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.

The Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors has released the latest real estate market report for March 2021.

Normal spring increases in sales activity, coupled with relaxing COVID-19 policies, created a very busy March real estate market as buyer demand continued largely unabated in the face of rising home prices and mortgage rates. Existing home seller and new construction activity continue to remain below levels necessary to bring the market back into balance, pointing to a busy and competitive buyer market in the coming months.

New Listings increased 11.0 percent for single-family homes but remained flat for townhouse-condo properties. Pending Sales increased 38.8 percent for single-family homes and 4.6 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Inventory decreased 59.1 percent for single-family homes and 64.2 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

The Median Sales Price was up 14.4 percent to $350,000 for single-family homes and 3.5 percent to $279,000 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market decreased 30.1 percent for single-family homes and 60.3 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory decreased 60.7 percent for single-family homes and 68.4 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

While many homebuilders are working to increase their activity, the cost of lumber and other materials and a backlogged supply chain continue to limit new home construction and have increased costs substantially. New methods of construction, including 3d printed homes, could speed construction and reduce costs in the future, but realistically are several years away from making a measurable impact in the market.

We are pleased to announce that Paul Habersang has joined Coldwell Banker Islands Realty as a licensed sales associate. Learn more about Paul below. 

Paul has enjoyed living in the Green Mountain State since 2011, when he relocated from his native state of Connecticut for a new career opportunity. He is a seasoned professional with many years’ experience in sales, customer service, and relationship development. Throughout his career both in corporate and non-profit settings, Paul has always believed that timely responsiveness to client inquiries and consistent follow through on commitments are two key elements that drive customer satisfaction. In the business of transacting real estate, both timely responsiveness and following through on commitments are key when striving for a successful outcome!

Paul earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. He worked in the electrical industry for nearly twenty years with both General Electric and Square D Companies. During that time, several job transfers around the country required the sale and purchase of a number of homes. As a result, Paul understands and appreciates the purchase and sales process, particularly by recognizing that the sale or purchase of a home is often the biggest transaction of one's life! 

In 2008, Paul earned a Masters of Divinity from the General Theological Seminary, New York City, and has served in several capacities within The Episcopal Church USA. Paul is a believer in giving back to the community and dedicates some of his time to serving on a Professional Advisory Team at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington while also serving on the Board of Trustees for the Brookhaven Treatment and Learning Center, Chelsea, VT. Paul enjoys staying physically active and working outdoors. He is the proud father of two adult sons and currently resides in South Burlington. 

Connect with Paul Habersang today!