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

Fall in Vermont is a magical time of year. As the vibrant hues of summer fade into the crisp shades of fall, our homes undergo a transformation too. Creating curb appeal isn't just vital when you're selling your home; it's about taking pride in your property and making it a welcoming haven for your family and guests. A well-maintained exterior not only leaves a lasting impression on visitors but also adds value to your property. This fall, seize the opportunity to elevate your home's charm. Below are five easy ways to boost your curb appeal during this enchanting season.

1. Embrace Fall Foliage

The natural beauty of fall presents an excellent opportunity to enhance your home's curb appeal. Planting seasonal flowers like chrysanthemums, pansies, or marigolds can add vibrant pops of color. Additionally, consider incorporating autumnal elements like pumpkins, gourds, and hay bales into your landscaping. These simple touches can transform your outdoor space into a warm and inviting sanctuary. 

 

2. Illuminate Your Entryway 

As the days grow shorter, adequate lighting becomes crucial. Upgrade your outdoor lighting fixtures to create a warm ambiance. Consider adding path lights along the walkway and installing a stylish pendant light or a pair of sconces near the entrance. Proper lighting not only enhances safety but also highlights the architectural features of your home, boosting its overall appeal.

3. Revitalize Your Front Door: 

Your front door is a focal point that can greatly influence your home's curb appeal. This fall, consider giving your door a fresh coat of paint in a bold, autumn-inspired color such as deep red, rich brown, or forest green. Don't forget to polish the hardware or even invest in a new doorknob and knocker to complete the look. A well-maintained and visually appealing front door instantly elevates your home's charm.

4. Tend to Your Lawn and Garden: 

Fall is the perfect time to prepare your lawn and garden for the upcoming seasons. Rake fallen leaves, trim overgrown bushes, and remove any dead plants. Invest in quality mulch to nourish your garden beds and protect your plants during the colder months. A manicured lawn and well-tended garden not only enhance your home's curb appeal but also create a serene outdoor space for relaxation.

5. Spruce Up The Exterior of Your Home

One of the most overlooked aspects of curb appeal is the cleanliness of your home's exterior. Over the year, dirt, grime, and debris can accumulate on your house, making it look worn and unkempt. This fall, make it a priority to assess the exterior of your home and consider cleaning the gutters, pressure washing your siding, and/or washing your windows. Clean gutters will not only look good, it will ensure water flows properly away from your home preventing future issues during the winter. Pressure washing will remove stubborn stains, dirt, and cobwebs restoring the siding's original color. A good window washing will enhance the view and appearance of your home. 

 

Boosting your curb appeal this fall isn't just a way to impress potential buyers; it's a means of expressing your pride in your home and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for everyone who visits. By embracing the beauty of fall, focusing on illumination, revitalizing your front door, tending to your lawn and garden, and paying attention to the exterior details, you can transform your home into a stunning masterpiece. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your gardening tools, and get ready to enhance your home's appeal this fall. Your dreamy, autumn-inspired abode awaits!

Want a professional opinion on how to improve your home? Connect with a real estate expert today.

When it comes to owning a home, understanding its value is crucial. While the market value may be more commonly discussed, homeowners should also pay attention to the assessed value. In this blog post, we will explore why it is essential to know both values, how they differ, and how they can impact your financial decisions and overall homeownership experience. By gaining a clear understanding of your home's assessed and market values, you will be better equipped to make informed choices regarding property taxes, insurance, refinancing, and selling.

 

Assessed Value: Unveiling the Basics

Assessed value refers to the value assigned to a property by a local government entity for taxation purposes. It is typically determined by a tax assessor based on factors such as property size, location, age, and recent improvements. Assessments are usually conducted periodically, with variations in frequency depending on the jurisdiction. The primary purpose of assessed value is to determine property tax obligations for homeowners.

Knowing the assessed value of your home is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a basis for calculating property taxes, which are often the largest source of revenue for local governments. Secondly, it allows homeowners to evaluate the fairness of their property tax assessment and potentially challenge it if they believe it to be inaccurate. Thirdly, understanding your assessed value can help you plan your budget and manage your property tax payments effectively.

 

Market Value: Unlocking the Potential

In contrast to the assessed value, the market value represents the price a property would command in the current real estate market. It is determined by various factors, including location, property condition, recent sales of comparable properties, and overall demand. Market value fluctuates over time, influenced by economic conditions, housing market trends, and buyer preferences.

Knowing the market value of your home is crucial for different reasons. Firstly, it provides an accurate estimation of the property's worth, enabling you to make informed decisions about selling or refinancing. Secondly, understanding the market value allows you to assess your home's equity, which is the difference between its market value and any outstanding mortgage balance. Equity can be leveraged for various financial purposes, such as obtaining a home equity loan or line of credit. Lastly, market value knowledge allows you to monitor trends in the real estate market, enabling you to make informed decisions about buying or selling other properties in the future.

 

Understanding the Differences

While both assessed value and market value are significant in their respective contexts, they differ in purpose and methodology. The assessed value focuses on determining property taxes and is primarily based on fixed criteria set by local governments. On the other hand, market value reflects the dynamic nature of the real estate market and is influenced by various factors beyond tax considerations.

The assessed value often falls short of the market value due to its infrequent updates and reliance on standardized methods. Assessments are usually conducted on a periodic basis, such as every few years, which means the assessed value may not accurately represent the property's current worth. Conversely, market value is influenced by the latest market trends, recent sales data, and property conditions, providing a more up-to-date and comprehensive estimation.

 

Practical Implications and Benefits

Knowing your home's assessed value and market value offers several practical implications and benefits. Let's delve into a few of them:

1. Property Taxes: Understanding the assessed value helps you anticipate property tax obligations accurately. If you believe your assessed value is inaccurate, you can request a reassessment or appeal the assessment, potentially saving money on taxes.

2. Insurance Coverage: Both assessed and market values play a role in determining the appropriate insurance coverage for your home. While the assessed value may guide the minimum insurance requirement, the market value helps you ascertain adequate coverage in case of damage or loss.

3. Refinancing Opportunities: When considering refinancing, knowing your home's market value helps you determine whether it is the right time to refinance and what terms and rates you can expect from lenders. It also assists in assessing the loan-to-value ratio, which affects the availability of refinancing options.

4. Selling Considerations: Understanding your home's market value is crucial when selling. It helps you set a competitive listing price, attracting potential buyers and maximizing your chances of a successful sale. It also assists in negotiating with buyers, ensuring a fair deal for both parties.

5. Financial Planning: Knowledge of your home's assessed and market values allows for better financial planning. It helps you gauge your net worth, assess your property's performance as an investment, and make informed decisions about leveraging equity or diversifying your assets.

 

In conclusion, understanding both your home's assessed value and market value is vital for homeowners. While assessed value determines property taxes, market value reflects current market conditions and helps make informed financial decisions. By knowing these values, homeowners can navigate the complexities of homeownership with confidence and maximize their property's potential.

If you would like to learn more about your home’s value, we’re here to help. Our Realtors have the expertise and in-depth knowledge of the Vermont real estate market to assist you in discovering both your assessed and market value and how they compare.

First impressions are everything and the exterior of a home can set the tone for a potential buyer. Whether you're thinking of putting your home on the market or trying to spruce up the exterior of your home for the summer, these small changes can have a big impact.

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. This trick will also help to showcase your windows 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. 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're touching up an existing color or introducing a vibrant new hue both will achieve a sought after exterior appearance. Also, consider hanging a seasonal wreath or adding a couple of planters onto the front porch or the steps.

3. 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. While tidying up outside, take the time to clean out your gutters. This chore is not only important to clean them for the exterior, but also for your home’s general maintenance.

These 3 tips will help spruce up the exterior of your home for summer or 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.