With spring in full swing, The Lake Champlain Islands of Vermont are buzzing with exciting activities to explore this May. Whether you're a local or a visitor, we've got you covered with our guide to the top events happening this month. Keep reading to discover some of the best events that you won't want to miss!

Wine Tastings & Six Short Plays at Snow Farm Vineyard

On May 5th and 6th at 6 pm at Snow Farm Vineyard, you can experience tastings and a performance of six short plays covering a wide range of topics from climate change to social issues.

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Green Up Day With South Hero Land Trust

Join the South Hero Land Trust's annual Green Up Day on May 6th from 7am - 12am and participate in a community cleanup. Join SHLT at Folsom School between 11:30am to 12:30pm for their volunteer appreciation barbecue.

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Live Music at Kraemer & Kin 

The Tenderbellies will be performing on May 6th at Kraemer & Kin’s taproom at Albrugh Golf Links. Head to Alburgh, Vermont for a night of dancing, great music and drinks all starting at 7pm!

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Sip & Shop at Shore Acres

A Sip & Shop event will be taking place at Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar on Saturday, May 13th! Starting at 11am, you can enjoy some refreshing drinks while browsing locally made products created by some incredibly talented local artists.

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Champlain Islands Farmers Market 

Don't miss the first market of the season on May 20th! Head over to St. Joseph's Church in Grand Isle from 10am-2pm to support local farmers, makers, and a variety of other vendors.

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There's something for everyone to enjoy during the month of May in the Champlain islands.. So, mark the calendar for these upcoming activities. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the beauty and charm of the Champlain Islands in the springtime. Looking for more things to do in the Lake Champlain Islands? Start exploring today. 

Get the inside scoop from our local real estate experts, who have answered the most pressing questions about buying and selling in Northwest Vermont. From insider tips to expert advice, this Q&A will help keep you informed so that you can make the best decisions for your next move.

What’s the current state of the local real estate market?

The Vermont real estate market remains strong. We are still seeing historically low inventory levels in Northwest Vermont and strong demand from prospective buyers. As the warmer weather comes, we expect inventory to increase giving homebuyers more options. 

 

What will happen to home values in 2023? 

Home values in Northwest Vermont are holding steady. Nationally, there has been a slight dip in home values but our market remains strong due to high buyer demand and low inventory levels. If you are thinking of selling your home you can still cash in on this robust market. 

 

What challenges are facing homebuyers right now?
Homebuyers who are entering the market for the first time and/or moving into a highly desirable area, like the Burlington area, are experiencing a competitive market. Homebuyers searching in the $300k - $500k price range can still win in today's market with the right partners. It is imperative to be represented by an experienced real estate agent who can help you strategize and submit a competitive offer.

 

What do you think will happen with interest rates?
Mortgage rates have been fluctuating between 5% - 7%. As a buyer, it is important to know how changing interest rates can affect your purchasing power. A 0.5% change can have a big impact on your monthly payment, and we (and your lender) can help you navigate this. Lenders have a variety of programs to help buyers combat higher rates like adjustable rate mortgages and/or refinancing in a couple of years. Our agents can recommend local lenders who understand our market and will work with you to find the best option for your situation and goals.

 

Are home sellers seeing a lot of showing activity and multiple offers?
Properties priced competitively and in desirable locations are seeing a lot of showing activity and sometimes multiple offers. Recently, Coldwell Banker Islands Realty listed a property in Chittenden County in the mid $300k’s that had over 70 showings and was under contract within 5 days. Your home will stand out with strategic pricing and a stellar marketing plan.

 

What are your predictions for the spring/summer season? Is now a good time to move?

Overall, we predict that the upcoming spring selling season will be busy and remain competitive. Generally, more inventory will come on the market as we enter the spring and summer seasons, giving more options for buyers and sellers. Homebuyers will continue to enter the market and loan officers have programs to help find a solution that works for each situation. All of these factors make it a good time for buyers and sellers to make a move and start working with a knowledgeable real estate professional.

If you're considering a move this year, let's work together and make a plan to meet your goals. Get started and connect with a local real estate expert today.

Regular home maintenance is essential for keeping your home in good condition and preventing costly repairs. March is an ideal time to tackle critical maintenance tasks as the Vermont winter weather recurs and warmer weather is just around the corner. By taking care of crucial maintenance tasks early, you can ensure that your Vermont home is in top shape and ready to face the elements in the coming seasons. 

Read the full march home maintenance guide here. 

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From Lake Champlain Island town spotlights to real estate humor, Coldwell Banker Islands Realty shares a variety of real estate content on social media. We wrapped up our top posts from the past two months in this blog post! Check them out below.

1. Hiking in Vermont: Sunny Hollow Trails

 

 

 

 

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

 

2. Why Would You Buy A Home Without A Realtor

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

3. Welcome To Alburgh, Vermont

 

 

 

 

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

 

Make sure to follow us on social media to see beautiful Vermont homes, real estate education, and local town insights!

From winter festivals to local live music events, February 2023 is packed with activities to be enjoyed by all! Keep reading to learn about the local events coming up in Vermont's Lake Champlain Island towns. 

Winter Carnival @ Kraemer and Kin 

The local Champlain Islands Brewery, Kraemer and Kin, turns three years old! They will have their first annual winter carnival to celebrate the anniversary on February 11th and 12th at the Alburgh Golf Links. During the day, many outdoor activities will be happening, such as pick-up hockey, sledding, and snowshoe tours. 

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Friday Night Wine Down @ Snow Farm Vineyard 

Wine Down Fridays at Snow Farm is a can’t miss activity this winter. This winter concert series features free live music inside Snow Farm Vineyard's tasting room from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Bittersweet Bakery will be serving dinner at 5:30 pm. There is also a Pebble Art Workshop on February 12th from 2 pm to 4 pm. Check out the entire February event lineup below. 

See Snow Farm Calendar 

Great Ice Winter Festival

The return of Great Ice is back the weekend of February 17th at City Bay in North Hero, Vermont. There is a fantastic lineup of events happening throughout the weekend for all to enjoy. The festival includes fireworks, a Christmas tree bonfire, local vendors, and much more! The Champlain Islands Business Expo will also be held at the North Hero Community Hall on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 10:30 am. to 3 pm. Coldwell Banker Islands Realty will be there; make sure to stop by and say hello! Please note some activities are weather dependent, follow their Facebook page for updates.

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Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our newsletter, Island Insights, for real estate tips and tricks, beautiful hidden homes, and community updates.