Islands Realty

Hidden Home: Charming Homestead in North Hero, Vermont

February’s Hidden Home is nestled on 13 picturesque acres in North Hero, Vermont, this beautiful homestead features a charming 3-bedroom, 4-bath Island Farmhouse with a detached two-car garage with a stylish one-bed, one-bath apartment above—perfect for guests or additional living space. This home is currently for sale. Learn more 

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Why Social Media Matters When Listing Your Home

One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a home seller is choosing a real estate brokerage that doesn’t effectively leverage social media marketing. In today’s digital-first world, simply listing a property isn’t enough. To sell quickly and at the best price, your home needs maximum online exposure—implementing a strong social media strategy is a key player to achieve that success. 

Buyers Start Their Home Search Online

With the majority of homebuyers starting their search online, social media has become a vital tool for showcasing properties. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube offer unparalleled opportunities to reach thousands of potential buyers quickly. In 2024 alone, our brokerage had multiple viral videos that helped us reach over 6 million accounts on Instagram and 1.2 million impressions on YouTube, demonstrating the power of a strong digital presence. Working with a brokerage that prioritizes social media ensures your property connects with a vast pool of potential buyers.

Captivating Content Captures Buyers

Basic photos aren’t enough to sell a home—today’s buyers expect high-quality visuals and engaging content. That’s why our brokerage utilizes HDR photography, drone imagery, and professionally crafted video reels shared across Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to highlight your home’s best features.

This recent lakefront listing in South Hero, Vermont, is a prime example. We created multiple short video reels for social media to showcase the property’s features and lifestyle, along with a long-form home tour video on YouTube to reach buyers near and far. These videos linked to our website, where buyers could explore the full listing complete with stunning professional photos to get a true feel for the home.

More Visibility Means More Buyers and Better Results
The ultimate goal of social media marketing isn’t just to generate likes and views—it’s to attract serious buyers ready to make offers. Our proven strategies connect your property with a wider audience, creating more opportunities to sell faster and at a competitive price. When you list with us, you’re not just getting a listing—you’re getting a comprehensive 360-degree marketing plan designed to maximize exposure and deliver results.

 

Don’t make the costly mistake of listing with a brokerage that overlooks the power of new technology. With today’s buyers turning to digital platforms, you need a proactive marketing approach that meets them where they are.

Ready to sell smarter? Let us guide you through the process with a modern marketing strategy designed to deliver exceptional results. Contact us today to learn more about how our personalized home selling plan can help your property stand out and attract the right buyers.

The Best Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in Northern Vermont

beginner friendly ski resorts in vermont

Northern Vermont offers plenty of skiing opportunities for families and beginners, with resorts catering to all ages and skill levels. From smaller mountains with a laid-back vibe to larger resorts with dedicated beginner areas, the Green Mountains offer some of the best family-friendly ski destinations in the Northern region of Vermont. 

Bolton Valley Resort
Located in Bolton, Vermont, this family-owned resort is known for its welcoming atmosphere and affordable pricing. Bolton Valley operates as a locally-owned ski area and offers season passes and day tickets at reasonable rates. The mountain features a dedicated beginner area, complete with a rope tow for first-time skiers and a variety of green and blue trails for more advanced beginners. Families will appreciate the on-site amenities, including night skiing, lodging, and dining options.

Smugglers' Notch Ski Resort
Situated in Jeffersonville, Vermont, Smugglers' Notch, or as the locals call it "Smuggs," is renowned for its family-friendly vibe and comprehensive ski school programs. The resort offers daily lift tickets and season passes, with discounts for kids and families. It features several beginner areas on Morris Mountain including  amagic carpet and gentle slopes designed for learners. Smuggs is also famous for its off-slope activities, including snowshoeing, tubing, and an indoor fun zone, making it a great all-around family destination. 

Cochran's Ski Area
Located in Richmond, Vermont, Cochran's Ski Area is a non-profit, community-owned ski area with a mission to make skiing accessible to everyone. Known for its affordable lift tickets and friendly atmosphere, Cochran's offers a rope tow for beginner skiers. It’s a smaller mountain, perfect for young children or those learning to ski. Many local families choose Cochran's for its welcoming environment and great ski instruction.

Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Resort, in Stowe, Vermont, is one of the most iconic ski destinations in Vermont. While it’s known for its challenging terrain, the resort also offers plenty for families and beginners, including a dedicated beginner area on Spruce Peak with a magic carpet. Passes and day tickets can be pricier, but the resort offers a high-end experience with top-notch amenities. The village at the base of the mountain provides dining, shopping, and lodging options, making it a great all-in-one family getaway.

Mad River Glen
Located in Waitsfield, Vermont, Mad River Glen is a unique, cooperative-owned ski area with a focus on preserving the traditional ski experience. It offers affordable lift tickets and a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. While Mad River Glen is known for its expert terrain, it also has a dedicated area for beginners, complete with a rope tow and gentle slopes. The mountain’s intimate, community-oriented vibe makes it a favorite among local families.

Jay Peak Resort
Nestled near the Canadian border, Jay Peak Resort is a great resort for families seeking both adventure and relaxation. Known for its abundant snowfall, Jay Peak boasts some of the best conditions in Vermont, with an impressive mix of terrain for all levels, including a dedicated beginner area. The resort also features the indoor Pump House Waterpark, a popular choice for families after a day on the slopes. With a variety of lodging options, including ski-in/ski-out accommodations, Jay Peak makes for a perfect base for a family ski getaway.


Whether you’re looking for a small community hill or a larger resort with family-friendly amenities, Northern Vermont has plenty to offer. From the cooperative spirit at Mad River Glen and Cochran's, to the full-service experience at Stowe and Smugglers' Notch, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the slopes. Grab your gear, hit the mountain, and make unforgettable winter memories!

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    December 2024 Northwest Vermont Real Estate Market Update

    December 2024 Northwest Vermont Market Update

    As the year wraps up, the real estate market in Northwest Vermont reflects the seasonal slowdown typical of winter, but some trends are worth noting for anyone considering buying or selling a home. December brought changes in prices, inventory, and sales activity that could impact your real estate decisions in 2025. Statistics are for single-family home sales in Grand Isle, Franklin, and Chittenden County.

    Median Sales Price

    The median sales price in December was $473,500, a 13.9% decrease from November but an 8.2% increase compared to December 2023. For home sellers, this price drop month-over-month highlights the seasonal dip in buyer activity but also demonstrates that home values remain higher year-over-year. If you’re considering selling, this is a great time to start preparing your home to hit the market when buyer activity picks up in the spring. Buyers, on the other hand, may find this seasonal price drop an opportunity to enter the market.

    Closed Sales & Days on Market

    Closed sales increased to 122, a 4.3% rise from November but a slight 3.2% decline compared to December 2023. Homes also spent an average of 20 days on the market, which represents a 33.3% increase from November and a 42.9% rise year-over-year. Home sellers should be prepared for a longer timeline to sell, especially during the quieter winter months. However, the steady pace of closed sales suggests homebuyers are still active, particularly for well-priced and move-in-ready homes. Buyers can use the longer time on market to evaluate their options more thoroughly, but they should still be ready to act quickly when they find the right property.

    List Price Received

    On average, sellers received 99.2% of their asking price, a 0.9% decrease from November and a 1.2% decline compared to last year. While slightly lower, this figure indicates that the market remains competitive, with buyers willing to pay close to list prices for desirable homes. Sellers should focus on pricing their homes appropriately to attract serious buyers, while buyers might find more room for negotiation, especially on properties that have been on the market for a longer period.

    New Listings & Active Inventory

    New listings dropped to 77, a 25.2% decline from November, though they were 16.7% higher than in December 2023. Active inventory decreased to 225 homes, down 18.2% from the previous month but up 22.3% year-over-year. For sellers, the reduced competition of fewer new listings can work in your favor, especially if your home is well-positioned to stand out. For buyers, inventory remains limited compared to earlier in the year, so flexibility and preparedness are key to finding the right home in this constrained market.

    Months Supply of Inventory

    The months supply of inventory dropped to 1.8 months, a 21.5% decrease from November, but a 26.3% increase compared to December 2023. This metric underscores a continued seller’s market, though the year-over-year increase suggests the market is slowly becoming more balanced. Sellers can still expect strong demand, but they should be prepared for increased competition as inventory trends upward. Buyers should keep in mind that while the market remains tight, the gradual increase in supply could offer more opportunities in the coming months.

    Navigating the Northwest Vermont Real Estate Market

    Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding the nuances of the local real estate market is essential. Market trends can vary widely from one town or area to another, and having the right strategy can make all the difference.

    Get Expert Guidance Today

    If you’re ready to make your move in Vermont’s dynamic real estate market, don’t go it alone. Partnering with a local real estate expert ensures you have the insights and support you need to achieve your goals.

    Contact us today for a personalized market analysis and let us guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re buying your dream home or selling to maximize your investment, we’re here to help you navigate Vermont’s market with confidence.

    3 Winter Waterfalls to Visit in Northern Vermont

    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. 

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