March 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mike Berk, CEO Northwest Vermont REALTOR® Association Releases March 2024 Market Statistics  Changes for March over last year at this time include: New Listings increased 6.5 percent for single-family homes and increased 16.9 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Median Sold $/Sq. Ft. increased 4 percent for single-family homes and decreased 6.9 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Inventory increased 3.3 percent for single-family homes and increased 6.1 percent for townhouse-condo properties. The Median Sales ..read more

If you are paying attention to the Vermont real estate market lately, you know that competition is fierce and homes fly off the market after only a weekend. In this sellers’ market, many of our buyers who are qualified and approved for conventional loans are simply striking out with their offers due to multiple bids or competing cash offers.  As a buyer in this market, you might be fending off buyer fatigue and wondering if you should start looking at old farmhouses or a “DIY special,” considering the lower price tag, smaller pool of competing buyers, and dream of a home built to your tas ..read more

Selling a house and moving on to the next chapter can be an emotional rollercoaster. The excitement of a fresh start competes with the attachment to the place you called home. It’s completely normal to feel stressed during this major life transition.  By understanding the emotional challenges of the process, you can help make your move (or someone else’s) as smooth and positive an experience as possible. This blog explores common reasons for moving stress, as well as tips to ease anxiety, care for affected loved ones, and support friends who may be struggling with their own moves.   ..read more

January 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mike Berk, CEO Northwest Vermont REALTOR® Association Releases January 2024 Market Statistics    Changes for January over last year at this time include: New Listings increased 13.8 percent for single-family homes and increased 96.4% percent for townhouse-condo properties. Median Sold $/Sq. Ft. increased 17.4 percent for single-family homes and increased 6.8 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Inventory increased 2.8 percent for single-family homes and increased 85.2 percent for townhouse-condo properties. The ..read more

Daylight Saving Time is right around the corner, so we’re getting ready to spring our clocks one hour ahead to get an extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day. This yearly change is a great time to do your other annual tasks— from changing the batteries in your smoke detectors to cleaning your oven. Gear up for spring by getting these chores off your to-do list!   Change Batteries in Your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors Keeping up-to-date with your carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors is essential to promote safety and prevent fires in your home. Check the detector’s manufa ..read more

Vermont’s ski resorts are some of the most iconic in New England and even across the country. Tourists travel from everywhere to shred the best slopes on the east coast and get a taste of the small-town Vermont feel. But which ski spot do Vermonters love the most?  We’re putting 16 of the state’s most iconic and well-loved ski resorts head-to-head to find out which one truly is the Best Ski Resort in Vermont.  Between February 5th and 18th, vote for your favorite resorts on our Instagram and Facebook stories! We’ll announce the winner on President’s Day, February 19th. Here’s what th ..read more

An agent’s work does not end once the sale is finalized. Agents maintain open communication to ensure transactional loose ends are tied up and you have support during your transition. Understand the lasting value of an agent’s availability to deliver an exceptionally smooth post-sale experience. 1. Share the warranty paperwork for claims in the future. 2. Attempt to clarify and resolve any conflicts about repairs if buyer is not satisfied. 3. Respond to any calls and provide any information required from office files. 4. If a rental, verify all deposits and prorated rents are reflected accurat ..read more

Nearing the finish line, agents use organization and efficiency to coordinate required documentation for closing. This includes collaborating with lenders and escrow to verify payment figures, calculate adjustments, and confirm no issues block recording. Our agents also front-run delays by routinely checking timelines and tasks are on track. Take a look at agents' process mastery in skillfully shepherding clerical details essential for the transaction to finalize - allowing you to breathe easy heading to the closing table. 1. Enter completion into transaction management program. 2. Assist ..read more

As part of finalizing financing, lenders order an independent appraisal to validate the property's fair market value aligns with the contracted sale price. Agents utilize past sales data and comps to put forth a case for supporting the valuation if it comes in low. They also manage communications to provide appraisers with clarification or additional property details that may impact the appraisal. Here’s how agents add critical value during the appraisal process based on market mastery: 1. Schedule appraisal. 2. Provide to appraiser any comparable sales used in market pricing. 3. Follow-up on ..read more

Once under contract, buyers will likely conduct a thorough review of the home through various inspections and disclosures. Agents adeptly manage requests and schedules to facilitate access and flow of information. Skilled agents also provide context for inspection reports to determine which findings are routine repairs versus major red flags. By overseeing next steps when issues arise, including renegotiations or sewer scope scheduling, agents ensure you make informed decisions without losing momentum. Experienced agents add value during the inspection process, streamlining logistics, int ..read more