By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine.
When Justine Curry talks about Southern Vermont, she doesn’t sound like someone making a sales pitch.
She sounds like someone talking about home.
That authenticity has become one of her greatest strengths as a REALTOR®, helping clients navigate not only the process of buying and selling property, but also the experience of becoming part of a community. It’s a quality that recently earned Curry one of the profession’s highest regional honors: the 2026 South Central Vermont Board of REALTORS® REALTOR® of the Year Award.
For Curry, the recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from her peers.
Nominated by fellow REALTORS® and selected through a vote involving past recipients, the award reflects years of leadership, service and dedication to both the industry and the communities she serves.
“I’ve always believed in jumping into things that are a little scary,” Curry said of her decision to become involved with industry leadership. “That’s where growth happens.”
A licensed REALTOR® since 2013 and now a top producer with Maple Leaf Real Estate, Curry has spent more than a decade building a reputation for professionalism, communication and genuine care for her clients. Her leadership experience includes serving as president of the South Central Vermont Board of REALTORS® in 2024, where she helped members navigate industry changes while strengthening communication and collaboration throughout the organization. Those qualities have earned recognition beyond the real estate industry; in 2025, Curry received the Emerging Leader Award from the Southern Vermont Young Professionals for her professional accomplishments and commitment to the community.
Yet ask Curry what contributes most to her success, and her answer has little to do with awards.
Listening comes first.
Whether working with first-time homebuyers, families relocating to the area, retirees looking to downsize or experienced investors, Curry believes every client deserves to feel heard, understood and supported.
“It’s important to meet people where they are,” she said. “Everyone’s situation is different.”
That philosophy may stem from her earlier career in healthcare, where she spent eight years working with Alzheimer’s patients before transitioning into real estate. The focus on compassion and understanding continues to shape her approach today.
Her connection to Southern Vermont runs equally deep.
Originally from the Berkshires, Curry moved to Bennington more than two decades ago. What began as an opportunity to explore a new community soon became something much more meaningful.
“The community embraced me,” she said.
Her involvement started through volunteer work and downtown committees with the Better Bennington Corporation. Over the years, that commitment to community has expanded to include projects such as the Bennington Skatepark Committee, which helped bring a new 16,500-square-foot skatepark to downtown. Along the way, she discovered something she now regularly shares with newcomers: getting involved is one of the best ways to build connections.
“Not everything is going to fall into your lap,” Curry said. “You have to put yourself out there.”
That mindset has led her far beyond real estate. She serves on the Bennington Skatepark Committee, is active with Shires Young Professionals and Bennington Theater, and frequently participates in community, and events by the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
As a musician, she also found a welcoming creative community. Curry and her husband perform original music together in their band, Immune Friction, and she credits local audiences for their enthusiastic support of the arts.
Those experiences have given her an insider’s perspective that proves invaluable when helping people relocate to the region.
“It’s easy for me to tell people how wonderful this area is because it comes from the heart,” Curry said.
She often speaks with prospective residents about Southern Vermont’s vibrant arts scene, rich history, natural beauty and quality of life. From local businesses and cultural attractions to outdoor recreation and easy access to larger cities and airports, Curry believes the region offers an appealing balance of opportunity and community.
For her, the REALTOR® of the Year award ultimately reflects something larger than individual achievement.
She credits the people around her, colleagues, clients, volunteers, and community members, who continue to invest in Southern Vermont’s future.
“We all want to see people and businesses grow,” she said.
It’s a simple philosophy, but one that has helped make Curry not only an award-winning REALTOR®, but also a trusted ambassador for the place she proudly calls home.
This article is sponsored by Maple Leaf Real Estate. Through its ongoing commitment to the community, Maple Leaf supports the Harvest House Soup Kitchen, the Bennington County Homeless Shelter, and Second Chance Animal Center. The company also provides sponsorships for local youth sports programs, festivals, community events, and other initiatives that help strengthen the region.
