As the cold weather sets in, you should take several steps to prepare your home correctly. Doing routine home maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs as well as prepare and budget for updates that might be needed. Save yourself the headache in the spring, and take the steps below to winterize your home.

1. Seal cracks around windows and doors.

This will help prevent drafts and keep the heat shut inside.

2. Clean your gutters.

Cleaning your gutters every fall has numerous benefits. This task prevents water damage and rot, a place for pests to nest, plus it helps the overall lifespan of your roof and foundation. 

3. Inspect your roof.

Make sure to examine your roof. Look for any damage such as missing shingles or cracks and get them repaired before the snow falls. If you ignore these issues, the harsh winter months could exacerbate what was once minor damage. 

4. Trim trees and bushes.

Cut back any overgrown bushes or large unsteady branches that could break off near the roof or home. 

5. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 

To make sure these detectors are working properly, take the time to check the function and replace the batteries if need be.

6. Have your chimney or fireplace serviced.

Before the cool weather arrives, it is best to have your chimney and fireplace cleaned before running. Not only is this good fire safety practice, it will clear out any critters that may have found their way in.

7. Remove window screens and screen doors.

This will help the longevity of your screens. Also, consider installing storm windows and doors. 

8. Winterize summer power equipment.

Store away the lawn mower and bring out your snowblower. While you are doing this, test out your winter equipment to make sure there are no issues before the first snowfall. 

9. Cover or store away outdoor furniture.

You most likely will not be using your hammock so, to protect your outdoor furniture from the winter elements we recommend covering them or storing them away. 

10. Shut off faucets and drain hoses or sprinklers.

If there is any access water in the faucet or hose it will freeze and possibly burst causing more damage. Ensure that the water is shut off and put away any hoses to prevent this.

For more home maintenance tips or advice on what to do before you list this fall, get in touch with a Coldwell Banker Islands Realty Agent.

The Northwestern Vermont Board of REALTORS® (NVBR) has released its market statistics for September 2021. The information is derived from data contained in the New England Real Estate Network and covers Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties.

Nationwide, existing home sales were down slightly in August, falling 2% after two consecutive months of increases, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The decline in existing home sales coincides with rising sales prices, which have continued to soar into fall, with the median sales price of existing homes up 14.9% compared to last year. Declining affordability has had a significant impact on homebuyers, many of whom have been priced out of the market and are choosing to wait for sales prices to ease before resuming their home search.

New Listings decreased 10.4 percent for single-family homes and 10.4 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Pending Sales increased 0.4 percent for single-family homes but decreased 11.3 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Inventory decreased 40.5 percent for single-family homes and 47.7 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

The Median Sales Price was up 15.7 percent to $395,000 for single-family homes and 0.5 percent to $284,050 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market decreased 35.6 percent for single-family homes and 33.3 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory decreased 41.7 percent for single-family homes and 46.2 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

There are signs the market may be shifting, however. New listings have continued to hit the market, bucking seasonality trends commonly seen in the fall, a time when listing and sales activity typically slows as children return to school. As inventory increases, competition for homes may soften, and could even bring a moderation in sales prices, which, after 114 months of year-over-year gains, would be music to the ears of homebuyers throughout the country.

If you have questions about the real estate market please contact us at (802) 372-5777 or request a complimentary market analysis today.

October's featured Hidden Home is a thoughtfully renovated South Hero Island cottage on Kibbe Point with direct Lake Champlain. The abode is Sited on a bluff with views to the West and even includes a boathouse and a long floating dock you'll enjoy 2/3rd of an acre of property. Get Island Insights in your inbox! Subscribe today.

The Northwestern Vermont Board of REALTORS® (NVBR) has released its market statistics for August 2021. The information is derived from data contained in the New England Real Estate Network and covers Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties.

The booming U.S. housing market has spilled over to the rental market, which has seen demand for apartment and single-family rentals skyrocket this year, as high sales prices and an inadequate supply of available housing have forced many prospective buyers to rent for the foreseeable future. Increased demand for housing, along with an improving economy, has competition for rental units soaring, and landlords are taking note, with the national median rent increasing 11.4% in 2021 so far, according to Apartment List.

New Listings decreased 21.7 percent for single-family homes and 15.2 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Pending Sales decreased 4.5 percent for single-family homes and 16.1 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Inventory decreased 37.3 percent for single-family homes and 36.5 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

The Median Sales Price was up 23.4 percent to $412,000 for single-family homes and 1.6 percent to $249,000 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market decreased 57.1 percent for single-family homes and 31.4 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory decreased 42.3 percent for single-family homes and 38.5 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

In new construction, home builders continue to struggle to meet buyer demand, as housing starts nationwide dropped 7% last month, according to the Commerce Department. Single-family home construction declined 4.5%, and multi-family home construction, which includes condos and apartment buildings, was also down, falling by 13%. Labor shortages, rising material costs, and supply-chain setbacks continue to challenge builders, with some projects temporarily paused due to availability and cost of materials.

If you have questions about the real estate market please contact us at (802) 372-5777.

September’s hidden home is one of a kind! This renovated lakefront farmhouse is located on Simms Point with 180 degree views of Lake Champlain. This amazing location opposite Bow and Arrow Point provides direct access to the Broad Lake and Inland Sea. The brick home has been completed while maintaining the historic charm. 

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