This November, our community came together in a big way. Thanks to your generosity, we delivered over 330lbs of non-perishable food and personal items to The Champlain Islands Food Shelf to support families and individuals across Grand Isle County.

From pantry staples to essential household items, your donations will help keep shelves stocked as we move into the winter season. We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated or helped spread the word. Your support shows the strength of our Island community and the care we have for our neighbors.

To learn more about The Champlain Islands Food Shelf and their distribution schedule, visit www.champlainislandsfoodshelf.org.

 

 

Why 71% of Aspiring Homeowners Are Pausing Other Major Life Decisions with Purpose

To many, the American Dream still centers on homeownership. It’s a symbol of stability and long-term investment. So much so that some Americans are timing major life milestones, like starting a family, launching a business, or changing jobs around the moment they finally get the keys to their own home.

The Coldwell Banker 2025 American Dream Report* reveals that 71% of aspiring homeowners (defined as those who don’t currently own a home but want to someday) are delaying major life decisions until they can afford to buy a home and the ripple effects have yet to play out. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a story about how homeownership is the new starting line for adulthood.

 

The Pause Button on Life

Picture this:

• A couple postpones expanding their family because they want a backyard first.

• A professional turns down a career opportunity in another city because they’re saving for a down payment.

• Personal goals and even adopting a pet are put on hold, waiting for the first home.

Homeownership is deeply woven into our sense of readiness for life’s biggest decisions.

 

Homeownership: The Milestone That Shapes Everything

We wanted to understand how the idea of the American Dream is evolving. The findings are clear: for many, owning a home isn’t just a goal, it’s the foundation for everything else.

• Nearly 1 in 5 aspiring homeowners (18% each) are putting off marriage or having children until they own a home.

• 17% (each) are delaying career changes or even getting a pet.

• 15% are waiting to start a business/go self-employed.

For younger generations, the impact is even more pronounced. 84% of Gen Z (ages 18-28) aspiring homeowners are postponing at least one major life decision until they can afford to buy, and nearly a third (29%) are delaying having children.

 

Why Is Homeownership So Central?

Despite rising prices and affordability challenges, homeownership remains at the heart of the American Dream. 56% of Americans say owning a home represents the American Dream to them, more than those who say the same for marriage/having children (42%), retiring by 67 (39%), or even earning a college degree (23%). 85% of Americans believe homeownership is still part of the American Dream.

Financial security is a big part of the story:

• 65% of Americans believe buying a home is a smarter long-term financial decision for most people than renting in today’s housing market.

• Nearly half of Americans (48%) see investing in real estate as a better way to build wealth than investing in the stock market.

 

Getting Creative to Make It Happen

Faced with tough market conditions, Americans are finding new ways to reach their homeownership goals:

• 84% of Americans are willing to make concessions to make home buying possible, like taking on side jobs (42%), buying less ideal homes like smaller or fixer-upper homes (35%), or moving to more affordable areas (35%).

• About a third have considered co-buying with family (36%) or friends/coworkers (33%).

• Some (11%) have moved in with parents or in-laws to save to buy a home.

 

Hope on the Horizon

Even with the challenges, optimism persists. Nearly two-thirds of Americans who don’t currently own a home (63%) would like to buy within the next five years, with Gen Z and Millennials (ages 29-44) leading the charge (70% and 72%, respectively).

The bottom line: Homeownership is more than just a place to live, it’s a symbol of stability, independence, and the freedom to move forward with life’s other big decisions. As Americans continue to adapt, the dream of owning a home remains as powerful as ever.

*The report includes data from a survey commissioned by Coldwell Banker and conducted by The Harris Poll among 3,068 adults ages 18+, among whom 885 are aspiring homeowners (i.e., don’t currently own a home, but would like to someday).

Northwest Vermont’s housing market saw notable movement in October 2025, reflecting a continued shift as inventory trends upward and prices begin to soften. The median sales price continues to rise. The median sales price in October settled at $539,900, up 8% from September and up 14.6% year over year. Despite the continued rise of prices, deals are happening. Closed sales rose to 205, marking both monthly and annual gains. Homes took longer to sell this month, with median days on market increasing to 17. Sellers received 98.9% of their list price, a slight month-over-month dip. This shows that negotiations are happening and sellers are not always selling for the full list price. Inventory remains a key story—active listings reached 389, up 15.1% compared to last October, giving buyers more options even as new listings declined to 193 from the previous month. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, these shifts offer important opportunities. Each market is unique, and we're here to help you navigate it with confidence. Contact us today for a personalized analysis of your local market.

We’re thrilled to welcome Ashley Wetherby to Coldwell Banker Islands Realty as a licensed real estate sales associate. A lifelong Vermonter, Ashley was born and raised in Grand Isle County and now lives in Franklin County. Her deep roots in the community and local knowledge make her an excellent resource for clients buying or selling in Franklin County, the Champlain Islands, and beyond.

Born and raised in the Lake Champlain Islands, Ashley knew from the start that this is where she wanted to return to start her career in real estate. With a background in nursing, her approach to real estate is grounded in advocacy, compassion, attention to detail, and trust. Her passion lies in helping people navigate life transitions—whether it’s finding your dream home, downsizing, or investing in your future.

Her personal journey in real estate includes buying, leasing, selling, and building, giving her first-hand insight into every step of the process. She understands how exciting–and sometimes overwhelming–real estate decisions can be, and is here to guide you with clarity, care, and confidence.

Outside of her professional career, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, camping, gardening, baking, and DIY’ing. These moments keep her grounded and serve as a reminder of why finding the right home to suit your individual & family needs matters so much.

Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or explore life in Northwest Vermont, Ashley is a valuable resource. Connect with Ashley today!

As we settle into November, it’s the perfect time to prepare your Vermont property for the cold months ahead. With a few simple maintenance steps, you can protect your investment, prevent costly repairs, and ensure your home stays warm, efficient, and comfortable all winter long.

Here are a few essential steps to take this month: 

1. Inspect and Service Your Heating System

Schedule a heating system check-up to ensure your furnace, boiler, or heat pump is running efficiently. Replace filters, test your thermostat, and consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better control and energy savings.

2. Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation

Vermont winters are beautiful but brisk. Check for drafts around windows and doors, and use weather stripping, caulking, or added insulation to keep warm air in and cold air out. For older windows, thermal curtains or storm windows can be an effective solution.

3. Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes can lead to costly damage. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas, and on frigid nights, let faucets drip and open cabinet doors to help warm air circulate. For outdoor water spigots, make sure to disconnect hoses, turn off the water valve, and drain excess water. 

4. Winterize Lakefront and Seasonal Properties

As the cold sets in, it’s time to bring in docks and store other recreational equipment. For seasonal homes, be sure to drain water lines, clean gutters, and securely close up the property for winter.

5. Test Detectors and Safety Devices

With heating systems and fireplaces in use, check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries and test each unit to keep your home safe all winter.

6. Prepare Outdoor Spaces

Rake up remaining leaves, trim any overhanging tree branches that could be hazardous, and clean your gutters. Store patio furniture or cover it securely, and make sure your snow removal equipment works properly. Remember to put out reflective driveway markers that outline your driveway and protect landscaping from the plow.

For more expert home maintenance tips or personalized advice on getting your Vermont home market-ready this fall, reach out to a Coldwell Banker Islands Realty agent today. Let us help you keep your home in top shape, whether you’re staying for the season or preparing to sell!