If you’ve been wondering whether now is a good time to buy or sell a home in Vermont, you’re not alone. It's one of the questions we hear most often this time of year from homeowners across the Champlain Valley region. 

As we reach the midpoint of Vermont real estate in 2026, the market is settling into a healthier rhythm. We're seeing more homes come on the market, buyers have a little more breathing room, and well-prepared sellers are still finding success. Whether you're searching for Vermont homes for sale, considering buying a home in Vermont, or thinking about selling a home in Vermont, here's what the latest numbers tell us.

 

More Homes Are Hitting the Market

The biggest shift so far this year is the increase in available homes. Through the end of May, 1,248 new listings have entered the market across Grand Isle, Franklin, and Chittenden Counties—4.9% more than the same time last year.

For homebuyers, that's welcome news. After several years of limited inventory, there are more opportunities to compare homes, explore different communities, and find a property that truly fits your needs. Whether you're looking for a home in Burlington, a lakefront property in the Champlain Islands, or a property in St. Albans, the selection has improved.

While desirable homes continue to attract attention, the market isn't moving at the frantic pace many buyers experienced in recent years.

 

Homes Are Taking a Little Longer to Sell

The pace of the market has eased slightly. The median days on market has increased to 10 days, up 25% from last year.

While we're still seeing many desirable homes sell quickly, fewer properties are going under contract within just a few days of hitting the market. Homes that are overpriced or don't stand out online are taking longer to attract buyers, giving buyers more time to schedule showings, compare properties, and make informed decisions.

Even so, a median of just 10 days is still remarkably fast by historical standards. For sellers, the fundamentals matter more than ever. Homes that are priced competitively, professionally marketed, and presented in their best light continue to generate strong interest across Northwest Vermont.

 

Home Values Remain Strong

Home prices have remained resilient, even as the market becomes more balanced. The median sales price is now $460,000, a 4.6% decrease from last year.

While prices have softened slightly, they're still well above pre-pandemic levels. Rather than signaling a downturn, this moderation reflects a market that is becoming more sustainable after several years of rapid appreciation.

Home sellers are still receiving an average of 99.0% of their asking price, showing that well-priced homes continue to command strong offers.

 

A More Balanced Vermont Housing Market

Perhaps the biggest story of 2026 is balance. Closed sales have increased 1.9%, with 733 homes sold across the three counties so far this year. Buyers have more choices than they did a year ago, while sellers continue to benefit from steady demand.

Instead of clearly favoring one side, today's Vermont housing market is creating opportunities for both. Buyers can take a little more time to make informed decisions, while sellers who price strategically and market their homes effectively are still achieving excellent results.

 

What This Means for Buyers

If you're thinking about buying a home in Vermont, today's market offers several advantages:

• More homes are available to choose from.

• You’’ likely have a little more time to evaluate your options.

• Negotiating repairs or other terms may be easier than it was during the peak seller's market.

• Interest rates and monthly payments still matter, so being pre-approved remains one of the best ways to shop with confidence.

 

What This Means for Sellers

If you're considering selling a home in Vermont, the opportunity is still very much there, but preparation matters.

Today's buyers have more choices, making pricing, presentation, and marketing more important than ever. Professional photography, thoughtful staging, and a strong online marketing strategy help your home stand out from the competition.

Homes that are well-maintained and priced appropriately continue to attract motivated buyers throughout Northwest Vermont, including many of the region's most desirable communities and Lake Champlain real estate markets.

 

Looking Ahead

As we move through the summer, the Northwest Vermont real estate market continues to shift toward a healthier balance. Buyers have more opportunities than they've seen in several years, while sellers are still benefiting from steady demand and historically strong home values.

Whether you're actively searching for Vermont homes for sale, considering selling a home in Vermont, or simply keeping an eye on the Vermont market update, understanding what's happening locally can help you make informed decisions.

If you're curious about what these trends mean for your home or your next move, our real estate agents are always happy to share local insight and answer your questions.

 

Market stats provided by Vermont Association of Realtors and Prime MLS.

Looking for fireworks, parades, and family fun this Independence Day? Here’s your guide to the best 4th of July celebrations happening around Northwest Vermont and the Lake Champlain Islands:

Burlington Fireworks - Friday, July 3rd

Celebrate early with Burlington’s beloved waterfront event featuring live music, over a dozen local food vendors, and one of the region’s most spectacular fireworks shows. Learn More

North Hero Fireworks at Knight Point State Park - Friday, July 3rd

Watch fireworks light up the sky over Lake Champlain during this community celebration at Knight Point State Park in North Hero. One of the most scenic spots in the Islands, CBIR is a proud sponsor of this event. Bring a picnic and enjoy swimming, food vendors, live music, and one of the best fireworks displays in the area. Enjoy free entrance to the state park after 5 PM. 

Colchester 4th of July Events - Saturday, July 4th

Celebrate Independence Day with a full day of festivities in Colchester! Start the morning with a 5K Fun Run at Union Memorial School, followed by a parade starting at Colchester High School and ending on Lavigne Road. In the evening, head to Bayside Park for family fun, swimming, food, live music, and fireworks. Learn More

South Hero 5K & Parade - Saturday, July 4th

Kick off your morning with a flat, fast, and fun 5K in the Lake Champlain Islands. The course passes the former home of Clarence DeMar, a seven-time Boston Marathon winner. After the race, enjoy the charm of South Hero’s hometown parade on South Street at 11 AM. Parade details.

Milton’s “Celebrating 250!” 4th of July Events - Friday, July 4th

Join Milton’s Independence Day parade at 11 AM and enjoy evening fun at Bombardier Park West from 5–10 PM with live music, games, food vendors, and fireworks at 9:30 PM. Learn More.

Alburgh 4th of July Celebration - Saturday, July 4th

Celebrate Independence Day in Alburgh with a community parade starting at 11 AM, food vendors, music, and a fireworks display in the evening. It’s a great way to enjoy festive family fun and show your patriotic spirit in this charming lakeside town. Learn More.

Essex Junction 4th of July Celebration - Saturday, July 4th

Celebrate Independence Day at the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds. Enjoy live music from Sticks and Stones, food from local vendors, family-friendly activities, and fireworks at 9:30 PM. Festivities begin at 6 PM—don’t forget to bring your chairs and blankets! Learn More.

Bay Day in St. Albans - Sunday, July 5th 

Join the town’s much-loved Independence Day celebration on Saturday, July 5th, at St. Albans Bay Park. Enjoy a mid-morning volleyball tournament, followed by live music, delicious food, and a fireworks show at dusk. Learn More.

Wherever you choose to celebrate, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the 4th of July in Northwest Vermont. From lakefront fireworks to hometown parades and family fun, these events offer something for everyone. Wishing you a safe, festive, and memorable Independence Day!

Coldwell Banker Islands Realty is proud to celebrate a major achievement for two of our own. Real Trends Verified has released its 2026 rankings recognizing the top real estate professionals across the United States, an honor reserved for the top 1.5% of agents in the industry.

We are thrilled to announce that Franz Rosenberger and Evan Potvin have been nationally recognized among the top-ranked real estate agents in Vermont.

Franz Rosenberger Ranked #3 in Vermont

Franz Rosenberger has been recognized as the #3 ranked agent in Vermont with a volume of $29.64 Million in real estate sales. For over 23 years, Franz has helped clients navigate the Vermont real estate market with confidence. Known for his thoughtful guidance, pricing expertise, and in-depth knowledge of Lake Champlain waterfront and luxury homes, he is respected for the personalized service he provides every step of the way.

Evan Potvin Ranked #8 in Vermont

Evan Potvin has been recognized as the #8 ranked agent in Vermont with a volume of $24.63 Million in real estate sales. With more than 19 years in the industry, Evan has built a reputation for navigating complex transactions, advocating for his clients, and delivering outstanding results. His extensive knowledge of the Lake Champlain and Grand Isle County real estate markets makes him a trusted resource for buyers and sellers throughout the region.

Franz Rosenberger and Evan Potvin are co-owners of Coldwell Banker Islands Realty. After beginning their careers as sales agents, they purchased the company in 2017 with a vision to build upon its strong local reputation. Through their commitment to innovation, exceptional service, and deep roots in the Lake Champlain Islands, they have helped position CBIR as the market leader in Grand Isle County.

We congratulate Franz and Evan on this outstanding achievement and thank our clients for their continued trust. If you're considering buying or selling Vermont real estate, connect with the experienced team at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty.

 

 

As we head into the summer market, Northwest Vermont real estate remains active, with more homes coming to market and steady buyer demand. Year-to-date statistics for Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin counties show a market that is becoming more balanced, creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

The median sales price is $460,000, down 4.6% from the same time last year, while closed sales increased 1.9% to 733 transactions. New listings are up 5.1%, giving buyers a wider selection of Vermont homes for sale. At the same time, homes are still selling quickly, with a median of just 10 days on market, and sellers continue to receive an average of 99.0% of their asking price. While prices have softened slightly and competition has increased with more inventory, well-priced homes continue to attract strong interest.

Whether you're considering buying your first home, searching for your next property, or thinking about selling, understanding your local market is the first step. Every community within Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin counties has its own trends. Contact our team today for a personalized look at your local Northwest Vermont real estate market and a strategy tailored to your real estate goals.

Summer is one of the best times to stay ahead of home maintenance projects. With warmer temperatures and longer days, it's the perfect season to tackle tasks that protect your investment and help prevent costly repairs down the road. Here are 10 summer home maintenance tasks every Vermont homeowner should add to their checklist.

1. Inspect Your Roof

Winter snow, ice, and spring storms can take a toll on your roof. Look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or signs of wear before small issues become expensive repairs.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Even after spring cleanup, gutters can quickly collect debris. Ensure water is flowing away from your home's foundation to prevent water damage and erosion.

3. Wash Your Home's Exterior

Summer is a great time to clean siding, decks, patios, and outdoor furniture. A simple wash can improve curb appeal and help identify areas needing repair.

4. Check Decks and Porches

Inspect for loose boards, protruding nails, rot, or damaged railings. Consider resealing wood surfaces to protect them from sun and moisture.

5. Service Your Air Conditioning

If you have central air or mini-splits, clean filters and schedule routine maintenance to keep systems running efficiently during the hottest months.

6. Inspect Windows and Doors

Check for drafts, damaged screens, and worn weatherstripping. Small repairs now can improve comfort and energy efficiency year-round.

7. Test Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation Systems

Look for leaks, damaged hoses, or sprinkler issues that may have developed over winter.

8. Trim Trees and Landscaping

Overgrown branches can damage roofs, siding, and power lines during summer storms. Keep limbs pruned and away from your home's exterior.

9. Inspect Your Foundation

Walk around your property and look for cracks, pooling water, or signs of shifting. Catching foundation issues early can save significant repair costs later.

10. Refresh Curb Appeal

Summer is the peak season for enjoying outdoor spaces. Add fresh mulch, maintain gardens, touch up paint, and keep lawns healthy to boost your home's appearance.

Summer is one of Vermont's busiest real estate seasons. Completing a few simple maintenance projects can help protect your home's value and make a strong first impression if you're considering listing your property for sale.