We’re sure you don't need us to tell you that the housing market is HOT. In fact, there's a joke in our industry these days that there's little point in putting up "For Sale" signs because they'll just spontaneously combust anyway (just kidding).

We can say seriously, though, that some homes in your area have been sold without even putting up a sign up on the lawn, just because the listing agent already had one or more qualified buyers.

We have several buyers who are qualified and ready to buy.

They are looking in the following areas and price range;

 

Chittenden County, Georgia & Fairfax - $100,000+/- and $250,000 to $475,000

South Burlington - $300,000 to $430,000

Essex - $300,000 to $430,000

So if you've given any thought to selling, or if you hear that any family, friends or neighbors are,

please call or email us. We look forward to hearing from you.

TheTeam@themarcelinoteam.com  *  802-846-8460

Lawn Care Tips

Do you want a green lush lawn? Here is a wonderful article on how you can obtain that!

University of Vermont Extension 
Department of Plant and Soil Science

The GREEN MOUNTAIN GARDENER article - TOWARD A "GREENER" LAWN

by Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor, University of Vermont

 

You will find information on:

Adding fertilizer correctly

Leaving clippings on the lawn

Mowing at proper height

Importance of sharp mower blades

Overseeding

Proper watering

Ideas to reduce mowing and gas usage

Benefits of proper edging and design

Reducing lawn size

 

Green Up Day is this Saturday, so we wanted to share Green Up Vermont’s poster, mission statement and how to get more information.

AT GREEN UP VERMONT We live our mission to keep Vermont beautiful.

Green Up Vermont’s mission is to promote the stewardship of our state’s natural landscape and waterways, and the livability of our communities by involving people in Green Up Day while raising public awareness about the health, economic, and visual benefits of a  litter-free environment year-round.

Note: Some towns have bag pick-up available prior to Green Up Day. For all the details check out https://greenupvermont.org/

 

Need more ideas of things to do outside?

Check out Vermont State Parks’ Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge.

 

The Venture Vermont challenge provides multiple categories of tasks and activities.  Even if you don’t want to do the challenge, check out the challenge list and the VT State Parks website, as they contain a wealth of  information on things to do outside.  Check out the “Things To Do” tab on the Vermont State Parks’ website for information on Camping, Hiking, Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Biking, Parks Events & Programs, Venture Vermont, Winter Activities, Other Activities, Family Fun and Enjoying Nature.                   

 

VT Fish and Wildlife Website is a great place to find April Vacation Activity Ideas!

We would like to thank Jason Morin of JLM Photos for allowing us to use his amazing wildlife and landscape photos. You can check him out on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/jasonMphotos

Here are just a few highlights from their website:

FISH

Fishing Seasons

Fishing Basics

Fishing Opportunities

Boating in Vermont

Fishing Regulations

All fishing photos are of Don and his Grandson Matt, all taken by Shannon Marcelino. Don is an avid salmon fisherman and has enjoyed sharing his love of fishing with his Daughter and Grandson.

 

WATCH WILDLIFE

Wildlife Viewing Tips

Wildlife Viewing Resource

Viewing month to month

Tips for Protecting Wildlife

Birdwatching

                       

LANDS & HABITAT

State Lands and How to Access Them

Federal Lands

Authorized and Prohibited Activities

 

 

Vermont Outdoors-Mobile App

“The goal of this new mobile application is to help the public recreate outdoors safely and in a socially distanced mannered. It is one of many projects the department has undertaken in the past few months to improve recreational opportunities around the state.” 

 

Spring is here and now is the time to start planning a vegetable garden.

The University of Vermont EXTESION Master Gardener’s Zones 3-4 Planting Schedule is a great resource to start with.  As it gives you a list of vegetables, when to start seeds indoors, when to start seeds or plant plants outdoors, the best spacing between rows and plants and at what depth to plant along with approximately how many seeds in a package.  Allowing you not only to determine when to plant but also to determine what you have space for, how many packets you need to buy. Take this information along with the additional two articles listed below that provide information on how to start seeds and what you can use for starting containers and you should have enough information to make a good start. As you will see when you visit the chart, some seeds should be started now.

 

Here are some links to help you get started:

UVM Extension Master Gardener’s Planting Schedule

Burpee.com article “How to Start Seeds Indoors” 

Gardeningchannel.com article “What You Need To Know About Seed Starting Containers”.

 

We hope these articles will inspire/prepare you to start a successful vegetable garden.

A great activity for young and old alike, happy gardening!

 

Preparing for closing and making your move!

Closing has been scheduled and it is now a few weeks before closing. There are several things to think about getting done to be sure your move goes smoothly!

 

Cancelling or transferring the utilities for the day of closing.

Request a final water reading.

Changing your mailing address with the post office, doctors, financial companies, etc.

Cancel any home deliveries such as newspaper and auto shipments. There are many more items to think about depending on the type of move you are making, in state or out of state moves. Our Moving Checklist offers a list of items you may need to think about!

Call us to get a copy of our Moving & Change of Address Checklists

 

Kids & Moving

Young children can be very reluctant to move, even teens. Their whole lives might have been spent in the house you have lived in only a few years. Make the move as easy as Possible for them.

A few things that can help;

Show them the new home, neighborhood, school, parks and all the areas around.

Let them help you with the packing. 

Plan activities to celebrate your new home.

Ours Kids & Moving document shares a list of ways to help your children be more comforted and welcoming of the move and provides a list of books to help with the transition.

Call us to get a copy of our Kids & Moving

 

  Couple days before closing.

Your attorney should be providing you with a Closing Disclosure that details all the expenses, mortgage payoffs and what your final proceeds are, that you will be obtaining at closing. It is important to go over this with them in case you have any questions or concerns.

Collect all keys and garage door openers and either leave on the kitchen counter or bring to the closing. If not packed yet, bring the original Property Tax Bill to provide to the buyer.

Due to Covid closings have been completed by Power of Attorney and not in person. Depending on the closing office, sometimes the buyer or buyer & seller can attend. As the Governor continues to open the spicket hopefully we will be back to in person closings again. We sure do miss seeing the thrill on our clients faces as they complete their home transactions.

Closing is done! Congrats!

Although the closing is over, we value long lasting relationships with our clients and referrals of your family and friends.  We are here for you  with any questions you may have, real estate related or not!

     You have received an offer; how do you choose?

When you receive an offer, we help you review more than just the amount of money you will net, but the terms that are in the offer as well.  It is important to know what those terms are and what they can mean for you and getting to the final goal of closing. Some examples of terms are inspections, timing, financing and many other contingencies that can cause your sale to become delayed or worse fail. This becomes extremely important when you are in the position of multiple offers. Sometimes the highest price may not be the best offer when looking at all the terms that could be included. We will help you decipher and compare the offers to determine which one would best suit your needs. If the offer(s) do not meet your needs or wants, we can help you prepare a counter offer.

 

You have accepted the offer, what is next?

Once you’ve agreed to an acceptable offer, our Closing Coordinator, Shannon, will work with you, the selling agent, and your attorney to make sure all contingencies are completed in a timely manor and keeping everything on track to close on time. She will create you a Closing Check List that will help you keep track of the timeline of not just items you need to complete but the buyer as well. This will help you understand exactly where you are in the process at any given time.

As the contract processes the buyer will make their formal application with their lender and have the appraisal ordered. They will also schedule any inspections they are planning to complete, building inspection, radon testing, water testing etc. The seller will order any inspections that were requested and agreed to. These typically would be septic pumping and inspection and heating system inspection. Once these are all complete and satisfied, we are almost there.

To complete the process, once the appraisal is finished and buyer’s attorney completes a title search and both are submitted to the lender along with all requested paperwork from the buyer, the file will go into under writing to be approved and obtain a Clear to Close. We can then schedule the closing! This process is just about done!

 

This year we not only can enjoy the wonderful local truck parade put on by SD Ireland, but  also have a chance to enjoy the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

 

Enjoy St. Patrick's Day with the S.D. Ireland Parade

Leaving their Williston location at 3:30pm on March 17th, 2021 and traveling thru Williston, So Burl, Winooski and Burlington.

Click Here for the Parade Route.

                        

NYC Virtual Parade, March 17th.  (info from nycstpatricksparade.org)

The 2021 New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. The Parade is the oldest and largest parade in the world and has marched on the streets of New York City every year since 1762, fourteen years before the Declaration of Independence that established the United States of America. This year will mark the 260th St Patrick’s Day parade in New York City.

We invite everyone across the world to join us and be part of the celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day in New York City, as we honor the representatives for all the brave men and women who have done so much for so many during the pandemic and 9/11.

 

How to prepare your home for showings & our marketing plan at a glance!

 

You are about to list your home and need to know what you should do to get it prepared for photos and showings.  When presenting your home to prospective buyers, first impressions are crucial.  Making sure your house looks its’ best on the inside and outside is key to making the right first impression.  We have a list of things to do that can help you can boost your home’s salability and sale price.

We are also happy to help guide you in the staging of your home and give you tips on things that could use a little updating such as painting, carpet cleaning, repairs and completing any recommended inspections.

Call us for a copy of - Big List of Things To Do when Getting Ready to Sell Your House!    

 

The Marcelino Team Marketing Plan

We are committed to offering the highest standards of professional service to all our clients.  To assure you that your property is marketed to its fullest potential and to obtain the highest possible price, we have a complete marketing plan we implement to every new listing. This marketing plan includes much more than just putting up a sign and placing your listing into MLS.  Dawna and Shannon work together to put the marketing plan into action.

Call us for a copy of – The Marcelino Team Marketing Plan

 

Showing your home

First and foremost, it is important you know the guidelines we will follow due to the pandemic.

Agents & Buyers are to fill out a Real Estate Access Questionnaire prior to entering the home and are to wear masks while in the home. Surface touching is to be limited and surfaces are to be wiped down before leaving. It is important to us that you are protected.

 

Our Big List of Things To Do when Getting Ready to Sell Your House also includes Tip for Showings!  

Call us today for a copy!