If selling your home is a possibility this spring, now is a good time to start planning. While it may feel early, preparing ahead of time can make the process smoother and less stressful—and often leads to better results. Small, thoughtful steps taken now can help you feel more confident when it’s time to list.

Here are a few practical things Vermont homeowners can do now to get ahead of the spring real estate market.

1. Take an Honest Walk-Through of Your Home

Walk through your home as if you were seeing it for the first time. Pay attention to first impressions. What feels dated, cluttered, or worn? What areas catch your eye right away—for better or worse? 

This exercise can help you identify which updates or improvements will have the most impact, and which areas may need attention before photos and showings.

2. Start Decluttering (Earlier Than You Think)

Decluttering is one of the most effective (and time-consuming) ways to prepare a home for sale. Starting early allows you to work gradually rather than rushing later.

Focus on:

• Kitchen counters and open shelving: Clear surfaces help signal ample storage and make spaces feel more functional.

• Entryways: A tidy, welcoming entrance sets the tone for the rest of the home.

• Closets: Buyers look closely at storage. Reorganizing or thinning out items can make closets feel more spacious.

Decluttering also helps you decide what you’ll keep, donate, or store ahead of your move.

3. Tackle Small Repairs

Minor issues tend to stand out to buyers and can affect overall impressions. Addressing them now allows you to spread the work over time or schedule help as needed.

Common items to check include:

• Loose door handles or cabinet hardware

• Minor drywall cracks or nail pops

• Dripping faucets or running toilets

• Sticky doors or windows

These are often simple fixes that can make a noticeable difference.

4. Freshen High-Impact Areas

A full renovation isn’t necessary, but freshening up key spaces with paint can go a long way. Light, neutral paint colors help rooms feel brighter and more inviting. Pay attention to scuffed baseboards or trim as well. 

5. Begin Planning for Outdoor Appeal

Spring buyers notice curb appeal. Consider what someone sees as they arrive—driveway, walkways, main entrance, or decks. Creating a plan now for yard cleanup or light landscaping can help your property shine once the season changes.

6. Think About Timing and Goals

As you work through these tasks, start thinking about your next steps. What timing works best for you? What are your priorities for the sale? Are you aiming for a fast sale, price, or a balance of both? Having clarity around your goals helps create a smoother path forward.

Final Thought
Preparing your home for sale is as much about planning as it is about presentation. Taking these steps now can reduce stress later and help you feel ready when spring arrives. If you’re considering selling and would like guidance tailored to your home and timeline, our team is happy to offer local insight—no pressure, just information to help you plan with confidence.

The December 2025 real estate market in Northwest Vermont shows a seasonal slowdown alongside notable year-over-year shifts across Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin counties. The median sales price for single-family homes and condos came in at $462,500, down 3.6% from November but still 4.3% higher than December 2024, reflecting continued long-term price stability despite short-term softening. Closed sales increased 13.5% year over year to 202 transactions and rose nearly 24% month over month, while homes spent more time on the market, with median days on market climbing to 35. Inventory remains a key story for buyers and sellers, with active listings up 26% year over year but down month over month, and months of supply at 1.9, signaling a market that is still competitive but offering more breathing room than earlier in the year.

Whether you are considering buying, selling, or simply tracking Vermont housing trends, contact us to learn how these market conditions impact your local area and your real estate goals.

As we look back on 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for the people and moments that shaped another meaningful year at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty. It was a year of connection, growth, and trust—trust from our clients, community, and one another. We had the privilege of guiding our clients throughout Northwest Vermont and beyond, and we are incredibly thankful to be part of so many important life chapters.

The Northwest Vermont real estate market remains a complex and competitive one. Vermont continues to face affordability and inventory challenges that impact many local buyers. Even so, there is cautious optimism to improve this issue with gradual inventory growth, local loan programs to help first-time homebuyers, and state initiatives to boost new-construction by updating zoning laws. Everyone is keenly watching interest rates with the hope of them lowering to ease pressure on people making a move. 

Year-over-year, the median home price has risen 5.7% to $491,425. Homes continue to sell quickly, with many going under contract in about 11 days. Both these metrics, rise in median sales price and low days on market, indicate demand remains strong among homebuyers. Inventory is improving with an 11% increase to 2,969 homes listed in 2025, but it remains tight, which means well-priced, move-in-ready homes tend to sell fast. Properties that are overpriced or need major updates often take longer to sell.

This year, our team proudly guided 95 clients through their real estate journeys across four Vermont counties. From first-time buyers taking a big step forward, to retirees embracing what’s next, to families and second-home owners finding spaces that fit their lives, every transaction represented a story we were honored to be part of. Together, our Realtors closed over $71 million in sales, making 2025 a record-breaking year for Coldwell Banker Islands Realty. It would not be possible without the trust of our clients and the support of our community.

Growth also showed up in the form of professional milestones. Franz Rosenberger earned the International President’s Elite Award, placing him among the top 2% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide. Evan Potvin was recognized with the International Diamond Society Award, honoring Coldwell Banker agents in the top 8% globally. Their expertise in the Lake Champlain Islands and lakefront properties is proven in these numbers, providing unmatched service to clients in the area.

This year also marked an exciting addition to our team. We welcomed Ashley Wetherby, located in Fairfield, as a licensed sales associate. With a background in nursing, Ashley brings a thoughtful, client-first approach built on advocacy, care, and attention to detail. Her personal experience buying, leasing, selling, and building homes gives her a well-rounded perspective that serves her clients exceptionally well.

Giving back remained a cornerstone of who we are. During our Fall Food Drive, we donated over 330 pounds of essential items to the Champlain Islands Food Shelf. We were also proud to support community events and organizations, including Great Ice, CIDER, Snow Farm and Island Arts Concert Series, YOGI Baseball, and Toys for Kids. By supporting these efforts—and many others throughout the year—we’re investing back into the community that makes The Islands such a special place to call home.

Our impact extended beyond our local market through continued growth online. In 2025, our digital platforms reached over 6.4 million views, helping connect buyers and sellers to properties, insights, and the Vermont lifestyle. Our website welcomed over 91,000 visitors, serving as a trusted resource for real estate information and listings.

Social media remains a powerful tool in today’s market. Our Instagram community grew to nearly 15,000 followers, with more than 4 million views and multiple viral moments. Facebook saw strong engagement with +6,400 followers and +2 million views, while our YouTube channel reached 287,000 video views. In a market where exposure matters, staying current and visible online helps our clients’ properties stand out.

As we look back on the year, we’re deeply thankful for our clients, partners, and community who continue to place their trust in us. We’re proud of what we accomplished together and energized for what’s ahead. Here’s to another year of meaningful connections, thoughtful service, and continued growth.

We wish you a joyful holiday season, good health, and a bright New Year.

If you’re selling a Vermont lakefront property on Lake Champlain, choosing the right real estate company matters more than ever. Lakefront homes aren’t just houses—they’re lifestyles, investments, and can be highly nuanced properties. That’s why Coldwell Banker Islands Realty (CBIR) is the best fit for lakefront sellers in Grand Isle County, Vermont.

1. Over 27 Years of Lakefront Experience

Coldwell Banker Islands has been helping folks buy and sell lakefront properties since 1996, with more than 29 years of hands-on experience navigating shoreline regulations, seasonal demand, and buyer expectations. Their long-standing presence means they understand how lakefront values fluctuate and how to price and time a sale strategically.

2. The Top Agency in Grand Isle County

Grand Isle County has more shoreline than any other county in Vermont, and CBIR is the top real estate agency serving this unique market. Their focus on the Islands and Lake Champlain gives sellers a major advantage when it comes to visibility, buyer reach, and accurate valuation.

3. True Lake Champlain Specialists

Known as The Lakeshore Experts, CBIR Realtors understand the complexities of lakefront ownership — from shoreland protection rules and permitting to docks, moorings, erosion control, and water access. This niche expertise ensures your property is marketed accurately and confidently to qualified buyers.

4. Firsthand Lake Living Experience

Many CBIR agents live on or near Lake Champlain and grew up boating, fishing, swimming, and enjoying the lake lifestyle. That firsthand experience allows them to tell your property’s story authentically, something buyers value deeply when purchasing waterfront real estate.

5. Strategic Pricing & High-End Marketing

Selling lakefront property requires more than a sign in the yard. CBIR provides personalized preparation advice, a dynamic pricing strategy, and top-tier marketing using professional photography, video, digital advertising, and the Coldwell Banker Global network to present your home in its best possible light.

Bottom line: If you’re selling a lakefront home in Grand Isle County or on Lake Champlain, Coldwell Banker Islands Realty brings unmatched experience, local knowledge, and lakefront specialization, helping you protect your investment and maximize your sale.

This year, our social media content at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty spotlighted Vermont's lifestyle, real estate, and natural beauty like never before. It was a year of milestone moments for our Instagram channel! From showcasing local hotspots to breathtaking lakefront home tours, our most-watched videos captured the essence of what makes Northwest Vermont so special. Take a look at the highlights that had everyone talking:

1. Island Line Trail – 9.6 Million Views
We took to Instagram to spotlight the iconic Island Line Trail, a popular biking destination in the area—and it exploded in popularity! This video became one of our top performers with 9.6 million views, over 176K likes, and 148K shares. It's a perfect example of the local content we love to share, educating both residents and visitors about Vermont's vibrant lifestyle.

 

 

 

 

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

2. Mini Home Tour: Cottage-Style Home – 403K Views

This highlight reel featured one of our fall listings, a cottage-style home in North Hero, Vermont. This listing demonstrated the power of our reach, amassing over 403K views, 12K likes, and 9.3K shares. Our wide-reaching online presence connects sellers with potential homebuyers and ensures unique properties like this receive the attention they deserve. The result? This property saw a flurry of showings and went under contract in just 24 days.
 

 

 

 

 

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

3. For Sale: Modern Lakefront Home in Vermont – 355K Views
This video beautifully showcases the modern luxury of this custom-designed lakefront residence in North Hero, Vermont. With breathtaking views and a sophisticated design, this home truly stands out—and our video captured every stunning detail. This short video tour garnered over 355K views, 7.9K likes, and 5K shares—a clear demonstration of the power of creative and engaging video content to showcase properties. 
 

 

 

 

 

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

4. This is Your Sign to Move to Vermont – 187K Views
This fun and engaging video, featuring a trending voiceover, invited viewers to imagine starting fresh in Vermont by highlighting the state's vibrant lifestyle, opportunities, and real estate possibilities. The video resonated with many, earning 187K views, 4.3K likes, and 3.8K shares. By blending captivating content with inspirational messaging, we aim to not only spotlight our listings but also entice potential buyers to discover all that Vermont has to offer.
 

 

 

 

 

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

5. For Sale: Idyllic 1870 Vermont Farmhouse – 302K Views
This charming 1870 Vermont farmhouse home tour video received over 302K views, 6K likes, and 4.6K shares, capturing the unique allure of this farmhouse and the unmatched lifestyle it offers. This level of exposure highlights the power of our digital presence in connecting buyers to exceptional properties like this one.
 

 

 

 

 

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

 

This past year, our content brought Vermont's lifestyle, real estate, and natural beauty to the forefront. From timeless farmhouses and luxury lakefront retreats to local guides and community highlights, our videos captivated audiences far and wide. With millions of views and thousands of likes and shares, our digital presence continues to elevate Vermont living in a way that inspires exploration and connection.
Our commitment to top-tier marketing sets us apart, offering sellers unparalleled exposure that other brokerages simply can’t match. For buyers, our local insights and knowledge of the Vermont real estate market ensure a smooth, stress-free transition into their new home. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to showcasing the charm, elegance, and unique appeal of life in Vermont—bringing its story to life for residents, buyers, and dreamers alike. 
Make sure to follow along for another great year of content @cbislandsrealty !

Make sure to follow along for another great year of hot Vermont real estate content!