Another year has come and gone, and we are reflecting on how our social media content at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty helped spotlight Vermont’s lifestyle, real estate, and natural beauty for thousands of viewers.

From local hotspots to breathtaking lakefront home tours, our most-watched videos captured the essence of life in Northwest Vermont while helping our clients’ properties gain meaningful exposure with engaged buyers. Here are the highlights: 

1. Island Line Trail Adventure — 442K views | 12.7K likes | 15K shares

Our video of the iconic Island Line Trail became one of our top performers of the year. Viewers connected with the sweeping lake views, bike-friendly causeway, and sense of outdoor adventure that truly defines life in Vermont.

 

 

 

 

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

2. Quaint Lakefront Cottage  — 397K views | 4K likes | 3.5K shares 

This cozy lakefront cottage in North Hero charmed viewers with its peaceful shoreline and classic Vermont camp feel. The video helped people imagine mornings on the water and what a summer spent by the lake in Vermont could feel like.

 

 

 

 

 

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

3. Vermont Farmhouse Tour — 265K views | 9K likes | 5.2K Shares

This beautiful farmhouse highlights what quintessential countryside living looks like in Vermont. Wide porches, open fields, and expansive views helped viewers imagine a slow-living lifestyle that deeply resonates online.

 

 

 

 

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

4. Private Waterfront Home— 222K views | 5.4K likes | 4.5K shares

This single-family home, located on a peaceful lagoon, stood out for its incredibly unique setting. Waterfront access, calm protected waters, and scenic views made it unlike anything else on the market.

 

 

 

 

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

5. Expansive Lake House Retreat – 214K | 2.7K likes | 3K shares

Another favorite this year was a lake house feature that highlighted everything buyers love about Lake Champlain living — opportunities for swimming, big expansive windows, and sweeping lake views.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Our most-watched videos of 2025 proved something unmistakable: strategic social media marketing matters. From scenic bike trails to cozy lakefront cottages and classic farmhouses, lifestyle features help people feel what living in Vermont is really like. When viewers can imagine early-morning coffee by the lake, evenings on the porch, or snowy mountain days with family, they form an emotional connection long before scheduling a showing.

That emotional pull is exactly why being present on social media is so important in today’s market. Buyers are browsing on their phones first, and a thoughtfully produced video helps your property stand out, capture attention, gain more exposure, and resonate more deeply than photos alone.

If you’re thinking about selling in 2026, we’d love to put the power of our social media reach and storytelling to work for you — highlighting not only your home, but the lifestyle and emotion that make it unforgettable. Learn more about our proven marketing strategy

If you’re thinking about selling your Vermont home, spring is one of the best times to list. As buyers resume their search after the slower winter market, demand picks up, and competition increases. Vermont’s blooming landscapes enhance curb appeal, and longer daylight hours provide more opportunities for showings. Plus, the timing aligns well for families with school-age children. Whether you're selling a seasonal lakefront cottage on Lake Champlain or a sprawling property with mountain views, these tips will help you prepare for a successful spring sale.

Meet with A local Real Estate Agent

Start by connecting with a Vermont real estate agent who specializes in your area. Having a local expert means they understand market trends, buyer demand, and the unique selling points of your property. They can guide you on where to focus your efforts—enhancing shoreline appeal, prepping for seasonal maintenance, or staging to highlight scenic views. They will also know how to craft a marketing strategy with professional photography, drone footage, and targeted listing exposure to attract potential buyers.

Tackle Essential Home Maintenance 

Vermont winters can take a toll on homes, so addressing key maintenance tasks before listing is essential. Clear out gutters and downspouts, inspect the roof for damage from ice and snow, test the sump pump, and check siding for cracks or wear. Taking care of these issues early helps preserve your home’s value and prevents surprises during the selling process.

Refresh Your Home’s Curb Appeal

First impressions are crucial! Spring is the ideal time to refresh your home’s exterior before listing. Clean windows, touch up paint, power wash decks, and tidy up landscaping to enhance curb appeal and attract buyers to your Vermont property.

Deep Clean and Declutter

Before your home is photographed or shown to buyers, give it a deep clean and declutter to make a lasting impression on buyers. Remove excess items and furniture to open up your space, clean overlooked areas like baseboards and vents, and refresh floors with vacuuming or polishing. Organize storage spaces and eliminate any odors. Completing these tasks will ensure your home feels fresh, well-maintained, and move-in ready. 

Prepare for Listing Photos

Before your photo or video shoot, tidy up both inside and outside. Inside, focus on cleaning the floors, replacing any burnt-out light bulbs, and minimizing personal items. Clear clutter from countertops, surfaces, and bathrooms, and hide shoes, clothes, or pet accessories from common areas to create a clean, inviting space. Outside, remove distractions like cars in the driveway, trash cans, or miscellaneous items in the yard. Ensure the grass is freshly cut, and make sure decks or patios are cleared off. 

By leveraging the advantages of the spring market, you can increase your chances of a successful and timely sale. Looking for more selling tips? Download our free Home Selling Guide for a step-by-step breakdown of the process with expert advice to help you navigate your spring sale with confidence.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a home seller is choosing a real estate brokerage that doesn’t effectively leverage social media marketing. In today’s digital-first world, simply listing a property isn’t enough. To sell quickly and at the best price, your home needs maximum online exposure—implementing a strong social media strategy is a key player to achieve that success. 

Buyers Start Their Home Search Online

With the majority of homebuyers starting their search online, social media has become a vital tool for showcasing properties. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube offer unparalleled opportunities to reach thousands of potential buyers quickly. In 2024 alone, our brokerage had multiple viral videos that helped us reach over 6 million accounts on Instagram and 1.2 million impressions on YouTube, demonstrating the power of a strong digital presence. Working with a brokerage that prioritizes social media ensures your property connects with a vast pool of potential buyers.

Captivating Content Captures Buyers

Basic photos aren’t enough to sell a home—today’s buyers expect high-quality visuals and engaging content. That’s why our brokerage utilizes HDR photography, drone imagery, and professionally crafted video reels shared across Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to highlight your home’s best features.

This recent lakefront listing in South Hero, Vermont, is a prime example. We created multiple short video reels for social media to showcase the property’s features and lifestyle, along with a long-form home tour video on YouTube to reach buyers near and far. These videos linked to our website, where buyers could explore the full listing complete with stunning professional photos to get a true feel for the home.

More Visibility Means More Buyers and Better Results
The ultimate goal of social media marketing isn’t just to generate likes and views—it’s to attract serious buyers ready to make offers. Our proven strategies connect your property with a wider audience, creating more opportunities to sell faster and at a competitive price. When you list with us, you’re not just getting a listing—you’re getting a comprehensive 360-degree marketing plan designed to maximize exposure and deliver results.

 

Don’t make the costly mistake of listing with a brokerage that overlooks the power of new technology. With today’s buyers turning to digital platforms, you need a proactive marketing approach that meets them where they are.

Ready to sell smarter? Let us guide you through the process with a modern marketing strategy designed to deliver exceptional results. Contact us today to learn more about how our personalized home selling plan can help your property stand out and attract the right buyers.

As the weather cools and we spend more time indoors, creating a comfortable and inviting home becomes essential. Simple strategic changes can revamp your home’s look and feel, making it aesthetically pleasing and enhancing functionality. If you’re thinking about selling, whether in the next year or ten, making thoughtful updates to your home will give it that “wow” factor home buyers are looking for. Here are five impactful improvements that can transform your home into an irresistible option for buyers.

1. Fresh, Neutral Paint
A fresh coat of paint can instantly breathe new life into your home. Opt for neutral tones like soft grays, warm beiges, or off-whites. These shades create a clean, modern aesthetic that appeals to a broad range of buyers. Neutral colors help spaces feel open and inviting, allowing potential buyers to envision their own style and belongings in the space.

2. Updated Lighting Fixtures
Lighting is an often overlooked element that can dramatically alter a room's ambiance. Replacing outdated fixtures with contemporary, energy-efficient options gives your home a modern edge. Updating light fixtures can highlight the main features of your home while adding functional beauty to every room. 

3. Smart Home Upgrades
As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, smart home features are becoming more desirable to homebuyers. Installing a smart thermostat, security system, or energy-efficient lighting that can be controlled via smartphone apps can significantly enhance the modern appeal of your home. These upgrades provide convenience, energy savings, and the allure of a more connected living space, making them especially appealing to tech-savvy buyers.

4. Updated Bathrooms with Spa-Like Touches
Bathrooms can be deal-makers (or breakers) for homebuyers. Small updates, such as installing modern fixtures like rain showerheads, and waterfall faucets can create a a more elevated atmosphere. Upgrading a vanity and adding high-quality tile or natural stone elements can further elevate the look. A fresh, clean bathroom signals that the home is well-maintained, making a significant impact on home shoppers.

5. Refresh Your Space
Revisiting your home’s decor can make a big impact without the need for major purchases. Start by decluttering and depersonalizing—remove family photos, excess décor, and any items that might distract buyers. This creates an inviting space that buyers can easily envision as their own. Rearranging furniture to optimize flow and open up key rooms can make your home feel more spacious and welcoming. Simple touches like placing fresh flowers in the entryway or adding crisp linens in the bedroom can brighten the atmosphere. Don’t forget to do a thorough deep clean to remove odors and ensure your home shines, creating a warm, welcoming environment that makes buyers feel at home.

By implementing these interior improvements, you can create an appealing environment that not only attracts buyers but also enhances your home’s overall value, setting the stage for a successful sale.  Selling a home is a complicated process, but our experienced Realtors are here to help you navigate the many factors involved in preparing your home for sale with confidence. Learn more about our seller services today. 

The U.S. real estate market remains hot ahead of the spring selling season, with existing home sales up 6.7% as of last measure, according to the National Association of REALTORS^®. Experts attribute the growth in sales to an uptick in mortgage interest rates, as buyers rushed to lock down their home purchases before rates move higher. Mortgage rates have increased almost a full percentage point since December, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage briefly exceeding 4% in February, the highest level since May 2019.

New Listings decreased 4.6 percent for single-family homes and 5.4 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Pending Sales decreased 17.3 percent for single family homes but increased 3.6 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

Inventory decreased 42.7 percent for single-family homes and 54.5 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

The Median Sales Price was up 12.5 percent to $365,500 for single-family homes and 24.0 percent to $310,000 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market decreased 35.7 percent for single-family homes and 66.7 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory decreased 41.7 percent for single-family homes and 57.1 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

Inventory was at an all-time low of 860,000 as February began, down 17% from a year ago and equivalent to 1.6 months supply. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of REALTORS^®, much of the current housing supply is concentrated at the upper end of the market, where inventory is increasing, while homes priced at the lower end of the market are quickly disappearing, leaving many first-time buyers behind.

The shortage of homes is boosting demand even further, and with bidding wars common in many markets, it’s no surprise sales prices continue to soar.

Wondering what your home is worth in your current market? Get a free market analysis today!