Nestled in the northwest corner of Vermont, The Lake Champlain Islands is a picturesque and charming destination that comes to life in the fall. From scenic outdoor adventures to indulging in local cuisines, these five experiences will elevate your autumn visit to The Islands.  

1. Leaf Peeping

Fall foliage in Vermont is famous for its vibrant colors. Take a scenic drive or bike ride along the picturesque Lake Champlain Byway route, which runs through the Lake Champlain Islands. In the Champlain Islands, we recommend venturing off the beaten path onto the tranquil east or west shore roads along the lake, where the terrain remains gentle, and traffic is light. Bring your camera to capture the stunning lake and mountain landscapes. The 14-mile scenic Island Line Trail, that starts in Burlington, Vermont and ends in South Hero, Vermont is another great ride. 

2. Pick Your Own Apples

Fall is apple-picking season in Vermont, and the Champlain Islands have several orchards where you can enjoy this quintessential autumn activity. Family-owned and operated farms have produced apples for many generations. Sample freshly picked apples, cider, and apple-based treats while enjoying the crisp fall air. Some popular orchards in the area include Allenholm Farm, Hackett's Orchard, and Hall’s Orchard in Isle La Motte, Vermont.

3. Explore Nature Trails and Beaches

As autumn paints the Vermont landscape with vibrant foliage, it's the perfect season for outdoor adventures. The Islands offer a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting an array of local trails, serene beaches, and Vermont State Parks. Discover some of our favorite nature trails in The Champlain Islands. 

4. Explore Local Farms and Farmers' Markets

Fall marks the harvest season, and in Grand Isle County, you'll find a bounty of farms to visit. Many farms offer engaging tours and activities, providing insights into Vermont's rich agricultural legacy. You can find these farms at the Champlain Islands Farmers Market. This market features fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and artisanal crafts. Don't miss the Harvest Festival, which kicks off in early October, featuring open houses at businesses and farms, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.

5. Go on a Wine and Brewery tour

The Champlain Islands are a hub for local craft wineries and breweries that welcome visitors throughout autumn. Notably, Two Heroes Brewery has unveiled a new brewhouse restaurant in South Hero, Vermont. Additionally, you can savor the craft creations at Kramer and Kin Brewery, situated at Alburgh Golf Links in Alburgh, Vermont. And for wine enthusiasts, Snow Farm Vineyard, Ellison Estate Winery, and Isle La Motte Vineyard offer a delightful experience. These attractions promise to enhance your fall excursion to the Champlain Islands in Vermont, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty and authentic local character.

In the Champlain Islands during fall, nature's colors come to life, and the local community's warmth shines through. Whether exploring the landscape, savoring local food and drink, or simply enjoying the scenery, these five activities capture the season's essence. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the beauty and charm that Grand Isle County boasts during the fall season.  

Real Estate Market Trends have been released for August 2023. There are several key metrics that can provide you valuable insights. Today, we will explore the correlation between these metrics to help you make informed decisions while buying or selling a home in the area. Metrics are for single-family home sales in August 2023 compared to July 2023 and August 2022.

Let’s start by examining the number of “New Listings,” which was at 19 for August. That is an 11.8% increase from the previous month and a 17.1% increase from last year. With the rise in new listings on the market, buyers may have more options. However, “Active Inventory” is at 26 single-family homes which is lower than the previous month and this time last year. So while new listings increased, we are still seeing limited inventory.

Next, we’ll look at "Months Supply of Inventory," which stands at 3.1. This metric represents the number of months it would take to sell all the existing homes on the market, given the current level of demand. A lower number typically indicates a seller's market, where demand exceeds supply, resulting in higher prices and quicker sales.

Another crucial factor to consider is the "Median Days Homes are On the Market," which currently stands at 12 days. This metric indicates the average number of days it takes for a home to go under contract. With such a short timeframe, it is clear that the market is highly active and homes are selling swiftly. Sellers can take advantage of this trend by pricing their homes competitively and positioning themselves for quick sales.

Moving on, we have the "List Price Received," which sits at a remarkable 99.4%. This metric represents the percentage of the initial listing price that homes are actually sold for. A high percentage indicates that sellers are achieving close to their asking price, demonstrating a strong market with motivated buyers willing to meet the seller's demands.

Lastly, let's discuss the "Median Sales Price," which is currently at an impressive $600,000. This metric represents the middle point of all sold homes' prices, indicating the market's overall value. A higher median sold price signifies a strong market with desirable properties, while a lower price may indicate more affordable options for buyers. It is important to keep in mind that in Grand Isle County there are fewer sales so this number can be skewed if a home with a higher price sells. It is important to talk to your real estate agent to understand home prices in your market. 

In conclusion, these real estate metrics provide valuable insights to both buyers and sellers. These metrics indicate the market still favors sellers with limited homes for sale and a high median sales price.

As a buyer, the Grand Isle County real estate market is unique and it is important to work with a real estate agent who understands the Vermont market and can work with you to find the right property. For sellers, it is essential to price your home competitively and take advantage of the high demand and quick sales. 

Coldwell Banker Islands Realty serves all of Vermont with a concentration in Grand Isle County. If you would like to learn more about the real estate market in your area please reach out for a complimentary market analysis.

 

Coldwell Banker Islands Realty is excited to be participating in the Northwest Vermont REALTOR® Association's annual Winter Coat Drive. The "Share the Warmth” Drive, will be held from September 14th through October 31st this year. Please stop by our office at 38 Community Lane in South Hero during office hours to drop off new or used warm items such as coats, snowpants, sweatpants, boots, sleeping bags, blankets, etc.

Office hours are 9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday. All donations will benefit the Spectrum Youth & Family Services. Visit NVRA's website for all drop off locations and hours. 

Last year over 400 coats were donated to Spectrum Youth & Family Services. Thank you to our generous community for your donations!  

The real estate market has been sizzling with activity! Social media marketing is crucial in helping our agency stand out and thrive in a competitive environment. Using these short videos, we showcase listings in a fun and engaging way to attract more interest and expand the exposure online. Check out some of our most viewed videos from the summer!

1. Team Modern or Team Rustic?

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Coldwell Banker Islands Realty (@cbislandsrealty)

 

2. Mini Home Tour: Luxury Lakefront Living  

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Coldwell Banker Islands Realty (@cbislandsrealty)

 

3. #RealtorProblems

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Coldwell Banker Islands Realty (@cbislandsrealty)

 

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September’s hidden home is an extremely private Post and Beam residence located on a pristine point of land with over 650 ft of lake frontage with 270 degree views of the Green Mountains and the Inland Sea.

This home is currently Under Contract. 

Watch to see the interior and subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see more Hidden Vermont Homes!