The January 2026 Northwest Vermont real estate market shows shifting conditions across Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin counties for single-family homes and condos. Year over year, the median sales price rose 3.6% to $469,500, while closed sales remained flat and new listings increased 8%. Inventory continues to build, with active listings up 33.6% and months supply of inventory rising to 2.9 months, signaling more options for buyers. Compared to December, closed sales declined 32.7%, while new listings jumped 84.1%, reflecting typical seasonal patterns. Homes spent a median of 29 days on market, and sellers received an average of 97.8% of list price. With inventory rising and price growth moderating, both buyers and sellers should pay close attention to local trends. Contact us today to learn more about your market and how these January 2026 housing statistics may impact your real estate goals.

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.

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

Northwest Vermont’s housing market saw notable movement in October 2025, reflecting a continued shift as inventory trends upward and prices begin to soften. The median sales price continues to rise. The median sales price in October settled at $539,900, up 8% from September and up 14.6% year over year. Despite the continued rise of prices, deals are happening. Closed sales rose to 205, marking both monthly and annual gains. Homes took longer to sell this month, with median days on market increasing to 17. Sellers received 98.9% of their list price, a slight month-over-month dip. This shows that negotiations are happening and sellers are not always selling for the full list price. Inventory remains a key story—active listings reached 389, up 15.1% compared to last October, giving buyers more options even as new listings declined to 193 from the previous month. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, these shifts offer important opportunities. Each market is unique, and we're here to help you navigate it with confidence. Contact us today for a personalized analysis of your local market.

The Northwest Vermont housing market continued to shift in September 2025, with growing inventory and a decline in prices suggesting a more balanced environment for buyers and sellers. The median sales price for single-family homes in Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin counties settled at $500,000, down 11.5% from August, while active inventory climbed to 420 homes, a 4% monthly increase. Homes are still selling quickly, with a median of 11 days on market, and sellers are receiving an average of 99.1% of their list price. With 232 new listings entering the market, buyers have more opportunities to find the right home, and sellers should stay informed as conditions evolve. Contact us today to learn how these market trends impact your home’s value or your next purchase in Northwest Vermont.