When preparing your home for a showing there are small steps you can take to make the bathroom more appealing to potential buyers. Check them out below or bookmark this post to refer to later!

1. Close the toilet seat.

Everyone knows what a toilet looks like! This step is also especially important for preparing to shoot your listing photos.

2. Clean off clutter. 

Hide your personal items and hygiene whether it's a toothbrush or cosmetics make sure to store it away before a showing.

3. Do a deep clean. 

Scrub and disinfect the space. Washrooms face a lot of wear and tear, stains, or mildew could easily deter a potential buyer. 

4. Use show towels.

The bathroom will be most attractive if it looks like it hasn't been used. Set out separate towels for showings and photos. 

5. Add some flowers or simple decor. 

 Add some finishing touches but keep it simple, think spa retreat. 

Did you find this article helpful? Check out these interior improvements that will blow away potential buyers. Consult your Realtor on additional techniques to help make sure your home is showcased in the best light possible. 

 As the cold weather sets in, you should take several steps to prepare your home correctly. Doing routine home maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs as well as prepare and budget for updates that might be needed. Save yourself the headache in the spring, and take the steps below to winterize your home.

1. Seal cracks around windows and doors.

This will help prevent drafts and keep the heat shut inside.

2. Clean your gutters.

Cleaning your gutters every fall has numerous benefits. This task prevents water damage and rot, a place for pests to nest, plus it helps the overall lifespan of your roof and foundation. 

3. Inspect your roof.

Make sure to examine your roof. Look for any damage such as missing shingles or cracks and get them repaired before the snow falls. If you ignore these issues, the harsh winter months could exacerbate what was once minor damage. 

4. Trim trees and bushes.

Cut back any overgrown bushes or large unsteady branches that could break off near the roof or home. 

5. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 

To make sure these detectors are working properly, take the time to check the function and replace the batteries if need be.

6. Have your chimney or fireplace serviced.

Before the cool weather arrives, it is best to have your chimney and fireplace cleaned before running. Not only is this good fire safety practice, it will clear out any critters that may have found their way in.

7. Remove window screens and screen doors.

This will help the longevity of your screens. Also, consider installing storm windows and doors. 

8. Winterize summer power equipment.

Store away the lawn mower and bring out your snowblower. While you are doing this, test out your winter equipment to make sure there are no issues before the first snowfall. 

9. Cover or store away outdoor furniture.

You most likely will not be using your hammock so, to protect your outdoor furniture from the winter elements we recommend covering them or storing them away. 

10. Shut off faucets and drain hoses or sprinklers.

If there is any access water in the faucet or hose it will freeze and possibly burst causing more damage. Ensure that the water is shut off and put away any hoses to prevent this.

For more home maintenance tips or advice on what to do before you list this fall, get in touch with a Coldwell Banker Islands Realty Agent.

The Northwestern Vermont Board of REALTORS® (NVBR) has released its market statistics for September 2021. The information is derived from data contained in the New England Real Estate Network and covers Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties.

Nationwide, existing home sales were down slightly in August, falling 2% after two consecutive months of increases, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The decline in existing home sales coincides with rising sales prices, which have continued to soar into fall, with the median sales price of existing homes up 14.9% compared to last year. Declining affordability has had a significant impact on homebuyers, many of whom have been priced out of the market and are choosing to wait for sales prices to ease before resuming their home search.

New Listings decreased 10.4 percent for single-family homes and 10.4 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Pending Sales increased 0.4 percent for single-family homes but decreased 11.3 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Inventory decreased 40.5 percent for single-family homes and 47.7 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

The Median Sales Price was up 15.7 percent to $395,000 for single-family homes and 0.5 percent to $284,050 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market decreased 35.6 percent for single-family homes and 33.3 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory decreased 41.7 percent for single-family homes and 46.2 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

There are signs the market may be shifting, however. New listings have continued to hit the market, bucking seasonality trends commonly seen in the fall, a time when listing and sales activity typically slows as children return to school. As inventory increases, competition for homes may soften, and could even bring a moderation in sales prices, which, after 114 months of year-over-year gains, would be music to the ears of homebuyers throughout the country.

If you have questions about the real estate market please contact us at (802) 372-5777 or request a complimentary market analysis today.

We are pleased to announce that Deborah Unica has joined Coldwell Banker Islands Realty as a licensed sales associate. Learn more about Deborah below. 

Deborah Unica recently became a licensed realtor with CBIR. Deborah has been a resident of the Islands for 22 years. Her daughter grew up attending the Champlain Islands Parent Child Center and Folsom school. Deborah spent many years helping Vermont families plan for college and more recently served as director in a medical setting. She is looking forward to using her experience in planning, marketing, relationship building, and negotiation to assist buyers and sellers through the real estate transaction process.

Connect with Deborah today!

Happy Fall from the crew at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty! The Lake Champlain Islands are one of the most spectacular spots to spend autumn days. As the leaves begin to change, local farmers gather their crops and invite members of the community to enjoy the fruits of their labor. There are an abundance of ways to get into the fall spirit throughout Grand Isle County from pick your own apples to fall festivals.

Weekend in the Islands
Head to South Hero for a culinary celebration of the Lake Champlain Islands. Many local businesses are partaking and will have fun events as well as great local products available during this fall festival on October 9th-10th. See the map to learn more! Map 

Emmon's Island Haunted Trail

The annual Emmons Island Haunted Trail  will take place on October, 9th in Grand Isle. Tickets are sold the night of the event. The children's walk is free from 4:30pm - 6pm with a costume contest at 5pm. The main event will take place from 6:30pm to 10pm. Entry is $10 a person or bring seven non perishable goods to donate to the food drive.

Farmers Market Harvest Fest 

The Champlain Islands Farmers Market will be holding its annual Harvest Festival from 10am to 3pm on October 9th at the Saint Rose of Lima Church in South Hero. Stop by to support your local farmers and makers while enjoying music and games! 

Evening Nature Ramble 

Head to the South Hero Recreational Park for a mile nature walk hosted by the South Hero Land Trust. This will take place Wednesday evening on October 13th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. RSVP here

Pick Your Own Apples
Apple picking is plentiful throughout the Islands during the month of October. Hacketts, Allenholm, or Halls Orchard all host the best varieties of Vermont Apples from Honeycrisps to Macintosh.

Green Mountain Marathon
The Green Mountain Marathon and Half Marathon will be held at the Folsom School on South Street. On October 17th at 8:30am runners will take to the West Shore of South Hero and Grand Isle. Register here

Champlain Islands CROP Hunger Walk
The CROP Hunger Walk will take place on Sunday, October 17th, from 1pm - 4 pm at the Congregational Church of South Hero. Diane Irish, local Yoga instructor, will warm everyone up for the walk; Joe Pobieglo will send walkers off with his rousing bagpipes; Robin Way of CIDER will lead the 1/2 mile to the site of the new senior housing project, Bayview Crossing. Register here