Looking for a new winter adventure? Vermont’s frozen waterfalls offer a magical outdoor experience, complete with frosty icicles and peaceful forest settings. These stunning spots are within a 50-minute drive from Burlington, making them perfect for a day trip. Pack some snacks, fill a thermos with your favorite hot drink, and get ready to explore the best of Vermont in the winter! Here are three must-visit waterfalls for your next winter outing:

1. Bingham Falls – Stowe, Vermont
Bingham Falls is a must-see natural gem, just a short ¼-mile hike from the trailhead. Located off Route 108 near Auto Toll Road, the quick trek rewards visitors with picturesque views of frozen cascades surrounded by snowy scenery.
 

2. Warren Falls – Warren, Vermont
Situated two miles south of Warren Village, this popular spot is beautiful year-round. With convenient parking along Route 100 and a short, easy walk from the trailhead, it’s an ideal winter destination. In colder months, the rushing water often freezes into stunning layers of ice, framed by snow-draped trees.

3. Moss Glen Falls – Stowe, Vermont
As Vermont’s tallest waterfall, Moss Glen Falls is especially captivating in winter when the water freezes into graceful layers of ice. The falls are just a short quarter-mile walk from the trailhead and a quick 10-minute drive from Stowe Village, making them an easy stop during a winter outing.

Essential Safety Tips for Visiting Waterfalls in Winter
Winter hikes to waterfalls can be breathtaking, but they also come with icy and unpredictable conditions. Safety should always be your top priority. Trails can become slippery, and snow-covered paths may conceal hidden hazards. Exercise caution near the shoreline and never walk on frozen or snow-covered riverbeds, as the ice may be thin with rushing water beneath.

For better traction on icy trails, we recommend wearing crampons or microspikes and bringing ski poles for added stability. Dress in warm, moisture-wicking layers, and don’t forget winter essentials like gloves, a hat, and insulated boots to stay warm and comfortable on your adventure. Stay safe and enjoy Vermont’s winter beauty responsibly!

Looking for more winter adventures in Vermont? Check out these incredible ski resorts in Northern Vermont. 

As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to help so many people achieve their real estate goals in Northwest Vermont. This year, we proudly represented a range of stunning properties and guided buyers and sellers through each step of their journey. We are beyond thankful for the trust our clients and community have placed in all of us here at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty. Our incredible agents would not have reached these accomplishments without their support. We are grateful and look forward to another year of guiding people home!

Coldwell Banker Islands Realty proudly guided 86 clients through their real estate journeys. Whether it was helping first-time buyers find their footing, retirees discovering their next chapter, growing families securing more room to thrive, or dreamers bringing their visions to life, our team was there every step of the way. Together, our Realtors achieved over $45 million in sales, representing homes and properties across five Vermont counties.

2024 was a year of growth and remarkable achievements at our brokerage. Franz Rosenberger received the prestigious International President’s Elite Award, ranking among the top 2% of agents in the Coldwell Banker network worldwide. Evan Potvin was recognized with the International President’s Circle Award, given to agents who rank in the top 4% globally. We are proud to have Franz and Evan as leaders in our brokerage and congratulate them on these outstanding accomplishments. 

We’re proud to recognize Paul Habersang and his professional development as he earned his Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation, a valuable achievement that strengthens his ability to serve buyers at the highest level. Additionally, we were delighted to have welcomed Madeline Spaulding as a licensed sales associate. Madeline’s energy, drive, and passion for real estate have already made her an incredible asset to our brokerage.

The real estate industry experienced many changes in 2024. At Coldwell Banker Islands Realty, staying informed about state and national real estate policies and market trends remains a top priority. Our team actively enhanced their expertise by attending training sessions and local Realtor board meetings to serve our clients and communities better. We also strengthened industry connections by participating in the Vermont Association of Realtors conference and the Northwest Vermont Realtor Association’s annual meeting.

Giving back continued to be at the heart of everything we did this year. We proudly raised $3,100 through Commissions For Community, which will be donated to various local charities. We also sponsored the Great Ice Xmas Tree Bonfire, participated in Green Up Day, supported the Northwest Vermont Realtors Association’s Home Item Drive, and served as a drop-off location for Toys for Kids. To end the year, we hosted our annual Holiday Hoopla event, where our agents and community came together for a festive morning.

This year, we loved connecting with the community in meaningful ways. From sponsoring local programs and events to sharing our knowledge and participating in the Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market and Snow Farm Vineyard Summer Concert Series, we embraced every opportunity to get involved. We also hosted our first seminar at the Worthen Library, where a Realtor, interior designer, and mortgage broker shared their expert tips on preparing homes for sale.

Our reach extended far beyond in-person events, as we connected with millions of people through our digital platforms. This year, we saw tremendous growth online, reaching an incredible 7.3 million people across our various channels. Our website had an impressive 80K visitors, offering homebuyers and sellers easy access to the latest property listings and real estate insights. 

Our Instagram became a go-to online resource as Northern Vermont’s top-followed real estate company, through sharing new listings, market information, and the local lifestyle. We grew to over 11.7K followers and had over 10 million views this year, with multiple viral moments driving increased engagement. On YouTube, our channel experienced significant growth, with 1.1 million impressions and 119K video views. This online growth gives sellers an advantage by allowing them to reach a captivated audience interested in Vermont real estate. Our social media also equips buyers with local insights and the knowledge to be informed and confident in the local market.

We couldn’t have achieved these milestones without the continued support of our community, partners, and dedicated team. Your trust has made all of this possible, and we look forward to another year of success, connection, and giving back. We wish you a joyful holiday season, good health, and a prosperous New Year.

Warmly,

Coldwell Banker Islands Realty

This year, our social media content at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty spotlighted Vermont's lifestyle, real estate, and natural beauty like never before. It was a year of milestone moments for our Instagram channel! From showcasing local hotspots to breathtaking lakefront home tours, our most-watched videos captured the essence of what makes Northwest Vermont so special. Take a look at the highlights that had everyone talking:

1. Island Line Trail – 9.6 Million Views
We took to Instagram to spotlight the iconic Island Line Trail, a popular biking destination in the area—and it exploded in popularity! This video became one of our top performers with 9.6 million views, over 176K likes, and 148K shares. It's a perfect example of the local content we love to share, educating both residents and visitors about Vermont's vibrant lifestyle.

 

 

 

 

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2. Mini Home Tour: Cottage-Style Home – 403K Views

This highlight reel featured one of our fall listings, a cottage-style home in North Hero, Vermont. This listing demonstrated the power of our reach, amassing over 403K views, 12K likes, and 9.3K shares. Our wide-reaching online presence connects sellers with potential homebuyers and ensures unique properties like this receive the attention they deserve. The result? This property saw a flurry of showings and went under contract in just 24 days.
 

 

 

 

 

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3. For Sale: Modern Lakefront Home in Vermont – 355K Views
This video beautifully showcases the modern luxury of this custom-designed lakefront residence in North Hero, Vermont. With breathtaking views and a sophisticated design, this home truly stands out—and our video captured every stunning detail. This short video tour garnered over 355K views, 7.9K likes, and 5K shares—a clear demonstration of the power of creative and engaging video content to showcase properties. 
 

 

 

 

 

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4. This is Your Sign to Move to Vermont – 187K Views
This fun and engaging video, featuring a trending voiceover, invited viewers to imagine starting fresh in Vermont by highlighting the state's vibrant lifestyle, opportunities, and real estate possibilities. The video resonated with many, earning 187K views, 4.3K likes, and 3.8K shares. By blending captivating content with inspirational messaging, we aim to not only spotlight our listings but also entice potential buyers to discover all that Vermont has to offer.
 

 

 

 

 

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5. For Sale: Idyllic 1870 Vermont Farmhouse – 302K Views
This charming 1870 Vermont farmhouse home tour video received over 302K views, 6K likes, and 4.6K shares, capturing the unique allure of this farmhouse and the unmatched lifestyle it offers. This level of exposure highlights the power of our digital presence in connecting buyers to exceptional properties like this one.
 

 

 

 

 

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This past year, our content brought Vermont's lifestyle, real estate, and natural beauty to the forefront. From timeless farmhouses and luxury lakefront retreats to local guides and community highlights, our videos captivated audiences far and wide. With millions of views and thousands of likes and shares, our digital presence continues to elevate Vermont living in a way that inspires exploration and connection.
Our commitment to top-tier marketing sets us apart, offering sellers unparalleled exposure that other brokerages simply can’t match. For buyers, our local insights and knowledge of the Vermont real estate market ensure a smooth, stress-free transition into their new home. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to showcasing the charm, elegance, and unique appeal of life in Vermont—bringing its story to life for residents, buyers, and dreamers alike. 
Make sure to follow along for another great year of content @cbislandsrealty !

Make sure to follow along for another great year of hot Vermont real estate content! 

January’s Hidden Home is a custom-built waterfront retreat in Alburgh, Vermont. Set on 2.11 acres at the end of a quiet road, it offers elegant, low-maintenance living with premium finishes and 600 feet of direct frontage on Lake Champlain. This home is under contract. 

Subscribe to our Monthly newsletter to see more Hidden Vermont Homes! 

As we head into the winter months, the real estate market in Northwest Vermont continues to shift. November brought some notable changes in single-family home sales that both homebuyers and sellers should pay attention to as they plan their next steps. Here’s a closer look at the latest trends and how they might impact you. Statistics are for single-family home sales in Grand Isle, Franklin, and Chittenden County.

Median Sales Price

The median sales price skyrocketed to $550,000, a significant 16.8% jump from October and a robust 14.6% increase compared to November 2023. For people considering selling, this increase highlights strong home value appreciation in the region, making it an excellent time to list. A higher price point could allow you to maximize your return, especially if your property is in great condition and priced competitively. Homebuyers, however, should plan carefully. While prices are higher, they reflect the strong demand and limited supply in the market, which means acting decisively when you find a home that fits your needs is crucial.

Closed Sales

Number of homes sold fell to 117, a 21.5% decrease from October and a 7.9% drop from last November. For home sellers, this decrease in sales volume signals a slower pace of transactions, which may require extra patience as home purchasers navigate the holiday season. Effective marketing and competitive pricing will help your property stand out. Homebuyers may benefit from the reduced pace as fewer sales could create opportunities to negotiate terms, especially if homes remain on the market longer.

Median Days on Market

The average home in Northwest Vermont spent 13 days on the market, up slightly by 8.3% from October and up 4% compared to November 2023. For sellers, this slight increase means you might need to invest more time in preparing your home to make a strong impression on buyers. However, homes are still selling quickly overall, indicating continued demand for well-maintained, appropriately priced properties. Buyers can use this extended timeframe to their advantage, allowing for a more thoughtful search while still staying alert to high-demand listings that might move quickly.

List Price Received

On average, home sellers received 100.1% of their asking price, a modest 0.2% decrease from October and a 1.1% decline from November 2023. Sellers should interpret this as a sign of a still competitive market where buyers are willing to pay close to the asking price for desirable homes. For homebuyers, the slight dip suggests a bit more room for negotiation, particularly on homes that have been on the market longer.

New Listings

New listings fell sharply to 103, a 42.1% drop from October and a 2.8% decline from last year. For sellers, this lower level of competition could work in your favor, as fewer homes on the market mean your property has a better chance of attracting attention. Buyers, on the other hand, will need to act quickly with fewer new options available. Planning your search carefully and partnering with a local expert can help you navigate this constrained supply.

Active Inventory

Active inventory decreased to 262 homes, a 25.1% drop from October, though it remains 20.7% higher than last November. Sellers should note that while there are fewer active listings compared to the previous month, the year-over-year increase in inventory suggests buyers have more choices than they did a year ago. Buyers benefit from this broader selection, giving them more opportunities to find a property that meets their needs, even in a market with fewer new listings.

Months Supply of Inventory

The months supply of inventory dipped to 2.2 months, down 4.7% from October but up 31.1% from November 2023. While this figure still indicates a seller’s market, the upward trend in inventory compared to last year signals a gradual shift toward more balanced conditions. Sellers should be prepared for longer selling times and potentially more negotiation as the market evolves. Buyers, however, can feel more confident knowing the market is becoming less competitive, offering them more leverage than in the past.

Why Local Expertise Matters

Market trends in Northwest Vermont vary significantly by town and neighborhood. A personalized market analysis tailored to your area can help you make informed decisions, whether you’re buying or selling. Understanding specific pricing trends, competition levels, and market dynamics ensures you’re fully prepared to navigate the process.

Partner with a Vermont Real Estate Expert

Navigating Vermont’s unique real estate landscape requires a trusted local advisor. Whether you’re buying or selling, a knowledgeable real estate expert can help you make sense of the data, anticipate market shifts, and achieve your goals. With insights into local trends and the experience to guide you, a Realtor is your key to success in this competitive and evolving market.

Take the Next Step

Curious about the value of your home or ready to explore your buying options? Contact us today for a customized market analysis and personalized guidance. Let us help you make the most of Vermont’s dynamic real estate market and achieve your goals with confidence.