The days are getting longer and the weather is starting to warm up. Which means it's time to come out of hibernation and assess the toll the winter weather had on your home. Here are a few home maintenance tips to consider each spring season:

1. 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. 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.

2. Inspect your Roof & Siding

Take a look at the roof to see if there are any missing or damaged shingles. 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 that could lead to damage inside your home so it's best to get a professional opinion if you’re unsure. 

3. Service your furnace and AC Unit

Ask a professional to clean and service your outside air conditioning system. On top of that, it's 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.  

4. 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!

5. 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.

Looking for more home maintenance tips for Spring? Read the rest of the checklist here.

Does your Home Need Some Sprucing Up?

Get a second opinion before starting your next home improvement project. Our real estate experts can help you. Learn more about this free service here.

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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We don’t have a crystal ball to see the future of the real estate market, but we can assess the current conditions and bring an objective eye to the table. In the past year, our REALTORS^® guided over 130 families through this fast-paced market. They have the area expertise, market knowledge and negotiating skills to guide you home. Here are some of the top questions we’re hearing from clients:

1. Will the real estate market shift in 2022?

While there are a number of factors that play into the real estate market, we predict that 2022 will see continued trends of light inventory and high buyer demand. Interest rates are on the rise but remain historically low still making today an opportune time to buy a home.

2. Is it true home sellers are getting offers over asking?

The key to selling a home is pricing it at fair market value, from the start, to attract the most potential buyers resulting in showings and offers. This market is competitive with some homes seeing multiple offer situations that ultimately drive up the sales price.

3. So it’s a good time to sell, but what about buying?

Interest rates are rising but remain at all time lows. They are expected to increase throughout the year and with the rise, the amount buyers would be able to afford will go down. Our real estate advocates will help you put your best offer forward and stand out among the competition.

4. What is my home worth today?

Your home has never been worth more. Median home prices in Northwest Vermont have risen 16% from 2020*. Dreaming of retirement or your next investment? Now is this time to get the most value out of your home. 

*NVRA Market Report December 2021

Wondering if now is the right time to list your home? You may be surprised. Don't wait to list until the spring, get a free market analysis to find out today!

Happy New Year! As we begin a new year we are reflecting on 2021 and those who have helped shape our business. It’s been quite the year! We celebrated several milestones this year, welcomed new faces and continued to do what we love and guide people home.

The office celebrated 25 years with Coldwell Banker. Co-owner and Realtor, Franz Rosenberger, was awarded top Coldwell Banker agent in Vermont. Co-owner and Realtor, Evan Potvin, and Realtor, Joy Gess, became certified as Luxury Property Specialists. We welcomed several new Realtors and welcomed Sue Arguin as the Agent Development Coordinator. These new additions will be sure to strengthen and add to the culture of CBIR. Through Commissions For Community, our annual donation program, we donated over $5,200 that will benefit the Grand Isle County community.

We couldn't have reached these accomplishments without the support of our team, clients and community. We are grateful for all of your support and look forward to the new year! Take a look back at 2021 in our recap video below.

The fall has proven to be a busy time at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty! We celebrated an anniversary, welcomed some new faces, and attended the CB annual conference. In October, we celebrated our 25th anniversary with Coldwell Banker!

25 Years with Coldwell Banker

We feel fortunate to be able to serve the real estate needs of Northwestern Vermont and owe a big thank you to all of our clients who made this possible. We appreciate the recognition and are proud to be a part of the Coldwell Banker family. Being a part of Coldwell Banker has elevated our business and allowed us to grow through brand recognition, new tools, tech and learning opportunities to provide the best possible service to our community.

The Coldwell Banker Gen Blue Experience

The Coldwell Banker 2021 conference, Gen Blue Experience, took place at Radio City Music Hall in early October. Joy Gess represented CBIR in New York City while the rest of the office enjoyed many impactful learning sessions, workshops, and inspirational speakers virtually from our office together at 38 Community Lane! Gen Blue is just one example of some of the serious advantages from affiliating with one of the industry’s largest names. 

New Agent Welcome

Over the past couple of months we welcomed some new faces to the company. Please join us in welcoming licensed sales associates Paul Habersang, Susan Kaminski, Deborah Unica, and Sam Rossetti-Thiels as well as a training & education coordinator Sue Arguin to Coldwell Banker Islands Realty! 

Champlain Islands CROP Hunger Walk

The CBIR team took steps to help families who are struggling with hunger. This was the 8th Champlain Islands CROP Hunger Walk. All of the contributions went to help to provide more meals for the growing number of people in our community who need them, as well as greater food security in communities around the world. In total, $3,534 dollars were raised and it was a great event that we look forward to participating in again next October!

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