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