One of our main marketing channels at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty is social media. Short-form video has taken over social media and we are leveraging this to highlight listings, the area, and more. These videos reach a broader audience, have higher engagement, and lead to more views on the listing page maximizing the listing's exposure. Check out our top-performing videos of 2022 below.

1. Just Sold: Isle La Motte Farmhouse

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

This first video was shared on Instagram to celebrate a recent closing. It highlights a charming farmhouse in Isle La Motte that was very popular among viewers. It reached over 11,000 people and received 307 likes.  

2. Farmhouse Appreciation

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

This Farmhouse Appreciation video was meant to highlight a listing. This home was extensively renovated and it came out beautifully while maintaining the original character of a Vermont farmhouse. It reached over 10,000 people and received 197 likes. 

3. Wait Till You See The Waterslide

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

The last video is another listing video to highlight a feature of the home. This unique home is an outdoor recreation enthusiast's dream with an in-ground pool with a waterslide, recreational trails, a pond, and a rec cabin. The video reached over 7,000 people and received 184 likes. 

 

Make sure to follow us on our social media platforms to see beautiful homes and all other things Vermont real estate related!

 

Housing affordability continues to be a major roadblock for market participants, with mortgage rates more than double compared to this time last year. Buyers are delaying home purchases in hopes rates will drop, while many sellers are holding off on listing their homes due to weakening buyer demand, unwilling to trade in their current lower rates for significantly higher borrowing costs on their next property. As a result, existing home and pending home sales have continued to slow as we move into winter.

New Listings decreased 28.1 percent for single-family homes and 31.0 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Pending Sales decreased 32.2 percent for single-family homes and 27.9 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

Inventory decreased 0.9 percent for single-family homes and 29.5 percent for townhouse-condo properties. The Median Sales Price was up 5.7 percent to $438,500 for single-family homes and 19.6 percent to $330,000 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market decreased 37.1 percent for single-family homes but increased 14.3 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory increased 25.0 percent for single-family homes but increased 28.6 percent for townhouse/condo properties.

With home sales down, nationwide housing inventory was at 3.3 months’ supply heading into November, up from 2.4 months from this time last year, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Although buyers have more options to choose from, home prices remain high, and soaring borrowing costs have caused monthly payments to increase significantly, with the average homebuyer paying 77% more on their loan per month compared to the same period a year ago, according to Realtor.com.

Considering a move and wondering what your options are in this market? We're here to help. Contact us today.

Holiday Hoopla At Coldwell Banker Islands Realty

Kick off the season of giving in The Islands! Coldwell Banker Islands Realty invites you to our second annual Holiday Hoopla on Saturday, December 3rd, from 10am-1pm at our office in South Hero, VT. 

We are grateful to be a part of The Champlain Islands community and to have another year guiding our clients home. To show our appreciation, we’ll be hosting a Holiday Hoopla with a wreath giveaway, hot cocoa bar by Let's Pretend Catering and pictures with Santa. Wreaths are from Northeast Kingdom Balsam and are first come, first serve so arrive early!

In the giving spirit? We will be accepting donations for the NVRA Winter Coat Drive. Please bring a new or used coat. All coats collected will be donated to Spectrum Youth & Family Services. We also have are accepting donations for Toys For Kids.

All are welcome to join this cheerful community event. We look forward to seeing you! Visit the Facebook event page for updates.

Champlain Islands Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for a unique gift this holiday season? There are plenty of options right in the Champlain Islands! This holiday season we challenge you to shop local and support Grand Isle County businesses. We curated a list of 7 Island Businesses To Shop At This Season.

Subscribe to get Island Insights in your inbox! Our monthly newsletter features community stories, real estate updates and a hidden home video tour showcasing some of our finest listings. 

This beautiful lakefront log cabin is secluded on a private cove on South Hero Island's scenic West Shore Road. The interior features exposed beams and vaulted ceilings. The floor-to-ceiling windows fill the home with buttery natural light. 

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

Looking for a unique gift this holiday season? There are plenty of options right in the Champlain Islands! This holiday season we challenge you to shop local and support Grand Isle County businesses. Below are just some of the shops and talented local artisans located right here in the Islands.

1. Island Craft Shop, South Hero

The Island Craft Shop is the oldest artisan cooperative in Grand Isle County and features over 21 artisans with a wide variety of handmade goods. They are open from 10am - 4pm on Friday, November 25 and every Saturday and Sunday until December 19. For more information check out their Facebook Page.

2. Arbor Farm Market, South Hero

Arbor Farm Market features a variety of farm fresh products as well as many items from Vermont makers. You can visit them Wednesdays-Sundays to browse the great gifts such as handcrafted jewelry and pretty pottery pieces. Shop

3. Dusty Pine Wood Design, Grand Isle

Dusty Pine Wood Design is a maker of quality wood decor and furniture based in Grand Isle. They specialize in custom builds and gifts with a focus on utilizing reclaimed materials. To see their holiday market schedule and shop visit DustyPineWoodDesign.com

4. Island Charm, Alburgh

Artisan Handcrafted Jewelry. Beautiful beaded jewelry, charms and more. All items, whether unique jewelry or decorative wind chimes, are handcrafted in Alburgh, VT. Follow them on Facebook or shop on IslandCharmVermont.com

5. Grand Isle Art Works, Grand Isle

The Grand Isle Art Works has a variety of fine arts and crafts ranging from glass, mixed media, clay, wood, photography and much more! They feature makers across Vermont as well as Island artisans. Shop

6. Hero's Welcome General Store, North Hero

When in doubt, head to Hero’s Welcome in the North Hero Village. This general store is an Island staple, packed with games, books, gag gifts, household items, clothing, and a wide selection of local goods! Shop 

7. Viva Marketplace, South Hero

Viva Marketplace while it is closed for the season they are holding three Saturday holiday markets. You can expect to find curated gifts, jewelry, clothing, and many other items made right in Vermont. Shop

This list highlights just some of the great small businesses that are here in The Champlain Islands. What other small businesses do you like to support? Let us know in the comments.