Maintaining your home is the cornerstone of homeownership, ensuring its longevity and saving you from hefty repair bills down the line. With spring on the horizon, now's the prime opportunity to tackle those critical home maintenance tasks. By staying proactive and addressing key maintenance needs now, you'll ensure your Vermont home will stand strong against whatever nature throws its way in the seasons ahead.

1. Check your gutters and downspouts

Ensure gutters and downspouts are free from debris and securely attached to your home. Take a close look for any damage or leaks that may have occurred over the winter.

2. Inspect your roof

Look for any signs of damage or wear, such as missing or damaged shingles, chimney cracks, or attic leaks. Arrange for repairs if necessary.

3. Test your sump pump 

If you have a basement, test your sump pump to ensure it works properly. You don't want to find out it's not working during the spring thaw.

4. Look at the siding for damage

The weather can take a toll on the exterior of your home. 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. 

5. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace any batteries if needed.

6. Dryer vent cleaning

 Lint build-up in your dryer vent can be a fire hazard. Clean out your dryer vent and inspect it for any damage.

7. Check the foundation 

 Inspect your foundation for any cracks or damage that may have occurred over the winter.

8. Weatherproof windows and doors

Check your windows and doors for any drafts or leaks. Replace any damaged weatherstripping or caulking.

9. Outdoor equipment maintenance 

If you have outdoor equipment like lawnmowers or trimmers, clean them up and perform any necessary maintenance before the grass starts growing again.

10. Examine your pipes for damage

As the weather starts to warm up, frozen pipes may start to thaw and potentially cause leaks. Check all pipes for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or bulges. If you find any damage, arrange for repairs immediately to prevent water damage to your home.

Keeping your home in good shape not only attracts more buyers and boosts property value if you decide to sell later, but it also helps you avoid unexpected issues during inspections and negotiate better terms. Plus, it gives buyers peace of mind knowing they're investing in a well-maintained, move-in-ready property. For more home maintenance tips or advice on what to do before you list this spring, contact a Coldwell Banker Islands Realty Agent.

Welcome, future homeowners and sellers! Today, we're diving into the bustling real estate scene of Northwest Vermont. Whether you're considering buying or selling, understanding the latest trends and statistics is crucial. Let's break down the key points from January 2024 to help you make informed decisions. These statistics are for single-family home sales in Grand Isle, Franklin, and Chittenden County. 

Median Sales Price:

• In January 2024, the median sales price for single-family homes in Northwest Vermont stood at $460,000. This figure marks a 5.7% increase from the previous month and a substantial 7% rise from January 2023. For buyers, this signals a growing market where property values are appreciating, potentially leading to higher investment returns in the long run. Sellers can rejoice at the prospect of fetching better prices for their homes, reflecting a healthy and competitive real estate landscape.

Closed Sales:

• Despite a 13.5% decrease from the previous month, January 2024 saw a 23.9% increase in closed sales compared to the same period last year. This suggests a robust demand for homes in Northwest Vermont. Buyers should be prepared to act swiftly when they find a property that meets their needs, as competition remains stiff. Sellers can leverage this demand to their advantage, but pricing their homes competitively and ensuring they stand out in a crowded market will be key to attracting buyers.

Median Days On Market (DOM):

• The median DOM rose significantly to 25 days, marking an 85.2% increase from the previous month and doubling from January 2023. This shift indicates a slight cooling in the market compared to the rapid pace seen in previous months. Buyers may find more breathing room to conduct thorough inspections and negotiations, while sellers should be mindful of pricing strategies to avoid prolonged listing periods.

List Price Received:

• Sellers received approximately 99.7% of their list price in January 2024, reflecting a slight dip from the previous month and a marginal decrease from the same period last year. While this may signal a slight softening in negotiations, it still indicates a seller-friendly market where buyers are willing to meet asking prices. Buyers should be prepared to negotiate effectively, while sellers should aim for realistic pricing to attract motivated buyers.

Active Inventory:

• The active inventory in Northwest Vermont decreased by 19.2% from the previous month but increased by 4.3% compared to January 2023. This suggests a tightening of available housing stock in our area, potentially leading to increased competition among buyers. Buyers should act decisively and consider broadening their search criteria to find suitable options. Sellers, on the other hand, may benefit from listing their properties in a market with limited inventory, potentially leading to quicker sales and favorable terms.

Months Supply of Inventory (MSI):

• The MSI decreased to 1.3 months, marking a 6.6% decrease from the previous month and a 15.8% decrease from January 2023. A lower MSI indicates a seller's market, where demand outpaces supply. For buyers, this means facing heightened competition and possibly needing to make stronger offers to secure a desired property. Sellers can capitalize on the low MSI by strategically pricing their homes and leveraging the scarcity of available inventory to their advantage.

Northwest Vermont Market Review By County:

Chittenden County:

• Active Inventory = 80
• Median Sales Price = $523,500
• Median Days On Market = 12
• Closed Sales = 78
• List Price Received = 100.6%

Franklin County:

• Active Inventory = 49
• Median Sales Price = $327,500
• Median Days On Market = 34
• Closed Sales = 24
• List Price Received = 97.6%

Grand Isle County:

• Active Inventory = 22
• Median Sales Price = $420,000
• Median Days On Market = 44
• Closed Sales = 7
• List Price Received = 97.4%

In conclusion, the Northwest Vermont real estate market continues to exhibit strength and resilience, with both buyers and sellers finding opportunities in the current landscape. Whether you're looking to buy or sell, staying informed about market trends and statistics is key to making sound decisions.

Ready to explore your options further? Contact us today for a personalized market analysis tailored to your area of interest. Let's navigate the Vermont real estate market together! Contact us now for a complimentary market analysis of your area!

A warm welcome to our February newsletter! As we enter into the thick of winter, we're here to share local events, hot market stats, a hidden lakefront home tour, and some featured properties! 

Lake Champlain Winter Event Guide

Don't miss out on February fun in the Lake Champlain area! From live music nights to winter carnivals there is something for everyone to enjoy. 
Read Winter Guide 

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Hidden Home

February’s Hidden Home is nestled on Lake Champlain's Inland Sea. This one-level residence features 200 feet of gradual lake frontage.

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Featured Listings

Lot 5 Four Winds Ln, North Hero, VT
Price: $150,000

67 & 74 E Shore S, Grand Isle, VT
Price: $635k - Price reduced!

Visit our website to view these listings and see more available office listings.

Read More

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Discover the diverse array of events taking place in the Lake Champlain area this February. Winter in the Champlain Valley region of Vermont offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, local events, and lots of warm community spirit. Embrace winter in Vermont with this curated guide to the exciting happenings in and around Lake Champlain. From live music nights to winter carnivals, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Great Ice! - North Hero, VT

February 16th, 17th & 18th 

The return of Great Ice will take place on February 16th, 17th &18th. All activities will be located in North Hero’s City Bay. There is a fantastic lineup of events happening throughout the weekend for all to enjoy. The festival includes fireworks, a Christmas tree bonfire, local vendors, and much more! The Champlain Islands Business Expo will be held at the North Hero Community Hall on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 10:30 am. to 3 pm. Coldwell Banker Islands Realty will be there; make sure to stop by and say hello! Please note some activities are weather-dependent, follow their Facebook Page for updates.

More Event Information

Winter Carnival at Kraemer & Kin - Alburgh, VT

February 24th & 25th

Mark your calendars for Kraemer & Kin’s Winter Carnival in Alburgh, Vermont. The event will run the weekend of February 24th and 25th. Get ready for a weekend full of sledding, swearing, skating, and cross-country skiing. It’s a celebration of winter for the whole family!

More Event Information

Penguin Plunge - Burlington, VT

February 10th

The Special Olympics Vermont Penguin Plunge is a unique winter fundraiser where participants take icy dips into Lake Champlain to support the year-round mission of fostering inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports. This event contributes nearly 40% to Special Olympics Vermont's operating budget. This event is open to the public and all are welcome to spectate and support their friends who take the plunge! There will be music, food, and games at this great event located at the Burlington Waterfront Park Boat Launch.  

More Event Information

Theme Nights at The North Hero House - North Hero, VT

Month of February

The North Hero House Inn and Restaurant will continue to host its theme nights throughout February. Some engaging events to look forward to include trivia, karaoke, and even a cake-decorating class. They will also have recurring dining deals–you won’t want to miss wing Wednesday or burger night deals! 

See Calendar 

Pond Hockey Classic - Colchester, VT

February 9th - 11th

The Lake Champlain Pond Hockey Classic takes place on February 9th through the 11th for its 12th tournament! Participants eagerly lace up their skates for three days of outdoor ice hockey, fostering a sense of camaraderie and celebration. With over 150 teams engaging in 350+ games across 14 rinks, this event brings hockey back to basics, creating enduring memories on the frozen landscape. Free to all this is a great event. 

More Event Information 

Live Music at Two Heroes Brewery - South Hero, VT

Month of February

Warm up with winter nights with live music at Two Heroes on Wednesdays, Fridays, and occasionally Saturdays. Experience the vibrant local music scene while sipping on your favorite local brews and bites. Visiting this new South Hero brewhouse is the perfect way to unwind on a cool winter evening. Follow their Facebook Page for updates. 

Wine Down at Snow Farm Vineyard - South Hero, VT

Month of February

The Snow Farm winery located in South Hero, Vermont will be hosting a couple of events in February. They will be hosting a Pebble Art Workshop on February 11, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Also, on February 17, 2024, at 9:30 AM experience a heart chakra meditation led by Katie Cullen, along with journaling, oracle cards, and energy clearing.

More Event Information

Ice Golf Charity Scramble - Colchester, VT

February 17th

Step onto the icy links of Lake Champlain for a unique golfing experience like no other. This great fundraiser every swing supports a great cause, as all proceeds from this event go to Vermont's Camp Ta-Kum-Ta. Vermont Ice Golf hosts this fundraiser on a 9-hole golf course on frozen Lake Champlain in Colchester, Vermont. Gather your team of four for a thrilling round in a scramble format, starting at the picturesque Bayside Beach. 

More Event Information

From the snowy winter festivals to lively music nights and creative workshops, there's no shortage of ways to make the most of the winter in Northwest Vermont. Explore, experience, and create lasting memories in the heart of Lake Champlain this February! Looking for more winter activities to explore in Vermont? Read our Winter Activity Guide to the Lake Champlain Islands.