Why You Should Never “Enter Your Address and Find Your Home Value”

home search-polina-zimmermanWhy do some houses sell for less than their Zillow estimate? Do you think your house will sell for more than the online estimates? In our area, many of you, whether selling or buying, are a bit vexed when they search online. This may lead you to “Enter Your Address and Find Your Home Value,” which just triggers many, many phone calls from real estate agents.

Here’s how it works:

1. You enter you address and email, sometimes phone number is optional.

2. Your personal information is then sent to dozens of local real estate agents.

3. You will receive multiple calls, text messages, and emails.

Your private information, including your street address, and your intent to sell is telegraphed to random real estate agents who will do anything, including drive to your house, for your business.

Why risk your privacy just to obtain a value on your house? We know that pricing a house is both an art and a science. The online estimates on Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, etc. are based on complex algorithms that mainly assess on square footage and do not “sort” for types of properties such as condominiums or single family homes, for example.

What should you do if you can’t trust the internet? Stay calm and contact us! Consult with Carolyn and she will prepare a personalized home value estimate based on similar recently sold properties, similar under contract properties, and similar properties for sale. If you prefer to start online, you can fill out OUR form for your free home valuation – this information is ONLY sent to Carolyn, no other agents.

6 Types of Flooring to Consider for Your Home

lotus-design-n-print-Ae-KSk1yM_A-unsplashPaint can transform a space, but flooring is a key design element that is just as visually impactful. The flooring you choose can set the stage for your space, making it feel modern, cozy, or rustic – whatever look you are going for. There are many components to consider when choosing the type flooring, from aesthetics to price, durability, and upkeep. So how do you choose?

Here are 6 popular flooring materials, along with the pros and cons for each:

Hardwood – Hardwood flooring is timeless and has been a long-time favorite due to its beauty, warmth, and durability. If the material gets damaged or scratched it can be sanded and refinished multiple times and can last for decades. Wood flooring tends to be the most expensive and it’s best to avoid installing in ‘wet’ environments like a bathroom or basement.

Engineered Wood – A thin veneer of real wood is bonded to layers of structural plywood to create engineered wood flooring. Just as durable as hardwood, easier to install, and slightly easier on the wallet, engineered wood floors are a great alternative to hardwood and will achieve the same look. The biggest con – the thinner top layer can’t take as much refinishing so it requires more looking after.

Vinyl – The fastest growing category of flooring, vinyl ranges from inexpensive sheets and adhesive tiles to luxury vinyl tile (LVT) that imitates natural wood planks and tiles. Vinyl is easy to install, budget-friendly, and waterproof – making it a great option for bathrooms and basements. The material is durable, but once it starts to show wear or is damaged, it cannot be refinished, only replaced.

Laminate – Dense fiberboard is topped with a photo of the actual material and a layer of laminate to protect the surface. An affordable option, laminate is offered in wide range of colors and styles to suit your aesthetic and is DIY-friendly, eliminating the cost of installation. The material is susceptible to moisture damage and cannot be refinished, only replaced. Laminate can offer a high-end look, but the repetition of pattern tends to give away its ‘fakeness.’

Tile – Available in countless colors, shapes, and styles, tile is the perfect choice to add some character to a space. Tile is durable, waterproof, and low-maintenance, but can be difficult to install and cold on the feet.

Carpet – Soft underfoot, carpet is the most comfortable flooring material and also offers noise reduction and thermal insulating qualities. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, as well as synthetic and natural fibers that vary significantly in price and quality. Carpet holds dirt and dust and will eventually wear and need replacing.

If you are thinking of updating your space with new flooring, consider your budget, home aesthetic, and goals as a homeowner. Need a second opinion? Contact us to see what will get you the biggest bang for your buck when selling your home.

Photo Ready: 3 Essential Tasks to Prepare Your Bedroom for a Refresh

adam-winger-nclN_J0UtJ8-unsplashSometimes even real estate professionals need help organizing. When I decided to refresh my bedroom space the first thing I did was call Jennie for her expertise. Jennie has helped many of our clients reset and reconfigure their living spaces. Because my attempts to reorganize and reconfigure my bedroom continue to frustrate me, I hired Jennie myself to solve my organizational issues.

After our virtual consultation Jennie outlined three essential tasks to complete:

1. Buy quality hangers. Jennie suggested the Amazon Basics Slim, Velvet, Non-Slip Clothes Hangers – their slim profile helps to maximize closet space. Replacing the hangers offers the perfect opportunity to sort through all clothing choosing what to keep, donate, and trash. Once we were ready to rehang the clothing I was keeping, we implemented a color-coded system that added order to my closet so I can easily pull and put outfits together.

2. Remove unnecessary furniture. Bookcases, tables, chairs, and any furniture that is not directly necessary in the room was removed. After relocating a bookcase, chair, and small table the room was surprisingly more spacious.

3. Purchase a new bedspread or comforter. This was my favorite task, of course! It’s amazing the impact new bedding will make on your space. After poring over many color combinations and fabrics I settled on a cotton quilt with matching shams. This elevated the bedroom “look” as the bed is in the center of the room.

From the hangers to the bedding the photo ready refresh was a success. While I was just looking to get organized, a photo ready refresh is perfect for prepping your home for sale. If you are thinking about listing or just want a fresh, new space for the New Year, check out Jennie’s organizing business, Home Organized, to see how she can help you!

Should I Paint My Ceiling?

pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich-5641421If you want to get the highest price for your house when it’s time to sell, then you need a professional to assess your property’s condition. Buyers scrutinize your house and property from top to bottom. One question that sellers often ask is, “Should I paint?” And, as you can imagine, the answer is specific to each situation. There is one painting job that you should book right away, however.

“Yes, paint your ceiling!” In your everyday routine at your house, you most likely avoid looking up at your ceiling. If you’re like most people, you have a busy, hectic life and don’t spend a lot of time gazing up at your ceiling. Odds are that at one time or another, in one room or another, your ceiling fell victim to a water leak. Whether it’s an overflowing bathtub or a roof leak, many houses have been repaired but these problem areas have not been repainted .

While it may be a minor blemish on your ceiling it is magnified in the eyes of the buyer who is already planning on making minor or major changes to your house. So, go ahead and book your painter or get the supplies to do it yourself. If you are curious about other things that should be addressed prior to opening your house up to potential buyers, contact us to learn about our Prep for Success Program that streamlines your home selling experience.

The Real House Hunters of Chittenden County

Essex Jct - Juniper Ridge RdWe would love to write the script for a show, “The Real House Hunters of Chittenden County.” This reality show could follow a group of buyers in their search for the perfect house. Alas, no one has called us (yet) to work on a pilot, so we’ll just regale you with a few house hunting tips to save you some drama.

Episode I – Heartbreak on Hilltop Drive

Joey Jones thought he was approved for a $450,000.00 loan … after we found the perfect house on Hilltop Drive he found out that he was only qualified for a $250,000.00 loan. It was heartbreaking to see Joey burst into tears.

Real LifeTip: Make sure you are pre-approved with a mortgage lender. This sounds so basic but if you don’t take this step it will lead to unnecessary stress once you start the house hunting process. We have met with buyers who are certain that they are qualified for a certain mortgage amount and start the house hunting process with an unrealistic price point.

Episode II – Snooze and Lose on Sleepy Hollow Way

Tiffany Thomas thought she had time to think about putting in an offer on her “almost” perfect dream house on Sleepy Hollow Way. She dismissed her alarm by mistake when she should have set it to snooze. Once she emerged from her long winter’s nap she called her Realtor to put in an offer. Alas, the house just went under contract with another buyer, apparently an early riser. Tiffany spends the next week in bed mourning the loss.

Real Life Tip: Don’t hesitate to put in an offer if you think you found the “almost” perfect house. While the market may seem slow-moving and sleepy to you, there are other buyers who are searching for a similar property.

Episode III – Too much to Fix on First Street

Martin McFly thought that the photos of house on First Street fit most of his “wish list.” Once inside the house, though, he couldn’t believe how much worse the house looked in “real life.” The paint, the appliances, and the flooring all needed to be addressed to suit his particular aesthetic. Six months later he still cannot find a location or floor plan that fits his needs. He can’t move forward with his search and spends his days pricing out appliances and flooring just in case he ever finds a comparable property to First Street that may need some updating.

Real Life Tip: No house will ever fit your wish list 100%. It is good to know the cost of any updates or changes that you may want to make to a property before you dismiss it as a “fixer-upper” or needing too much “work.” We have seen some beautiful transformations on many different budgets.

If you’re frustrated in your own house hunt, get in touch to see how we can help you find your Home Sweet Vermont!

3 Solutions to Your Messy Garage

Organized Garage 2 copyHow many times have you tried to organize your garage? Our garages are filled with tools, flower pots, outdoor equipment, and random items that don’t fit in the house. Before you know it your garage is a defacto storage unit. What is the solution? We met with Kerri Salls, owner of Inspired Closets in Williston, Vermont for her top 3 garage organization tips.

1. Overhead Storage – Isolate items that are rectangular in shape and put them on an overhead rack or shelves. This is a good solution for items that you do not need every day. Use storage totes for holiday decorations (don’t forget to label the tote for seasonal retrieval). Other items that can be stored “above” include suitcases, coolers, pet kennels, and other totes.

2. Floor Storage – According to Kerri, “If it has wheels, it belongs on the floor.” Once you get items up and out of the way in overhead storage it becomes easier to accommodate your snowblower, lawn mower, and lawn fertilizer cart.

3. Recreation Equipment Storage – Canoes, kayaks, bikes, skis, etc. have their own unique storage solutions. When storing these items keep in mind how frequently you use these items and the ease of access.

If you are ready to tackle your garage and convert it from a storage unit to a place to park your vehicle, then it’s time to get some professional help. We recommend Inspired Closets for all of your garage inspo as their showroom will motivate you to organize all of your stuff! Their design experts will work with you to customize the best organization solution to fit your needs.

Pops of Pink: Painting Outside of Your Comfort Zone

pink living roomHave you ever heard of a color consultant? Betsey Dempsey, Color Concepts Vermont, helps clients pick out colors for their spaces. Her role is different than an Interior Designer. One way to bring new life to your house is to change the paint colors in your rooms. Paint color trends change every few years, so if you want your house to look fresh and updated a color consultation may help transform your space.

She specializes in helping people choose paint colors. “I try to get them to think beyond their comfort zone,” she says. After all, that is why they are hiring her to show them more options other than the usual “safe” colors.

Eggshell or Matte? The type of paint matters, matte finish is washable and can be blended more easily than eggshell for touch-ups. The sheen of eggshell fades over time and it is harder to touch-up.

What is trending now for paint colors? For the past few years gray tones have dominated the color palette of interiors. According to Betsey, “the cold gray tones are now being modified with more warmth, think taupe.” She is also seeing more contrast with painted trim and complimentary wall colors. “Trim does not need to be white, we are seeing dark charcoal or medium gray trim and door colors that pair nicely with off-white walls.” It’s important to use warm and cool colors together to balance room tones.

What about pink? Surprisingly, pink is one of Betsey’s favorite colors and it is becoming very popular. She likes Benjamin Moore’s “Opal” color with soft warm pink tones in any room, even ceilings which can bring out the warmth of a room.

If you are looking for recommendations for painting your space or a color consultant, check out Betsey Dempsey’s website – colorconceptsvt.com.

Photo by: Simone Haag in Collaboration with Nathan + Jac; Photo by Eve Wilson

Is My Vermont House at Risk of Flooding?

Vermont FloodingIn the wake of the historic flooding that resulted in Vermont being declared a Federal Disaster Area many homeowners and buyers have been asking, “Is my house at risk of flooding?” There is no definitive answer to this question, however we have some resources available to help assess risk levels. Remember, though, water takes its own “path” and what may “not” be in a flood zone or high risk area right now could turn into one very quickly depending on the circumstances.

Houses may or may not require flood insurance. If you are financing your property with a mortgage lender then they have resources for you. Some lenders will require a flood insurance binder as a requirement of the loan. If you are purchasing with cash then flood insurance is not required as a condition of the sale, however, you should assess your risk and talk to your insurance agent.

The State of Vermont provides information on designated flood hazards and river corridors — http://dec.vermont.gov and https://floodready.vermont.gov/assessment/vt_floodready_atlas.

FEMA also provides resources: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home to do more research on your area.

Bottom line, if you are looking at a house and the street name is River Rd., Winooski St. (named after the Winooski River), Canal St., Streamside Dr., etc. then you should check out the resources above. Or, reach out directly and we will share our local knowledge regarding the historical data regarding natural disaster risk in your area.

If you want any further information or a detailed evaluation on any property in Vermont contact us to get started!

Taylor Swift Nailed It: Cruel Summer for Buyers and Sellers

Essex Junction VTIt’s turning into a cruel summer for many buyers and sellers. Sellers and buyers are increasingly afraid that their house sale or purchase may be their next mistake.

Recently, our local Vermont real estate market has experienced some situations with pricing and buyer response that we are finding unusual. Most of my colleagues are referring to the current state of the market as “weird,” and we, also, are finding it a bit quirky. What does that mean?

In analyzing market pricing and buyer response we have concluded that shifting seller and buyer psychology has impacted some properties in certain price points and locations. Here are our 3 observations:

Bidding wars generated by multiple offers and rising interest rates are causing buyers to pause in their search. Due to our continued low inventory of available homes buyers are getting frustrated with the competition. In some cases we are seeing buyers bid $60,000.00 or higher than list price in the race to secure a residence and still “not” winning the bidding war. As a result, buyer behavior is shifting from impulsive and excitable to cautious and reserved.

Sellers are conflicted when choosing a pricing strategy. Should they price it at the suggested market analysis value? Should they price it where they want to “sell it?” Will they receive multiple offers? This conflict results in additional seller angst, “Will we have to reduce the price if we don’t receive an offer quickly?”

Buyers and sellers continue to be awed by the sale prices of properties. Some are selling “at” their listing price, others are way “over” the listing price, and in a few cases some “under” the listing price.

The predictive aspects of pricing in relation to buyer and seller behavior continue to be challenging. There is no playbook for our current real estate market.

For sellers, one of the most important aspects of selling your home is to find the “sweet spot” for pricing your house. We encourage our clients to think about a range of value while considering the potential for the highest price for their property. As far as predicting buyer behavior, we are happy to share our latest insights with you.

Whether you are thinking about selling or buying, it is always best to have a professional in your corner to guide you through this ever-changing market. Contact us today to see how we can help you achieve your real estate goals!

Should I Put Up Wallpaper or Paint?

CorduroyPine1To be perfectly honest, we do not see many houses with wallpaper. In the 1970s wallpaper donned many kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms. In the 1990s wallpaper borders were popular in living rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Today, however, with the influence of HGTV and other media, neutral pallets dominate the general decorating “vibe.”

From this month’s HGTV magazine that featured a plethora of “paint” choices to our visit to our local interior design studio, Corduroy + Pine, we are leaning toward the return of wallpaper and bold, bright colors to refresh spaces.

Yes, you are thinking, “What happens when I go to sell my house?” Unfortunately many decorating decisions are based on what the “future buyer” will want when they tour your house. In fact, trends change often and it is hard to predict what will be “in or out” as far as decorating when it’s time for you to sell. That is why, most of the time, people choose to live in a neutral environment. Why not add some color or “pop” to your living space?

Most people who crave color or adding some personal style to their houses start small when transitioning away from neutrals. According to Elizabeth Dececco, lead stylist at Corduroy + Pine Interiors, “I have many requests for wallpaper for the first floor half bath.” This is a good place to dip your toe into the wallpaper trend. If you are thinking about wallpaper for a foyer, rear entry, or bedroom, it is best to consult an interior designer to avoid missteps.

If you are thinking about adding color, wallpaper, or texture to your house give us a call and we will point you in the right direction. Remember, it’s also best to consult a professional when it comes to selling your house as we will set you up for success if you are thinking about redecorating or refreshing your space.