1. Why is Coldwell Banker Islands Realty the best choice for selling my home?

Coldwell Banker Islands Realty has been serving Grand Isle County since 1996, giving them over 29 years of hyperlocal expertise. As the top real estate agency in the region, they understand the unique nuances of island living, zoning, permitting, buyer demand, and property values across The Islands, Franklin County, and Chittenden County.

 

2. What makes CBIR specialists in lakefront homes on Lake Champlain?

CBIR is known as The Lakeshore Experts for a reason. Their agents live and breathe Lake Champlain life—from shoreline protection rules to water depths, dock systems, moorings, and local permitting. Their niche knowledge gives lakefront sellers a major advantage when preparing, pricing, and marketing waterfront properties.

 

3. How will Coldwell Banker Islands Realty market my home?

CBIR utilizes a powerful, proven marketing program that combines traditional exposure with advanced digital promotion. Your home is showcased through professional visuals, social media, online listing syndication, email campaigns, print advertising, and video, ensuring it reaches local, statewide, and national buyers.

 

4. Do they offer special services for luxury or second-home sellers?

Yes. CBIR’s Luxury Property Specialists leverage the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® program to elevate high-end listings. This includes premium marketing, strategic targeting, and global reach. For second-home and vacation-property sellers, CBIR pairs their lakefront expertise with sophisticated marketing designed to attract qualified buyers.

 

5. How does CBIR support me throughout the home-selling process?

Coldwell Banker Islands Realty acts as your trusted advocate from the very beginning. They help you prepare your home with personalized recommendations, create a dynamic pricing strategy based on real-time market data, and manage the complexities of paperwork, showings, negotiations, and closing. Their goal is to protect your value and present your home in the best possible light to thousands of potential buyers.

 

6. The bottom line: why should I list with CBIR?

If you’re selling in Grand Isle County or on Lake Champlain, CBIR is uniquely qualified. With deep local roots, unmatched lakefront expertise, decades of experience, and the strength of the Coldwell Banker brand, you’re supported by a team that knows the market, advocates for your best interests, and maximizes your home’s exposure.

Are you considering putting your property on the market? Spring is one of the best times of year to sell a home in Vermont—especially if your property offers lake views, outdoor space, or scenic surroundings. As the snow melts and the Green Mountains come alive with color, the local real estate market begins to bloom, too. Here’s why spring is the ideal season to list your Vermont home:

1. Higher Demand from Eager Buyers
With limited inventory over the winter, many buyers have been waiting for new listings to hit the market. As spring arrives, buyer activity in Vermont picks up, and warmer weather makes the moving process easier, driving more serious interest and faster decisions. Lakefront properties, in particular, are highly sought after as summer approaches.

2. Homes Show Beautifully in Spring
Vermont’s natural beauty shines in spring, with budding trees, flowering gardens, and green lawns creating a picturesque setting for showings. If your home is near Lake Champlain, spring is the perfect time to highlight the outdoor living spaces, gardens, and water access that make lakefront properties so desirable. Buyers will be drawn to the prospect of enjoying the lake in the warmer months, from boating to relaxing by the water.

3. Longer Days = More Showings
With extended daylight, buyers have more opportunities to visit homes after work or on weekends. This added flexibility increases the number of potential showings and makes your listing more accessible, especially for those traveling from out of state.

4. Great Timing for Families
For both buyers and sellers with families, spring is an ideal time to make a move. Buyers with school-aged children often prefer to purchase in the spring so they can close and settle in before the next school year begins. Similarly, sellers with families can take advantage of this timing to make a smooth transition without disrupting their children’s routines. It’s a great opportunity for families on both sides of the transaction.

5. Mild Weather Makes House Hunting Enjoyable
Vermont’s spring weather—mild temperatures, blue skies, and fresh air—makes it a pleasure to explore new neighborhoods and properties. Buyers are more likely to visit multiple homes in a day and spend time exploring the local area, especially if it’s along the lake or in a scenic small town.

Whether you're selling a year-round home or a seasonal cottage on the lake, spring is a powerful season to attract motivated buyers. With increased interest, beautiful surroundings, and optimal timing, now is the perfect moment to take the next step.

Reach out today to learn how we can help you prepare, price, and market your home for a successful spring sale.

If you’re thinking about selling your Vermont home, spring is one of the best times to list. As buyers resume their search after the slower winter market, demand picks up, and competition increases. Vermont’s blooming landscapes enhance curb appeal, and longer daylight hours provide more opportunities for showings. Plus, the timing aligns well for families with school-age children. Whether you're selling a seasonal lakefront cottage on Lake Champlain or a sprawling property with mountain views, these tips will help you prepare for a successful spring sale.

Meet with A local Real Estate Agent

Start by connecting with a Vermont real estate agent who specializes in your area. Having a local expert means they understand market trends, buyer demand, and the unique selling points of your property. They can guide you on where to focus your efforts—enhancing shoreline appeal, prepping for seasonal maintenance, or staging to highlight scenic views. They will also know how to craft a marketing strategy with professional photography, drone footage, and targeted listing exposure to attract potential buyers.

Tackle Essential Home Maintenance 

Vermont winters can take a toll on homes, so addressing key maintenance tasks before listing is essential. Clear out gutters and downspouts, inspect the roof for damage from ice and snow, test the sump pump, and check siding for cracks or wear. Taking care of these issues early helps preserve your home’s value and prevents surprises during the selling process.

Refresh Your Home’s Curb Appeal

First impressions are crucial! Spring is the ideal time to refresh your home’s exterior before listing. Clean windows, touch up paint, power wash decks, and tidy up landscaping to enhance curb appeal and attract buyers to your Vermont property.

Deep Clean and Declutter

Before your home is photographed or shown to buyers, give it a deep clean and declutter to make a lasting impression on buyers. Remove excess items and furniture to open up your space, clean overlooked areas like baseboards and vents, and refresh floors with vacuuming or polishing. Organize storage spaces and eliminate any odors. Completing these tasks will ensure your home feels fresh, well-maintained, and move-in ready. 

Prepare for Listing Photos

Before your photo or video shoot, tidy up both inside and outside. Inside, focus on cleaning the floors, replacing any burnt-out light bulbs, and minimizing personal items. Clear clutter from countertops, surfaces, and bathrooms, and hide shoes, clothes, or pet accessories from common areas to create a clean, inviting space. Outside, remove distractions like cars in the driveway, trash cans, or miscellaneous items in the yard. Ensure the grass is freshly cut, and make sure decks or patios are cleared off. 

By leveraging the advantages of the spring market, you can increase your chances of a successful and timely sale. Looking for more selling tips? Download our free Home Selling Guide for a step-by-step breakdown of the process with expert advice to help you navigate your spring sale with confidence.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a home seller is choosing a real estate brokerage that doesn’t effectively leverage social media marketing. In today’s digital-first world, simply listing a property isn’t enough. To sell quickly and at the best price, your home needs maximum online exposure—implementing a strong social media strategy is a key player to achieve that success. 

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 YouTube offer unparalleled opportunities to reach thousands of potential buyers quickly. In 2024 alone, our brokerage had multiple viral videos that helped us reach over 6 million accounts on Instagram and 1.2 million impressions on YouTube, demonstrating the power of a strong digital presence. Working with a brokerage that prioritizes social media ensures your property connects with a vast pool of potential buyers.

Captivating Content Captures Buyers

Basic photos aren’t enough to sell a home—today’s buyers expect high-quality visuals and engaging content. That’s why our brokerage utilizes HDR photography, drone imagery, and professionally crafted video reels shared across Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to highlight your home’s best features.

This recent lakefront listing in South Hero, Vermont, is a prime example. We created multiple short video reels for social media to showcase the property’s features and lifestyle, along with a long-form home tour video on YouTube to reach buyers near and far. These videos linked to our website, where buyers could explore the full listing complete with stunning professional photos to get a true feel for the home.

More Visibility Means More Buyers and Better Results
The ultimate goal of social media marketing isn’t just to generate likes and views—it’s to attract serious buyers ready to make offers. Our proven strategies connect your property 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 getting a comprehensive 360-degree marketing plan designed to maximize exposure and deliver results.

 

Don’t make the costly mistake of listing with a brokerage that overlooks the power of new technology. With today’s buyers turning to digital platforms, you need a proactive marketing approach that meets them where they are.

Ready to sell smarter? Let us guide you through the process with a modern marketing strategy designed to deliver exceptional results. Contact us today to learn more about how our personalized home selling plan can help your property stand out and attract the right buyers.

Join us on Saturday, August 31st, for an engaging panel discussion featuring local experts in real estate, interior design, and financing. Learn how to maximize your property’s worth with insights from Realtor Joy Gess, Interior Designer Britt Mee, and Loan Officer Kelly Deforge.

When: Saturday, August 31st, 10am - 11am
Where: Worthen Library, 28 Community Lane, South Hero, VT

Panel Topics Include:

• Realtor, Joy Gess, will share the latest market trends and share the dynamics of seller vs. buyer markets. Learn how to make your home "show-ready" and why representation matters in today's competitive market.
• Interior Designer, Britt Mee will be sharing inspiring before-and-afters and how design services can transform your home. Get the inside scoop on which home improvements offer the best return on investment.
• Loan Officer, Kelly Deforge will help you navigate the mortgage landscape with ease. Learn about different mortgage products and how rate history impacts your buying and selling decisions in today's market.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and take the next step toward maximizing your home's value. Reserve your spot today!

Learn more about our panelists:

• Joy Gess, Realtor at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty
• Britt Mee, Owner at Vermont Interior Design
• Kelly Defore, Senior Mortgage Loan Originator at Union Bank