Selling your Vermont home this fall? Make the most of the autumn market by blending essential maintenance with seasonal curb appeal improvements. Here are five key ways to get your home ready:

1. Boost Your Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. Refresh your front door by painting it a neutral color if needed, and add simple seasonal decor such as a potted mum or wreath. Rake leaves, trim overgrown bushes, and tidy up your garden beds to create a welcoming and well-kept exterior.

2. Clean Gutters and Spruce Up the Exterior

Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and pest problems. Remove leaves and debris, and consider pressure washing siding and washing windows. A clean exterior not only prevents issues but also makes your home look cared-for and inviting.

3. Inspect Your Roof and Trim Trees

Check for missing shingles, cracks, or damage before winter weather hits. Trim back branches near your home to prevent limbs from falling on the roof during storms. Taking care of these tasks now can avoid costly repairs later and give buyers confidence in your property's upkeep.

4. Service Fireplaces and Safety Systems

Have your chimney and fireplace serviced before listing. This gives you time to address any issues and gives potential buyers peace of mind. Also, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed. If you sell a property in Vermont, it must have functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in place before closing.

5. Prepare Windows and Outdoor Spaces

Wash windows and remove screens to showcase your windows and the view. Keep patios, porches, and outdoor areas clear of fallen leaves and clutter. Add subtle fall touches like pumpkins or planters to make outdoor spaces feel inviting and highlight the lifestyle your home offers.

For more expert home maintenance tips or personalized advice on getting your home market-ready this fall, reach out to a Coldwell Banker Islands Realty agent today. Let us help you keep your home in top shape, whether you’re staying for the season or preparing to sell! Visit our services providers page to learn more about local service providers. 

Looking to sell a property in Northwest Vermont? Consider tapping into the expertise of local real estate agents who are familiar with the market conditions, neighborhood trends, and pricing strategies that can help you get the most value for your home. With our top-tier services, you can benefit from our years of experience, negotiation skills, and access to exclusive resources that can make your transaction smoother and more successful. Some of our services include:

- Individual Property Site - HDR Photography - Professional Video Tour - Drone Photos & Video - Social Media Marketing - Web Syndication - In-house Graphic Design - Direct Mail Marketing

- Closing Coordination - Transaction Support - Email Marketing - Staging Consultation - Buyer Screening - Open House - Global Luxury Listing - Luxury Print Materials

Every situation is unique and deserves representation that will look out for your best interest, showcase your home in the best possible light and maximize exposure. Coldwell Banker Islands Realty is here to help you sell your property with confidence. To learn more about how our services can benefit you, please call us at (802) 372-5777 or connect with an agent directly.

 

 

 

When preparing your home for a showing or an open house there are a few things you will want to do before potential buyers walk through your home. Our checklist below is a great resource to read through to make sure you're prepared. 

Remove clutter.

Clear off the counters and pack unnecessary decorative items. Put extra furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season items. Don’t forget to clean out the garage, too.

Let it shine.

Cleaning windows and screens will help bring more light into your home. Replace burnt bulbs, and consider higher wattage in low-light areas. Clean the walls or brush on a fresh coat of bright, neutral paint. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones and show off your view. 

Keep it clean.

A deep clean before listing your home will make upkeep easier. Consider hiring a cleaning service to help.

Maximize comfort.

In summer, shut A/C vents on the first floor so more air will get upstairs. Reverse the process in winter.

Perform a sniff test.

Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate odors. Open the windows to air out the house. Consider potpourri or scented candles and diffusers. For quick fixes in the kitchen, cotton balls soaked in vanilla extract or orange juice can instantly make the fridge a nicer-smelling place. Boil lemon juice in your microwave, then add it to your dishwasher to eliminate odors. You can also run lemon rinds through the garbage disposal for a similar effect.

Take care of minor repairs.

Sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well-maintained. 

Tidy up outdoors.

Cut the grass, rake the leaves, add new mulch, trim the bushes, edge the walkways, and clean the gutters. A pot of bright flowers near the entryway adds great curb appeal.

Set the scene.

A bright afghan or new accent pillows easily jazz up a dull room. Pretty dishes or a simple centerpiece on the tables can help buyers picture themselves living there. Try staging a chess game in progress. If you have a fireplace, lay fresh logs or a basket of flowers there.

Make the bath luxurious.

Make sure your personal toiletry items are out of sight, along with old towels and toothbrushes. Add a new shower curtain and fancy guest soaps. 

Send the pets to the neighbors.

If that’s not possible, crate or confine them to one room, and let the real estate practitioner know where they’ll be to eliminate surprises. 

Lock up valuables and medication.

Agents can’t watch everyone all the time.

Head out.

It can be awkward for everyone if you’re home at the time of a showing.

 

There are many factors that go into the sale of your home in addition to preparing your home, such as the listing process, navigating offers, and closing. You can depend on Coldwell Banker Islands Realty to help you make informed decisions with confidence and advocate for you throughout the selling process. Get in touch with one of our local agents today. 

 

Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Reprinted with permission.