Spring is just around the corner, and if you're thinking about selling your home, now is the time to get it market-ready! Vermont’s real estate market comes alive in the spring, with buyers eager to find their perfect home. A little preparation can make all the difference in attracting interest and getting the best possible offer. Here’s how to make sure your home is ready to shine.

1. Enhance Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, and spring is the ideal time to boost your home’s exterior charm. Start by cleaning up your landscaping—rake any leftover autumn leaves, trim bushes, and plant early-blooming flowers to add color. Power washing your home’s siding, walkways, and driveway can remove dirt and winter residue, giving everything a fresh look. If needed, apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door, shutters, or trim to enhance curb appeal. Also, check the roof and gutters to ensure they are in good condition and free of debris.

2. Declutter and Deep Clean

A clean, clutter-free home feels more inviting to buyers. Remove unnecessary furniture and personal items to create a more open space. Deep clean every room, focusing on windows, floors, kitchens, and bathrooms to make them sparkle. Don’t forget to organize storage areas, including closets, basements, and garages, to showcase ample storage space and help buyers envision how they can use it.

3. Address Repairs and Updates

Minor repairs and strategic updates can add value to your home. Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and cracked tiles to show that the property is well maintained. Updating lighting fixtures with bright, modern designs can enhance your home’s overall appeal. If necessary, repaint rooms in neutral tones to create a fresh, clean look that helps buyers envision themselves in the space.

4. Highlight Seasonal Features

Spring in Vermont is a beautiful time of year, and showcasing your home’s seasonal perks can make a difference. Stage outdoor areas by setting up patios, porches, or decks with inviting furniture to help buyers imagine themselves enjoying the space. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light, brightening rooms and highlighting views. Adding simple touches like a vase of fresh tulips or daffodils can also create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

5. Work with a Knowledgeable Realtor

Navigating the spring market can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. A trusted local Realtor will help you price your home competitively, market it effectively, and attract serious buyers.

Spring is one of the best times to sell in Vermont, and a little preparation can go a long way in making your property stand out. If you're ready to list your home, Geri Reilly Real Estate is here to guide you through every step of the process. Let’s make this spring the season you sell your home with confidence!

 

 

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and Burlington is full of ways to celebrate Irish heritage and culture. The city has got you covered if you’re searching for live music, traditional Irish food and drink, or an opportunity to learn more about Irish history!

One of the most anticipated celebrations in Burlington is Paddyfest at Ri Ra Irish Pub, which features a weeklong lineup of events. The festival kicks off on March 10 with live music from Loose Monkeys, the Reagh Greenleaf Band plays on March 11, and the fun continues with performances by the Dale & Darcy Band on March 12, 13, and 15. On March 14, DJ Chaston will take over with an evening of Irish-inspired music. Ri Ra’s authentic Irish pub experience combined with its lively atmosphere makes it a must-visit spot for St. Patrick’s Day!

The Burlington Irish Heritage Festival offers a variety of events throughout the month, celebrating Irish culture through music, dance, and education. On March 8, Chris Branagan will lead an Introduction to the Irish Language session at the Fletcher Free Library, followed by an album-launch concert by poet and singer Bill Drislane and the group Session on Main. The festival continues with an Irish-music pub singalong at Ri Ra Irish Pub on March 9, along with a poetry reading by Vermont-based Irish poet Greg Delanty. For those interested in genealogy, Ed McGuire from the Vermont Genealogy Library will host a Researching Irish Ancestors session on March 10. Other highlights include a slow-paced Irish music session for musicians on March 11 and a night of traditional Irish music and poetry at ArtsRiot on March 12, featuring Dublin-born poet Angela Patten.

Other exciting events include a performance by Vermont-based Celtic group O’hAnleigh at Goodwater Brewery in Williston on March 14. Families looking for a kid-friendly way to celebrate can stop by the Irish-themed children’s crafts and instrument petting zoo at the Fletcher Free Library on March 15.

With so many ways to celebrate, Burlington is the perfect place to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day and support local buisness!

 

Buying a home is always an exciting experience, but doing it during winter in Vermont? That adds a whole new layer of charm and magic! Picture it: snow-covered mountains, cozy wood-burning stoves, and the beauty of a winter wonderland surrounding you. There’s a lot more to this season than just skiing and hot cocoa—Vermont in winter offers some fantastic opportunities for potential homebuyers. Let’s dive into why buying a home in Vermont during winter could be the best decision you make.

1. Get a Real Taste of Vermont Winters

Winter in Vermont is not like anywhere else—it's a true test of how a home will hold up during the cold, snowy months. When you’re house-hunting in winter, you get to see exactly how well the property is insulated, how the heating systems work, and how cozy the home feels in chilly temperatures. You can take a stroll around the property to see how the driveway is maintained, how much sunlight pours in, and whether the home has that inviting "winter-ready" feel.

2. Fewer Competitors, More Opportunities

Let’s face it, winter can be a quieter time in the housing market. While most people wait until the spring thaw to start looking for their dream home, that means fewer buyers in the market—giving you an advantage. You’ll have less competition and the chance to get a great deal without the pressure of multiple offers. With the right timing, you could find a perfect home without feeling rushed.

3. Experience the Charm of Vermont Towns

Vermont’s small towns are picture-perfect in every season, but there’s something extra magical about them in winter. Imagine strolling down the streets of Stowe, Middlebury, or Woodstock with snow-dusted rooftops, twinkling lights, and quaint shops. The winter months bring a sense of quiet and peace that’s hard to beat. And hey, if you’re moving to Vermont, you’ll want to enjoy the town year-round, right? Why not get a feel for it in its most serene season?

4. Winter-Ready Homes Are a Plus

Many homes in Vermont are designed with winter in mind with sturdy foundations, efficient heating systems, and fireplaces that make the cold months much more bearable. When shopping for homes in winter, you’ll get an up-close look at how well these features work in real life. Imagine curling up by the fire after a day of winter activities, or enjoying the views from your warm living room while the snow falls outside.

5. See What’s Hidden Beneath the Snow

If you're house-hunting in winter, you may actually have the chance to spot things that you might miss in warmer months. Snow can cover up the lawn, but it also gives you a clean slate to examine the landscaping, pathways, and surrounding areas. Some buyers might overlook winter properties due to a little snow, but this gives you the opportunity to see the home for what it really is beneath the surface—before everything starts blooming in spring!

6. Enjoy Year-Round Vermont Living

Vermont is known for its outdoor adventures—whether that’s skiing, snowboarding, or cozying up in a local inn. By buying a home in winter, you're getting an immediate front-row seat to all of what Vermont has to offer. After closing on your dream home, you can jump straight into winter activities and enjoy the season to its fullest.

7. Winter Offers a Great Time for Negotiation

As mentioned earlier, fewer buyers can mean fewer bidding wars, and this might give you some leverage in negotiating the price of a home. With fewer offers coming in, sellers may be more open to negotiation—especially if they’ve had their property on the market for a while. This is your chance to score a great deal and snag that cozy Vermont home at a price that fits your budget.

8. Start the New Year in Your New Home

Buying a home in winter means you’ll have everything settled and ready to go by spring. Imagine starting the new year in a new home and being able to enjoy the fresh bloom of Vermont's spring season in a space that’s all your own. You’ll have time to plan for renovations or moving in, and when the snow melts, you’ll get to explore the beauty of the area with new eyes.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home in Vermont during winter might just be one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. You’ll get to enjoy the best of both worlds: the peaceful charm of Vermont in winter and the incredible opportunities that come with a quieter housing market. So, if you’re looking to make Vermont your home, why wait for the thaw? Winter is the perfect time to start your search and fall in love with the unique beauty and warmth this state has to offer.

Ready to start your winter home search? Get in touch today—let's find the perfect place for you to settle into and start living the Vermont dream!