The January 2026 Northwest Vermont real estate market shows shifting conditions across Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin counties for single-family homes and condos. Year over year, the median sales price rose 3.6% to $469,500, while closed sales remained flat and new listings increased 8%. Inventory continues to build, with active listings up 33.6% and months supply of inventory rising to 2.9 months, signaling more options for buyers. Compared to December, closed sales declined 32.7%, while new listings jumped 84.1%, reflecting typical seasonal patterns. Homes spent a median of 29 days on market, and sellers received an average of 97.8% of list price. With inventory rising and price growth moderating, both buyers and sellers should pay close attention to local trends. Contact us today to learn more about your market and how these January 2026 housing statistics may impact your real estate goals.

Winter in Vermont is a season people tend to have strong opinions about. Some embrace the snow and cold, while others spend the winter counting down the days until spring. In the Lake Champlain Islands, locals have learned that the key to getting through the quieter months is finding a rhythm that works for you—getting outside when you can, leaning into cozy traditions, and showing up for the local businesses that keep island life going year-round.

Here are a few ways Islanders embrace winter and make the most of the season.

Ice Fishing and Skating on Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain offers fishing opportunities all year long, and once the ice is safe, locals waste no time heading out. Ice fishing is a favorite winter pastime and often leads to a great meal at the end of the day. Ice skating is just as popular, whether it’s on the Inland Sea or a frozen backroad swamp. It’s a classic way to enjoy fresh air and stay active during the colder months.

Winter Hikes in the Islands

The Lake Champlain Islands are home to several scenic trails that are just as beautiful in winter. With crampons or snowshoes, locals head out to enjoy quiet walks through snow-covered woods. Winter hiking offers a slower pace, peaceful views, and a kind of magic you only find after a fresh snowfall.

Live Music and Midweek Fun

When the days are shorter, locals turn to live music, trivia nights, and community events to stay connected. Supporting local restaurants and breweries is especially important during winter, when business slows but the lights stay on. Here are some winter happenings to check out:

• Tuesday Open Mic at Two Heroes Brewery

• Wednesday Trivia at The Sandbar Restaurant

• Thursday Night Live Music at The North Hero House

• Thursday Trivia and Friday Karaoke at McKee’s Island Pub

• Friday Night Wine Down at Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery

Grabbing dinner, a drink, or seeing live music is one of the best ways to support island businesses during the off-season and recharge your social battery.

Cozy Weekends at Home

Of course, winter wouldn’t be complete without a little strategic hibernation. For many Islanders, Friday nights are made for Pan’s Pizza and a movie, no plans required. On the weekends, after a brisk day outside, it’s all about settling in with a home-cooked meal, a good book, a football game, or a crackling fire. Winter gives us permission to slow down, stay cozy, and enjoy the simple comforts of being home.

Winter in the Lake Champlain Islands may be quieter than summer, but it’s filled with simple pleasures, strong community ties, and plenty of ways to stay busy. Whether you’re skating on the ice, catching live music, or supporting a favorite local spot, winter is just another reason Islanders love where they live.

 

 

 

If selling your home is a possibility this spring, now is a good time to start planning. While it may feel early, preparing ahead of time can make the process smoother and less stressful—and often leads to better results. Small, thoughtful steps taken now can help you feel more confident when it’s time to list.

Here are a few practical things Vermont homeowners can do now to get ahead of the spring real estate market.

1. Take an Honest Walk-Through of Your Home

Walk through your home as if you were seeing it for the first time. Pay attention to first impressions. What feels dated, cluttered, or worn? What areas catch your eye right away—for better or worse? 

This exercise can help you identify which updates or improvements will have the most impact, and which areas may need attention before photos and showings.

2. Start Decluttering (Earlier Than You Think)

Decluttering is one of the most effective (and time-consuming) ways to prepare a home for sale. Starting early allows you to work gradually rather than rushing later.

Focus on:

• Kitchen counters and open shelving: Clear surfaces help signal ample storage and make spaces feel more functional.

• Entryways: A tidy, welcoming entrance sets the tone for the rest of the home.

• Closets: Buyers look closely at storage. Reorganizing or thinning out items can make closets feel more spacious.

Decluttering also helps you decide what you’ll keep, donate, or store ahead of your move.

3. Tackle Small Repairs

Minor issues tend to stand out to buyers and can affect overall impressions. Addressing them now allows you to spread the work over time or schedule help as needed.

Common items to check include:

• Loose door handles or cabinet hardware

• Minor drywall cracks or nail pops

• Dripping faucets or running toilets

• Sticky doors or windows

These are often simple fixes that can make a noticeable difference.

4. Freshen High-Impact Areas

A full renovation isn’t necessary, but freshening up key spaces with paint can go a long way. Light, neutral paint colors help rooms feel brighter and more inviting. Pay attention to scuffed baseboards or trim as well. 

5. Begin Planning for Outdoor Appeal

Spring buyers notice curb appeal. Consider what someone sees as they arrive—driveway, walkways, main entrance, or decks. Creating a plan now for yard cleanup or light landscaping can help your property shine once the season changes.

6. Think About Timing and Goals

As you work through these tasks, start thinking about your next steps. What timing works best for you? What are your priorities for the sale? Are you aiming for a fast sale, price, or a balance of both? Having clarity around your goals helps create a smoother path forward.

Final Thought
Preparing your home for sale is as much about planning as it is about presentation. Taking these steps now can reduce stress later and help you feel ready when spring arrives. If you’re considering selling and would like guidance tailored to your home and timeline, our team is happy to offer local insight—no pressure, just information to help you plan with confidence.

The December 2025 real estate market in Northwest Vermont shows a seasonal slowdown alongside notable year-over-year shifts across Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin counties. The median sales price for single-family homes and condos came in at $462,500, down 3.6% from November but still 4.3% higher than December 2024, reflecting continued long-term price stability despite short-term softening. Closed sales increased 13.5% year over year to 202 transactions and rose nearly 24% month over month, while homes spent more time on the market, with median days on market climbing to 35. Inventory remains a key story for buyers and sellers, with active listings up 26% year over year but down month over month, and months of supply at 1.9, signaling a market that is still competitive but offering more breathing room than earlier in the year.

Whether you are considering buying, selling, or simply tracking Vermont housing trends, contact us to learn how these market conditions impact your local area and your real estate goals.

As we look back on 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for the people and moments that shaped another meaningful year at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty. It was a year of connection, growth, and trust—trust from our clients, community, and one another. We had the privilege of guiding our clients throughout Northwest Vermont and beyond, and we are incredibly thankful to be part of so many important life chapters.

The Northwest Vermont real estate market remains a complex and competitive one. Vermont continues to face affordability and inventory challenges that impact many local buyers. Even so, there is cautious optimism to improve this issue with gradual inventory growth, local loan programs to help first-time homebuyers, and state initiatives to boost new-construction by updating zoning laws. Everyone is keenly watching interest rates with the hope of them lowering to ease pressure on people making a move. 

Year-over-year, the median home price has risen 5.7% to $491,425. Homes continue to sell quickly, with many going under contract in about 11 days. Both these metrics, rise in median sales price and low days on market, indicate demand remains strong among homebuyers. Inventory is improving with an 11% increase to 2,969 homes listed in 2025, but it remains tight, which means well-priced, move-in-ready homes tend to sell fast. Properties that are overpriced or need major updates often take longer to sell.

This year, our team proudly guided 95 clients through their real estate journeys across four Vermont counties. From first-time buyers taking a big step forward, to retirees embracing what’s next, to families and second-home owners finding spaces that fit their lives, every transaction represented a story we were honored to be part of. Together, our Realtors closed over $71 million in sales, making 2025 a record-breaking year for Coldwell Banker Islands Realty. It would not be possible without the trust of our clients and the support of our community.

Growth also showed up in the form of professional milestones. Franz Rosenberger earned the International President’s Elite Award, placing him among the top 2% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide. Evan Potvin was recognized with the International Diamond Society Award, honoring Coldwell Banker agents in the top 8% globally. In 2025, they sold 81% of properties in Grand Isle County, naming them the top sales agents in Grand Isle County. Their expertise in the Lake Champlain Islands and lakefront properties is proven in these numbers, providing unmatched service to clients in the area.

This year also marked an exciting addition to our team. We welcomed Ashley Wetherby, located in Fairfield, as a licensed sales associate. With a background in nursing, Ashley brings a thoughtful, client-first approach built on advocacy, care, and attention to detail. Her personal experience buying, leasing, selling, and building homes gives her a well-rounded perspective that serves her clients exceptionally well.

Giving back remained a cornerstone of who we are. During our Fall Food Drive, we donated over 330 pounds of essential items to the Champlain Islands Food Shelf. We were also proud to support community events and organizations, including Great Ice, CIDER, Snow Farm and Island Arts Concert Series, YOGI Baseball, and Toys for Kids. By supporting these efforts—and many others throughout the year—we’re investing back into the community that makes The Islands such a special place to call home.

Our impact extended beyond our local market through continued growth online. In 2025, our digital platforms reached over 6.4 million views, helping connect buyers and sellers to properties, insights, and the Vermont lifestyle. Our website welcomed over 91,000 visitors, serving as a trusted resource for real estate information and listings.

Social media remains a powerful tool in today’s market. Our Instagram community grew to nearly 15,000 followers, with more than 4 million views and multiple viral moments. Facebook saw strong engagement with +6,400 followers and +2 million views, while our YouTube channel reached 287,000 video views. In a market where exposure matters, staying current and visible online helps our clients’ properties stand out.

As we look back on the year, we’re deeply thankful for our clients, partners, and community who continue to place their trust in us. We’re proud of what we accomplished together and energized for what’s ahead. Here’s to another year of meaningful connections, thoughtful service, and continued growth.

We wish you a joyful holiday season, good health, and a bright New Year.