November's Hidden Home is located just over the Grand Isle Drawbridge, this custom Island home offers 3 beds, 3 baths, and 3 levels on 1.9 acres. Enjoy lake access with a shared dock and 200 feet of shoreline. Features include cedar shake siding, a heated garage with EV charging, a 24-panel solar array, a soapstone kitchen, and radiant heating throughout. This home is currently for sale. Learn more
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As the weather cools and we spend more time indoors, creating a comfortable and inviting home becomes essential. Simple strategic changes can revamp your home’s look and feel, making it aesthetically pleasing and enhancing functionality. If you’re thinking about selling, whether in the next year or ten, making thoughtful updates to your home will give it that “wow” factor home buyers are looking for. Here are five impactful improvements that can transform your home into an irresistible option for buyers.
1. Fresh, Neutral Paint
A fresh coat of paint can instantly breathe new life into your home. Opt for neutral tones like soft grays, warm beiges, or off-whites. These shades create a clean, modern aesthetic that appeals to a broad range of buyers. Neutral colors help spaces feel open and inviting, allowing potential buyers to envision their own style and belongings in the space.
2. Updated Lighting Fixtures
Lighting is an often overlooked element that can dramatically alter a room's ambiance. Replacing outdated fixtures with contemporary, energy-efficient options gives your home a modern edge. Updating light fixtures can highlight the main features of your home while adding functional beauty to every room.
3. Smart Home Upgrades
As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, smart home features are becoming more desirable to homebuyers. Installing a smart thermostat, security system, or energy-efficient lighting that can be controlled via smartphone apps can significantly enhance the modern appeal of your home. These upgrades provide convenience, energy savings, and the allure of a more connected living space, making them especially appealing to tech-savvy buyers.
4. Updated Bathrooms with Spa-Like Touches
Bathrooms can be deal-makers (or breakers) for homebuyers. Small updates, such as installing modern fixtures like rain showerheads, and waterfall faucets can create a a more elevated atmosphere. Upgrading a vanity and adding high-quality tile or natural stone elements can further elevate the look. A fresh, clean bathroom signals that the home is well-maintained, making a significant impact on home shoppers.
5. Refresh Your Space
Revisiting your home’s decor can make a big impact without the need for major purchases. Start by decluttering and depersonalizing—remove family photos, excess décor, and any items that might distract buyers. This creates an inviting space that buyers can easily envision as their own. Rearranging furniture to optimize flow and open up key rooms can make your home feel more spacious and welcoming. Simple touches like placing fresh flowers in the entryway or adding crisp linens in the bedroom can brighten the atmosphere. Don’t forget to do a thorough deep clean to remove odors and ensure your home shines, creating a warm, welcoming environment that makes buyers feel at home.
By implementing these interior improvements, you can create an appealing environment that not only attracts buyers but also enhances your home’s overall value, setting the stage for a successful sale. Selling a home is a complicated process, but our experienced Realtors are here to help you navigate the many factors involved in preparing your home for sale with confidence. Learn more about our seller services today.
Celebrate the season with Coldwell Banker Islands Realty! Join us on Saturday, December 7th, from 10 AM to 12 PM for a festive morning full of holiday cheer. Whether you're a client, neighbor, or friend, everyone is welcome to enjoy this heartwarming free community event.
When: Saturday, December 7th, 10am-12pm
Where: 38 Community Lane, South Hero, VT 05486
What to Expect:
Photos with Santa: Capture a magical moment with the jolly man himself!
Wreath Giveaway: Take home a beautiful wreath from NEK Balsam to bring the holiday spirit to your home.
Delicious Treats: Savor locally made cookies and hot cocoa from Let’s Pretend Catering.
Toys for Kids: Spread the joy by dropping off a toy in our donation bin.
Please register in advance for photos with Santa—though registration is not required, a headcount is appreciated. [Register here]
Don’t miss out on this festive fun! Make sure to follow us on social media for event updates. We look forward to celebrating with you at our Holiday Hoopla!
FAQ’s:
1. How do the time slots work?
We have 3 parties scheduled per 15-minute time slot. Your photos with Santa will take place within the timeframe you select, so please arrive on time to ensure we stay on schedule.
2. Do I need to register in advance?
While registration is not required, we highly encourage signing up in advance to reserve your spot. This helps us manage the flow of the event and gives you priority over walk-ins.
3. Will walk-ins be allowed?
Yes, we will allow walk-ins, but priority will be given to those who have pre-registered. If slots are available after those with reservations, walk-ins will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. What happens if I miss my time slot?
If you miss your reserved time, no problem. Please note that priority will still be given to those who arrive on time for their scheduled slot.
5. How long will the photo session take?
Each session is brief to ensure everyone has a chance to meet Santa. You can expect the entire process to take about 5 minutes or less per party.
6. Can I bring my own camera?
We will have a photographer to take photos, but you're welcome to snap a few quick shots with your own camera or phone.
7. Will I receive my photos after the event?
Yes! After the event, we will email you the photos. Expect to receive your link within a week.
8. What if I need to cancel or reschedule my time slot?
If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing hello@cbislandsrealty.com. We’ll do our best to reschedule you.
9. Can I bring pets for a photo with Santa?
Unfortunately, due to space and time constraints, we are unable to accommodate pets for photos at this event.
The Northwest Vermont Realtor Association (NVRA) and U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants Vermont (USCRI) are coming together to help new Vermonters feel at home. USCRI Vermont does remarkable work supporting refugees and immigrants by providing them with initial housing and essential resources as they build their lives in Vermont. To make this possible, they are always in need of furniture, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items.
Item Drive Details: From October 17 through December 5, we’re gathering donations to support this vital work! Here’s how you can help:
New or Gently Used Items: Furniture, beds, household/kitchen items, and clothing.
New Items Only: Personal hygiene supplies, toiletries, diapers, and household cleaning supplies.
Your contributions will go a long way in making new Vermonters feel welcome, comfortable, and supported.
Where to Drop Off:
Coldwell Banker Islands Realty: 38 Community Lane, South Hero, VT 05486. Open 9 am-5 pm, 802-372-5777
Large Furniture: NVRA Office, 202 Commerce St, STE 200, Williston, VT 05495. (Please call 802-862-6407 to arrange your drop-off)
USCRI Vermont has been welcoming newcomers to Vermont since 1980. Their dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and community partners supports these refugees and immigrants with access to affordable housing, medical and mental health support, education, employment, community connections, and more. Refugees resettled in Vermont come primarily from Bhutan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Iraq, Russia, Somalia, Syria, and Ukraine. Learn more about USCRI.
Let’s work together to make Vermont a welcoming place for everyone! Learn more about USCRI and the incredible work they do to build brighter futures.
As we transition into the fall season, the real estate market in Northwest Vermont is showing signs of change. Whether you’re considering buying or selling, understanding these current trends will help you make informed decisions. Let's dive into the latest data for single-family home sales in Northwest Vermont and discuss how it impacts buyers and sellers.
Data is for single-family home sales in Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin County.
The median sales price for single-family homes in Northwest Vermont dropped by 3.7% from August to $498,500 in September. However, it’s still up by 3.9% compared to September 2023, reflecting a gradual upward trend in prices over the past year.
For someone selling their home, this slight month-over-month dip suggests that pricing homes competitively is crucial to attracting potential homebuyers in a shifting market. The increase from last year shows home values are still strong, but today’s buyers may expect more negotiation on price.
The recent decrease in the median sales price may present an opportunity for homebuyers to find a good deal on a home. However, with prices up from last year, this is still a valuable market, so they should act decisively when the right property arises.
Closed sales dropped to 142, a significant 23.7% decrease from August and a 16% decrease from September of last year. This decline in closed sales indicates a slower pace in transactions, which could mean it might take a little longer for home sellers to find a buyer. Being flexible on price and terms might be necessary as the market adjusts to lower transaction volumes.
Fewer closed sales may give current buyers more room to negotiate and avoid bidding wars. This shift could help them approach the market with a bit more confidence, knowing that the pace is slowing down.
The median days on market remains steady at 10 days, slightly down from the previous month and last September. This is a positive signal to home sellers showing that well-priced homes are still moving quickly. A home seller needs to present their home in the best possible light to stay competitive in a slightly cooler market.
While homes are selling in about 10 days on average, having a bit more time on the market means homebuyers might not feel as much pressure to make an immediate decision. However, attractive homes in sought-after areas can still sell fast, so they should be prepared to act when the right property comes on the market.
Home sellers are receiving 100% of their list price on average, down from August’s 101% but still indicating that properties are generally selling at the asking price. For home sellers, receiving the full list price is a good indicator of a balanced market, though the slight decline suggests some room for negotiation. Setting a fair, market-aligned price will keep today’s buyers engaged without the need for excessive price reductions.
For homebuyers, this signals that while competitive, the market is starting to offer more flexibility. They may have the opportunity to negotiate but should still expect to pay close to the list price on most homes.
The number of new listings in September is down by 11% from August, with 187 homes hitting the market. However, this is a 15.4% increase from September 2023, indicating a slight uptick in year-over-year supply. This increase in year-over-year listings means there’s more competition. For home sellers, standing out with staging and competitive pricing is key to attracting interest. More new listings compared to last year provide homebuyers with more choices, which can help them find the right property at the right price. This slight increase in supply may reduce the intensity of competition.
With active inventory rising to 355 homes, up 4.4% from last month and a substantial 43.1% increase from last year, homebuyers now have a broader selection of homes.
For home sellers, this expanded inventory means buyers have more options, so expect to compete for attention. Well-presented homes that are priced competitively will likely draw more interest.
The increase in active inventory is a favorable trend for homebuyers. With more options available, they have the chance to find a home that meets their needs and fits within their budget.
The months supply of inventory has risen to 2.5 months, up 36.8% from August and a substantial 70.4% increase compared to last September. While still below six months is generally considered balanced, this increase shows a trend toward a more balanced market. This higher inventory means that while it’s still a seller’s market, the advantage is shifting. Home sellers should be prepared for longer selling times and potentially more negotiations on price. A higher months supply indicates homebuyers have more choice and leverage than in a tighter market. This gradual shift can reduce the pressure of intense competition and give them more time to explore options.
Each county and town in Northwest Vermont may have unique trends and variables that don’t show in broader market data. A personalized market analysis can offer valuable insights into what’s happening in your specific area, whether you’re looking to buy or sell. This tailored information will provide you with pricing trends, competition levels, and what to expect when entering the market.
The Vermont real estate market is unique, and having a local real estate expert by your side can make a world of difference. An experienced agent can guide you through the buying or selling process, provide insight into local trends, and help you make informed decisions in evolving markets.
Are you ready to learn more about the real estate opportunities in Northwest Vermont? Contact us for a customized market analysis and discover how we can help you achieve your real estate goals. Partnering with a local Realtor can provide the guidance and support you need to succeed in Vermont’s unique real estate landscape.
