Happy New Year! Coldwell Banker Islands Realty had another exciting year in Vermont real estate. It was a year of guiding people home, growing and strengthening our team of Realtors, and improving our services and knowledge to serve our clients better. Look back at our year and watch our 2023 video recap.

 

 

We could not have reached these accomplishments without the support of our clients and community. We are grateful and look forward to another year of guiding people home!

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Featured Listings:

206 Lighthouse Point, Isle La Motte, VT

List Price: $695,000

Lot 4 Passage View Lane, Grand Isle, VT

List Price: $275,000

Subscribe to Island Insights, Coldwell Banker Islands Realty's monthly email newsletter, to see more hidden homes and learn about the Vermont real estate market.

January’s Hidden Home is nestled on Lake Champlain's Inland Sea in Swanton, Vermont. This pristine mid-century ranch has been cherished for two generations and is now on the market. The property boasts 75 ft of direct Lake Champlain frontage, offering privacy amid mature trees and hedges. The well-maintained interior features an inviting kitchen, a living/dining area with a wood-burning fireplace, and a lakeside deck for captivating sunsets. Take a look inside this covert home. This home is currently for sale.

Hello, savvy homeowners and prospective buyers! Welcome back to our insightful journey through the vibrant landscape of Northwest Vermont's real estate market. Today, we're diving deep into the latest statistics for November 2023. These insights provide you with the tools to make informed decisions, whether you're buying or selling a home in Grand Isle, Chittenden, or Franklin County.

1. Median Sales Price: $475,000

Let's kick things off with the heartbeat of the real estate market—the median sales price. At $475,000, we're holding steady with no decrease from the previous month and a notable 5.6% increase from November 2022. Why is this crucial? For sellers, it signifies a healthy appreciation in property values, showcasing the potential for a lucrative sale. Buyers, on the other hand, might find it helpful to identify opportunities for wise investments and future growth.

2. Closed Sales: 129

While the number of closed sales slipped by 15.7% from the previous month and 16.8% from last November, let's not hit the panic button just yet. Real estate often has its seasonal dance, and this slight dip could be a reflection of the colder Vermont months setting in. For buyers, it might mean a chance to find motivated sellers, while sellers should consider strategic pricing and marketing to attract serious buyers.

3. Median Days On Market: 8

Time is money, especially in the real estate world. The Median Days On Market dropping by 11.1% from the previous month and staying at 8 days compared to November 2022 is a testament to the swift pace of the market. For sellers, it underscores the importance of pricing your home right, while for buyers, it's a gentle nudge to act decisively in a market where well-priced homes are in high demand.

4. List Price Received: 101%

Getting your property's price spot-on is an art, and November 2023 shows sellers receiving, on average, 101% of their list price. Yes, there's a tiny 0.1% dip from the previous month and a 0.4% decrease from November 2022, but let's keep it in perspective—this is still a strong indicator of a market where well-priced homes are valued and appreciated. Sellers take note; buyers, be prepared for a market that recognizes and rewards quality properties.

5. Active Inventory: 206

Active inventory—something that both buyers and sellers should keep a keen eye on. At 206 homes, we're looking at a 14.2% decrease from the previous month and a 1.4% decrease from November 2022. What does this mean? For buyers, a lower inventory can mean increased competition, so be ready to act swiftly. Sellers take advantage of this by ensuring your property stands out in a slightly less crowded field.

MARKET REVIEW BY COUNTY:

Chittenden County:

• Active Inventory = 112
• Median Sales Price = $545,500
• Median Days On Market = 7
• Closed Sales = 80
• List Price Received = 101%

Franklin County:

• Active Inventory = 70
• Median Sales Price = $363,500
• Median Days On Market = 8
• Closed Sales = 32
• List Price Received = 100.8%

Grand Isle County:

• Active Inventory = 24
• Median Sales Price = $600,000
• Median Days On Market = 25
• Closed Sales = 17
• List Price Received = 98%

In conclusion, these statistics serve as a compass in your real estate journey, guiding both buyers and sellers through the nuances of the Northwest Vermont market. Whether you're planning to sell your home or looking to find your dream property, understanding these trends and partnering with a local real estate professional is key to making informed decisions. 

Ready to dive deeper into your local market? Our expert team is here to provide you with a personalized market analysis. Discover the opportunities waiting for you in your area—get in touch with us today!

 

Coldwell Banker Islands Realty hosted its third annual Holiday Hoopla on Saturday, December 2nd. Thank you to everyone who attended this joyous event! It was a great way to kick off the holiday season and get in the spirit.

This festive celebration is to express our deepest appreciation for you, our cherished clients and supporters. Your continued support has been the cornerstone of our success, and this event is our way of saying thank you. This year we had a wreath giveaway, polaroid pictures with Santa, and a hot cocoa and cookie bar by Let's Pretend Catering.

We wish everyone a joyous holiday season and look forward to seeing you at our next Holiday Hoopla.

 

 

Searching for unique holiday gifts this season? Explore the shopping options nestled right in The Lake Champlain Islands! This season, embrace the challenge of shopping locally and support the businesses in Grand Isle County. Discover a selection of island shops and skilled local artisans below.

1. Island Craft Shop

The oldest artisan cooperative in Grand Isle County, The Island Craft Shop boasts more than 21 artisans showcasing a diverse range of handmade treasures. Visit them every Saturday and Sunday in South Hero, Vermont until December 19 to explore their offerings. For further details, take a peek at their Facebook Page.

2. Bijoux Gervais

Bijoux Gervais crafts unique jewelry using silver, gold, brass, and copper. From beautiful handmade earrings to lovely pendant necklaces, these jewels will be the perfect token for someone on your list. Check out Bijoux Gervais on Facebook for holiday markets. You can also find their goods at Arbor Farm Market.  

2. Arbor Farm Market

Arbor Farm Market showcases an array of farm-fresh goods alongside various creations from Vermont artisans. Located in the South Hero Village you can drop by between Wednesdays and Sundays to peruse their collection, brimming with wonderful gifts like handcrafted jewelry and delightful pottery pieces. 

3. Dusty Pine Wood Design, Grand Isle

Dusty Pine Wood Design is a quality wood decor and furniture maker based in Grand Isle. They specialize in custom builds and gifts, focusing on utilizing reclaimed materials. They have an online store as well and attend many holiday pop ups. Shop

4. The Green Frog 

Located on Ferry Road in South Hero, Vermont, The Green Frog Gift Shop is a contemporary, rustic shop featuring lots of local products from Vermont and New England. For more info, take a peek at their Facebook Page.

5. Muriel's Sweaters 

Muriels, a Vermont-based garment company, specializes in crafting exquisite, long-lasting knitwear. With a commitment to sustainability and a dedication to promoting slow fashion, they source their fiber locally from Vermont farmers. Their cozy sweaters stand as an ideal choice for a thoughtful, sustainable gift that embodies the essence of Vermont's local craftsmanship. Shop

6. Hero's Welcome General Store, North Hero

When in doubt, head to Hero’s Welcome in the North Hero Village. This Vermont general store is an Island staple, packed with games, books, gag gifts, household items, clothing, and a wide selection of local goods! Shop

7. Viva Marketplace

Viva Marketplace in South Hero, Vermont will be reopening its doors and hosting two holiday markets with an array of unique gifts on the first and second Saturday of December. You can expect to find curated gifts, jewelry, clothing, and many other items made in Vermont. They will be open from 11 am to 5 pm in South Hero, Vermont. In person shopping only. For more details, check out Viva Marketplace on Facebook. 

8. Champlain Islands Indoor Farmers Market 

Indoor winter markets will continue the first three Saturdays of December from 10 am to 2 pm at the South Hero Congregational Church. Put together a local gift basket for your friends or family with items from vendors such Blue Heron Farm, Grand Isle Pasta, Snow Farm Vineyard. Learn more

9. Buy a Local Gift Card

This holiday season, opt for a local gift card and lend support to nearby businesses. You can purchase gift cards from restaurants like North Hero House Restaurant, Pan’s Pizza, or Kraemer and Kin, contributing to the local community while giving the gift of a delightful dining experience. 

From the timeless knitwear of Muriels to the eclectic treasures at Hero’s Welcome, you will be sure to find something for everyone on your list this holiday season. This guide highlights just some of the great small businesses that are here in The Lake Champlain Islands. What other small businesses do you like to support? Share your favorites in the comments below!