With Autumn’s arrival, now’s the perfect time to get your home ready for winter. Completing a few key tasks can save you from expensive repairs and ensure your home stays cozy and efficient through the colder months. Use this checklist to winterize your home and protect your investment:

1. Seal Cracks Around Windows and Doors
Prevent drafts and save on heating by sealing any gaps around windows and doors. Use caulking or weatherstripping to keep the cold air out and the warmth in, improving your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.

2. Clean Your Gutters
Falling leaves can clog your gutters, leading to water damage, pests, and a shortened roof lifespan. Clean them out to prevent these issues and ensure water flows away from your home properly.

3. Inspect Your Roof
Check for missing shingles, cracks, or other damage before snow arrives. Addressing minor roof issues now can prevent major problems later, such as leaks or structural damage when winter weather hits.

4. Trim Trees and Bushes
Overgrown branches near your home can become hazards in winter storms. Trim back trees and bushes to prevent limbs from falling on your roof or causing other damage during heavy snowfall or strong winds.

5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Cold weather often means more time spent indoors, with heaters and fireplaces in use. Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working by testing them and replacing batteries as needed for safety.

6. Service Your Chimney and Fireplace
Before lighting the first fire of the season, have your chimney and fireplace inspected and cleaned. This reduces the risk of fire hazards and ensures your fireplace is ready for cozy winter nights.

7. Remove Window Screens and Install Storm Windows
Take down window screens to protect them from winter weather. Consider installing storm windows or doors to provide extra insulation and keep your home warmer during cold months.

8. Winterize Power Equipment
Store away summer tools like lawnmowers and bring out snow removal equipment. Test your snowblower and other winter gear to ensure everything is in working order before the first snowfall.

9. Cover Outdoor Furniture
Protect outdoor furniture from the harsh winter elements by covering or storing it away. This helps extend the life of your patio furniture, grills, and outdoor accessories.

10. Shut Off Outdoor Faucets and Drain Hoses
Avoid frozen pipes by shutting off outdoor faucets and draining hoses or sprinkler systems. Water left inside can freeze, expand, and cause costly damage, so be sure to winterize these systems properly.

For more expert home maintenance tips or personalized advice on getting your home market-ready this fall, reach out to a Coldwell Banker Islands Realty agent today. Let us help you keep your home in top shape—whether you’re staying for the season or preparing to sell!
 

As fall rolls in, resisting the urge to over decorate can be difficult. Between pumpkin-scented everything and cozy blankets, it’s easy to get carried away. But if you're preparing your home for sale or simply want to create a clean, refined look, it’s essential to strike a balance between seasonal charm and timeless style. Here are five fall decor trends to avoid when staging and elevating your home this season:

1. Too Many Seasonal Colors
While oranges, reds, and browns are the hallmark colors of fall, oversaturating your home with these tones can make your space feel dated and overwhelming. Instead, opt for a neutral palette with subtle accents. Incorporate earth tones like creams, taupes, or light grays, and add just a hint of fall flair with muted versions of traditional autumn hues.

2. Overly Themed Decorations
Though scarecrows, cornucopias, and pumpkins can make your home feel festive, they might also come across as kitschy or cluttered when trying to sell or elevate your space. Limit the amount of themed decor to one or two carefully placed pieces, like a classy wreath or a tasteful gourd display, rather than covering every surface with fall-themed items.

3. Artificial Scents
Cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and other fall fragrances might seem like a cozy idea, but overpowering scents can be a turnoff, especially for potential buyers who may have fragrance allergies or sensitivities. Keep things fresh and clean instead. A mild scent from fresh flowers or a light essential oil diffuser can create a welcoming atmosphere without overwhelming the senses.

4. Heavy, Dark Fabrics
While fall is known for cozy textures, think twice before draping your home in heavy, dark fabrics like bulky blankets or thick curtains. These can make a room feel small and closed in, especially during the daytime. Instead, opt for lightweight throws in soft textures and rich, jewel-toned pillows that add warmth without weighing the space down.

5. Overdone Outdoor Displays
While decorating your porch or yard can help create a welcoming entry, going overboard with hay bales, plastic pumpkins, and an excess of string lights can detract from the elegance of your home’s exterior. Stick to simple, sophisticated decor, such as a well-designed door wreath, a couple of tasteful lanterns, or some real pumpkins in neutral tones like white or green for a more refined look.

By avoiding these common decor pitfalls, you’ll create a fall-inspired space that feels warm and welcoming without sacrificing style or sophistication. Whether you’re staging your home for sale or just looking to refresh your decor for the season, keeping it simple and balanced is always the key to success!
 

As autumn graces northwest Vermont with its vibrant colors and crisp air, hiking becomes the perfect way to enjoy the season. For both locals and visitors, the trails around Burlington offer a chance to embrace the fall beauty and experience Vermont's active lifestyle. From forested paths to stunning mountain vistas, hiking showcases the best of Vermont’s outdoor recreation and natural charm.

1. Mount Philo State Park – Charlotte, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~ 30 minutes (18 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: A 1.9-mile round-trip hike with panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. This short but rewarding trail is great for families and beginner hikers looking for a quick nature escape.

2. Red Rocks Park – South Burlington, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~ 10 minutes (3 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A short, scenic walk along Lake Champlain, offering a mix of forested trails and dramatic cliffs with water views. Perfect for a peaceful stroll close to the city.

3. Camel’s Hump – Huntington, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~ 45 minutes (24 miles)
Difficulty: Challenging
Description: One of Vermont’s highest peaks, with various trail options. The Burrows and Monroe Trails are popular 6-7 mile round-trip hikes offering stunning 360-degree views. Ideal for experienced hikers seeking a full day of adventure.

4. Mt. Mansfield via Sunset Ridge Trail – Underhill, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~50 minutes (25 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Description: A 6.5-mile round-trip hike to Vermont's highest peak. Sunset Ridge offers open ridgeline views and a challenging yet rewarding ascent. Perfect for those looking to experience breathtaking alpine vistas.

5. Niquette Bay State Park – Colchester, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~25 minutes (12 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: A network of trails through peaceful woods leading to Lake Champlain's shores. The longest trail is around 3.5 miles, making it great for a relaxing, scenic hike with beautiful water views.

6. Stowe Pinnacle Trail – Stowe, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~50 minutes (36 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: A 3.7-mile round-trip trail offering panoramic views of the valley and Mt. Mansfield. The foliage in fall is especially beautiful, making this a popular hike during the season.

7. Sterling Pond Trail – Smugglers’ Notch, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~50 minutes (38 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: A 2.5-mile round-trip hike to a serene mountain pond. The trail is steep at first but levels off, offering a rewarding view at the top. Great for those looking for a moderate hike with a peaceful water feature.

8. Pelot’s Point Natural Area – North Hero, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~50 minutes (40 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A 2.6-mile loop through pastures, woods, and along old railroad tracks. With opportunities to see wildlife and views of Lake Champlain, this is a peaceful, nature-immersed hike perfect for families and bird watchers.

9. Eagle Mountain – Milton, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~35 minutes (20 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: A 2.1-mile round-trip hike with meadows, woods, and scenic views of Lake Champlain from the summit. This moderate trail is perfect for a quick, peaceful escape into nature with rewarding lake views.

10. Libby’s Look Trail – Bolton, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~35 minutes (25 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: A 1.5-mile round-trip hike with stunning overlooks of Camel’s Hump and Bolton Valley. Though short, it’s a hidden gem for those looking for a quieter trail with fantastic fall foliage views.

11. Snake Mountain – Addison, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~50 minutes (35 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: A 4-mile round-trip hike with expansive views of the Champlain Valley and Adirondack Mountains. This is an easy to moderate trail, making it a great option for a leisurely fall outing.

Fall transforms Vermont into a colorful wonderland, and hiking is the ideal way to explore it. Whether you're navigating the serene trails of Pelot’s Point or tackling the peaks of Camel’s Hump, these hikes offer a glimpse into the Vermont lifestyle where nature and recreation go hand in hand. Embrace the season and connect with the beauty of Vermont through its trails. 

As summer draws to a close, the real estate market in Northwest Vermont continues to evolve. If you're considering buying or selling a home, understanding the latest market trends is essential. Let's take a closer look at the single-family home sales data for August 2024 and what these numbers mean for you. Data is for sales in Grand Isle, Chittenden and Franklin County. 

What These Numbers Mean for Buyers and Sellers

Median Sales Price

The median sales price in August 2024 dropped slightly to $519,900, down 3.7% from July. However, it's important to note that home values are still significantly higher compared to this time last year, with a 7.3% year-over-year increase.

For sellers, this slight dip in price might suggest a minor market cooling, but it doesn’t mean home values are declining long-term. In fact, compared to last year, prices remain solidly up. If you’re considering selling, this is still an excellent time to list your home, especially as buyers continue to show strong interest.

For buyers, the decrease in price could be an opportunity to find more affordable options but keep in mind that values are still up from last year. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, this might be the time to make a move before prices increase again.

Closed Sales

Closed sales increased by 6.3% from the previous month, with 185 homes sold in August. Year-over-year, this marks a 10.1% increase in the number of homes sold compared to August 2023.

For sellers, this increase in closed sales means demand is still high, and properties are moving. If your home is priced well and presented effectively, you’re likely to find serious buyers.

For buyers, this continued activity indicates that while the market is competitive, homes are being sold at a steady pace, and the right property for you could be just around the corner.

Median Days on Market

The median days on market remained steady at 10 days, a slight 9.1% decrease from July but a notable 25% increase from August 2023. This metric shows that homes are still selling quickly, but they’re staying on the market slightly longer than last year.

For sellers, this may mean you’ll have a little more time to review offers, but don’t expect your home to sit on the market for long if it’s priced right.

For buyers, the increase in days on market from last year could be a sign that you have more breathing room to make decisions, but acting promptly on well-priced properties is still advised.

List Price Received

Sellers are still receiving 101% of their list price, which is down slightly from July’s 102.1% but remains an excellent figure. This means that, on average, homes are still selling for more than the asking price.

For sellers, this slight dip isn’t a cause for concern; the fact that homes are still selling over list price shows that demand remains strong. However, setting a competitive list price is essential to continue attracting motivated buyers.

For buyers, the dip in the list price received may indicate a slight shift toward a more balanced market, giving you more negotiation power than in previous months.

New Listings

The number of new listings increased by 2% from July to 209, although this is a 7.5% decrease compared to August 2023.

For sellers, this slight increase in new listings could mean more competition in the market, but with strong demand and inventory levels still relatively low, your home can still stand out if it’s priced correctly.

For buyers, this uptick in listings gives you more choices, but keep in mind that the year-over-year decrease indicates that inventory is still relatively tight compared to last summer.

Active Inventory

Active inventory climbed to 329 homes, marking a 4.1% increase from July and a significant 32.7% jump from August 2023. This surge in inventory is one of the most notable trends in the current market.

For sellers, increased inventory means more competition, so making your home shine is more important than ever. Staging, pricing, and marketing will play critical roles in helping your property stand out in a growing market.

For buyers, this increased inventory is great news. You’ll have more options to choose from, and with a growing supply of homes, you might find it easier to negotiate or avoid bidding wars.

Months Supply of Inventory

The months supply of inventory is at 1.8 months, a slight 2.1% decrease from July but a 20.5% increase from August 2023. This metric tells us how long it would take to sell all the current listings at the current sales pace.

A supply of fewer than six months generally indicates a seller’s market, and while we’re still in that territory, the increase in inventory shows that the market is slowly balancing out.

For sellers, this means there’s still time to take advantage of strong demand, but with more homes entering the market, competition is rising.

For buyers, the increase in supply might give you a bit more leverage and reduce the likelihood of extreme bidding wars, though it’s still important to act decisively on homes you’re interested in.

 

Why a Market Analysis is Essential

Understanding these market trends is crucial whether you’re buying or selling in Northwest Vermont. A personalized market analysis can provide deeper insights tailored to your specific area of interest, helping you make informed decisions. This analysis can reveal how your property compares to others on the market, what you might expect to pay as a buyer, or what price you should set as a seller.

Partnering with a Local Real Estate Expert

Navigating the Vermont real estate market can be challenging, especially with the competitive conditions we’re seeing this summer. By partnering with a local real estate expert, you gain access to their extensive knowledge of the market, their understanding of area trends, and their ability to negotiate on your behalf. Whether you’re looking to buy your dream home or sell your property for the best possible price, having a trusted professional by your side can make all the difference.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Northwest Vermont, don’t go it alone. Contact us today for a personalized market analysis tailored to your specific needs. Let us help you navigate this competitive market with confidence, ensuring that you achieve your real estate goals.

 

 

September’s hidden home is a modern retreat on Lake Champlain, featuring 105 feet of lakefront on Keeler Bay. This spacious residence offers over 3,000 SqFt of living space, stunning lake views from nearly every room, and an open living area with 9-foot ceilings.  

This home is currently for sale. Learn More