Enhance your Vermont home's curb appeal this spring by caring for your garden. With warmer weather and longer days, it's the perfect time to plant new flowers, prune trees, and get your yard in shape. Whether you're preparing for the summer season or sprucing up your home's exterior to sell, these tips will help create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space. 

1. Clean Up Your Garden Beds

Remove any dead leaves, debris or fallen branches from your garden beds. Clear out any weeds that may have sprouted and add fresh mulch to help suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil.

2. Plant Colorful Annuals 

Planting colorful annuals is an easy way to add a pop of color to your garden. Choose flowers suitable for your local climate and soil type, and plant them in clusters to create a stunning display.

3.  Add A Container Garden 

Container gardens are a great way to add some color to your front porch and make it more welcoming. Choose containers that complement the home's exterior. Consider a potted plant or hanging flower basket. This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make your front porch stand out. 

4. Trim Shrubs & Trees

Overgrown shrubs and trees can detract from the overall appearance of your home's exterior. Trim them back to their natural shape, and remove any dead branches. Also, dig out or cut back any species overflowing onto your walkway or driveway or blocking any windows.

5. Add Window Boxes 

Window boxes can help elevate the overall appearance of a home and they add a charming touch to windowsills, balconies, or porches. Additionally, window boxes are a great option for those with limited garden space or who live in urban areas where outdoor gardening options may be limited.

6. Invest In Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting can highlight the beauty of your garden and add a touch of elegance to your home's exterior. Consider installing solar-powered lights along garden paths or using lights to accentuate your favorite trees or shrubs.

A well-maintained garden can make a huge difference in the appearance and value of your home, so don't hesitate to get your hands dirty and put these gardening tips into practice to boost your home's exterior this spring.

If you aim to live a more sustainable lifestyle, you can implement various modifications and upgrades in your Vermont home to make it more eco-friendly. Apart from reducing your energy expenses, some changes can also add value to your Vermont property.

1. Switch Out Light Bulbs

Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving LED or CFL bulbs that consume less energy and have a longer lifespan.

2. Install a Smart Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can help regulate the temperature in your home and reduce energy consumption by adjusting heating and cooling settings based on your schedule and preferences.

3. Use Natural Cleaning Products

Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can harm the environment and your health. Opt for natural and eco-friendly cleaning solutions like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Eco-friendly paint also will help to reduce the release of toxins that pollute air pollution.

4. Reduce Water Waste

Fix leaks, install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators, and consider using a rain barrel to collect rainwater for outdoor water.

5. Switch to Renewable Energy Sources

Consider installing solar panels or wind turbines to power your home with renewable energy sources. Alternatively, you can enroll in a green energy program offered by your utility company.

6. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances

When replacing old appliances, look for energy-efficient models with the ENERGY STAR label; this indicates that they meet energy-efficient guidelines. Efficiency Vermont compares these products to help you get the best deal.

7. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Make a conscious effort to reduce waste by reducing consumption, choosing reusable products, and recycling materials. Composting food scraps and yard waste also reduces the amount of waste going to landfills.

Incorporating these eco-friendly modifications and lifestyle changes in your home will significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Besides, they will increase your property's value, which could benefit you when selling your home. Want to know the current market value of your Vermont home? Find Out today.

Nationally, existing home sales jumped 14.5% month-over-month as of last measure, the first monthly gain in 12 months, and representing the largest monthly increase since July 2020, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). The sudden uptick in sales activity stems from contracts signed toward the beginning of the year, when mortgage rates dipped to the low 6% range, causing a surge in homebuyer activity. Pending sales have continued to improve heading into spring, increasing for the third consecutive month, according to NAR.

New Listings decreased 31.0 percent for single-family homes and 6.3 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Pending Sales decreased 27.7 percent for single-family homes and 4.2 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Inventory remained flat for single-family homes but increased 29.8 percent for townhouse condo properties.

The Median Sales Price was down 1.2 percent to $415,000 for single-family homes but increased 4.0 percent to $351,000 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market decreased 17.5 percent for single-family homes and 43.3 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory increased 22.2 percent for single-family homes and 28.6 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

Monthly sales might have been even higher if not for limited inventory nationwide. At the current sales pace, there were just 2.6 months’ supply of existing homes at the beginning of March, far below the 4 – 6 months’ supply of a balanced market. Inventory remains suppressed in part because of mortgage interest rates, which nearly hit 7% before falling again in recent weeks. Higher rates have continued to put downward pressure on sales prices, and for the first time in more than a decade, national home prices were lower year-over-year, according to NAR, breaking a 131-month streak of annual price increases.

Considering a move and wondering what your options are this spring? We're here to help. Contact us today.

 

Get the inside scoop from our local real estate experts, who have answered the most pressing questions about buying and selling in Northwest Vermont. From insider tips to expert advice, this Q&A will help keep you informed so that you can make the best decisions for your next move.

What’s the current state of the local real estate market?

The Vermont real estate market remains strong. We are still seeing historically low inventory levels in Northwest Vermont and strong demand from prospective buyers. As the warmer weather comes, we expect inventory to increase giving homebuyers more options. 

 

What will happen to home values in 2023? 

Home values in Northwest Vermont are holding steady. Nationally, there has been a slight dip in home values but our market remains strong due to high buyer demand and low inventory levels. If you are thinking of selling your home you can still cash in on this robust market. 

 

What challenges are facing homebuyers right now?
Homebuyers who are entering the market for the first time and/or moving into a highly desirable area, like the Burlington area, are experiencing a competitive market. Homebuyers searching in the $300k - $500k price range can still win in today's market with the right partners. It is imperative to be represented by an experienced real estate agent who can help you strategize and submit a competitive offer.

 

What do you think will happen with interest rates?
Mortgage rates have been fluctuating between 5% - 7%. As a buyer, it is important to know how changing interest rates can affect your purchasing power. A 0.5% change can have a big impact on your monthly payment, and we (and your lender) can help you navigate this. Lenders have a variety of programs to help buyers combat higher rates like adjustable rate mortgages and/or refinancing in a couple of years. Our agents can recommend local lenders who understand our market and will work with you to find the best option for your situation and goals.

 

Are home sellers seeing a lot of showing activity and multiple offers?
Properties priced competitively and in desirable locations are seeing a lot of showing activity and sometimes multiple offers. Recently, Coldwell Banker Islands Realty listed a property in Chittenden County in the mid $300k’s that had over 70 showings and was under contract within 5 days. Your home will stand out with strategic pricing and a stellar marketing plan.

 

What are your predictions for the spring/summer season? Is now a good time to move?

Overall, we predict that the upcoming spring selling season will be busy and remain competitive. Generally, more inventory will come on the market as we enter the spring and summer seasons, giving more options for buyers and sellers. Homebuyers will continue to enter the market and loan officers have programs to help find a solution that works for each situation. All of these factors make it a good time for buyers and sellers to make a move and start working with a knowledgeable real estate professional.

If you're considering a move this year, let's work together and make a plan to meet your goals. Get started and connect with a local real estate expert today.

April’s Hidden Home is an adorable lakefront cottage located in North Hero, Vermont. This abode is set on a beautiful gradual beach down a very private road. It features an updated bright interior as well as stunning views of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, and the Adirondacks.

Watch to see the interior and subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see more Hidden Vermont Homes!