If you’ve been wondering whether now is a good time to buy or sell a home in Vermont, you’re not alone. It's one of the questions we hear most often this time of year from homeowners across the Champlain Valley region. 

As we reach the midpoint of Vermont real estate in 2026, the market is settling into a healthier rhythm. We're seeing more homes come on the market, buyers have a little more breathing room, and well-prepared sellers are still finding success. Whether you're searching for Vermont homes for sale, considering buying a home in Vermont, or thinking about selling a home in Vermont, here's what the latest numbers tell us.

 

More Homes Are Hitting the Market

The biggest shift so far this year is the increase in available homes. Through the end of May, 1,248 new listings have entered the market across Grand Isle, Franklin, and Chittenden Counties—4.9% more than the same time last year.

For homebuyers, that's welcome news. After several years of limited inventory, there are more opportunities to compare homes, explore different communities, and find a property that truly fits your needs. Whether you're looking for a home in Burlington, a lakefront property in the Champlain Islands, or a property in St. Albans, the selection has improved.

While desirable homes continue to attract attention, the market isn't moving at the frantic pace many buyers experienced in recent years.

 

Homes Are Taking a Little Longer to Sell

The pace of the market has eased slightly. The median days on market has increased to 10 days, up 25% from last year.

While we're still seeing many desirable homes sell quickly, fewer properties are going under contract within just a few days of hitting the market. Homes that are overpriced or don't stand out online are taking longer to attract buyers, giving buyers more time to schedule showings, compare properties, and make informed decisions.

Even so, a median of just 10 days is still remarkably fast by historical standards. For sellers, the fundamentals matter more than ever. Homes that are priced competitively, professionally marketed, and presented in their best light continue to generate strong interest across Northwest Vermont.

 

Home Values Remain Strong

Home prices have remained resilient, even as the market becomes more balanced. The median sales price is now $460,000, a 4.6% decrease from last year.

While prices have softened slightly, they're still well above pre-pandemic levels. Rather than signaling a downturn, this moderation reflects a market that is becoming more sustainable after several years of rapid appreciation.

Home sellers are still receiving an average of 99.0% of their asking price, showing that well-priced homes continue to command strong offers.

 

A More Balanced Vermont Housing Market

Perhaps the biggest story of 2026 is balance. Closed sales have increased 1.9%, with 733 homes sold across the three counties so far this year. Buyers have more choices than they did a year ago, while sellers continue to benefit from steady demand.

Instead of clearly favoring one side, today's Vermont housing market is creating opportunities for both. Buyers can take a little more time to make informed decisions, while sellers who price strategically and market their homes effectively are still achieving excellent results.

 

What This Means for Buyers

If you're thinking about buying a home in Vermont, today's market offers several advantages:

• More homes are available to choose from.

• You’’ likely have a little more time to evaluate your options.

• Negotiating repairs or other terms may be easier than it was during the peak seller's market.

• Interest rates and monthly payments still matter, so being pre-approved remains one of the best ways to shop with confidence.

 

What This Means for Sellers

If you're considering selling a home in Vermont, the opportunity is still very much there, but preparation matters.

Today's buyers have more choices, making pricing, presentation, and marketing more important than ever. Professional photography, thoughtful staging, and a strong online marketing strategy help your home stand out from the competition.

Homes that are well-maintained and priced appropriately continue to attract motivated buyers throughout Northwest Vermont, including many of the region's most desirable communities and Lake Champlain real estate markets.

 

Looking Ahead

As we move through the summer, the Northwest Vermont real estate market continues to shift toward a healthier balance. Buyers have more opportunities than they've seen in several years, while sellers are still benefiting from steady demand and historically strong home values.

Whether you're actively searching for Vermont homes for sale, considering selling a home in Vermont, or simply keeping an eye on the Vermont market update, understanding what's happening locally can help you make informed decisions.

If you're curious about what these trends mean for your home or your next move, our real estate agents are always happy to share local insight and answer your questions.

 

Market stats provided by Vermont Association of Realtors and Prime MLS.

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 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.

Welcome to the Vermont Birch House! This charming Island home welcomes you with a covered porch running the length of the house, leading to a west-facing sun deck perfect for enjoying Vermont's stunning sunsets. Nestled on a super private 4-acre lot surrounded by birches and cedars, this property offers 30 feet of deeded lake access. 

This house is currently under contract and not for sale. 

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