February's hidden home sold this past July and it is an adorable abode nestled among the cedars, maples, and pines that offers privacy and seclusion. This lakefront retreat is sited on an amazing 2.3 acre peninsula with 670 ft of direct shoreline down a ½ mile private drive! Complementing this hidden home is a detached two-car car heated garage/shop with covered boat storage and a 2 bedroom apartment with full kitchen and a massive 2nd story deck overlooking the water. 

There is frontage with moorings on protected Holcomb Bay with awe inspiring views over the broad lake, Mount Mansfield, and the Green Mountains. It even has footpaths to secret swimming spots and a lakefront deck along with easy waterfront access and a semi-private boat ramp. The property owners through careful stewardship and preservation of the natural shoreline were awarded the Lake-wise Designation by the State of Vermont! 

The interior of the main house oozes with warmth and rustic charm and includes the living room overlooking the water with fieldstone hearth,Vermont Hearthstone stove, and cherry and walnut hardwood floors. The eat in kitchen has custom-built cabinets, fieldstone fireplace, and an island.The backsplash is composed of polished slabs of Isle La Motte limestone with embedded fossils. The 20x16 three season porch feels like a treehouse with vaulted ceilings, custom cabinets, and cedar floors. 

We hope you enjoyed this exclusive look inside this covert home located in Isle La Motte! 

(Note: This home is NOT for sale) 

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In the past year, the reliance on technology has increased immensely and the real estate industry is no exception to this dependence. Incorporating cutting edge tech trends such as drone photography, virtual tours, and HDR photography into a home's marketing plan will ensure that your home gets noticed fast. 

1. Drone Photo and Video

Aerial photography is changing the real estate game! Drone photography is crucial to fully capture unique lakefront homes. According to MLS, Homes with aerial photos sold 68% faster. Whether it's a waterfront home or a unique inland property, aerial shots ensure that your home will get noticed. 

2. Virtual Home Tours

Popularity among home tour videos has increased immensely due to buyers not being able to physically go to showings. Walkthrough virtual tours give buyers detailed information about the property to give you a realistic layout of the space and offerings. This also allows buyers to preview multiple homes in a short amount of time to decipher which homes they would like to go see in person. 

3. HDR Photography 

High Dynamic Range photography is a technique that involves shooting multiple images of the same scene at different exposure values and then merging them together to create a seamless scene. Photos are the first impression of your home so it is paramount to have great images that capture the character, main features, and layout of your home. This, coupled with light editing, makes homes stand out online while maintaining its true depiction!

Every home is unique and the marketing efforts must reflect that. At CBIR, we stay on top of the latest real estate trends and create a personalized marketing plan to ensure that your home stands out. Learn more about our 360 Marketing Plan. 

Looking to make your Vermont home more eco-friendly? There are many updates and changes you can make in your home to help you achieve a more sustainable lifestyle. Some of these changes not only will lower your energy costs but can also increase the value of your home.

1. Switch out your Light Bulbs

Swap your incandescent light bulbs for LED light bulbs. LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional lights! These are more efficient and they will end up saving you money in the long run.

2. Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances

Whether it’s your washer or refrigerator replacing outdated appliances with new more efficient models will help cut your home's energy consumption. However, finding the right model can be overwhelming. We recommend browsing online on Efficieny Vermont where they compare products and help you get the best deal.

3. Wash Clothes in Cold Water

If purchasing a new washer and dryer isn’t in your budget, you can still find ways to cut your energy use with the appliances you have. According to energy star, by adjusting your cycle temperature from hot to warm you can cut the energy use in half. Additionally, switching to the cold cycle will decrease the energy use even more! After washing your garments, consider skipping the dryer and line drying your clothes.

4. Insulate Walls, Ceilings, and Doors 

Make sure your home is sealed tight to retain heat in the winter and keep hot air out of the home during the warmer months. This, in turn, will help decrease the energy used to heat and cool your home throughout the year which will lower those associated costs as well! 

5. Compost

The average family produces about 18 pounds of trash a day which adds up to 6,570 pounds of trash a year! If you compost, you will help to decrease the amount of solid waste your household generates. If you live in Vermont, then you should have already hopped on the composting bandwagon. However, if you need assistance on how to compost the Vermont Department of Energy Conservation has a great guide on the do's and don'ts of composting. 

6. Install Solar Panels

While these can be costly, solar panels will be the most effective to combat greenhouse gas emissions. In Vermont, the solar prices are down 45% over the past 5 years! Plus, to help offset costs you can get a 26% federal tax credit for projects that begin before 2023. 

7. Use Eco-Friendly Household Products 

Try using green plant-based products and eco-friendly paint to reduce the release of toxins that pollute the air pollution. We recommend using databases such as the EPA Safer Choice Program to see how your current household products size up and to how to search for cleaner products.

 

Making these lifestyle changes and upgrades to your home will help immensely to reduce your carbon footprint. These improvements will also increase your home's value which will put you in a great position when you decide to sell your home! 

This year- round energy efficient wood frame modular did not last long on the market! This hidden home went under contract in March and was built in 2016! Located on a dead end private road with 4 acres and 127 ft of lakeshore on Pelot's Bay. The modern interior features an open kitchen and living area with 8 x 3 kitchen island, maple floors, and updated appliances. The kitchen/living room has 9 foot ceilings and is framed by wood laminate beams, floor to ceiling glass and includes two sets of sliding doors to the Lakeside deck. (This home is UNDER CONTRACT.)

 

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.