Most people know that spring and summer are the most popular seasons for selling a home. There are more buyers in the market this time of year, which also means there are more sellers and more competition. Here are some summer home staging tips to help you compete with the extra competition, sell your home faster, and for top dollar.

Natural Light

People enjoy being outside in the sunshine, especially during the summer months, so be sure to let as much natural light into your home as possible. Clean all of your windows and screens. Trim trees and bushes and remove any obstructions blocking natural light from the windows. Add lamps or install lighting to brighten up any dark corners and rooms throughout your home.

Bright Colors

The cheerful summer season is a great time to add colorful outdoor flowers to enhance your curb appeal and make a great first impression. You can either plant flowers as an addition to your landscaping or buy some potted flowers to set around your front door. Be sure to add some potted flowers and colorful accents inside your home, too. Make sure your grass is green and healthy looking and consider adding an extra splash of vivid color by painting your front door and mailbox.

Outdoor Living

Now is the time to really show off your outdoor areas like patios, balconies, porches, and decks. Get buyers really excited and let them imagine themselves enjoying spending time outdoors. Stage your outdoor areas with chairs, tables, and seating areas. Add some colorful accents to highlight and intensify the summer spirit.

Indoor Living

Although most people will want to spend lots of time outdoors in the summer, make sure they know they will be able to cool off when they are ready to come inside. Keep the indoor temperatures comfortable and circulate the air. Think about leaving out a pitcher of ice water or iced tea with some colorful paper cups and a sign inviting potential buyers to help themselves.

Thinking about selling your Vermont home this summer? Contact RE/MAX Four Seasons and learn how we can help!

293 Birch Grove
Arlington, VT 05250

The interior of this charming 3 bedroom Cape style home features a chef’s kitchen with new red oak flooring, skylights, granite counters, and a center island. The great room has vaulted ceilings and a new pellet stove. First floor master has plenty of natural light and a private office. The exterior boasts spectacular curb appeal, lush landscaping, and an Amish storage shed. Central air!

View the complete listing for more information.
 

1039 Berwal Road
Arlington, VT 05250

This immaculate 4 bedroom Colonial offers mountain views and privacy on 5 acres. Recent kitchen upgrades include countertops, backsplash, sink, stainless steel refrigerator, and dishwasher. Fireplace in office is perfect for those work from home. Slate back patio with plenty of room for gardening, barbecuing, and sports activities!

View the complete listing for more information.

Manchester has a wonderful selection of restaurants from casual to upscale dining and everything in between. Here are just a few of the top picks around our lovely historic town.

Ye Olde Tavern

Take a step back into 18th century New England in this Colonial-era tavern with antique furnishings and classical music. The menu features a variety of delicious New England and Continental dishes. Click here for more information.

The Copper Grouse

Enjoy authentic local fare and comfort food in a community dining area with an open style kitchen. They also have a generous selection of wine and beer. Click here for more information.

Bistro Henry

Tasty bistro dishes, fine steaks, and fresh seafood are on the menu, along with a great selection of wine and craft beers. For the past 20 years, their wine selection has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Click here for more information.

The Silver Fork

This cozy restaurant features a “menu in movement” as the chef makes changes according to his inspiration. Enjoy a delicious fusion of New American, German, and Puerto Rican cuisines. Click here for more information.

Up for Breakfast

This hole in the wall is a favorite local spot for a casual and cozy breakfast or brunch with friendly service, tasty food, and a relaxing atmosphere. Click here for more information.

Zoey’s Double Hex

Featuring warm hospitality and great food, this place is a favorite for locals and visitors with a menu that won’t break the bank. Zoey’s also has a takeout deli. Click here for more information.

I had the opportunity last week to attend the National Association of Realtors Green Designation course. The two day course, held at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Manchester, VT, was taught by Craig Foley, a broker with RE/MAX Leading Edge in Sommerville, MA. Craig is an industry leader in sustainable energy solutions and energy management.

I learned so much at the course. Homes with green features and benefits are rapidly moving into the mainstream. It makes more sense to refer to these properties as High Performance Homes. They are the highest quality homes being built today. It is also possible to retrofit existing homes to incorporate many of the same features and benefits. Some of the benefits of high performance homes include greater comfort, lower operating costs, reduced carbon footprint, better air quality, greater quality and durability.

Through a combination of proper insulation and air sealing, energy efficient heating systems, and solar photovoltaic (PV) it is now entirely possible to achieve a zero energy home, that is a home that produces as much energy as it consumes. Solar PV is available to the homeowner thru multiple owning and leasing options. It is important for the homeowner to understand these different options and how they impact a home's value.

It is also important for buyers and sellers who are interested in high performance homes to work with a real estate professional who has been properly trained to understand the unique value proposition that these homes offer. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about green homes, high performance homes, solar PV or any related questions. If I don't know the answer I know someone who does.

Please join RE/MAX Four Seasons with a big year end congratulations to Julie Citron! Julie was named 2017 Realtor of the Year by the Vermont Association of Realtors for her extraordinary leadership as both a real estate professional and active member of the community. She received the award during a ceremony held on November 8th at Middlebury College.

Julie is an active member of the South Central Vermont Board of Realtors (SCVBR), helping with toy drives and holiday baskets for families in need. In 2015, Julie served as the organization’s President, leading a revision of the board's policies and procedures. From 2013 to 2014, she served as SCVBR's first Community Outreach Chair, helping launch the board's success in community giving. From 2007 to 2009, Julie served as the organization's "Race for the Cure" Chair and received SCVBR's "Full Plate Award" in 2008. Since 2014, Julie has led the board's involvement in Manchester's Maple Leaf Half Marathon and has also volunteered at the local Habitat for Humanity Resale Store.

In addition to her involvement in the SCVBR, Julie has been in leadership roles with the Dorset Players, the Dorset Parent Volunteers, and has served on the Christian Education Board of the Dorset Church.

Please join us in congratulating Julie!