Whether you’re planning a move to Northwest Vermont or dreaming of a lakefront escape on Lake Champlain, summer is one of the most active times to begin your home search. New listings hit the market, properties show beautifully, and buyers are eager to secure something before fall.

But with that momentum comes heightened competition, and even small missteps can affect your search. Before you begin touring homes, here are five summer house-hunting mistakes to avoid in 2026.

1. Starting Your Search Without Pre-Approval

It’s tempting to jump straight into browsing listings, especially when new homes are hitting the market daily. But in today’s market, if you’re financing, having a mortgage pre-approval is a crucial first step. 

Knowing your budget helps you focus your search and move quickly when the right home comes along. More importantly, it positions you as a serious buyer in a competitive environment, especially for desirable properties in sought-after towns or waterfront homes.

2. Not Getting Clear on Your Priorities

From wraparound porches to sunset lake views, Vermont homes have a way of pulling you in. But without a clear understanding of what you truly need, it’s easy to get distracted.

Before touring homes, define your non-negotiables:

• Location (proximity to Burlington, Lake Champlain, Interstate 1-89, etc.)
• Property type (year-round home, seasonal camp, condo, single-level, etc.)
• Features (water access, acreage, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.)

Having a clear vision will save time and help you make a confident decision when the right home appears.

3. Letting the Summer Market Rush Your Decision

Vermont real estate tends to move quickly in warmer months, especially for well-priced homes and lakefront listings. It’s natural to feel pressure to act fast, however rushing into a purchase without proper due diligence can lead to buyer’s remorse.

The key is balance: be prepared to move quickly, but not impulsively. Review disclosures carefully, understand the condition of the home, and lean on a local expert who knows how to navigate competitive situations.

4. Only Thinking About Summer Living

It’s easy to fall in love with a home during peak summer—long days, green landscapes, and lake access at its best. But Vermont living spans all four seasons, so it’s important to envision what life will look like year-round. 

• Winter road access and snow removal
• Heating systems and overall energy efficiency
• Storage for seasonal gear (skis, kayaks, outdoor furniture)
• For second homes, the typical seasonal use vs. year-round accessibility

Thinking beyond summer will help ensure the home fits your lifestyle in every season—not just the one you’re buying in.

5. Navigating the Process Without Local Expertise

The Northwest Vermont real estate market comes with its own nuances, from waterfront regulations to seasonal properties and zoning considerations.

Working with a local real estate professional gives you a strategic advantage. From early access to listings, to guidance on pricing, inspections, and negotiations, having the right representation ensures a smoother and more informed buying experience.

 

Whether you're searching for a primary residence or a seasonal getaway avoiding these common summer house-hunting mistakes can make all the difference on the journey to finding the right Vermont home. 

Thinking about buying in Northwest Vermont this summer? Connect with a local real estate expert to start your search with confidence—or explore available homes and discover what’s currently on the market.

 

 

Whether you’re preparing your home for the summer season or thinking about selling in Northwest Vermont, enhancing your curb appeal is a simple yet impactful place to start. A well-maintained garden and inviting outdoor space can instantly elevate your home’s first impression. With warmer days ahead, spring is the perfect time to refresh your landscaping and get your property looking its best.

1. Clean Up Your Garden Beds
Remove dead leaves, debris, fallen branches, and any weeds that have started to sprout. Add a fresh layer of mulch to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and give your garden beds a clean, finished look.

2. Plant Colorful Annuals
Add instant charm with colorful annuals that thrive in Vermont’s spring and summer climate. Look for native plants that will withstand Vermont weather conditions as well as support the local ecosystem. Plant them in clusters for a fuller, more eye-catching display.

3. Add a Container Garden
Container gardens are one of the easiest ways to brighten up a front porch, entryway, or patio. Choose planters that complement your home’s exterior and consider potted flowers, greenery, or hanging baskets.

4. Trim Shrubs & Trees
Overgrown landscaping can hide your home’s best features. Trim shrubs and trees back to their natural shape, remove dead branches, and cut back anything blocking walkways, driveways, windows, or entryways.

5. Add Window Boxes
 Window boxes add charm, color, and character to your home’s exterior. They’re especially great for smaller spaces, porches, balconies, or homes without large garden beds.

Spring in the Lake Champlain Valley Region brings a natural opportunity to refresh your home’s exterior and make a lasting first impression. Whether you’re sprucing up your yard for the summer or considering a move, simple updates to your landscaping can go a long way. As the season shifts, now is the perfect time to tidy up your outdoor spaces and enhance the overall look and feel of your property.

If selling is on your radar this season, having the right strategy in place can make all the difference. From pricing and timing, to marketing your home effectively, our real estate agents at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty can guide you through every step of the process. Contact us for personalized insight on the Northwest Vermont real estate market and how to position your home to stand out.

 

In Vermont’s competitive real estate market—especially for unique properties and highly sought-after lakefront homes—how your home is marketed online can make all the difference. In today’s digital-first world, simply listing a property in the MLS isn’t enough. To sell quickly and at the best price, your home needs maximum exposure—and a strong social media marketing strategy plays a key role in achieving that.

Buyers Start Their Home Search Online

With the majority of homebuyers starting their search online, social media has become a vital tool for showcasing properties. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook offer unparalleled opportunities to reach thousands of potential buyers quickly.

In 2025 alone, our content reached over 6 million accounts, growing a community of more than 25,000 followers. We’ve seen firsthand how powerful a strong digital presence can be in connecting Vermont properties with serious buyers. Working with a brokerage that prioritizes social media ensures your home is seen by a wider, more engaged audience.

Captivating Content Captures Buyers

Basic photos aren’t enough to sell a home. Today’s homebuyers expect high-quality visuals and engaging video content. That’s why we utilize HDR photography, drone imagery, and professionally crafted short-form videos shared across Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to highlight your home’s best features.

A recent lakefront home in South Hero demonstrates the impact. We created short-form videos to showcase both the property and the lifestyle, along with a full YouTube tour to reach buyers near and far. This listing had over 149K views across our video content, the property went under contract in just 5 days, and sold above asking. Each piece of content directed viewers back to the full listing, complete with professional photography and detailed information—helping potential buyers fully experience the home before ever stepping inside.

More Visibility Means Better Results

The goal of social media marketing isn’t just to generate likes and views—it’s to attract serious buyers ready to make offers. Our strategies are designed to connect your home with a wider audience, creating more opportunities to sell faster and at a competitive price.

When you list with us, you’re not just getting a listing, you're leveraging one of the most powerful real estate marketing platforms in Northwest Vermont designed to showcase your home drive meaningful interest. Don’t make the mistake of listing with a brokerage that overlooks the power of modern marketing. Today’s buyers are online, and your strategy should meet them there.

Ready to sell smarter? Let us guide you with a personalized marketing plan designed to help your home stand out in today’s competitive market. Contact us today to get started.

If selling your home is a possibility this spring, now is a good time to start planning. While it may feel early, preparing ahead of time can make the process smoother and less stressful—and often leads to better results. Small, thoughtful steps taken now can help you feel more confident when it’s time to list.

Here are a few practical things Vermont homeowners can do now to get ahead of the spring real estate market.

1. Take an Honest Walk-Through of Your Home

Walk through your home as if you were seeing it for the first time. Pay attention to first impressions. What feels dated, cluttered, or worn? What areas catch your eye right away—for better or worse? 

This exercise can help you identify which updates or improvements will have the most impact, and which areas may need attention before photos and showings.

2. Start Decluttering (Earlier Than You Think)

Decluttering is one of the most effective (and time-consuming) ways to prepare a home for sale. Starting early allows you to work gradually rather than rushing later.

Focus on:

• Kitchen counters and open shelving: Clear surfaces help signal ample storage and make spaces feel more functional.

• Entryways: A tidy, welcoming entrance sets the tone for the rest of the home.

• Closets: Buyers look closely at storage. Reorganizing or thinning out items can make closets feel more spacious.

Decluttering also helps you decide what you’ll keep, donate, or store ahead of your move.

3. Tackle Small Repairs

Minor issues tend to stand out to buyers and can affect overall impressions. Addressing them now allows you to spread the work over time or schedule help as needed.

Common items to check include:

• Loose door handles or cabinet hardware

• Minor drywall cracks or nail pops

• Dripping faucets or running toilets

• Sticky doors or windows

These are often simple fixes that can make a noticeable difference.

4. Freshen High-Impact Areas

A full renovation isn’t necessary, but freshening up key spaces with paint can go a long way. Light, neutral paint colors help rooms feel brighter and more inviting. Pay attention to scuffed baseboards or trim as well. 

5. Begin Planning for Outdoor Appeal

Spring buyers notice curb appeal. Consider what someone sees as they arrive—driveway, walkways, main entrance, or decks. Creating a plan now for yard cleanup or light landscaping can help your property shine once the season changes.

6. Think About Timing and Goals

As you work through these tasks, start thinking about your next steps. What timing works best for you? What are your priorities for the sale? Are you aiming for a fast sale, price, or a balance of both? Having clarity around your goals helps create a smoother path forward.

Final Thought
Preparing your home for sale is as much about planning as it is about presentation. Taking these steps now can reduce stress later and help you feel ready when spring arrives. If you’re considering selling and would like guidance tailored to your home and timeline, our team is happy to offer local insight—no pressure, just information to help you plan with confidence.

If you’re selling a Vermont lakefront property on Lake Champlain, choosing the right real estate company matters more than ever. Lakefront homes aren’t just houses—they’re lifestyles, investments, and can be highly nuanced properties. That’s why Coldwell Banker Islands Realty (CBIR) is the best fit for lakefront sellers in Grand Isle County, Vermont.

1. Over 27 Years of Lakefront Experience

Coldwell Banker Islands has been helping folks buy and sell lakefront properties since 1996, with more than 29 years of hands-on experience navigating shoreline regulations, seasonal demand, and buyer expectations. Their long-standing presence means they understand how lakefront values fluctuate and how to price and time a sale strategically.

2. The Top Agency in Grand Isle County

Grand Isle County has more shoreline than any other county in Vermont, and CBIR is the top real estate agency serving this unique market. Their focus on the Islands and Lake Champlain gives sellers a major advantage when it comes to visibility, buyer reach, and accurate valuation.

3. True Lake Champlain Specialists

Known as The Lakeshore Experts, CBIR Realtors understand the complexities of lakefront ownership — from shoreland protection rules and permitting to docks, moorings, erosion control, and water access. This niche expertise ensures your property is marketed accurately and confidently to qualified buyers.

4. Firsthand Lake Living Experience

Many CBIR agents live on or near Lake Champlain and grew up boating, fishing, swimming, and enjoying the lake lifestyle. That firsthand experience allows them to tell your property’s story authentically, something buyers value deeply when purchasing waterfront real estate.

5. Strategic Pricing & High-End Marketing

Selling lakefront property requires more than a sign in the yard. CBIR provides personalized preparation advice, a dynamic pricing strategy, and top-tier marketing using professional photography, video, digital advertising, and the Coldwell Banker Global network to present your home in its best possible light.

Bottom line: If you’re selling a lakefront home in Grand Isle County or on Lake Champlain, Coldwell Banker Islands Realty brings unmatched experience, local knowledge, and lakefront specialization, helping you protect your investment and maximize your sale.