As the vibrant colors of autumn fade into the crisp chill of winter, Vermonters know it's time to prepare their homes for the inevitable challenges that the cold season brings. With its picturesque landscapes and picturesque winters, Vermont's beauty often comes with a price—harsh weather conditions that can take a toll on even the most well-constructed homes. To ensure your abode remains warm, cozy, and in top shape throughout the winter months, it's crucial to undertake some essential maintenance tasks. Here, we'll discuss a comprehensive guide to prepping your Vermont home for the upcoming winter, equipping you with the knowledge you need to protect your haven from the elements.

Weatherproofing Your Home:

One of the most critical aspects of preparing your Vermont home for the winter season is weatherproofing. The bitter cold and heavy snowfalls can easily find their way through any vulnerable points in your home's exterior, leading to chilly drafts and potential damage. Start by inspecting your windows and doors for any gaps, cracks, or air leaks. Consider applying weatherstripping and caulking to seal off any openings, preventing heat loss and keeping your energy bills in check. Additionally, ensure that your attic and basement are adequately insulated to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

HVAC System Check:

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system should be in top-notch condition before the winter sets in. Schedule a professional inspection to assess the functionality of your furnace, thermostat, and any other heating components. Clean or replace your furnace filters to improve efficiency and indoor air quality. If you use a fireplace or wood-burning stove, have the chimney cleaned and inspected to prevent potential fire hazards. Proper maintenance of your HVAC system not only keeps you warm but also ensures safety for you and your family during the colder months.

Roof and Gutters Maintenance:

Vermont winters often bring heavy snowfall, which can add significant weight to your roof. Inspect your roof for any signs of damage, such as missing or cracked shingles, and address them promptly. Clear your gutters and downspouts of any debris to prevent ice dams, which can lead to water damage and leaks. Consider installing heating cables along the edges of your roof to prevent the formation of ice dams, ensuring that melting snow and ice can properly drain off your roof.

Outdoor Preparations:

Protecting your outdoor elements is equally important. Store any outdoor furniture, garden tools, and hoses in a sheltered area to prevent damage from freezing temperatures and snow. Trim any overhanging tree branches that could potentially break under the weight of heavy snow, posing a threat to your home. Remember to stock up on winter supplies, such as snow shovels, ice melt, and firewood, to tackle any snowstorms or emergencies that may arise during the season.

Plumbing Precautions:

Frozen pipes are a common issue during Vermont winters, often leading to costly water damage. To prevent this, insulate any exposed pipes and consider installing a programmable thermostat to keep the indoor temperature consistent. Know where your main water shutoff valve is located in case of emergencies. Additionally, disconnect and drain any outdoor hoses and faucets to prevent them from freezing and bursting.

Preparing your Vermont home for the winter season requires a proactive approach to maintenance and care. By taking the necessary steps to weatherproof your home, inspect your HVAC system, maintain your roof and gutters, protect outdoor elements, and safeguard your plumbing, you can ensure that your haven remains a warm and secure refuge during the coldest months. Remember, early preparation can save you from costly repairs and ensure your peace of mind throughout the snowy Vermont winter. Stay warm, stay safe, and embrace the beauty of the season in the comfort of your well-prepared home.

The Summer Real Estate Market is Heating Up! 

Summer is officially here! It's time to relax by the lake, soak up that sunshine, and take in the beauty Vermont has to offer! However, the weather and outdoor activities aren't the only things that heat up this time of year, the Real Estate market also gets HOT!  Keep reading to see why this market shift happens and what it means for you as a buyer or seller.

Sunlight:

The long summer days mean more time for errands & activities before it gets dark.  This added daylight also means more showing availability for buyers and sellers! Instead of rushing home after work because it's dark or cancelling an Open House due to a snowstorm, the daylight and nice weather allow for extra opportunities to see homes.

Convenient Time of Year:

School’s out for summer!  It’s more convenient, and preferred, for buyers and sellers to move when children are out of school.  Not to mention, moving those tall bookcases and large sofas is much easier without ice and snow covering the ground!  Let’s not forget that summer is also a great time to move before the hustle & bustle of the holiday season!

Summer Beauty:

The flowers are blooming, the grass is green, and the natural light is in abundance.   All these factors help both the curb appeal (outside of the home) and beauty inside the home!  Pro tip for sellers – if you’re planning on listing your home in the summer, plant blubs the previous fall or spring!  Check out all you need to know on how & when to plant here: https://www.gardendesign.com/bulbs/how-to.html 

What does this mean for you:

The summer market brings great benefits for both buyers and sellers.  With an influx of inventory, buyers will have more opportunities to find a home.  Sellers will see more serious buyers which can increase interest in their homes and potentially lead to a higher sales price.  However, due to a rise in homes and buyers it can create competition in the market.  Don’t fret though, read up on your local market and reach out to a Real Estate Agent with any questions or interest.  It’s our job to help clients like YOU stay cool during this busy season!

Design trends are endless. Some stick around while others fade to the wayside — at least away from the public eye. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy your favorite, personal and timeless trend throughout the years in your home. You may even want to switch it up a bit and incorporate other trends from different eras. Either way, there are ways to make trends work to your advantage.

Here are five modern trend designs that will keep your home looking forever young.

1. Matching Walls, Mismatched Furniture

Accent walls can add a lot of dimension to a space, but they can also be distracting. The new trends are changing in furniture in the home, allowing people to express their own personal style. While it may be tempting to purchase a furniture set to ensure everything matches, try complementary pieces that harmonize.

2.Nostalgia Is In

It might not be for everyone, but décor like flowered wallpaper, fancy china and crocheted throws are coming back into vogue. The goal is to borrow the more comforting aspects of a childhood or grandparent’s home and then spice them up by adding modern touches throughout.

3. Green Cabinets in the Kitchen

Edging out more popular colors of the past, like gray and white, green cabinets are a sustainable choice that is popping up in all shades. From deep to light, the color plays well with many palettes. People with Carrara marble seem particularly pleased with how it highlights the lining in their counters.

4. Environmentally Friendly Fabrics

We’re seeing even more development of this trend in recent months. People are choosing organic or recycled fabrics, like cotton or recycled polyester, over synthetic materials, like rayon or nylon. It’s a trend that’s been going on for a while, but the rate is picking up again.

5. Industrial Styling in Mixed Use Spaces

Rooms that may serve as anything from a workspace to a living room are trending toward industrial styles. This design option makes use of neutral colors and relies heavily on the room’s architecture. High ceilings and exposed stonework provide a great backdrop for the main pieces.

How we live at home has changed for many of us, and that change has sparked some new ideas. As you browse different styles, remember that how you use your home will have a lot to do with which ones you incorporate.