The days are getting longer and the weather is starting to warm up. Which means it is time to come out of hibernation and assess the toll the winter weather had on your home. Performing annual home maintenance can help you plan for repairs before the summer season arrives.  Here are a few home maintenance tips to consider each spring season.

1. Check the Screen Doors and Windows 

Examine the seals and trim around your doors and windows to see if they need to be resealed, repaired, or replaced before the rainy season arrives. If moisture gets in, it could cause damage to the wood trim. Also, take this time to check your window screens for damage. 

2. Visit the Attic and Basement

Take a trip down to your basement and up to your attic and do a visual inspection for mold or moisture build-up. Also keep an eye out  for any evidence of critters that may have made themselves at home over the winter. If you spot any issues that require further inspection, consider hiring a professional to assess the damage and the best plan of attack.

3. Consider Painting or Replacing Wood 

Exposed wood can rot so be sure to repair and replace any damaged wood whether it be your deck, railings or window sills. If you notice any cracked or peeling paint, scrape it off and apply a fresh coat to protect the wood from the spring elements.

4. Inspect your Roof and Siding 

The weather can take a toll on the exterior of your home. Take a look at the roof to see if there are any missing or damaged shingles that need to be replaced. Also, check the flashing on your chimney and skylights. Inspect your siding and look for any cracks, warping, rot and pest invasion. There could be underlying problems so get a professional opinion if you’re unsure. If the exterior of your home is in need of repair it could lead to damage inside your home. If you notice any of these items be sure to call a professional for further inspection.

5. Clean your Gutters and Downspouts

Clean out leaves and any debris from your gutters so they drain properly and work efficiently. This task prevents water damage and rot, a place for pests to nest, and it helps the overall lifespan of your roof and foundation. Additionally, make sure the downspouts are angled away from the foundation. 

6. Examine Driveways and Walkways

Look for cracks, potholes, or divots in your driveway and walkways and get them repaired. Smaller cracks are usually easier and less costly to repair, so take care of these once they are visible. If you have a dirt driveway, make sure to  fill in any potholes and regrade with a fresh layer of gravel each spring.

7. Add Soil 

If you have any low areas next to your foundation or in your yard, add some soil to level out these areas. This will help prevent foundation damage, minimize insects, and reduce flooding caused by spring rains. 

8. Service your Furnace and AC Unit 

Ask a professional to clean and service your outside air conditioning system. This will help with performance during the warm months. It could also help reduce your electric bill since the unit will be operating more efficiently. On top of that, it is important to check the furnace and have it maintenanced. This is critical  especially after a long winter of heating your home to make sure it is in tip top shape the next time you need it. 

9. Pressure Wash Your House

Once the cold weather has lifted, power washing your home can be a great way to keep up with exterior maintenance. Cleaning your roof, gutters, decks, as well as siding will help to avoid  mold or mildew sitting and causing costly damage in the long run. 

10. Spruce Up Landscaping 

Give your landscaping some TLC. Dig out or cut back any species that might be overflowing onto your walkway or driveway, and/or blocking any windows. Take this time to also give your garden a facelift and start planning those planting projects!

Partaking routine home maintenance you can avoid costly repairs as well as help you prepare and budget for updates that might be needed. For more home maintenance tips or advice on what to do before you list this spring, get in touch with a Coldwell Banker Islands Realty Agent.

The U.S. real estate market remains hot ahead of the spring selling season, with existing home sales up 6.7% as of last measure, according to the National Association of REALTORS^®. Experts attribute the growth in sales to an uptick in mortgage interest rates, as buyers rushed to lock down their home purchases before rates move higher. Mortgage rates have increased almost a full percentage point since December, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage briefly exceeding 4% in February, the highest level since May 2019.

New Listings decreased 4.6 percent for single-family homes and 5.4 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Pending Sales decreased 17.3 percent for single family homes but increased 3.6 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

Inventory decreased 42.7 percent for single-family homes and 54.5 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

The Median Sales Price was up 12.5 percent to $365,500 for single-family homes and 24.0 percent to $310,000 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market decreased 35.7 percent for single-family homes and 66.7 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory decreased 41.7 percent for single-family homes and 57.1 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

Inventory was at an all-time low of 860,000 as February began, down 17% from a year ago and equivalent to 1.6 months supply. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of REALTORS^®, much of the current housing supply is concentrated at the upper end of the market, where inventory is increasing, while homes priced at the lower end of the market are quickly disappearing, leaving many first-time buyers behind.

The shortage of homes is boosting demand even further, and with bidding wars common in many markets, it’s no surprise sales prices continue to soar.

Wondering what your home is worth in your current market? Get a free market analysis today! 

When preparing your home for a showing or an open house there are a few things you will want to do before potential buyers walk through your home. Our checklist below is a great resource to read through to make sure you're prepared. 

Remove clutter.

Clear off the counters and pack unnecessary decorative items. Put extra furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season items. Don’t forget to clean out the garage, too.

Let it shine.

Cleaning windows and screens will help bring more light into your home. Replace burnt bulbs, and consider higher wattage in low-light areas. Clean the walls or brush on a fresh coat of bright, neutral paint. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones and show off your view. 

Keep it clean.

A deep clean before listing your home will make upkeep easier. Consider hiring a cleaning service to help.

Maximize comfort.

In summer, shut A/C vents on the first floor so more air will get upstairs. Reverse the process in winter.

Perform a sniff test.

Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate odors. Open the windows to air out the house. Consider potpourri or scented candles and diffusers. For quick fixes in the kitchen, cotton balls soaked in vanilla extract or orange juice can instantly make the fridge a nicer-smelling place. Boil lemon juice in your microwave, then add it to your dishwasher to eliminate odors. You can also run lemon rinds through the garbage disposal for a similar effect.

Take care of minor repairs.

Sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well-maintained. 

Tidy up outdoors.

Cut the grass, rake the leaves, add new mulch, trim the bushes, edge the walkways, and clean the gutters. A pot of bright flowers near the entryway adds great curb appeal.

Set the scene.

A bright afghan or new accent pillows easily jazz up a dull room. Pretty dishes or a simple centerpiece on the tables can help buyers picture themselves living there. Try staging a chess game in progress. If you have a fireplace, lay fresh logs or a basket of flowers there.

Make the bath luxurious.

Make sure your personal toiletry items are out of sight, along with old towels and toothbrushes. Add a new shower curtain and fancy guest soaps. 

Send the pets to the neighbors.

If that’s not possible, crate or confine them to one room, and let the real estate practitioner know where they’ll be to eliminate surprises. 

Lock up valuables and medication.

Agents can’t watch everyone all the time.

Head out.

It can be awkward for everyone if you’re home at the time of a showing.

 

There are many factors that go into the sale of your home in addition to preparing your home, such as the listing process, navigating offers, and closing. You can depend on Coldwell Banker Islands Realty to help you make informed decisions with confidence and advocate for you throughout the selling process. Get in touch with one of our local agents today. 

 

Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Reprinted with permission.

 

Who else is dreaming of this Champlain Islands Contemporary as forever home? March's hidden home recently closed in February. It is a covert home with truly panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Green and Adirondack Mountains. Watch to see the some of the best views in the Champlain Islands! 

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see the Hidden Home of the month!

(This home is NOT for sale) 

Looking for something to do during the colder winter months? From extreme winter sports to tranquil lower impact exercises, the Champlain Islands have an abundance of recreational activities waiting for us to try. When heading out on the ice always take precaution and check conditions before.

1. Skating on Lake Champlain

When the weather sets up just right, the ice on Lake Champlain becomes glass perfect for skating (especially on the Sandbar)! Whether you are figure skating or out playing pond hockey this serene scene takes skating to the next level.

2. Stroll the Island Line Trail
Bundle up and head to the Lake Champlain Causeway for a serene winter stroll. Walk the beautiful and historic path while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, and the Adirondacks. Better known as the Bike Path, you can access this trail from Colchester or South Hero.

3. Ice Fishing
Lake Champlain is home to Vermont’s premier fishing destination and has many ice fishing opportunities. The shallow waters near the Sandbar are a hotspot for northern pike. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just out fishing for fun, this family fun winter activity is enjoyed by all ages.

4. Trek out to Knight Island
Looking to get your steps in? Knight Island is just about a 40 minute walk from the North Hero Village. Carve out your own path on frozen Lake Champlain. You can walk, grab your snowshoes, or strap into cross-country skis to reach the destination!

5. Snowkite on the Sandbar 

Weather permitting, snowkiting is an epic winter sport with opportunity for major air!  Feeling extra adventurous? Try kitewinging! Kitewings are handheld wing sails used for sailing on low friction surfaces such as ice or snow. Strap on skates or skis and get ready for an epic workout. The ice and wind conditions near the Sandbar make for the perfect spot to try out this new extreme winter sport.

Looking for more fun activities in the Champlain Islands? Read more. 

Commissions for Community Annual Donation Program

This past month we donated $1000 donation to the Grand Isle Food Shelf through our Commissions for Community annual donation program. We are grateful to have such wonderful volunteer organizations that support our community and neighbors in such an impactful way. Thank you Judy Ayers and all of the Food Shelf volunteers for all you do!

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