No Place Like Vermont Home

So. Burlington Open House this Sunday!

2012-01-23T09:25:00.000-08:00

NEW to MLS! Be one of the first to see this spacious and light-filled South Burlington Cape! If you are looking to be in a new home by this spring, this is the house for you: well-maintained and MOVE-IN READY! This 3 bedroom home boasts over 2100 square feet of finished living space!

Enjoy cooking & entertaining in this updated kitchen with newer counter tops, a breakfast bar, and ample counter & cabinet space:

The finished area in the basement provides plenty of casual living space:

The home also features a large, fenced-in backyard- perfect for backyard BBQ's!

To see this home for yourself, stop by this Sunday, January 29th, anytime between 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Property Address: 17 Queensbury Road (just off Patchen Road)
Offered at: $289,000

To view the full listing for this home, click here, or contact me to schedule a showing!

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

*This property is listed by Steve Lipkin

Avoid (unnecessary) Costly Home Repairs...

2012-01-18T10:31:00.000-08:00

We've all fallen victim to overpriced service at one point or another in our lives. However, the ever-expanding online community is making it easier and easier to ensure these instances become fewer and far between.

Before you plan a trip somewhere, do you read reviews of the hotel/resort you are going to stay at? Prior to making a reservation at a high-end restaurant, do you hop online and check out the menu or view customer ratings? If you answered yes, then doesn't it make sense that you would check out the reviews for any service provider that you are potentially inviting into your home?

Resources like Front Porch Forum, Yelp, and Angie's List are becoming increasingly more popular- and with good reason! If you are letting a STRANGER into your home, you not only want to know that their work is reputable, but that they are also honest and trustworthy.

Take a look at this article from Apartment Therapy, "Tips & Advice: Don't Get Hosed on Home Repairs", for some great pointers on making sure any repairs or improvements done to your home are 1. done properly and 2. done for a fair price.

Of course, you can always check out Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty's Home Maintenance selection of Home Service Providers....all of which have excellent reputations!

Make sure to check out HomesBurlingtonVermont.com for all of the Burlington area's latest listings!

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

photo credit: ThisOldHouse.com

Interested in your home's value??

2012-01-17T05:39:00.000-08:00

I know this is sort of a rhetorical question, as virtually EVERYbody is interested in knowing their home's value (and with good reason).

I came across this blog post from Matrix, and thought it cut right to the point. Bottom line: Your home is worth exactly what the market says it is worth! Ingenious.

If you are searching for a new home in the Vermont area, don't forget to check out HomesBurlingtonVermont.com for all of the latest listings!

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

photo credit: matrix.millersamuel.com

We like our men healthy in Burlington!

2012-01-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

That's right: we're a small city packed with health-conscious males, at least according to Men's Health. The magazine just published its list of the Healthiest Cities in the U.S. for males, and grabbing the number ONE spot was good ol' BTV (ironically, the birthplace of Ben & Jerry's)! Rounding out the top 5 were:

2. Madison, WI
3. Plano, TX
4. San Jose, CA
5. Boise, ID

The study valuated 100 cities across the country on 35 different criteria. Click here to check out the entire list and read the full article.

Good job to the men of Burlington- have yourselves a low-carb beer to celebrate!

If you're looking to make a healthy move, check out all Burlington's latest real estate listings at HomesBurlingtonVermont.com

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

photo credit: www.MensHealth.com

Every time a bell rings...

2011-12-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-07T09:37:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-02T07:47:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-02T07:25:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-09-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-09-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

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?!

2011-09-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-31T11:24:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-08-24T08:50:00.001-07:00

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?

2011-08-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

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!!

2011-08-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

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"?

2011-08-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-08-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-06-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

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!!

2011-06-22T13:10:00.001-07:00

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!

2011-06-16T11:49:00.001-07:00

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!

2011-05-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

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?!

2011-02-08T13:23:00.001-08:00

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!

2011-02-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

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"?

2011-01-24T08:39:00.000-08:00

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!!

2011-01-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

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....

2011-01-19T13:19:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-01-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-01-05T11:44:00.001-08:00

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

One can Dream....

2010-12-30T10:10:00.001-08:00

Every year, HGTV (I'm shamelessy addicted) gives away a beautifully built and fully furnished and decorated home in one of the country's most scenic locations (past locations have included Sonoma, CA and the Florida Keys). This year, HGTV's Dream Home is located right in our very own backyard...in stunning Stowe, Vermont! Just 40 minutes from Burlington, Stowe is the quintessential Vermont ski town. The network will be debuting the home on January 1st (when you can officially enter to win the Dream Home), so make sure you check it out, as it will be packed with lots of information on not only the house, but the surrounding area and the local materials that we used in its construction. This year's slopeside home will even feature a "ski dorm" to accomodate all of the winner's newfound friends clamoring to check out everything Stowe has to offer- both on and off the trails!

If you are impatient (like me) and can't wait until New Year's Day to see the rest of the new Dream Home, you can check out pictures here. Otherwise, make sure to check out HGTV on January 1st at 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

If you are looking for a more modest "dream home", feel free to call or e-mail today to get your home search started! Remember, you can always search all of the area's newest listings 24/7 by visiting HickokandBoardman.com.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

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

Just a couple changes could get your home sold FAST!

2010-12-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

As we enter the winter months, home sellers tend to get a tad anxious that their homes may take a little longer to sell. The truth is, there are less buyers out househunting in the middle of winter than there are in the summer months. HOWEVER, THERE ARE STILL BUYERS OUT THERE...and it only takes one to get your home sold! What sellers need to bear in mind is that they need to keep their homes looking better than competition! (Well, okay, they need to take into account other factors too...such as pricing, marketing, etc....but that can be for another post!)

Real Estate expert and author Barbara Corcoran (you might recognize her from TODAY on NBC) offers a few tidbits of advice in this article that I found on Hooked on Houses: 5 Things That Sell Houses Faster Now. While I am not suggesting that you re-paint the exterior of your home in the middle of the winter, a couple of these suggestions are low to no-cost solutions that could make a big difference. (Ahem: CLEAN AND DE-CLUTTER!!)

You can also check out her appearance on TODAY, in which she explains in a bit more detail her reasoning behind these suggestions (and adds a slight variation to them). To view the segment "5 Smartest Home Fixes" from TODAY, click here.

So, don't just wait for the spring to roll around in hopes that a new pool of buyers will generate the perfect buyer for your home...get it sold now!!

If you are looking to buy or sell a home this winter, feel free to contact me to discuss your options!

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

photo credit: HookedonHouses.com

It's not all doom and gloom in the Real Estate market! Burlington noted in the WSJ!

2010-11-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

Despite what you may be hearing on the national news, the Real Estate market is not all doom and gloom...ESPECIALLY if you are a homeowner in the greater-Burlington area! When listening to (or reading) news on the national Real Estate market, it is important to keep in mind that Real Estate is entirely local. Case in point: this article featured in last week's Wall Street Journal, "Home Prices Decline in Nearly Half of Metropolitan Areas". While at first, one might jump to the conclusion that this article is relaying unfavorable news, if you are a homeowner in the Burlington area, it is quite the opposite!

Basically, the article is stating that in the third quarter of this year, the median home price fell for nearly half of all the metropolitan areas that were observed -in 76 of the 155 areas, to be exact (I think the headline did a good job summing this point up). However, do you see the glass as half empty of half full?! The article goes on to point out that the median home price rose in 77 of the 155 areas observed, AND home prices remained the same in the remaining 2 metropolitan areas. SO, really, home prices have increased, or remained steady, in OVER half of the metropolitan areas that were observed. Why doesn't the article's headline relay this (much more optimistic) finding?!

EVEN MORE ENCOURAGING: Burlington was named as the top metropolitan area for increases in the median home price- up 18% in comparison to last year! WHERE IS THE DOOM AND GLOOM IN THAT?!?! Homeowners in Elmira, NY and Dallas, TX are probably grinning as well, as they both had experienced considerable increases!

Bottom Line(s): When it comes to news about the national housing market- take everything into consideration from a LOCAL standpoint!...AND if you are looking to purchase a home in the Burlington area, give me a call today!

Make sure to read the article from the Wall Street Journal! If you are wondering what makes Burlington such a desirable place to live, check out this video that my company, Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty, had made for potential homebuyers considering relocating to the area! Enjoy!

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

Sometimes I forget how amazing Burlington is...

2010-11-11T12:49:00.000-08:00

....but this video reminded me! It's almost too easy to take living in this awesome city for granted, but I just watched this video, and was reminded off all the reasons Burlington is such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty had FlyByFilms create this brief video, and I think they did a great job capturing the beauty of the area. To view the video, click here.

If you are moving to the Burlington area, please feel free to contact me to today!

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

Homeowners: Time to prepare your yard for winter!

2010-11-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

I was running on schedule to work today, until I went to hop in my car and saw the THICK layer of frost coating it. (I guess it's time to clean out the garage so I can actually park my car in it.) Ready or not, it looks like winter will be here VERY soon (there is possible snow forecasted for the Burlington area this Saturday)!

A couple of weeks ago I shared some tips how you can lower your heating costs this winter (to read that post click here), but I thought it would also be helpful to share some tips on how to prepare the exterior of your home and yard for the fast-approaching cold weather months. (You know...all of those enthralling chores like cleaning your gutters and turing off the water supply to your outdoor spigots.) Here are 10 Essential Tasks for Preparing Your Yard for Winter, from the blog CasaSugar.

I hope you find this helpful! Get out and enjoy the outdoors these last couple of weeks before the cold REALLY sets in!

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

photo credit: casasugar.com

Get into the "Spirit" of things with me....

2010-10-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

With Halloween less than a week away, I thought I would get into the "spirit" of things and challenge you to a little haunted house quiz. I found this quiz, "Name these 10 Halloween Movie Houses" over on Hooked on Houses- one of my favorite blogs. See if you can beat my highly impressive score of 20%. (I know I have set the bar really high!) By the way, just a quick note of local interest: one of these haunted homes was in Addison, Vermont!

Click here to take the quiz!

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

Photo credit: Hooked on Houses

Have You Surrendered Yet?!?!

2010-10-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

I tried to hold out as long as I could...but I finally broke down last weekend and officially turned the heat on in the Wright household. It's been a rather cold October in Vermont, and many homeowners have been turning on the heat earlier than usual. I thought it might be helpful to post some energy-saving (read: money saving) tips, as I haven't met anyone who doesn't like to save a little green!

The following tips were provided by Vermont Gas:
1. Set thermostats between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter, and to 58 degrees when away from the house for more than a few hours. *Keep in mind that warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly people, and infants.*
2. Install a programmable setback thermostat that will automatically turn down the heat when you're sleeping or at work. Turning down your thermostat 7 to 12 degrees for eight hours a day, can save you up to 10 percent on your annual heating bills.
3. Change or clean your furnace filters once a month during the heating season.
4. Warm air rises, so use registers to direct airflow across the floor.
5. Close vents and doors in unused rooms and close dampers on unused fireplaces.
6. Be sure your hot water heater is set at a temperature recommended by the manufacturer.
7. On sunny days, open draperies and blinds to let the sun's warmth in. Close them at night to insulate against the cold air outside.
8. Place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room.

Of course, thinking longer term (and larger investment), there are other steps you can take to ensure your home is running at its optimal efficiency. To learn more about those, click here.

I hope you find this helpful and stay warm!
-Jamie Wright, Realtor
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com
(802)846-9530

Open House Sunday, October 3rd

2010-09-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

October is the perfect time of year for Open Houses....just an extra excuse to drive around and take in all of the beautiful foliage that Vermont is so well-known for! This Sunday, October 3rd, I will be hosting an Open House at this 3 bedroom ranch home at 335 Plains Road in Westford. This house is situated on an acre lot complete with fire pit and a veggie garden. The meticulously maintained home boasts a remodeled kitchen, finished basement with 3/4 bath, open floor plan, oversized 2-car garage & more! Stop by this Sunday anytime from 1:00- 3:00 and see this terrific property for yourself!

If you can't make it to the Open House, but would still like to see the home, feel free to contact me to schedule a showing. You can always take the visual tour for this home just by clicking here....but trust me, you WANT to see this one in person!

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

How to obtain the best mortgage rate

2010-09-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

I am sure you have heard over and over how incredibly low mortgage interest rates are right now. (In fact, you have probably heard this more than once from yours truly. Remember a couple of months ago when I highlighted how much a change of one point in your interest rate can save/cost you [in this blog post]?)

At any rate (no pun intended), some buyers are surprised to find that when they speak with their lender about getting pre-approved to purchase a home, they are quoted a higher interest rate than they expected (or that they have been hearing in the news). The reason for this? The interest rate that a buyer qualifies for is dependent on a number of factors. Therefore, interest rates aren't a "one size fits all" type of thing. However, there are actions that you can take to ensure that you get the lowest interest rate possible.

I found this great article from Inman News, "Meet 4 criteria for best interest rates" that outlines the most crucial factors that lenders are looking for in order to quote you the best possible interest rate! Even if you aren't in the market for a home at the moment, this article is still worth taking a look at, as the financial actions you take now can impact your purchasing power for quite a while!

If you are thinking of purchasing a home, and haven't yet spoken with a lender about getting pre-approved, feel free to contact me and I would be more than happy to put you in touch with a fabuous local lender!

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

WEDNESDAY Open House....Stop by on your way home!

2010-08-09T12:58:00.000-07:00

This WEDNESDAY, August 11th, I will be hosting an Open House at this 2 bedroom and 2.5 bathroom carriage-style condex at 914B North Avenue in Burlington from 4:30- 6:00 p.m. Please feel free to stop by and see this truly unique property for yourself! You'll love the open floor plan with exposed beams and cathedral ceilings. The spacious back deck just off the kitchen is perfect for bbq'ing. Convenient location- close to the beltline, North Beach, the bike path, and downtown! Offered at $230,000!

Directions: Drive north on North Avenue, property on the right hand side (tucked back) just after access to the beltline and immediately before Saratoga Avenue. PLEASE PARK AROUND THE CORNER ON SARATOGA AVENUE.

If you can't make it to the open house, please feel free to call or e-mail me and I will gladly arrange a showing! You can check out the rest of Hickok & Boardman's Wednesday evening Open Houses just by clicking here.

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

Don't Make the Mistake....

2010-08-04T11:02:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! Real Estate just posted an article: 10 Worst First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes 2010 (which I would be willing to bet looks quite similar to the same list for 2009). At any rate, while the article does bring up some very good points, it doesn't by any means pertain solely to first-time homebuyers! Purchasing a home (whether your first or your tenth) can be overwhelming, and being informed going into the process can definitely ease some of the stress.

A couple of my favorite points brought up in the article are:

Mistake #2- Skipping Mortgage Qualification. It is SO devastating to buyers when they walk into a property that they love, only to find out that they can not afford it. Trust me, skip the heartbreak, and get pre-approved before you get emotionally vested in any property!

Also, Mistake #9- Not Choosing to Hire an Agent! The fact that some buyers try to take on such a huge endeavor AND investment without representation baffles me! That would be like me to trying to replace the engine in my car...by myself! The results could be disastrous- and potentially costly! (Besides, any Realtor will help you through the process so that you avoid the other nine mistakes mentioned in this article- it's a no-brainer!)

Enough of my rambling, take a look at the article yourself! If you are a first-time homebuyer and looking to start the homebuying process, feel free to contact me today, and we can get you started off on the right foot!

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

Couldn't we all be a little Greener?

2010-07-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

I recently found this new (well, new to me) blog that has some really great ideas for decorating your home in an eco-friendly AND stylish manner. From ideas on where to find "green" paint, rugs, and furniture, to tutorials on how to re-purpose old household items, this blog is with jam-packed recommendations and solutions for sustainable living. So, visit Green Your Decor sometime! If you're feeling extra crafty, make sure you check out the post 5 Awesome, Eco-Friendly DIY Projects for your Home. Enjoy!

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

Open House TOMORROW (Yes...Wednesday)! Move-In Ready in Essex!

2010-07-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

Come join me tomorrow evening (that's right: Wednesday, July 21st) to celebrate the end of another work day, and check out this amazing Saxon Hollow end unit! This three bedroom and three FULL bathroom home boasts and open floor plan with three sets of french doors leading out to beautiful private decks- ideal for entertaining and outdoor enjoyment! This unit also features abundant storage, a spacious master suite with walk-in closet and full bath, slate-tiled entry, hardwood floors, gas fireplace, and attached one-car garage. Please feel free to stop by and see this fabulous home for yourself, tomorrow evening anytime bewteen 4:30-6:00 p.m. Offered at just $249,900!

For additional information on this property, please click here, or stop by the Open House tomorrow evening at 7 Saxon Hollow Drive, unit A-1 in Essex!

Directions: Sandhill Road to Allen Martin Parkway, left on Saxon Hollow, first unit on the right.

If you can't make it to the Open House but would still like to see the home, please feel free to call or e-mail me at 802-846-9530 or Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com. Remember, you can always browse Chittenden County's entire inventory of townhomes by visiting BurlingtonVermontHomes.com!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR

Check out what Smart Money is saying!

2010-07-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago, our very own Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty was selected by Smart Money Magazine (a publication of The Wall Street Journal) to participate in a story that they were writing about getting started in the Real Estate business. Enter Alyssa Abkowitz, a journalist from Smart Money who flew to Burlington from Manhattan and trailed myself, and several other fellow H&B agents, as we went about "business as usual" over the course of several days. On one such day, Alyssa came with me to host an Open House where we met (who would soon become) some of my recent buyers: soon-to-be newlyweds and recent transplants from Hawaii, Scott and Jessica! Alyssa and myself were both excited about Scott and Jessica's enthusiasm for finding their first home together, and Alyssa (a newly licensed agent herself) decided Scott and Jess were the perfect first-time homebuyers to work with for the (ever-evolving) story she was looking to write.

Scott and Jess were extremely gracious in allowing their house hunt to be followed, documented, and scrutinized. In the end, after several showings, a couple offers, and lots of time spent together in the car- Scott and Jess ended up finding what would be their new home together! Alyssa was able to aid in the offer-writing process, and as we submitted the offer all four of us kept our fingers crossed! Fortunately, the offer was (eventually) accepted, and so began the remainder of the homebuying process (all the fun stuff that buyers tend to forget about when they are caught up in house hunting: loan applications, financing contingencies, inspections, etc.).

At any rate, after several weeks of being under contract, Scott and Jess officially became homeowners a coupe of weeks ago! I LOVE working with first-time homebuyers, and Scott and Jess were no exception. It is so gratifying sitting at a closing table with buyers that are SO excited and eager to take on the joys of homeownership!

So, without further ado, I thought I would pass along the article from Smart Money: "Diary of an Undercover Broker: How We Sold A House". Thanks SO much to Scott and Jess for all of their cooperation...and I am so glad they wandered into my (and Alyssa's) Open House that afternoon!

If you are thinking of purchasing a home, feel free to call or e-mail me today and we can get your home search started (though, I can't promise you a mention in Smart Money)!

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

Am I starting to sound like a broken record?

2010-06-23T07:41:00.001-07:00

I know I have said it before, but I just can't stress it enough: NOW is a fantastic time to buy a home!! Even though we no longer have the homebuyer tax credit in place, we DO have INCREDIBLY low interest rates (not to mention a great inventory of homes)! With interest rates hovering around 4.75%, buyers are experiencing greater purchasing power (read: they can afford more home for the same amount of money)!

Heather Myott from Coldwell Banker Mortgage did a calculation to illustrate what this increase in purchasing power really translates to, and I thought I would pass it along:

For example, if a buyer is purchasing a $300,000 home and putting down 3.5% with an interest rate of 4.75% for a 30 year fixed rate loan, their monthly payment (of principal and interest) would be $1,544.15.

Now, let's pretend that same buyer waits to purchase the same home until rates have increased to 5.75%. The payment (again, principal and interest) for the scenario- $300,000 purchase price with 3.5% down for a 30 year fixed rate loan BUT with an interest rate of 5.75% would be $1,727.16. THAT'S AN INCREASE OF $183.31 PER MONTH!! (Or, $65,000 over a 30 year loan!)

Now, I don't know about you- but I have a pretty serious shopping habit. So, I translate that $183 a month to at LEAST one outfit! (That's an entire wardrobe by the end of the year!) Of course, depending on your lifestyle, you could view this additional $183 per month a number of ways: you could think of it as one week of day care, one month's cable, telephone, and internet bill, a couple of nice dinners out, a car payment (part of all of it), or even vacation money at the end of the year!!

Continuing on with the example, if the buyer wanted to maintain the payment amount of $1,544.15 in an economy with interest rates 1 point higher than we are seeing now (so, 5.75%), they would only be able to afford a $268,000 home- that's a decrease in 11% in the amount of home they are able to afford!!

Bottom line: if you are thinking of purchasing a home, but don't think you can afford the home that you want, you should probably speak to a lender and determine what you can afford, as you might be (pleasantly) surprised. Do you have a specific home in mind? If so, click here for a mortgage calculator to help determine what your monthly mortgage might be.

You can contact Heather Myott at Coldwell Banker Mortgage at (802)238-1704 or Heather.Myott@MyMortgageFamily.com

As always, you can reach me at (802)846-9430 or Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR

Look no further!

2010-06-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

JUST LISTED: If you have been looking for a condo or townhome in the Essex area, don't pass this property by! This amazing 3 bedroom Saxon Hollow townhome offers both space and privacy. If you enjoy bringing the outdoors in, you'll LOVE this unit- there are 3 separate sets of french doors that lead to the peaceful outdoor decks! (BBQ'ers: take note!) The interior boasts 3 bedrooms- including a spacious master suite with walk-in closet and master bath, 3 full baths, and an open family room with a gas fireplace. Hardwood floors. Offered at $259,900.

To view interior pics of this amazing property, click here. If you would like to schedule a showing, please call or e-mail me today!

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

Open House Sunday: Immaculate Burlington Condo!

2010-06-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, June 5th, I will be hosting an Open House at this fantastic condo in the New North End of Burlington from 1:00-3:00 p.m. This move-in ready townhome has 2bedrooms and 1 bathroom in over 1,000 square feet. Conveniently located close to the lake and bike path, schools, Colchester and just minutes from downtown Burlington.

Recent updates include fresh paint, newer windows and furnace (installed in 2007), newer carpeting, and updated light fixtures. The large back deck backs up to the woods and river, providing for a peaceful area for relaxing outdoors!

This townhome is offered at $177,000. For more information on the property, please click here, or stop by on Sunday!

If you can't make it to the Open House this Sunday, but would still like to view this property, please contact me to arrange a showing: Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com or (802) 846-9530

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR

B-Town Is Recognized Again!!

2010-05-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine just released a list of the 10 Best Cities for the Next Decade, and Burlington came in at #8 on the list! In compiling the list, the editors focused primarily on areas with a great amount of INNOVATION (the amount of which was determined by a stong presence of three components: smart people, great ideas, and collaboration). Not suprisingly, Burlington is acknowledged for its innovation in environmentalism-in energy consumption, food production, economic growth, etc. To read the entire article (and see which other cities made the list), click here.

Can you think of any place better to purchase your next home than in a charming city that has been named one of the country's ten best cities FOR THE NEXT DECADE?!? If you are thinking of buying a home in the Burlington area, feel free to call or e-mail me today!

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

Moving Out (or In) this Spring??...If so, (you may want to) mark your calendar!

2010-05-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

I was reading through Seven Days today and I saw this article about the new craze of "Dumpster Diving". (The whole idea behind it being that one man's trash might be another man's treasure.) While (I think) many people aren't about to plunge into a dumpster or garbage can to salvage unwanted homegoods...it did get me thinking how inexpensively one could furnish a new home or apartment- especially given the proliferation of online forums such as Craig's List, Front Porch Forum, etc. (Of course, there are still places like ReCycle North and even garage sales for the "old-fashioned" bargain-hunters.)

Then, I saw an advertisement for the Spring Move Out Project (SMOP), and thought I would pass it along (in hopes of saving a few people from throwing themselves into dumpsters). SMOP is taking place May 28th this year, and promotes the reuse and recycling of unwanted items by both individuals and local community organizations. Partipants can drop off, or exchange, their unwanted items (not to be confused with garbage!) between the hours of 11:00-3:00 at Loomis Street in Burlington- between North Willard and School Streets. Many students and homeowners that are moving out of town, will be donating furniture, kitchenware, computers, clothes, electronics, etc. For more information on the event, please click here.

If you are moving out of a home and have items to donate but can't make it to the event, you can drop off your unwanted goods at the Chittenden Solid Waste District's Drop-Off Center located at 338 Pine Street in Burlington.

Please feel free to call or e-mail me if you would like to start looking for a new home today! Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

-Jamie Wright, Realtor
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

Thinking of purchasing a home? Read this:

2010-05-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

Whether your plans for the future home ownership entail purchasing a home six months down the road or six YEARS down the road, this article- "6 Biggest Mistakes Homebuyers Make"- is definitely worth taking a look at! Some of the mistakes noted in this article are made before any buyer even finds a property to purchase! For instance, even if you don't plan on purchasing a home for a couple years, any damage done to your credit score now can stick with you for several years (and consequently, potentially impact the interest rate you obtain)!

Of course, many of these mistakes can be avoided with the helpful guidance of both your Realtor and a trusted lender! To check out a list of recommended lenders that can help guide you through the financing process, click here.

-Jamie Wright, Realtor
Jamie@BurlingtonVermonthomes.com

Good news for greater Burlingon area!

2010-04-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Labor released its latest figures, and the Burlington/South Burlington unemployment rate was among the lowest in New England! The unemployment rate as of March 2010 improved almost a full percent from that of March 2009 (currently 6%, as opposed to 6.9% last March)! To read the entire story from The Burlington Free Press, please click here.

Of course, this is great news for current homeowners because as the employment rate improves, so too does the housing market! If you are in the market for a home, you can check out all of the newest listings just by visiting BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

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

Open House- Move-in Ready in South Burlington

2010-04-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

U-8 Grandview Drive, South Burlington. This Sunday, May 2nd, I will be hosting an Open House at this AFFORDABLE and TURN-KEY Southridge townhome in South Burlington from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. The 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom townhouse is conveniently located close to shopping, I-89, FAHC, Dorset Park, and the bike path! Currently offered at $144,900!

If you would like to take a look at this property before the Open House (just in case you are trying to find something before the expiration of the homebuyer tax credit THIS FRIDAY), please feel free to call or e-mail me to arrange a showing! (802)846-9530 or Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

For additional information and interior photos of this property, please click here.

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

Before you schedule your move, check this out:

2010-04-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

LOTS of Buyers and Sellers are making the move within the next couple months, so I thought I would pass along this article on the 10 Biggest Moving Mistakes that I found on Better Homes & Gardens.com. There is so much work (and stress) involved in moving...it is easy to overlook details such as how to transport plants, getting mover's insurance, and making an inventory list (just to name a few)!

Don't forget: late June and early July are going to be incredibly busy with people moving (especially given the homebuyer tax credit deadline of June 30th). If you are planning on moving in that timeframe BE SURE TO BOOK YOUR MOVERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! If you need recommendations for movers (or any home service providers), you can always visit the (newly revamped!) Hickok & Boardman website and click on the Maintaining Your Home tab for some excellent suggestions!

I hope you find this article helpful! If you are looking to move soon...but still haven't found your next home, please feel free to call or e-mail me today and I will get your search started!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
Jamie@BurlingtonVermonthomes.com

photo credit: BHG.com

Open House Double-Header!

2010-04-18T05:29:00.000-07:00

Stop by my Open House at 64 Dunbar Drive in Essex Junction today, April 18th, any time from 1:00-3:00 to view this immaculate Whitcomb Heights II townhome- featuring over 3,000 square feet of beautifully appointed living space! If you don't absolutely fall in love with this home...you can always march next door, where my colleague, Jessica Hubbard-Riina, will be hosting an Open House at this fabulous property!

These gorgeous townhomes feature 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and boast open floor plans, fabulous kitchens with center islands and stainless steel appliances, spacious living rooms with fireplaces, tranquil master suites, and much more!

64 Dunbar Drive has beautiful cherry floors in the dining room and cherry built-ins in the living room. The lower level has an additional 700+ square feet of light-filled living space- including a built-in banquette that opens for additional storage! Offered at $405,000 AND there is still (just) enough time to take advantage of the existing tax credit! For more information on this property (and additional photos), please click here.

If you can't make it to the Open House(s) today, but would still like to view either of these exceptional properties, please feel free to call or e-mail me, and I will gladly schedule another showing.

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

Just to reiterate:

2010-04-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

I've been saying this for months- but it never hurts to reinforce the message: Now is a fantastic time to buy! I saw this article today- 4 Great Real Estate Deals that Won't Last- on Yahoo Real Estate, and thought I would pass it along, as it really drives home my point! If you have been on the fence about potentially purchasing a home...don't wait around any longer! There are only 26 days left to get under contract in order to be eligible for the current tax credit, interest rates remain incredibly low, and there is a fantastic inventory of homes out there (one of which could be waiting for you)!

If you would like to start your home search today, please feel free to call or e-mail me at (802)846-9530 or Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR

photo credit: BHG.com

Open House this Sunday, March 28th

2010-03-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

First time homebuyers: TAKE NOTE! This home could be the one! This four bedroom colonial is located in a quiet residential neighborhood in the New North End of Burlington- close to walking trails, the bike path, and the lake! The interior of the home features a large living room with a wood burning fireplace, a spacious kitchen, formal dining room, nicely sized bedrooms, hardwood floors, and more! Wonderful natural light throughout the entire home! OFFERED AT $267,000...someone is bound to be calling this property "home" SOON!

To view the visual tour for this property, please click here. OR, stop by my Open House this Sunday at 102 Lopes Avenue in Burlington, and see this home for yourself! If you can't make the Open House and would like to schedule a showing of this property, please feel free to call or e-mail me: Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com or (802)846-9530, and I would be happy to arrange a showing!

Remember, if you are looking to take advantage of the current homebuyer tax credit, you MUST be under contract no later than April 30th! That is just 39 days away! To view all of the latest listings in our area, be sure to visit Burlington Vermont Homes.

Directions to the Open House: Travel north on North Avenue, bare right onto Ethan Allen Parkway. Take your first left turn on to Lopes Avenue, the home is on your right hand side- #102

-Jamie Wright, Realtor
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

Welcome Spring!

2010-03-20T07:00:00.001-07:00

Finally! After a long (albeit particulary mild) winter, spring has finally arrived! Today officially marks the first day of spring- and the first signs of spring are starting to bloom in Vermont. Yesterday, while showing property, I actually spotted flowers starting to blossom! I found this article "7 Simple Ways to Welcome Spring" on Hooked on Houses, (love this blog) and thought I would pass it along...to get everyone in the mood!

Remember, if you have been contemplating selling your home- spring is the perfect time to put your home on the market! If you would like to discuss selling your house, feel free to call or e-mail me today: Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com or
(802)846-9530.

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

Photo credit: BHG.com

UVM is back in the Big Dance!

2010-03-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

After winning the America East Conference with a defeat over Boston University this Saturday, the UVM men's basketball team is headed to the NCAA Tournament! This Friday night, the Catamounts- who are seeded number 16 in the tournament- will play the number 1 seeded Syracuse University in Buffalo, New York. UVM has not played in the tournament since their suprise defeat over Syracuse in 2005. This tournament appearance will mark only the fourth time in school history that UVM has made it to the NCAA Tournament!

If Vermont can pull off another defeat over Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament, it will be the first time in the history of the tournament that a number 1 seed has defeated a number 16 seed! (When UVM defeated Syracuse in 2005 they were the number 14 seed.)

Although defeating Syracuse on Friday will be no easy feat, I will be watching (with fingers crossed) to see if the Catamounts can repeat history and once again eliminate Syracuse in the first round!

*In case you missed Marqus Blakely's amazing dunk on Saturday, you can view it by clicking here.*

For more information on the Catamounts or ticketing information, click here.

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

photocredit: BurlingtonFreePress.com

Before you go to bed on Saturday night...

2010-03-11T11:17:00.000-08:00

...don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour! That's right- daylight savings begins this Sunday, March 14th. Before you start to get too excited about the forthcoming longer days, extra hours of sunlight, and warmer weather, don't forget that with daylight savings comes...SPRING CLEANING! Although no one (sane) particularly enjoys spring cleaning, it does serve as a good reminder to not only de-clutter your home but also to address some home maintenance items such as testing the smoke detectors in your house, cleaning out your rain gutters, having your furnace cleaned and of that other FUN stuff! I found this great checklist of home maintenance items to check at BobVila.com, and thought I would pass it along.

Of course, if you want some tips on how to CLEAN certain items in your home, who better to check with that Martha Stewart? I found this checklist on her website.

If you want to do your spring cleaning in a new home, make sure to check out Chittenden County's newest listings at BurlingtonVermontHomes.com. First time homebuyers remember, as of today, there are only 50 days left to get under contract in order to be eligible for the first time homebuyer tax credit. You could HIRE someone to do all of your spring cleaning for you with that $8,000!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

Photo credit: MarthaStewart.com

And the Oscar goes to....

2010-03-05T08:23:00.000-08:00

This Sunday evening at 8:00 is the 82nd annual Academy Awards show, and Oscar-buzz is already in the air! I was reading one of my favorite blogs yesterday- Hooked on Houses- (go figure) and I found this cool (albeit tricky) Oscar "quiz" that I thought I would pass along! It is called "Can you name the 10 Oscar-Nominated films these houses starred in?"...and it is harder than you would think! I got two correct...do you think you can do better? To take the quiz yourself, click here.

The picture above is from one of the (only) two movie homes I was able to correctly identify. It was nominated for 4 Oscars, including Best Original Song...any guesses?

Don't forget, if you are looking for something to do on Sunday before the Oscars: I will be hosting an Open House from 1:00-3:00 at 32 Cortland Avenue in South Burlington- so feel free to stop by! For more information on the Open House, click here.

Have fun!
-Jamie Wright, Realtor
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com

Photo credit: hookedonhouses.net

Attention: First Time Homebuyers!

2010-03-04T08:19:00.001-08:00

This Sunday, March 7th, I will be hosting an Open House from 1:00-3:00 (leaving myself plenty of time to get home before the red carpet show for the Oscars) at this adorable home at 32 Cortland Avenue. Located in South Burlington's sought-after Orchards neighborhood, this home is walking distance to Orchard school, the movie theater, the bike path, and more!

This 2 bedroom, 1 bath home features an eat-in kitchen that leads to a large back deck, a spacious living room with picture window, formal dining room (that could potentially be converted to a third bedroom), and a partially finished basement. This home is currently offered at $209,900. For more information, please feel free to call or e-mail me OR stop by this Sunday! If you can't make it to the Open House, you can always view the visual tour for this property by clicking here, or I can set up a showing for another time.

Remember, first-time homebuyers looking to take advantage of the tax credit: you must be under deposit by no later than April 30, 2010...just under two months!

-Jamie Wright, Realtor
Jamie@BurlingtonVermonthomes.com

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

2010-02-22T12:52:00.001-08:00

Are you in the market for some new appliances or perhaps a new item of furniture for your home? If so, you may want to wait until Saturday, March 6th- VERMONT"S TAX FREE HOLIDAY! On March 6th items costing under $2,000 (and for non-business use) will be exempt from state taxes. The tax free day does not pertain to automobiles and other vehicles. HOWEVER, if you have been looking to make your home greener, Energy-Star rated appliances are applicable! For more information, please click here.

If you are looking for a new home to outfit, I can help you with that too! Feel free to call or e-mail me to get started on your new home search today!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
Jamie@BurlingonVermontHomes.com
BurlingonVermontHomes.com

Something to be HAPPY about:

2010-02-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

Chittenden County residents might be frowning about the lack of snow in our area this winter (with the exception of the HUGE New Year's storm that dumped three feet of snow in Burlington), but that doesn't mean that we don't have a lot to be happy about! LiveScience.com just posted their second annual list of the happiest states in the nation- and Vermont is ranked #6!

How does one measure happiness? For this particular study, researchers interviewed more than 350,000 American adults about six sub-categories: life evaluation, emotional health, work enviroment, physical health, health behavior, and basic access. After compiling all the data, Vermont's average well-being score was 67.4. (This initially seemed a little low to me, but then I realized that the #1 ranked state- Hawaii- had a score of 70.2 [so if the results were curved, Vermont would have received a 97.2!!]).

If you are looking for ways to increase the amount of happiness in your home, make sure to check out my previous post with ideas on how to spread happiness in your house! As always, if you are looking for a NEW home to make you even happier, feel free to call or e-mail me today!

-Jamie Wright, Realtor

"Cash for Refrigerators"?!

2010-02-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

Everyone remembers last summer's "Cash for Clunkers" program in which car dealerships were offering rebates for consumers who traded in their old, gas guzzling vehicles for new, more fuel efficient cars...BUT did you know that there is a similar program for consumers wanting to trade in their older appliances for more energy-efficient appliances?
The State Energy Efficient Appliance Program differs from state to state. To see what incentives your state is offering and when the program(s) will begin (as there are specific time parameters), click here.

Before you get too excited, this program is not applicable to ALL appliances and only certain ENERGY STAR qualified and high efficiency rated appliances are eligible for the rebate. In Vermont, the program has already begun for consumers looking to purchase new gas tankless water heaters, gas furnaces, and gas boilers. In March, the program will begin for those purchasing new refrigerators and clothing washers as well. To find out more about the incentives in Vermont specifically, click here.

This is great news to potential sellers and home buyers! Increasingly, buyers are becoming more and more aware of the energy efficiency of a home- so sellers that take advantage of this program could be winning twofold: making their homes more energy efficient while also making their homes more attractive to buyers! If you are a buyer that has recently bought a home that "needs a little updating" (or have plans to in the near future) this could be a wonderful opportunity for you to make some improvements while saving money!

Feel free to call or e-mail me today if you would like to discuss selling your home or purchasing a new home...as the incentives out there continue to grow!

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

Low interest rates = increased purchasing power!

2010-02-04T12:48:00.000-08:00

By now, virtually every buyer has heard that interest rates are near historic lows....BUT, do you really know what that translates to in terms of your monthly payment or how much home you can afford? The other day Heather Myott from Coldwell Banker Mortgage shared this very enlightening calculation, and I thought I would pass it along!

Take the following scenario for example: If a home has a purchase price of $200,000 and a buyer is putting down 3.5% at the current rate of 5.2% for a 30 year fixed rate loan, a buyer's monthly mortgage payment would be $1,078.33.

Now, take the same example as above, but pretend the interest rate increased by 1% to a total interest rate of 6.200%. The new monthly mortgage payment would be $1,202.75. *That's an extra $124.42 that the buyer is paying EACH MONTH!*

To put a different angle on it: IF at the increased rate of 6.200% the buyer wanted to keep the same monthly payment of $1,078.33 (from the first scenario), the buyer would have to purchase a home for $179,000- THAT'S OVER 10% LESS HOME FOR THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY!

If you are considering purchasing a home (and potentially taking advantage of the homebuyer tax credit), a great place to start is by speaking with a well-qualified lender that can tell you exactly how much home you can afford. Feel free to call or e-mail me today, and I can put you in touch with a fabulous lender who can help you get pre-approved QUICKLY!

BOTTOM LINE: Economists are predicting that interest rates will experience modest increases in the second half of this year, so don't wait to start your home search! Although we have no way of knowing precisely when interest rates will rise or by exactly how much, we DO know that interest rates ARE incredibly low RIGHT now! So why risk being able to (potentially) afford 10% less home?!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
(802)846-9539
JWright@HickokandBoardman.com

The Perfect Pre-Game Activity: Open House this Superbowl Sunday!

2010-02-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

I have NO idea how someone hasn't snatched this amazing property up yet, BUT I will hosting an Open House here (75 Muirfield Road in Burlington) this Sunday, February 7th, from 1:00-3:00 p.m....so stop by and see this home for yourself!

JUST REDUCED FROM $399,900!! This custom-built Burlington home is located in the new north end's highly sought-after Appletree Point. The 3 bedroom, 2,5 bathroom Cape offers 2,000 square feet of living space- with lots of potential for expansion on the lower level! The home features a light-filled open floor plan, gorgeous master suite with huge walk-in closet and recently redone master bathroom, inviting living room with wood-burning fireplace, and more! Located just one block from the city park with tennis, basketball, and access to the bike path! Get settled in this home before the warm weather arrives so you can enjoy the neighborhood pools and private beach! At $387,500, this home won't be around too much longer!

If you would like additional information on this home (or any other home for that matter) please feel free to contact me today! (802)846-9530 or JWright@HickokandBoardman.com

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR

Directions: Head north on North Avenue, turn right onto Staniford Road which becomes Appletree Point Road, then take a right onto Muirfield Road. The home is located on the left...look for the sign!

When Less Does More

2010-02-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I read an interesting statistic: The average size of a new home decreased in 2009 for the first time in 3 decades! The U.S. Census Bureau reported that in 2009 the average size of a new home was 2,215 square feet- a slight decrease from the highest average of 2,277 square feet for a new home in 2008. Increasing awareness for energy efficiency, the softening economy coupled with rising building costs, and the downsizing of many baby boomers have all been factors in the (slight) shrinking of the American home.

Despite a smaller home size, homeowners aren't necessarily decreasing their demands for the numerous functions a home must serve. Many rooms are serving double duty, storage is being added where ever possible, and homeowners are learning de-clutter and simplify. I found this article on BHG.com, Small Ideas for Small Spaces, that offers some advice and inspiration for working with smaller spaces. (Bonus: smaller home = less to clean and maintain!)

If you are looking to downsize your home, please feel free to contact me today, and I will get you started on finding your new (more manageable) home! You can always search all of our listings online, just by visiting Hickok & Boardman's website .

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
JWright@HickokandBoardman.com

photo credit: BHG.com

Just off the beaten path....

2010-01-27T11:12:00.000-08:00

The playoffs are over and there is no more snow on the ground to play in...so, what else is there to do this Sunday except stop by my Open House at 82 Fieldstone Drive in South Burlington?!

This wonderful South Burlington carriage home is nestled in a country-feeling setting, yet still convenient to schools, shopping, I-89, and much more! Inside this well-cared for home, you'll find 2 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, an open living/dining room, finished basement space with a family room, and more! The master suite boasts a private bath and walk-in closet. The living room features a gas fireplace, built-in bookcases, and custom drapes which are conveying with the property! This property is offered at $389,900.

I will at this home on Sunday, January 31st, from 1:00-3:00, so feel free to stop by (or send anyone you know who might be interested)! From Route 116, turn on Van Sicklen Road, right on Cobblestone Drive, and then a right onto Fieldstone Drive.

Hope to see you there!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR

JWright@HickokandBoardman.com

Just spreading a little happiness....

2010-01-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

I just found this article on another one of my favorite blogs, Hooked on Houses, (I am totally hooked) "10 Ways to be Happy at Home", and thought it worthy of passing along! Homeowners tend to spend a lot more time INSIDE their homes during the winter months...so they might as well love the place they're cozying up in! Here's the article- happy reading!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
JWright@HickokandBoardman.com
photo credit: BHG.com

The time to list your home is NOW!

2010-01-20T09:40:00.000-08:00

Have you been considering putting your home on the market for a while now? A lot of home owners are waiting until the weather warms up and school lets out to list their homes BUT they could be missing out on precious buyers who are ready to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit before its expiration! (Such buyers must be under contract on or before April 30th.)

I found this article on Yahoo Real Estate that points out some great ways to potentially increase the sale price of your home- with minimal investment! Remember: if you have lived in your home 5 of the last 8 years, you too could be eligible for the tax credit (of up to $6,500)!

Given the amazing interest rates right now, and the tax credit CURRENTLY in place, NOW is really the time to be putting your home on the market, in order best position your home for a sale by this spring! In fact, the author of this article points out that this spring could be the "most pleasant experience for a home seller in the last four or five years"!

If you would like to discuss putting your home on the market, please call or e-mail me today.
-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
JWright@HickokandBoardman.com

Looking to outfit your new home?

2010-01-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

My absolute favorite blog, Young House Love (which is all about a younger home-owning couple that have totally transformed every room in their fixer-upper on an incredibly tight budget), just posted their list of "go-to" stores/internet sites for finding just about any item to furnish/decorate your home. If you have just moved- or are planning a move in the near future- (... ah-hem, first-time homebuyer tax credit?!?!?) and are finding yourself with a couple of barren looking rooms, make sure you check out their suggested resources for a budget friendly makeover! So, without further adieu....here is THE LIST.

If you are a looking for a new home that you can totally transform room-by-room (and start to build some equity!!), make sure you check the entire inventory of homes in Chittenden County at Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman's website, or feel free to call or e-mail me today and we can get started on finding your next home!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
JWright@HickokandBoardman.com
Photo Credit: Younghouselove.com

Come visit me this Sunday!

2010-01-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, January 17th, I will be hosting an Open House at this fabulous property at 6 Woodland Place in South Burlington. This home is offered at $293,500 and is situated in an established neighborhood and boasts a wonderful floor plan! Inside, you'll find 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a sunken family room, fire-lit living room, formal dining room, and an open kitchen with a sunny breakfast nook! The walk-out basement has loads of potential and is just waiting for its new homeowner to finish it off!

I invite anyone interested in this home to swing by any time between 1:00-3:00 on Sunday and check this property out in person! Remember- if you are looking to take advantage of the homebuyer tax credit, the clock is ticking!

If you can't wait until Sunday to see the inside of this home, you can view the visual tour to this property here: http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?prt=86&t=2061399 . Please feel free to call or e-mail me if you would like additional information on this property. If this home isn't exactly what you are searching for, you can always browse our entire inventory of homes just by visiting: http://www.hickokandboardman.com/

Hope to see you Sunday!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR

JWright@HickokandBoardman.com

So, maybe the BFP summed it up better than I did....

2010-01-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

Despite my valient effort to summarize Lawrence Yun's (the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors) address from yesterday's luncheon that I attended, I thought it might be a good idea to pass along the article that appeared in the Burlington Free Press this morning: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20101130301, (just in case you wanted a second point of view).

If you happened to be watching WPTZ last night, they even aired a spot on Dr. Yun's cameo in Vermont! (In fact, if you looked closely enough, you could even see the back of my head!)

I hope you find this article as enlightening as I found Dr. Yun's speech yesterday!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
*109 days left to take advantage of the homebuyer tax credit*

Feeling Optimistic about 2010

2010-01-12T11:08:00.000-08:00

I just had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors speak at a luncheon right here in Burlington. After listening to Dr. Yun's analysis of the national housing market, I left the luncheon feeling incredibly...optimistic!!! (Mind you, Dr. Yun was recently named one of the top ten economic forecasters in the nation by USA Today!)

Basically, Dr. Yun stressed that 2010 is likely to experience a healthy boost in home sales, which will lead to modest increases in home values (good news for homeowners)! Helping to nudge the number of home sales upward are two crucial factors: historically low interest rates and the homebuyer tax credit that is currently in place. All good things must come to an end though, and this holds true to both the current interest rates and the homebuyer tax credit.

REMEMBER- if you are looking to take advantage of the homebuyer tax credit, you MUST be under contract by no later than April 30, 2010 (READ: you have 110 days left!!!)! Dr. Yun also pointed out that interest rates will likely rise to close to 6% (or higher) by the end of the year, if not sooner....so time is really of the essence!

Finally, I thought that one of the most notable points that Dr. Yun made today had to do with the ability of current renters to purchase a home. I thought this was particularly interesting because I often hear from aspiring homeowners that they do not think they would qualify for a mortgage. However, Dr. Yun said that in 2000 (when the Real Estate market was quite "normal") 11 million renters had the incomes necessary to qualify for a mid-priced home. In 2009, roughly 16 million renters had the necessary income to qualify for a mid-priced home! If you are one of the 16 million renters that think you could not qualify for a mortgage, you could be sorely mistaken! I can put you in touch with a wonderful local lender who can help you determine whether or not homeownership is an option for you!

To read more about Dr. Yun, check out his impressive bio: http://www.realtor.org/research/chief_economist_bio

Of course, feel free to call or e-mail me if you would like to start your home search today! JWright@HickokandBoardman.com or (802)846-9530. As always, you can search our entire inventory of homes 24 hours a day at http://www.hickokandboardman.com/

Happy House Hunting!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR

Does it get any prettier?

2010-01-05T10:43:00.000-08:00

Just when I was starting to complain that the Burlington area had not received enough snow, mother nature fires back with a record breaking snowfall for Burlington! 2010 is off to a VERY white start, as Burlington received a whopping 32.5 inches between 7 a.m. on Saturday morning and 7 p.m. on Sunday! Here is the story on the snow storm, from the Burlington Free Press: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010100103021

As if that is not enough...it just keeps coming! Although we aren't expected to get any more serious accumulation in next few days...look at all the snow for the upcoming week: http://www.wptz.com/weather/grid.html#HEARSTWX=http%3A//www.wptz.com/weather/18223152/media.html%3Fqs%3D%3Blongname%3D5%2520Day%2520Forecast%3Bshortname%3D5%2520Day

I hope you find yourself enjoying this abundance of snow! If you aren't skiing, riding, sledding, snowshoeing, making snow angels, etc....at least it is beautiful to look at!

*One final note*- if shoveling and snowblowing isn't your favorite way to "take in" all the snow, be sure to check out our recommneded snow removal companies on: http://www.hickokandboardman.com/maintaining-your-home/

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

Only 118 days left!!

2010-01-04T07:50:00.000-08:00

2010 has arrived...and so the countdown to the expiration of the first-time homebuyer tax credit has begun! Many homebuyers tend to put their home searches on hold during the winter months and go into "hibernation mode"...but with the looming deadline for the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit or the $6,500 repeat homebuyer tax credit, homebuyers can not afford to wait until the spring to renew their home searches!! In order to be eligible for the extended and expanded tax credit, a homebuyer must be under contract for their new home NO LATER THAN APRIL 30, 2010! Factor in a couple of months to find the home, and the time for homebuyers to start their search is....now!!!

This article from MSN Real Estate highlights the importance to start your search sooner, rather than later: http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=22815497 (It also provides some great tips for homebuyers looking to take advantage of the tax credit.)

If you would like more information on the homebuyer tax credit, please visit: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=215791,00.html?portlet=7

Of course, if you are thinking of purchasing a home in the upcoming year, I would be more than happy to help you through the process! Please feel to call or e-mail me today with any of your Real Estate questions!

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

Is your home "market ready"?

2009-12-29T09:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-12-22T09:50:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-18T07:26:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-12-17T12:35:00.000-08:00

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)!

2009-12-14T09:10:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-12-08T11:01:00.001-08:00

: 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?

2009-11-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

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?!?!

2009-11-29T07:53:00.000-08:00

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....

2009-11-23T12:29:00.001-08:00

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....

2009-11-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

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"!

2009-11-17T13:46:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-10T07:28:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-03T14:48:00.000-08:00

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/