Looking for a new winter adventure? Vermont’s frozen waterfalls offer a magical outdoor experience, complete with frosty icicles and peaceful forest settings. These stunning spots are within a 50-minute drive from Burlington, making them perfect for a day trip. Pack some snacks, fill a thermos with your favorite hot drink, and get ready to explore the best of Vermont in the winter! Here are three must-visit waterfalls for your next winter outing:

1. Bingham Falls – Stowe, Vermont
Bingham Falls is a must-see natural gem, just a short ¼-mile hike from the trailhead. Located off Route 108 near Auto Toll Road, the quick trek rewards visitors with picturesque views of frozen cascades surrounded by snowy scenery.
 

2. Warren Falls – Warren, Vermont
Situated two miles south of Warren Village, this popular spot is beautiful year-round. With convenient parking along Route 100 and a short, easy walk from the trailhead, it’s an ideal winter destination. In colder months, the rushing water often freezes into stunning layers of ice, framed by snow-draped trees.

3. Moss Glen Falls – Stowe, Vermont
As Vermont’s tallest waterfall, Moss Glen Falls is especially captivating in winter when the water freezes into graceful layers of ice. The falls are just a short quarter-mile walk from the trailhead and a quick 10-minute drive from Stowe Village, making them an easy stop during a winter outing.

Essential Safety Tips for Visiting Waterfalls in Winter
Winter hikes to waterfalls can be breathtaking, but they also come with icy and unpredictable conditions. Safety should always be your top priority. Trails can become slippery, and snow-covered paths may conceal hidden hazards. Exercise caution near the shoreline and never walk on frozen or snow-covered riverbeds, as the ice may be thin with rushing water beneath.

For better traction on icy trails, we recommend wearing crampons or microspikes and bringing ski poles for added stability. Dress in warm, moisture-wicking layers, and don’t forget winter essentials like gloves, a hat, and insulated boots to stay warm and comfortable on your adventure. Stay safe and enjoy Vermont’s winter beauty responsibly!

Looking for more winter adventures in Vermont? Check out these incredible ski resorts in Northern Vermont. 

As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to help so many people achieve their real estate goals in Northwest Vermont. This year, we proudly represented a range of stunning properties and guided buyers and sellers through each step of their journey. We are beyond thankful for the trust our clients and community have placed in all of us here at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty. Our incredible agents would not have reached these accomplishments without their support. We are grateful and look forward to another year of guiding people home!

Coldwell Banker Islands Realty proudly guided 86 clients through their real estate journeys. Whether it was helping first-time buyers find their footing, retirees discovering their next chapter, growing families securing more room to thrive, or dreamers bringing their visions to life, our team was there every step of the way. Together, our Realtors achieved over $45 million in sales, representing homes and properties across five Vermont counties.

2024 was a year of growth and remarkable achievements at our brokerage. Franz Rosenberger received the prestigious International President’s Elite Award, ranking among the top 2% of agents in the Coldwell Banker network worldwide. Evan Potvin was recognized with the International President’s Circle Award, given to agents who rank in the top 4% globally. We are proud to have Franz and Evan as leaders in our brokerage and congratulate them on these outstanding accomplishments. 

We’re proud to recognize Paul Habersang and his professional development as he earned his Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation, a valuable achievement that strengthens his ability to serve buyers at the highest level. Additionally, we were delighted to have welcomed Madeline Spaulding as a licensed sales associate. Madeline’s energy, drive, and passion for real estate have already made her an incredible asset to our brokerage.

The real estate industry experienced many changes in 2024. At Coldwell Banker Islands Realty, staying informed about state and national real estate policies and market trends remains a top priority. Our team actively enhanced their expertise by attending training sessions and local Realtor board meetings to serve our clients and communities better. We also strengthened industry connections by participating in the Vermont Association of Realtors conference and the Northwest Vermont Realtor Association’s annual meeting.

Giving back continued to be at the heart of everything we did this year. We proudly raised $3,100 through Commissions For Community, which will be donated to various local charities. We also sponsored the Great Ice Xmas Tree Bonfire, participated in Green Up Day, supported the Northwest Vermont Realtors Association’s Home Item Drive, and served as a drop-off location for Toys for Kids. To end the year, we hosted our annual Holiday Hoopla event, where our agents and community came together for a festive morning.

This year, we loved connecting with the community in meaningful ways. From sponsoring local programs and events to sharing our knowledge and participating in the Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market and Snow Farm Vineyard Summer Concert Series, we embraced every opportunity to get involved. We also hosted our first seminar at the Worthen Library, where a Realtor, interior designer, and mortgage broker shared their expert tips on preparing homes for sale.

Our reach extended far beyond in-person events, as we connected with millions of people through our digital platforms. This year, we saw tremendous growth online, reaching an incredible 7.3 million people across our various channels. Our website had an impressive 80K visitors, offering homebuyers and sellers easy access to the latest property listings and real estate insights. 

Our Instagram became a go-to online resource as Northern Vermont’s top-followed real estate company, through sharing new listings, market information, and the local lifestyle. We grew to over 11.7K followers and had over 10 million views this year, with multiple viral moments driving increased engagement. On YouTube, our channel experienced significant growth, with 1.1 million impressions and 119K video views. This online growth gives sellers an advantage by allowing them to reach a captivated audience interested in Vermont real estate. Our social media also equips buyers with local insights and the knowledge to be informed and confident in the local market.

We couldn’t have achieved these milestones without the continued support of our community, partners, and dedicated team. Your trust has made all of this possible, and we look forward to another year of success, connection, and giving back. We wish you a joyful holiday season, good health, and a prosperous New Year.

Warmly,

Coldwell Banker Islands Realty

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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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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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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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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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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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! 

As the leaves fall and Vermont prepares for winter, the Northwest Vermont real estate market is undergoing changes that buyers and sellers alike should note. Here’s a breakdown of the latest trends in single-family home sales for October 2024 and what they mean for you. Statistics are for single-family home sales in Grand Isle, Franklin, and Chittenden County. 

Median Sales Price

The median sales price for single-family homes in Northwest Vermont dropped to $471,000, marking a 5.5% decrease from September and a slight 0.8% dip from October 2023. This recent decline suggests home sellers need to price their homes competitively to attract interest in a market where prospective homebuyers may be more discerning. However, the year-over-year stability in prices reflects a market that continues to hold value, making it essential for buyers to act decisively if they find a home that fits their needs. For buyers, this slight decrease in price could offer an opportunity to secure a more favorable deal, especially as the market begins to shift.

Closed Sales

Closed sales rose modestly to 149, a 4.9% increase from September, though they remain 1.3% below October 2023 levels. For home sellers, this rebound in sales activity indicates that there are still active buyers in the market, but capturing their attention may require thoughtful marketing and competitive pricing. House hunters can take advantage of the slight cooling in year-over-year sales, which reduces the likelihood of bidding wars and increases opportunities for negotiation.

Median Days on Market

Homes spent an average of 11 days on the market, up 10% from September and 22.2% longer than last October. Home sellers should view this slight increase as a signal to prepare their homes meticulously before listing, as well-presented homes are still selling relatively quickly despite the slight slowdown. For homebuyers, this extended timeframe offers breathing room, allowing for a more deliberate search process. However, in-demand properties may still move quickly, so staying prepared is key.

List Price Received

Home sellers received an average of 100.3% of their asking price, a small 0.3% increase from September but slightly below the levels seen in October 2023. For sellers, this underscores the importance of setting a realistic asking price. Homes that align with market expectations are more likely to sell quickly and at—or even slightly above—their list price. For homebuyers, while paying close to the asking price remains common, the slight shift in the market may open opportunities for negotiation, particularly on homes that have been on the market longer.

New Listings

New listings totaled 179, a 3.8% decrease from September, but a 16.2% increase compared to October 2023. People selling a home can expect a more competitive environment than last year, with increased year-over-year supply giving homebuyers more options. To stand out, sellers should focus on staging and marketing their homes effectively. Buyers, on the other hand, will appreciate the broader selection of homes, which provides a better chance of finding a property that fits their preferences and budget.

Active Inventory

Active inventory decreased slightly to 337 homes, down 5.9% from September, but it remains 43.4% higher than October 2023. For home sellers, this elevated inventory compared to last year means that homebuyers have more choices, making it essential to price strategically and present your home in its best light. Buyers benefit from this increased inventory, as it reduces competition and creates more opportunities to find a home that meets their needs.

Months Supply of Inventory

The months supply of inventory fell to 2.3 months, a 10.3% decrease from September, but still 45.3% higher than October 2023. While this level of supply keeps the market in sellers’ favor, the gradual trend toward balance signals a shift in dynamics. Sellers should be prepared for potentially longer selling times and more negotiations, while buyers can feel more confident navigating a market that increasingly offers them more options and leverage.

 

Why a Local Market Analysis Matters

While these regional statistics provide a helpful overview, the real estate market can vary significantly by town or area. A local market analysis tailored to your desired area offers valuable insights, such as pricing trends and competition levels, to help you make the best decisions.

Partner with a Local Real Estate Expert

Navigating Vermont’s unique real estate market requires local expertise. Whether you’re buying or selling, working with a knowledgeable Realtor ensures you’re prepared for the nuances of this evolving market. From understanding trends to providing personalized guidance, a local expert can help you achieve your real estate goals with confidence.

Get Started Today

Are you curious about your home’s value or the opportunities in Northwest Vermont’s real estate market? Contact us for a personalized market analysis and let us guide you through the next steps. With our local knowledge and professional expertise, we’ll help you succeed in Vermont’s ever-changing real estate landscape.

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.