At Coldwell Banker Islands Realty we feel very grateful to be a part of such a close knit community filled with individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for one another. As we know, the pandemic has brought a number of unforeseen challenges and many families in Grand Isle County have been impacted in some way.

We are proud to support organizations such as the Champlain Islands Empty Bowls and CIDER who are working to eradicate food insecurity in Grand Isle County. We urge you to join the fight and lend a helping hand to your fellow Island neighbors in whatever way possible. Listed below is a guide of local food organizations that currently are asking for donations or have volunteer opportunities.

1. Virtually Support Champlain Islands Empty Bowls 
While we surely missed the annual raffle, dinner, and handmade bowls, you can still help to decrease food insecurity in Grand Isle County. The Empty Bowls fundraising efforts have gone virtual this year however, the need is still great! During the month of February they were collecting funds for food organizations such as, CIDER, Food for Thought, and Grand Isle Food Shelf. That being said, there is no deadline to donate, just make your checks out to the Congregational Church of South Hero with "Empty Bowls'" on the notation line. You can send the check to Margaret Nowak, the Congregational Church of South Hero or drop the check or cash off at CIDER.

Image Source: Champlain Islands Empty Bowls

2. Drop off items at Food for Thought
The Congregational Church of South Hero's Food for Thought has a Little Free Pantry set up outside the church on South Street for people to take what they need and leave what they can but are asking that you omit items that are in glass containers and canned goods during the cold months. Get Directions

Image source: Kaight Althoff

3. Volunteer at CIDER  
CIDER is in need of drivers! They are looking for help to deliver their "Neighborhood Meals" specifically with a demand for drivers north of the drawbridge. They also are relying on direct mail fundraisers since their typical personal fundraising can’t take place this year. Donate Today

Image Source: Annie Gardiner
 

4. Join the Grow for a Neighbor Campaign
The South Hero Land Trust has launched the Grow for a Neighbor campaign! You can get involved by volunteering as a gardener or donating to buy seedlings. The produce yielded will be donated to a local food shelf and the seedlings are bought from local farms and will be used for the volunteer gardeners and to create potted plant packets for families at risk. Volunteer or Donate Today

Image source: South Hero Land Trust

 

5. Volunteer at Healthy Roots Collaborative
If monetary donations aren't in the cards for you, consider volunteering at Healthy Roots. This collaborative works to strengthen the local food system in Northwest Vermont and serves Grand Isle County. They are seeking volunteers to harvest in the fields and deliver produce to the food shelves. Volunteer Today 

Image Source: Healthy Roots Collaborative 

6. Drop off goods at a Food Shelf in Grand Isle County
CIDER has compiled a great resource with a list of the local food shelves throughout the Champlain Islands. If you are in need of food or are dropping off items we recommend contacting the pantry ahead of time to coordinate and gain insight on any COVID-19 restriction they may have. Find a food shelf near you 

Image Source: Alex Rosenberger

Please consider getting involved by donating or volunteering to assist these food organizations that are providing relief to so many members of our community!

Image Source: Coldwell Banker Islands Realty

There are small changes that you can make inside your home to make it more appealing to potential buyers. While it may seem like a minor detail, investing your time to take care of the nitty gritty aspects such as, decluttering and rearranging pays off. Here are a five quick ways to revamp the interior of your home:

1. Ambient Lighting

Depending on the mood you are aiming for, think about the types of light bulbs you may be using. Try swapping your current lightbulbs out for warm, incandescent light bulbs for a homey feel. If you are trying to attain a bright and clean atmosphere in your home LED light bulbs will provide ample cool light.

Image Source: Coldwell Banker Islands Realty

2.  Give your windows and curtains some attention

Consider replacing heavy curtains with a sheer curtain alternative. If new curtains aren’t in your budget, just be sure to open them to allow more natural light. While doing this, take a moment to observe your window panes. Have a great view? Make sure to wash your windows to enhance visibility and brighten up your interior space.

Image Source: Coldwell Banker Islands Realty

3. Declutter and depersonalize 

Minimalism is key when preparing a home for a showing, start by removing any objects that might distract a home buyer. This includes clearing off your countertops, reorganizing any busy shelves, and removing personal photos. By depersonalizing the home, it allows potential buyers to visualize the space with their own belongings.

Image Source: Coldwell Banker Islands Realty

4. Staging your home

While staging doesn’t have to be extravagant there are many small tricks that can help the sale of your home. Try adding fresh flowers to the entryway, setting the dining room table, or rearranging the living room furniture to open up the space. Don’t exhaust yourself trying to make every room perfect, prioritize the most important areas and features of your home. 

Image Source: Coldwell Banker Islands Realty

5. Capitalize on the senses.

Create an atmosphere through visuals and aromas that might resonate with a potential buyer. Begin by neutralizing any odor with a deep clean, then consider burning a candle or baking fresh cookies before a showing. 

Image Source: Coldwell Banker Islands Realty

We hope you found these tips helpful! Consult your Realtor on additional techniques to help make sure your home is showcased in the best light possible. 

First impressions are everything and the exterior of a home can set the tone for a potential buyer. If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market, spend some time boosting your homes curb appeal. Making these small changes can have a big impact in the eyes of home buyers. 

1. Maintain your landscaping

Make sure to regularly prune any shrubs against and around your home. As they become overgrown they can block your windows and can take away from its street appearance. Additionally, this will put your windows on display and allow more natural light to shine through. Another tip is to keep an eye on the landscaping leading up to the house. Dig out or cut back any species that might be overflowing onto your walkway. 

2.  Hide Unnecessary Clutter

An easy way to spruce up your front yard is to remove items that are not necessarily meant to be on display. Relocate your gadgets and equipment such as any tools, lawnmowers, or toys that may be laying around in plain sight.

3. Clean your Gutters

While cleaning your gutters may be a dreaded chore, it is necessary. Not only is it important to clean them for the exterior, but also for general maintenance.

4. Freshen up your Front Door

 Throw a fresh coat of paint on your front door to drastically improve the appeal of your home from a distance. Maintenance is often required with painted doors, so whether you are touching up an existing color or you are introducing a vibrant new hue both will achieve a sought after exterior appearance. 

5. Add Finishing Touches

These can be as simple as hanging a seasonal wreath on your front door or maybe it's just throwing a couple of planters onto the front porch or the steps. Other ideas are to buy new house numbers, or add solar lights to your walkway. 

Now you have five easy and affordable ways to spruce up the exterior of your home to get it ready to sell! If you would like a professional opinion of ways to improve your home please contact us for a personal home consultation with no cost or obligation.

January's hidden home was an exclusive in-house listing that sold this past December. Built in 2008 and renovated in 2014, this 3 bedroom and 2 and half bath home is sited on a bluff with acreage and 240 ft of easily accessible lakeshore. You will be sure to enjoy this unreleased virtual home tour of this adorable Champlain Islands Lakefront Cape!

(This home is not for sale) 

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Happy New Year to our readers! As we begin a new year we are reflecting on 2020 and even though it was a difficult year with many changes we reached many milestones and are grateful to have had another successful year. 

After 26 years we moved into a new office, we rebranded, we launched a social mission to give back to our community, and we welcomed three new people to the CBIR team. The real estate market has kept us on our toes with shutdowns, stay at home orders, and embracing technology to offer virtual services. Despite these changes we have adapted and have continued to provide real estate services safely. 

We could not have reached these accomplishments without the support of our team, clients and community. We are grateful for all of your support. We look forward to the new year!

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