The Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors has released the May 2020 real estate market update for Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties. Below is their market report.

“While the effects of COVID-19 in the broader economy continue, real estate activity is beginning to recover across much of the country. According to Freddie Mac, mortgage rates have been below 3.3 percent for more than four weeks and are hovering near all-time lows, spurring strong interest by buyers and lifting showing activity up 4% nationally versus a year ago in the final week of May. 

New Listings decreased 31.2 percent for single-family homes and 12.6 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Pending Sales decreased 4.1 percent for single-family homes but increased 19.5 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Inventory decreased 34.2 percent for single-family homes and 28.4 percent for townhouse-condo properties. 

The Median Sales Price was down 2.3 percent to $315,000 for single-family homes and 0.5 percent to $237,450 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market increased 35.5 percent for single-family homes but decreased 21.2 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory decreased 38.6 percent for single-family homes and 32.0 percent for townhouse-condo properties. 

Buyers have been quicker to return to the housing market in force than sellers, who have been showing a bit more reluctance to list their homes than is typical for this time of year. But trends are improving and as states and localities continue to moderate their COVID-19 policies, real estate activity is expected to continue to improve in the coming weeks.”

From this recent activity we remain optimistic about the summer real estate market. In the last 2 weeks we have listed 13 properties, 13 properties are under contract and we have had 8 closings. There is high buyer demand and low inventory making this a sellers market. If you’re thinking about selling your home now is the time! We are here to help you reach your goals. If you have any questions about the current market or want to learn more about listing your property please contact us.

We've been busy since Realtors have been able to return to work. We are seeing high buyer demand and low inventory making this a sellers market. Properties are going under contract within days of going on the market. If you're thinking of selling you home now is the time to list your property! Contact us to get a free consultation of your property with no obligation and to learn more about our marketing strategy.

The Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors has released the April 2020 real estate market update for Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties. Below is their market report.

“While the stock market recovered significantly in March, the effects of COVID19 to the economy continue to build. In just the last four weeks, more than 20 million people filed initial unemployment claims according to the United States Department of Labor, fueled by stay at home orders and a slowdown of economic activity across the country. Added to the unemployment claims from March, more than 30 million people have become unemployed since COVID-19 has become widespread in the U.S. In the face of these challenging times, real estate activity in April slowed significantly. 

New Listings decreased 48.2 percent for single-family homes and 32.9 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Pending Sales decreased 47.2 percent for single-family homes and 45.7 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Inventory decreased 27.3 percent for single-family homes and 14.8 percent for townhouse-condo properties. 

The Median Sales Price was up 9.3 percent to $320,500 for single-family homes but decreased 4.1 percent to $236,000 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market decreased 11.6 percent for single-family homes and 26.3 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory decreased 34.1 percent for single-family homes and 20.8 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

While the effect of COVID-19 continues to vary widely across the country, it is expected that social distancing, higher unemployment, and lower overall economic activity is likely to continue to constrain real estate activity in the near term. At the same time, the industry is adapting to the current environment by conducting business using technologies such as virtual showings and e-signing to help buyers and sellers with their housing needs in the face of these challenges.”

Under Governor Phil Scott’s order Realtors were able to return to work with limitations on April 20, 2020. We were able to meet with clients  and show property but continue to work remotely when we can. With the slow opening of real estate services we saw a surge in activity from buyers and sellers leaving us optimistic that the market will rebound. That being said, we will not know the true impacts of the pandemic on the real estate market without seeing its full projection and how long it will last. We will continue to monitor the market and follow safety guidelines to best serve our clients and community. If you have any questions please contact us.

Starting Monday, April 20, we are back open and can provide real estate services in a responsible safe manner per Governor Scott's phased return-to-work plan. Read the announcement and guidelines from Vermont Association of Realtors here.

Face-to-face meetings with no more than 2 people present (the client and the real estate professional) are allowed while following the Vermont Department of Health and CDC guidelines such as social distancing, wearing face protection, and proper hygienic standards. Showing property and listing consultations are allowed.

Your safety is our number one priority. Remote work will continue when possible to ensure the health and safety of our community members. It's a new way of doing business but we are happy to get back to work to provide real estate services to those in our community who need them. 

Be safe and healthy so we can protect our loved ones, our neighbors, ourselves, first responder's and health care workers in our community. If you have any questions please Contact Us.

The Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors has released the February 2020 real estate market update for Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties. 

As February comes to an end we continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on the real estate market. It is hard to predict/tell at this time the true impact it will have on our world. With the stock market decline bringing low interest rates it brought good news to buyers and homeowners interested in refinancing. 

Overall buyer demand continues to be strong with Pending Sales increasing by 30.7% and Closed Sales increased 3.4% for Single Family homes and 63% for Townhouse/condos. Homes for sale have decreased 26.6%. 

The recently released January Showing Time Showing Index® saw a 20.2% year-over-year increase in showing traffic nationwide. With showings comes home sales. It will be important for us to monitor the effects COVID-19 will have on the overall economy. If you have any questions or concerns about the real estate market at this time please contact us.