Yes, it's still possible to create great curb appeal when it's cold and gray outside. During summer months, when gardens are in bloom and the sun is shining bright, curb appeal comes naturally to many homes. But when the autumn chill turns to winter cold and the sun sets earlier in the day, it becomes more difficult to create that inviting exterior look that grabs buyers from the curb.

Fortunately, it is possible to create striking winter curb appeal without expensive or complicated exterior changes. It just requires a little creativity.

Home design experts offer these seven tips:

1. Add splashes of green and purple. Plants, grasses, and evergreens can liven up a home's winter landscape. Experiment with tall grasses, such as fountain grasses, that survive harsh winters. In late fall and early winter, plants from the cabbage family add a vibrant purple color. Make the front door the focal point with a large wreath adorned with a colorful ribbon. To finish the look, place large, colorful planters filled with evergreens beside the front door.

2. Give it seasonal sparkle. Transform an unused bird bath or fountain into a seasonal display by adding twigs with red berries. Or fill frost-resistant urns with twigs, winter greenery, and sparkly baubles (sold at most craft stores). For extra sparkle, roll twigs in glitter and incorporate a gazing ball - a mirrored glass ball available in various colors - into the display.

3. Make the garden statuesque. Roman or Greek-themed outdoor sculptures can add class and elegance to a garden in winter. Be sure to use frost-resistant statues so they don't crack. Place the statues strategically throughout the garden to draw buyers' eyes around the outdoor space.

4. Keep things bright. During the winter, it's more likely that buyers will be viewing homes after sunset. Use clear flood spotlights to focus on the home's architectural features. Keep exterior lighting fixtures at maximum wattage and clean them regularly. When snow covers the ground, ask your Realtor to take photos of your house at night with all of the interior lights on - the light will bounce off the white snow to create a warm, inviting glow. For the best results, turn off the flash, and use a tripod to avoid blurring.

5. Show off the lifestyle. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't use the deck. Shovel your backyard sitting area and leave your grill uncovered so buyers can envision themselves using the space. If the home has a hot tub, leave that open and running during showings as well.

6. Create a photo display of sunnier days. Show buyers what the outside of the home looks like during other seasons by displaying some landscape photos in frames or using a digital photo frame with a slide show of images. This will give a sense of what the property looks like at other times of year. If the home has a garden, make a list of what's planted where. Perennials can be expensive, so treat them as a selling feature.

7. Don't forget to clear a path. If the ground is covered in snow, the simplest and most important thing you can do is shovel the driveway and sidewalks and keep the home's patios and decks as clear as possible, so buyers can get a sense of their true size. This also makes it easier for buyers and Realtors to access the property without getting their feet and pant legs all wet!

(Article from Realtor magazine)

This Saturday's weather is predicted to be in the high 70s with just a little cloud coverage - perfect for outdoor activities! If you're looking for something to do, whether you live in Vermont or are just visiting, stop in at your local farmer's market! Being in Chittenden County, we're partial to the Burlington Farmer's Market in this office. However, if you find yourself in Waitsfield, you might find one of our own at the Waitsfield Farmer's Market! Adventurous eaters are advised to stop by the Yak It To Me VT cart, where you just might see our marketing coordinator. All Vermont farmer's markets have great locally grown/made food, fantastic music, and loads of interesting crafts. What's not to love?

Here are some great tips on modernizing your kitchen, whether you're selling your home or not! The trend today is an open floor plan with a cozy, connected kitchen. Kitchens and living rooms are combining to create a new look for kitchens these days. The most popular room in the house isn't just for cooking anymore! Today, it's used as a gathering place for families, a central work space, an open area to pursue craft projects, or even a leisure area to entertain guests.

Living room and family room activities are merging into the kitchen, and it's changing the way kitchens look. As homes are getting smaller, home owners are now using their kitchens for much more than they have in the past. They want a more versatile floor plan, so that they can get creative with their space.

The walls in kitchens started coming down in the 1980s and 1990s. Walls separating the kitchen from the dining room were the first to go. Now, home owners are getting rid of walls between the kitchen and living room. Kitchens are also being designed in a less utilitarian way, with larger windows, fewer cabinets, and softer lighting.

What if your house doesn't have these elements? There are simple things you can do to create that cozy, social feel:

Install a kitchen island. Kitchen islands not only have functional benefits, but also provide space for entertaining, informal dining, and extra storage. If space is limited, consider a portable island, which can range from a butcher block to a breakfast table with bar stools. Just make sure that the style you choose is consistent with your existing decor in the kitchen and the size is appropriate. At least 3 feet is recommended between the island and walls, so that there is plenty of space to move around. If the kitchen island is large, add chairs to show that it can serve as a gathering place.

Furnish with comfy chairs. Skip the typical wooded stools for an upholstered bar stool with a back. Switch out traditional chairs around the kitchen table for wing chairs, a love seat, or even an upholstered bench.

Soften the light. Use accent lights and sconces, which are usually associated with hallways or dens. Numerous small maps will also create a softer effect. Hang a chandelier or other light fixture over the kitchen island.

Get crafty and add a decorative back splash. Not only are back splashes super functional behind the sink and stove, they can also be very appealing to the eye and can exemplify personal style. Glass tiles are very popular now, as are easy-to-install ceramic tiles and tin panels.

Add storage. Extra storage is key, especially in smaller kitchens. Consider a wall peg board or a hanging wrought-iron rack for pots and pans. Add a standalone cabinet, cupboard, buffet, or wall shelving. Stage cabinets with craft supplies to show that the space can serve many purposes.

Display quality pieces. Take the artwork you may have once reserved for the living room and display it in the kitchen. Accessorize shelves with collectibles or books. For smaller kitchens, mount a mirror on one wall which will give the illusion of more space and reflect light.

Make sure the basics are strong. If the bones of the kitchen aren't strong, fix those first. The condition of countertops, hardware, flooring, appliances, and cabinets aren't going to be covered up by creating a cozy atmosphere.