Summer is one of the best times to stay ahead of home maintenance projects. With warmer temperatures and longer days, it's the perfect season to tackle tasks that protect your investment and help prevent costly repairs down the road. Here are 10 summer home maintenance tasks every Vermont homeowner should add to their checklist.

1. Inspect Your Roof

Winter snow, ice, and spring storms can take a toll on your roof. Look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or signs of wear before small issues become expensive repairs.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Even after spring cleanup, gutters can quickly collect debris. Ensure water is flowing away from your home's foundation to prevent water damage and erosion.

3. Wash Your Home's Exterior

Summer is a great time to clean siding, decks, patios, and outdoor furniture. A simple wash can improve curb appeal and help identify areas needing repair.

4. Check Decks and Porches

Inspect for loose boards, protruding nails, rot, or damaged railings. Consider resealing wood surfaces to protect them from sun and moisture.

5. Service Your Air Conditioning

If you have central air or mini-splits, clean filters and schedule routine maintenance to keep systems running efficiently during the hottest months.

6. Inspect Windows and Doors

Check for drafts, damaged screens, and worn weatherstripping. Small repairs now can improve comfort and energy efficiency year-round.

7. Test Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation Systems

Look for leaks, damaged hoses, or sprinkler issues that may have developed over winter.

8. Trim Trees and Landscaping

Overgrown branches can damage roofs, siding, and power lines during summer storms. Keep limbs pruned and away from your home's exterior.

9. Inspect Your Foundation

Walk around your property and look for cracks, pooling water, or signs of shifting. Catching foundation issues early can save significant repair costs later.

10. Refresh Curb Appeal

Summer is the peak season for enjoying outdoor spaces. Add fresh mulch, maintain gardens, touch up paint, and keep lawns healthy to boost your home's appearance.

Summer is one of Vermont's busiest real estate seasons. Completing a few simple maintenance projects can help protect your home's value and make a strong first impression if you're considering listing your property for sale.

 

 

In Vermont’s competitive real estate market—especially for unique properties and highly sought-after lakefront homes—how your home is marketed online can make all the difference. In today’s digital-first world, simply listing a property in the MLS isn’t enough. To sell quickly and at the best price, your home needs maximum exposure—and a strong social media marketing strategy plays a key role in achieving that.

Buyers Start Their Home Search Online

With the majority of homebuyers starting their search online, social media has become a vital tool for showcasing properties. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook offer unparalleled opportunities to reach thousands of potential buyers quickly.

In 2025 alone, our content reached over 6 million accounts, growing a community of more than 25,000 followers. We’ve seen firsthand how powerful a strong digital presence can be in connecting Vermont properties with serious buyers. Working with a brokerage that prioritizes social media ensures your home is seen by a wider, more engaged audience.

Captivating Content Captures Buyers

Basic photos aren’t enough to sell a home. Today’s homebuyers expect high-quality visuals and engaging video content. That’s why we utilize HDR photography, drone imagery, and professionally crafted short-form videos shared across Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to highlight your home’s best features.

A recent lakefront home in South Hero demonstrates the impact. We created short-form videos to showcase both the property and the lifestyle, along with a full YouTube tour to reach buyers near and far. This listing had over 149K views across our video content, the property went under contract in just 5 days, and sold above asking. Each piece of content directed viewers back to the full listing, complete with professional photography and detailed information—helping potential buyers fully experience the home before ever stepping inside.

More Visibility Means Better Results

The goal of social media marketing isn’t just to generate likes and views—it’s to attract serious buyers ready to make offers. Our strategies are designed to connect your home with a wider audience, creating more opportunities to sell faster and at a competitive price.

When you list with us, you’re not just getting a listing, you're leveraging one of the most powerful real estate marketing platforms in Northwest Vermont designed to showcase your home drive meaningful interest. Don’t make the mistake of listing with a brokerage that overlooks the power of modern marketing. Today’s buyers are online, and your strategy should meet them there.

Ready to sell smarter? Let us guide you with a personalized marketing plan designed to help your home stand out in today’s competitive market. Contact us today to get started.

The January 2026 Northwest Vermont real estate market shows shifting conditions across Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin counties for single-family homes and condos. Year over year, the median sales price rose 3.6% to $469,500, while closed sales remained flat and new listings increased 8%. Inventory continues to build, with active listings up 33.6% and months supply of inventory rising to 2.9 months, signaling more options for buyers. Compared to December, closed sales declined 32.7%, while new listings jumped 84.1%, reflecting typical seasonal patterns. Homes spent a median of 29 days on market, and sellers received an average of 97.8% of list price. With inventory rising and price growth moderating, both buyers and sellers should pay close attention to local trends. Contact us today to learn more about your market and how these January 2026 housing statistics may impact your real estate goals.

If selling your home is a possibility this spring, now is a good time to start planning. While it may feel early, preparing ahead of time can make the process smoother and less stressful—and often leads to better results. Small, thoughtful steps taken now can help you feel more confident when it’s time to list.

Here are a few practical things Vermont homeowners can do now to get ahead of the spring real estate market.

1. Take an Honest Walk-Through of Your Home

Walk through your home as if you were seeing it for the first time. Pay attention to first impressions. What feels dated, cluttered, or worn? What areas catch your eye right away—for better or worse? 

This exercise can help you identify which updates or improvements will have the most impact, and which areas may need attention before photos and showings.

2. Start Decluttering (Earlier Than You Think)

Decluttering is one of the most effective (and time-consuming) ways to prepare a home for sale. Starting early allows you to work gradually rather than rushing later.

Focus on:

• Kitchen counters and open shelving: Clear surfaces help signal ample storage and make spaces feel more functional.

• Entryways: A tidy, welcoming entrance sets the tone for the rest of the home.

• Closets: Buyers look closely at storage. Reorganizing or thinning out items can make closets feel more spacious.

Decluttering also helps you decide what you’ll keep, donate, or store ahead of your move.

3. Tackle Small Repairs

Minor issues tend to stand out to buyers and can affect overall impressions. Addressing them now allows you to spread the work over time or schedule help as needed.

Common items to check include:

• Loose door handles or cabinet hardware

• Minor drywall cracks or nail pops

• Dripping faucets or running toilets

• Sticky doors or windows

These are often simple fixes that can make a noticeable difference.

4. Freshen High-Impact Areas

A full renovation isn’t necessary, but freshening up key spaces with paint can go a long way. Light, neutral paint colors help rooms feel brighter and more inviting. Pay attention to scuffed baseboards or trim as well. 

5. Begin Planning for Outdoor Appeal

Spring buyers notice curb appeal. Consider what someone sees as they arrive—driveway, walkways, main entrance, or decks. Creating a plan now for yard cleanup or light landscaping can help your property shine once the season changes.

6. Think About Timing and Goals

As you work through these tasks, start thinking about your next steps. What timing works best for you? What are your priorities for the sale? Are you aiming for a fast sale, price, or a balance of both? Having clarity around your goals helps create a smoother path forward.

Final Thought
Preparing your home for sale is as much about planning as it is about presentation. Taking these steps now can reduce stress later and help you feel ready when spring arrives. If you’re considering selling and would like guidance tailored to your home and timeline, our team is happy to offer local insight—no pressure, just information to help you plan with confidence.

Another year has come and gone, and we are reflecting on how our social media content at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty helped spotlight Vermont’s lifestyle, real estate, and natural beauty for thousands of viewers.

From local hotspots to breathtaking lakefront home tours, our most-watched videos captured the essence of life in Northwest Vermont while helping our clients’ properties gain meaningful exposure with engaged buyers. Here are the highlights: 

1. Island Line Trail Adventure — 442K views | 12.7K likes | 15K shares

Our video of the iconic Island Line Trail became one of our top performers of the year. Viewers connected with the sweeping lake views, bike-friendly causeway, and sense of outdoor adventure that truly defines life in Vermont.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Coldwell Banker Islands Realty (@cbislandsrealty)

2. Quaint Lakefront Cottage  — 397K views | 4K likes | 3.5K shares 

This cozy lakefront cottage in North Hero charmed viewers with its peaceful shoreline and classic Vermont camp feel. The video helped people imagine mornings on the water and what a summer spent by the lake in Vermont could feel like.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Coldwell Banker Islands Realty (@cbislandsrealty)

3. Vermont Farmhouse Tour — 265K views | 9K likes | 5.2K Shares

This beautiful farmhouse highlights what quintessential countryside living looks like in Vermont. Wide porches, open fields, and expansive views helped viewers imagine a slow-living lifestyle that deeply resonates online.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Coldwell Banker Islands Realty (@cbislandsrealty)

4. Private Waterfront Home— 222K views | 5.4K likes | 4.5K shares

This single-family home, located on a peaceful lagoon, stood out for its incredibly unique setting. Waterfront access, calm protected waters, and scenic views made it unlike anything else on the market.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Coldwell Banker Islands Realty (@cbislandsrealty)

5. Expansive Lake House Retreat – 214K | 2.7K likes | 3K shares

Another favorite this year was a lake house feature that highlighted everything buyers love about Lake Champlain living — opportunities for swimming, big expansive windows, and sweeping lake views.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Coldwell Banker Islands Realty (@cbislandsrealty)

 

Our most-watched videos of 2025 proved something unmistakable: strategic social media marketing matters. From scenic bike trails to cozy lakefront cottages and classic farmhouses, lifestyle features help people feel what living in Vermont is really like. When viewers can imagine early-morning coffee by the lake, evenings on the porch, or snowy mountain days with family, they form an emotional connection long before scheduling a showing.

That emotional pull is exactly why being present on social media is so important in today’s market. Buyers are browsing on their phones first, and a thoughtfully produced video helps your property stand out, capture attention, gain more exposure, and resonate more deeply than photos alone.

If you’re thinking about selling in 2026, we’d love to put the power of our social media reach and storytelling to work for you — highlighting not only your home, but the lifestyle and emotion that make it unforgettable. Learn more about our proven marketing strategy