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.

 

 

Lake Champlain is Vermont's largest lake and one of the most sought-after locations for waterfront real estate. Stretching along the western border of the state, it offers boating, fishing, swimming, and breathtaking sunsets over the Adirondack Mountains. 

Lakeside towns such as South Hero, Grand Isle, North Hero, Colchester, Burlington, Charlotte, Shelburne, and St. Albans continue to attract buyers looking for both seasonal retreats and year-round lakefront living. Buying lakefront real estate in Vermont is very rewarding, but it requires careful thought. 

Here are some key tips to help you make an informed decision:

 

1. Research the Lake and Vermont Waterfront Communities

Investigate the lake and its surroundings. Consider factors such as water quality, recreational activities available, the proximity to amenities, and accessibility to the water. A lakefront property with stunning views, a primo beach, and nearby attractions will likely be more desirable to other buyers and could have a higher resale value.

 

2. Determine How You'll Use Your Vermont Lakefront Property

Before you start your property search, decide how you plan to use the lakefront. Do you need a dock or boat access? Is water quality a priority for swimming? Or are you simply looking for the perfect view? Knowing your non-negotiables will help you focus your search.

 

3. Understand Vermont Waterfront and Lake Access Types

There are several types of lake access you might encounter: deeded access, direct lakefront, or bisected lakefront. Deeded access means shared use with neighbors and often more affordable properties that are not directly on the lake. Direct lakefront means the water borders your property. A bisected lakefront lot means a road runs between the home and the water with its own pros and cons to consider when choosing your ideal property.

 

4. Verify Property Boundaries

Ensure you know the exact boundaries of the property, including its waterfront limits. Verify any restrictions or rules concerning the use of the lakefront, docks, boats, and other amenities.

 

5. Review Vermont’s Shoreland Protection Act

In 2014, the Vermont Legislature passed the Shoreland Protection Act which regulates shoreland development. If you plan to make modifications or build on a waterfront property, investigate the permitting process and potential restrictions. This is crucial to ensure legal compliance, and development feasibility to protect your investment's value and future enjoyment. It provides peace of mind by confirming that the property meets all regulations and environmental requirements to protect lake waters. 

 

6. Check Flood Zones and Insurance

Your real estate agent can help you access and explain documentation regarding  if the property is in a flood-prone area. Insurance costs can be significantly higher for properties in flood-prone areas, so consider these additional expenses in your budget. If the property is in a flood zone, take this into consideration and how it might affect your investment in the long term.

 

7. Inspect for Water Damage

When looking at lakefront homes, ask your Realtor if there has been any flooding, erosion, or water damage to the property. When visiting a property, look for any signs of damage. If you decide to make an offer, a professional property inspection may be encouraged to look into these matters further. 

 

8. Know Local Rules and Regulations

Familiarize yourself with any zoning regulations, local ordinances, and/or homeowner association (HOA) rules that may affect the property. Some homes that have deeded or shared lake access, may have restrictions on noise, boat usage, or property modifications. 

 

9. Budget for Maintenance and Upkeep

Lakefront properties often come with higher maintenance and insurance costs. Be prepared for additional expenses related to seasonal home maintenance such as watercraft maintenance, dock upkeep, and erosion prevention.

 

10. Work with a Waterfront Specialist

Working with an experienced local real estate agent who specializes in lakefront properties can be invaluable. They can guide you through the process, provide insights into the area, and help you find suitable properties based on your preferences.

Vermont waterfront properties offer a unique lifestyle that combines recreation, natural beauty, and long-term investment potential. Whether you're searching for a seasonal cottage, luxury lakefront estate, or year-round home on Lake Champlain, working with a local waterfront specialist can help you navigate the process with confidence.

At Coldwell Banker Islands Realty, our agents have been helping buyers and sellers navigate the Lake Champlain waterfront market since 1996. If you're considering buying a lakefront home in Vermont, we'd be happy to help you explore available properties and answer any questions about waterfront ownership.

Get in touch with us today to start your lakefront home-buying journey.