If you're preparing to sell your Vermont home, you can do small upgrades to your house without breaking the bank. Instead of tackling major renovations, focus on simple, cost-effective improvements that enhance the home's appeal and value to potential buyers. Here are five of the best budget-friendly projects to help your home sell faster: 

1. Refresh Walls with Neutral Paint
A fresh coat of paint instantly makes a home look cleaner and more modern. Stick to light neutrals like white, grey, or soft beige to create a bright, inviting space that appeals to buyers and allows them to envision themselves in the home. 

2. Upgrade Kitchen & Bathroom Hardware
Swapping out dated cabinet handles, drawer pulls, and faucets is a budget-friendly way to give kitchens and bathrooms a more polished look. Stores like Amazon, Wayfair, and Lowe’s, offer stylish options in matte black, brushed nickel, or brass at affordable prices. 

3. Enhance Curb Appeal
First impressions matter! Consider curb appeal when thinking about improving your home. Simple updates like painting the front door, updating an outdoor light, adding fresh mulch, trimming bushes, and planting seasonal flowers can make a big difference in attracting buyers.

4. Replace Light Fixtures & Switch Plates
Outdated lighting can make a home feel stuck in the past. Install modern, budget-friendly fixtures in key areas like the kitchen, living, and dining room. Swapping old yellowed switch plates for crisp white ones also helps freshen up spaces.

5. Deep Clean & Declutter
One of the most cost-effective ways to increase buyer interest is to declutter and deep clean. Removing excess furniture, clearing off counters, and organizing closets can make the home feel bigger and more inviting. Next, do a deep clean of the kitchen, bathroom, floors and windows. Decluttering and deep cleaning helps homebuyers see the true potential of the home.

You don’t need a major renovation to boost your home’s value before selling. By focusing on small, impactful improvements like fresh paint, updated hardware, and curb appeal, you can create a home that stands out to buyers—without overspending. These simple upgrades can make all the difference in helping you sell quickly and at the best possible price. 

Need help deciding what projects have the best return on your investment? Get a professional opinion from one of our agents.
 

Please join us in celebrating the outstanding achievements of Franz Rosenberger and Evan Potvin of Coldwell Banker Islands Realty! These top-performing agents have earned prestigious recognition among the highest-ranked sales professionals in the global Coldwell Banker network. Their dedication, market expertise and commitment to exceptional client service continue to set a gold standard in Vermont real estate.

Franz Rosenberger has been honored with the International President’s Elite Award, placing him among the top 2% of Coldwell Banker sales associates worldwide.

Evan Potvin has earned the International Diamond Society, ranking among the top 8% of sales associates globally. 

At Coldwell Banker Islands Realty, we are incredibly fortunate to have Franz and Evan’s leadership, expertise, and mentorship guiding our team. Their commitment to excellence not only elevates our brokerage but also inspires those around them to strive for the very best. Their passion for real estate, innovative strategies, and dedication to client success make them invaluable members of our team and community.

Congratulations to both on this well-deserved recognition! We look forward to seeing your continued success in 2025.

The Northwest Vermont real estate market in January 2025 saw a median sales price of $490,000, up 7.1% from last year, while closed sales dropped 12%, reflecting a slower start to the year. Active inventory increased 35.3%, giving buyers more options, though median days on the market rose to 22 days—a 10% increase, signaling a slightly longer selling process. New listings also saw a boost, up 13.6%, indicating fresh opportunities for buyers. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, understanding these trends is key. Contact us today for a personalized market analysis and expert guidance on your next move!

February’s Hidden Home is nestled on 13 picturesque acres in North Hero, Vermont, this beautiful homestead features a charming 3-bedroom, 4-bath Island Farmhouse with a detached two-car garage with a stylish one-bed, one-bath apartment above—perfect for guests or additional living space. This home is currently for sale. Learn more 

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As the year wraps up, the real estate market in Northwest Vermont reflects the seasonal slowdown typical of winter, but some trends are worth noting for anyone considering buying or selling a home. December brought changes in prices, inventory, and sales activity that could impact your real estate decisions in 2025. Statistics are for single-family home sales in Grand Isle, Franklin, and Chittenden County.

Median Sales Price

The median sales price in December was $473,500, a 13.9% decrease from November but an 8.2% increase compared to December 2023. For home sellers, this price drop month-over-month highlights the seasonal dip in buyer activity but also demonstrates that home values remain higher year-over-year. If you’re considering selling, this is a great time to start preparing your home to hit the market when buyer activity picks up in the spring. Buyers, on the other hand, may find this seasonal price drop an opportunity to enter the market.

Closed Sales & Days on Market

Closed sales increased to 122, a 4.3% rise from November but a slight 3.2% decline compared to December 2023. Homes also spent an average of 20 days on the market, which represents a 33.3% increase from November and a 42.9% rise year-over-year. Home sellers should be prepared for a longer timeline to sell, especially during the quieter winter months. However, the steady pace of closed sales suggests homebuyers are still active, particularly for well-priced and move-in-ready homes. Buyers can use the longer time on market to evaluate their options more thoroughly, but they should still be ready to act quickly when they find the right property.

List Price Received

On average, sellers received 99.2% of their asking price, a 0.9% decrease from November and a 1.2% decline compared to last year. While slightly lower, this figure indicates that the market remains competitive, with buyers willing to pay close to list prices for desirable homes. Sellers should focus on pricing their homes appropriately to attract serious buyers, while buyers might find more room for negotiation, especially on properties that have been on the market for a longer period.

New Listings & Active Inventory

New listings dropped to 77, a 25.2% decline from November, though they were 16.7% higher than in December 2023. Active inventory decreased to 225 homes, down 18.2% from the previous month but up 22.3% year-over-year. For sellers, the reduced competition of fewer new listings can work in your favor, especially if your home is well-positioned to stand out. For buyers, inventory remains limited compared to earlier in the year, so flexibility and preparedness are key to finding the right home in this constrained market.

Months Supply of Inventory

The months supply of inventory dropped to 1.8 months, a 21.5% decrease from November, but a 26.3% increase compared to December 2023. This metric underscores a continued seller’s market, though the year-over-year increase suggests the market is slowly becoming more balanced. Sellers can still expect strong demand, but they should be prepared for increased competition as inventory trends upward. Buyers should keep in mind that while the market remains tight, the gradual increase in supply could offer more opportunities in the coming months.

Navigating the Northwest Vermont Real Estate Market

Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding the nuances of the local real estate market is essential. Market trends can vary widely from one town or area to another, and having the right strategy can make all the difference.

Get Expert Guidance Today

If you’re ready to make your move in Vermont’s dynamic real estate market, don’t go it alone. Partnering with a local real estate expert ensures you have the insights and support you need to achieve your goals.

Contact us today for a personalized market analysis and let us guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re buying your dream home or selling to maximize your investment, we’re here to help you navigate Vermont’s market with confidence.