2nd from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at this pristine home in the heart of Essex Junction. The 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home is loaded with fantastic details: hardwood floors, french doors, built-ins, & more! Recent improvements include newer roof and furnace! For more information on this wonderful property, click here. Or, stop by the Open House at 37 Pearl Street in Essex Junction.

You can check out all of our Open Houses this Sunday right here.

Hope to see you Sunday!
-Jamie Wright, Realtor
(802)846-9530
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

*This property is listed by Carol Audette

Starting to see a little RED!

Every year, tourists flock to Vermont during our ever-so-short foliage season to take in the state's scenic landscapes as they are brillantly tranformed with tinges of red, orange, and yellow. Sighhhhh: I love Vermont during "leafpeeping" season; it is truly stunning. Last week's colder temps have triggered the first signs of foliage- glimpses of red are starting to show on a smattering of trees. Check out this fantastic foliage update and list of scenic Vermont foliage drives that I found on VermontVacation.com (a fantastic resource for all things tourism)!

If you are in the market to purchase a home in our beautiful state, this is also a wonderful time to get out and look at properties! To view the area's latest listings, make sure to check out Hickok & Boardman's website, or contact me today!

-Jamie Wright, Realtor
(802)846-9530
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

Photo credit: VermontVacation.com

Are you paying a fair price?!

Whether you are a homebuyer in Nebraska looking for a modest 3 bedroom Colonial or a buyer in Manhattan seeking a luxury one bedroom condo, all homebuyers are looking for ONE thing in common: to pay a fair price for their real estate investment. NO buyer wants to overpay for a home (funny, I just never seem to hear that one on the wishlist). But how do you know if you are paying too much for a house, albeit one you absolutely love?? To avoid overpaying for a home, you first need to arm yourself with a trusted Realtor who knows the ins and outs of the marketplace in which you are looking. Then, take a look at these tips that I found on Yahoo Finance today: 10 Tips to for Getting a Fair Price on a Home.

If you are in the market for a new home and would like representation, please feel free to contact me.

-Jamie Wright, Realtor
(802)846-9530
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

Helping Vermont Recover from Irene

I just found this great list of places/ways you can donate or volunteer to help with the relief efforts from Tropical Storm Irene in Vermont, courtesy of Seven Days. CHECK IT OUT! Every $10 donation helps....

-Jamie Wright, Realtor
(802)846-9530
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

photo credit: Today.com

Irene Clean-Up Resources

Thankfully, for those of us in the Burlington area, Irene seems to have been relatively forgiving. Unfortunately, throughout much of the rest of the state, things are drastically different. Although Irene has now moved on to Canada, the impact to many parts of Vermont has been no less than devastating as flooding, road closures and damage from falling trees and debris has forced many Vermonters from their homes. Even if you weren't immediately impacted by Irene, here are some great resources that might prove useful in the next few days:
Top Tips for Home and Basement Clean-up After the Hurricane from Online PR Media.
Vermont Road Closures and Cancellations plus Safety Info from WCAX.com.
Continual updates, coverage, and photos of Irene's aftermath: BurlingtonFreePress.com.

Thoughts and prayers to those out there affected by Irene!

-Jamie Wright, Realtor
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com
(802)846-9530

photo credit: theweatherchannel.com

PRICE REDUCED! In-town Luxury condo!

Fantastic location + high end style = 81 South Williams Street #206! This beautiful 2 bedroom condo is located in Burlington's sought-after Hill Section- within walking distance to UVM, Fletcher Allen, downtown, and the waterfront. The unit offers an open floor plan with a large entry, spacious bedrooms, and 2 full baths. Details such as tasteful crown moldings and six-panel doors really add elegance to this property. Additional storage outside the unit and underground parking. There are just too many features to list...contact me for additional pictures or details. Offered at $334,900!

Make sure to check out HickokandBoardman.com for all of the latest listings!

-Jamie Wright, Realtor,
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com
(802)846-9530

Is your new home looking a little empty?

Whoever coined the term "champagne taste on a beer budget" might as well have been directly referring to me. When my husband and I moved into our new (to us) home last year, we found that a lot of the rooms had adopted a "minimalistic" approach to the decor (which is merely a euphemism for saying we didn't have enough furniture and belongings to fill the larger spaces). Hence, I started composing my mile-long wishlist of items that we "need" for our house. I also started hunting a bit more diligently for deals...which is how I came across this AMAZING site: Copy Cat Chic. The name of the site sums up the gist of it quite well; basically each day, or so, it features a new item from a higher-end ($$$) retailer (i.e. Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, etc.) and then it showcases a MUCH more wallet-friendly knock-off! So be sure to check it out if you find yourself in a new space that is looking a little barren AND you want to save some of that hard-earned dough. (There is even a pretty cool "Tag Sale" section.)

Speaking of tag sales...you can also check out Hickok and Boardman's Yard Sale to benefit the United Way this Saturday for lots of homegoods and furniture! Stop by 346 Shelburne Road in Burlington anytime between 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. tomorrow (August 20th). All proceeds will benefit the United Way of Chittenden County.

Enjoy!
-Jamie Wright, Realtor
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com
(802)846-9530

Photo credit: copycatchic.com

Guilt-free shopping: I LOVE IT!!

Get a great deal and benefit a great cause (translation: NO buyer's remorse)! Stop by the Hickok & Boardman Yard Sale this Saturday, August 20th from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at 346 Shelburne Road in Burlington (weather permitting)! Whether you are in the market for household goods or clothing, this sale is sure to have it all: kitchen items, furniture, exercise and recreation goods, toys, games, & more! ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT UNITED WAY OF CHITTENDEN COUNTY!

Hope to see you there!
-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com
(802)846-9530

photo credit: BHG.com

Is there such a thing as a "Painless Move"?

I am not entirely convinced that a "Painless Move" exists, BUT here are some tips (courtesy of Casasugar) to help you get as close as humanly possible to a "Painless Move".

Hickok & Boardman's website is also loaded with tips and information for a smooth move as well- make sure to check it out if you have an upcoming move planned.

Of course, before you can move...you need to find the home! Feel free to contact me to get your (new) home search started!

-Jamie Wright, Realtor
(802)846-9530
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

photo credit: Casasugar.com

Open House this Sunday!

This Sunday, August 7th, I will be hosting an Open House at this FABULOUS Creek Farm townhouse in Colchester, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Please stop by and see this absolutely MOVE-IN ready 2 bedroom and 1.5 bathroom home for yourself! Recent improvements include: new carpeting, fresh paint throughout, new flooring in the bathrooms, some new windows, & more! While you're there, take a walk around the beautiful common grounds- you must see to appreciate! Offered at $169,900. For more information on this too-good-to-be-true home, please click here.

To search all of this weekend's Open Houses, check out Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman's website by clicking here.

Hope to see you Sunday!
-Jamie Wright, Realtor
(802)846-9530
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

Be "Cool"....Save Money!

July is almost here- time to break out the air conditioners!! Yesterday I actually broke down and turned on the A/C for the second time this year. As much as love I good, cool night's sleep, those little buggers can certainly jack up the energy costs! Here are some quick tips I found on Yahoo! Finance on How to Reduce Your Cooling Costs, that I thought I would pass along! Aside from programming your air conditioners, there are lots of other (EASY) ways you can slash your cooling costs! You can click here to view the video version of this article.

Stay Cool!
-Jamie Wright, Realtor
(802)846-9530
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

What a Charmer!!

From the moment you step onto its welcoming front porch, this South Burlington home just oozes charm! The 3 bedroom Cape features an open floor plan with maple hardwood floors and original woodwork and doors. The sunny kitchen features a breakfast bar and opens to the dining room. Just off the spacious living room, you'll find a lovely screened-in porch. This home is situated on a beautiful lot and conveniently located close to downtown Burlington, the lake, I-89, & more! Offered at $259,900. For more information on this fantastic home, please click here ,or feel free to contact me to schedule a showing.

Make sure to check out Hickok & Boardman's website to see of all the latest listings!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
(802)846-9530
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

Just Listed! Turn-Key Townhome in Colchester!

New to the market: This 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath Creek Farm condo is absolutely move-in ready...all you have to do is unpack! Recent updates include: new carpeting, fresh paint throughout, new flooring in both the full and half baths, new windows in the bedrooms, new electric range/oven, new Corian countertop in the full bath, & more! This condo complex is nestled in a peaceful, residential setting- surrounded by both woods and gorgeous, open green space. The association pool and tennis court provide the perfect retreat for these fabulous summer days (that are gracing Vermont at long last)! Enjoy the bike path just steps from your door- this location has it all: the perfect balance of privacy and convenience! Offered at $169,900. If you are interested in more information on this wonderful property, click here- or feel free to contact me! I would be happy to show you this property in person!

If you want to view all of Hickok & Boardman Realty's listings, make sure to visit our website.

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
(802)846-9530
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

Protect Your Home's Value!

Sure, everyone knows that the number one rule of Real Estate is "location, location, location" and we don't see too many people renovating their homes with lime green shag carpet these days- but did you know that hanging a clothesline could impact the value of your home?! That's right- according to this article from MSN Real Estate, "13 Big Threats to Your Home's Value", having a clothesline in your backyard can decrease (however minimally) the value of your home. Whether you are a current homeowner thinking of selling your home, or in the market to buy a home, you may want to take a look at this list of items to avoid!

Remember, you can search all of Hickok & Boardman Realty's newest listings right here.

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com
(802)846-9530

Colchester Open House this Sunday, May 15th

This Sunday, May 15th, I will be hosting an Open House at 14 Logan Drive in Colchester from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Please stop by and see this wonderful 3 bedroom and 2.5 bathroom Colonial style home for yourself! Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, this house is close to both Colchester village and Essex Junction. Featuring over 2100 square feet of living space, the home has a spacious eat-in kitchen, wonderful 3 season sunroom, large master suite, and a great back deck complete with a hot tub for endless relaxation! For more information on this property, click here.

Directions: From Colchester Village take route 2A towards Essex Junction. Logan Drive will be on your left, first house on the right. Look for signs! Hope to see you there!

To see all of Hickok & Boardman's Open Houses for Sunday, May 15th, click here.

Get out of town!! Buyers think the mortgage process is confusing?!

Please DO note the sarcasm in that title! The Wall Street Journal published an article today with results from a recent survey that was conducted by Mortgagematch.com. Amongst the findings: almost one third of American homebuyers reported that understanding the mortgage process was the most difficult part of the homebuying process. I find that even buyers who have bought property before are overwhelmed by the mortgage process, as requirements have changed drastically in the last few years. In fact, the WSJ's article states, "While anyone who applied for a loan during the middle of the last decade probably found that the process was a breeze, lenders have ratcheted down not only their lending requirements since the collapse of the housing market four years ago, but they’ve also become far pickier about documentation requirements." Not that this is a bad thing- additional documentation requirements (though sometimes a pain to track down) means that buyers are not purchasing homes that they can not realistically afford.

Who can blame these overwhelmed buyers (first time or repeat); mortgage applications are 40+ pages...that's A LOT of information to digest! HOWEVER, an experienced and knowledgeable lender can alleviate A LOT of the confusion! It is absolutely critical that you feel comfortable with your lender and he/she are there to answer your questions in a timely manner.

What did some of the other two-thirds of buyers surveyed say they thought the most difficult part was? Well, OVER HALF (54%) stated that finding the right home was the hardest part of the process. Solution: find yourself a Realtor who is familiar with the area(s) in which you are interested and that listens to both your wishes and needs! Another 25% of those surveyed expressed that negotiating the right price for the home was the most difficult aspect of the process. Enter, once again, your experienced Realtor. Of course every seller wants top dollar for their home and every buyer wants to pay the lowest possible amount for a home. Working with an experienced agent can bring both of these parties to a mutual understanding and facilitate a conflict-free transaction.

Bottom line: If you are thinking of purchasing a home, it is absolutely crucial that you pair yourself with both a savvy Realtor (ahem!) AND a trusted lender. Now that the spring months are somewhat within our sights, a lot of homebuyers are starting to crawl out of the caves that they have been hibernating in these last couple of months. If you are one of these buyers and you haven't spoken to a lender about getting pre-approved and what the mortgage process will entail on your end, please call me today and I can suggest some WONDERFUL local lenders that will break down the process for you and put your apprehensions at ease!

Make sure to check out the entire article from the Wall Street Journal!

Feel free to contact me today if you are considering purchasing a home and would like to disuss the homebuying process! Remember, you can always search all of our newest listings by visiting Hickok & Boardman's website!

-Jamie Wright, Realtor
(802)846-9530
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

Another DELICIOUS reason to love B-town!

Mmmmmm!!! Burlington, VT has made yet another "top ten" list...and this one I can personally attest to! Sperling's "Best Places" recently named America's Best "Foodie" Cities, and lil' ol' BTV made the #3 spot on the list (just behind Santa Rosa/Napa, CA and Portland, OR)! To read the article on Burlington's latest accolade that was featured in the Burlington Free Press this morning, click here.

In compiling the "ten best", Sperling's Best Places looked at 379 metro areas across the U.S. Not suprising to locals, Burlington had a high ratio of local eateries in comparison to chain restaurants; 84.5% of our restaurants are local eateries! CNBC- which features Sperling's list- cited favorites such as American Flatbread (the perfect place to grab a bite after a day on the slopes), Penny Cluse Cafe (I can taste the biscuits and herb gravy now), and the Bluebird Tavern. In addition to restuarants, Sperling also took into account the presence of breweries, brew pubs, wine bars, farmers markets, and community supported agriculture.

To see the entire list, and find out more about how Sperling compiled the list, check out Sperling's Best Places. My stomach is officially growling now...I think it's time to grab some lunch....maybe a little something from The Spot??!

Feel free to contact me if you are looking to buy or sell your home in the Burlington area...or even if you just need a restaurant suggestion!

Be well,
Jamie Wright, Realtor
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com
(802)846-9530

photo credit: thespotvt.com

Do you think -20 degrees constitutes "extreme cold"?

Given the absurdly cold weather in our area these last couple of days (don't panic- we are forecasted a "heatwave" in the double digits tomorrow), I thought I would pass along this article: How to Protect Your Home During Extreme Cold Weather. As you already know- or may be finding out- extreme cold weather can take a toll on YOU, but it can also have serious consequences on your home as well. To make sure your home (read: investment) is protected, make sure to check out home improvement expert Danny Lipford's tips and suggestions!

In the off chance I am enticing anyone to relocate to our beautiful area, feel free to contact me if you are interested in starting your home search! All kidding aside, Vermont is a fabulous place to live...363 days of the year!

Stay warm!

-Jamie Wright, Realtor
(802)846-9530
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

photocredit: www.DannyLipford.com

No plans for this weekend?...GO GREEN!!

If this weekend's freezing weather forecast has you ditching your ski plans and scrambling to find an indoor activity to keep you busy- you're in luck! January 21st through January 23rd is the 4th annual VT Green Home & Living Show at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction! You can take this opportunity to meet with energy efficiency experts, building experts, and even take a look at the latest trends in green products for both home and life! The pellet stoves will be roaring....so make sure to check it out! Stop by anytime Friday from 12:00-7:00, Saturday from 10:00-7:00 or Sunday from 10:00-4:00. For more directions and more information, please click here.

Looking for ways to be greener in 2011? Check out this post for some inspiration!

Regardless of what your weekend plans entail, have fun and stay warm!

-Jamie Wright, Realtor
(802)846-9530
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

Photo credit: LoveEarthAlways.com

Looking for some help....

Last year, I became a mentor through Everybody Wins! Vermont- a mentoring program in area elementary schools with a focus on fostering the love of reading. Each Tuesday, I go to John J. Flynn Elementary School in Burlington, and share my lunch hour and some reading time with my mentee- a fifth grader with a proclivity for neon nail polish and Junie B. Jones. This experience has been entirely rewarding; for such a minimal time commitment, the benefits are astounding!

As the arrival of my own little (hopefully one day) bookworm draws nearer, I am looking for someone who might be interested in "subsitute mentoring" for me while I am on my maternity absence. If you have been considering joining EW! or any mentoring/volunteering program- this could be a wonderful opportunity to participate in the program on a "trial basis". I had considered a number of different mentoring/volunteering programs and found this one to be a great fit, as it takes little more than an hour a week! Please call or e-mail me if you have any interest or questions on my experience with the program.

As of today, EW! has over 650 reading pairs in 23 different schools- making it the state's largerst mentoring program...that's pretty amazing! Last week, the Burlington Free Press ran an article on EW!, to check that out, click here.

Oh, and if you are looking to purchase a home in the Burlington area, I would be happy to assist you with that as well! Feel free to contact me for all of your Real Estate needs.

-Jamie Wright, Realtor
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com
(802)846-9530

photo credit: Burlington Free Press

Diggin' it!

I have been listening to the scraping of snow shovels and the humming of snowblowers outside my window all day. Ahhh!! The sweet sounds of winter! The Burlington area got about 10 inches of fresh powder yesterday, which is relatively minor in comparison to much of the rest of the northeast. I found this article on CasaSugar: "Mike Holmes's Top Tips for Dealing with Snow", and thought I would pass it along to all my east coast friends that are digging themselves out today!

If you are need of a snow removal service, check out HickokandBoardman.com and click on the Home Maintenance tab. You'll find recommendations for snow removal companies, as well as other local service providers.

Happy Shoveling!
-Jamie Wright, Realtor
(802)846-9530

photo credit: Yahoo.com

Have you made your New Year's Resolution yet?

Attention homeowners: are you looking to sell you home in 2011? If so, take a moment and read this article from Yahoo! Finance, "Resolutions for Home Sellers in 2011"- it might save you time on the market AND money in your pocket.

I really like this article because it gives sellers ideas on actions they can take, aside from merely staging their homes (click here for ideas on that), that can really impact the sale process. For instance, MAKE YOUR HOME EASY TO SHOW! This doesn't cost you a dime, doesn't require re-painting, replacing, or fixing, and is relatively painless! So, the next time an agent wants to show your home, don't make them reschedule because your favorite tv show is on...let them in! (Okay, maybe that is a slight exaggeration, but we have all encountered the "less than flexible" seller. Newsflash: the more people that walk through your door, the greater your odds of receiving an offer!)

If you are thinking of listing your home this year, don't miss out on the early birds out house shopping before the rush of buyers for the spring market! A few weeks on the market with less competition could make all the difference!

Whether you are looking to buy or sell your home this year, feel free to contact me for all of your Real Estate needs!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com
(802)846-9530

photo credit: BHG.com