Looking to make your Vermont home more eco-friendly? There are many updates and changes you can make in your home to help you achieve a more sustainable lifestyle. Some of these changes not only will lower your energy costs but can also increase the value of your home.

1. Switch out your Light Bulbs

Swap your incandescent light bulbs for LED light bulbs. LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional lights! These are more efficient and they will end up saving you money in the long run.

2. Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances

Whether it’s your washer or refrigerator replacing outdated appliances with new more efficient models will help cut your home's energy consumption. However, finding the right model can be overwhelming. We recommend browsing online on Efficieny Vermont where they compare products and help you get the best deal.

3. Wash Clothes in Cold Water

If purchasing a new washer and dryer isn’t in your budget, you can still find ways to cut your energy use with the appliances you have. According to energy star, by adjusting your cycle temperature from hot to warm you can cut the energy use in half. Additionally, switching to the cold cycle will decrease the energy use even more! After washing your garments, consider skipping the dryer and line drying your clothes.

4. Insulate Walls, Ceilings, and Doors 

Make sure your home is sealed tight to retain heat in the winter and keep hot air out of the home during the warmer months. This, in turn, will help decrease the energy used to heat and cool your home throughout the year which will lower those associated costs as well! 

5. Compost

The average family produces about 18 pounds of trash a day which adds up to 6,570 pounds of trash a year! If you compost, you will help to decrease the amount of solid waste your household generates. If you live in Vermont, then you should have already hopped on the composting bandwagon. However, if you need assistance on how to compost the Vermont Department of Energy Conservation has a great guide on the do's and don'ts of composting. 

6. Install Solar Panels

While these can be costly, solar panels will be the most effective to combat greenhouse gas emissions. In Vermont, the solar prices are down 45% over the past 5 years! Plus, to help offset costs you can get a 26% federal tax credit for projects that begin before 2023. 

7. Use Eco-Friendly Household Products 

Try using green plant-based products and eco-friendly paint to reduce the release of toxins that pollute the air pollution. We recommend using databases such as the EPA Safer Choice Program to see how your current household products size up and to how to search for cleaner products.

 

Making these lifestyle changes and upgrades to your home will help immensely to reduce your carbon footprint. These improvements will also increase your home's value which will put you in a great position when you decide to sell your home! 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

You've decide to put your home on the market but are unsure what projects will really help the sale of your home. Coldwell Banker Islands Realty wants to showcase your home in the best possible way and appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. Here is a list of some quick, easy, and inexpensive ways that you can spruce up your home to get it ready to sell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curb Appeal

First impressions are everything and the exterior can set the tone for a potential buyer. Spend some time boosting your homes curb appeal. Making these small changes can have a big impact in the eyes of home buyers.

 

#1 Keep Your Garden In Check

Trim the bushes so they don't block your windows. This will show off the windows and let more natural light inside. Make sure your garden and lawn aren’t blocking walkways.

 

#2 Clean Up Tools & Toys

Keep your yard tidy by putting away tools, lawnmowers, and kid toys.

 

#3 Clean The Gutters

Cleaning your gutters can be a major chore but not only is it important to clean them for curb appeal but also for general maintenance.

 

#4 Finishing Touches

Add a seasonal wreath to your front door, add planters to the front porch or step, buy new house numbers, add solar lights to your walkway or update your front porch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interior

There a small changes that you can make inside your home to make it more appealing to potential buyers. Taking the time to declutter and rearrange can really pay off. Here are some ways to spruce up the interior of your home.

 

#1 Lighting

Swap your lightbulbs out for warm, incandescent light bulbs for a homey feel.

 

#2 Declutter

Clear-off all countertops and reorganize bookshelves to create order. This lets potential buyers visual the room with their belongings.

 

#3 Curtains

Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones to let more natural light in. Make sure to open the curtains to let light in.

 

#4 Finishing Touches

Place fresh flowers in your entryway or create a centerpiece for your dining table. Burn a scented candle or put out potpourri.

 

We hope you found these tips helpful! Make sue to ask your Realtor other ways that you can showcase your home in the best way. 

Spring is just around the corner, so we’d like to give you a few home maintenance tips to consider this coming season.

Seals and Trim: Check 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.

Paint: Exposed wood can rot, so if you notice any cracked or peeling paint, scrape it off and apply a fresh coat to protect the wood from the spring elements. 

Roofing: The weather can take a toll on your shingles. Take a look to see if there are any missing or damaged shingles that need to be replaced. Also, check the flashing on your chimney and skylight to see if it’s damaged. A roof in need of repair can mean water damage inside your home, so if you’re not sure what to look for, hire a professional to do an inspection.

Gutters: Clean out leaves and any debris from your gutters so they drain properly and work efficiently. Also, make sure the downspouts are angled away from the foundation.  

Driveways and Walkways: Look for cracks 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.

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. 

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.

Contact Coldwell Banker Islands Realty today for help with selling or buying a home on the Lake Champlain Islands!