The February 2026 Northwest Vermont real estate market reflects a continued shift toward more balanced conditions across Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin counties. The median sales price declined to $419,000, down 6.9% year over year and 10.8% from January, while closed sales dropped to 98, a 27.9% month-over-month decrease. The Vermont real estate market tends to see a slow down this time of year. Inventory remains elevated, with 382 active listings and months supply rising to 3.9, up 38.1% from last year—giving buyers more options than we’ve seen in recent seasons. Homes are still moving relatively quickly, with a median of 16 days on market, and sellers received an average of 98.5% of list price. With prices softening and inventory building, both buyers and sellers should stay informed on local trends. Contact us today for a personalized look at your Northwest Vermont real estate market and how these changes may impact your next move.

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 home, especially a lakefront property in Grand Isle County or on Lake Champlain, Coldwell Banker Islands Realty is the best local partner you can choose. Here’s why.

1. Decades of Local Expertise

Coldwell Banker Islands Realty has been serving Grand Isle County since 1996, giving them over 29 years of experience in the local real estate market. Locally owned and operated in South Hero, Vermont, they have a deep understanding of the community, local zoning rules, and the many nuances of island and lake living. While they primarily focus on The Islands, their expertise extends across Franklin and Chittenden counties with agents specializing in those specific areas.

2. True Lakefront Specialists

They’re known as The Lakeshore Experts. Their agents don’t just sell real estate; they live Lake Champlain life. They know everything from shoreline protection regulations to water depths and quality, docks, moorings, and permitting. That level of niche knowledge makes a huge difference in successfully marketing lakefront homes.

3. Powerful, Proven Marketing

CBIR offers a comprehensive marketing program to showcase your property and maximize its exposure. The program includes a proven combination of traditional and cutting-edge digital methods, including social media, online, print, and video. This ensures your property will be seen on multiple channels and reach both local buyers and national/international prospects.

4. Luxury & Global Reach

If you’re selling a high-end or second home, CBIR takes it to the next level with bespoke marketing. Their Luxury Property Specialists leverage the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® program to present your home on a world-class stage. They combine local know-how of Lake Champlain with global marketing strategies to attract qualified buyers.

5. Your Advocate From Start to Finish

Selling a home can be complex, and Coldwell Banker Islands Realty acts as your trusted advocate through every step. Their agents guide you in preparing your home for the market with personalized recommendations that highlight your property’s strengths. They craft a dynamic pricing strategy based on real-time market data and decades of local experience, ensuring your home attracts serious buyers without leaving money on the table. Combined with CBIR’s top-tier marketing, your home is presented in the best possible light to thousands of potential buyers across Vermont and beyond.

Bottom line: If you’re selling in Grand Isle County, especially a lakefront home on Lake Champlain, Coldwell Banker Islands Realty is uniquely qualified. With long-standing local experience, a global brand, and a laser focus on waterfront properties, you’ll have a team that knows the market, protects your value, and maximizes your exposure. See what our clients have to say about working with us. 

1. Why is Coldwell Banker Islands Realty the best choice for selling my home?

Coldwell Banker Islands Realty has been serving Grand Isle County since 1996, giving them over 29 years of hyperlocal expertise. As the top real estate agency in the region, they understand the unique nuances of island living, zoning, permitting, buyer demand, and property values across The Islands, Franklin County, and Chittenden County.

 

2. What makes CBIR specialists in lakefront homes on Lake Champlain?

CBIR is known as The Lakeshore Experts for a reason. Their agents live and breathe Lake Champlain life—from shoreline protection rules to water depths, dock systems, moorings, and local permitting. Their niche knowledge gives lakefront sellers a major advantage when preparing, pricing, and marketing waterfront properties.

 

3. How will Coldwell Banker Islands Realty market my home?

CBIR utilizes a powerful, proven marketing program that combines traditional exposure with advanced digital promotion. Your home is showcased through professional visuals, social media, online listing syndication, email campaigns, print advertising, and video, ensuring it reaches local, statewide, and national buyers.

 

4. Do they offer special services for luxury or second-home sellers?

Yes. CBIR’s Luxury Property Specialists leverage the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® program to elevate high-end listings. This includes premium marketing, strategic targeting, and global reach. For second-home and vacation-property sellers, CBIR pairs their lakefront expertise with sophisticated marketing designed to attract qualified buyers.

 

5. How does CBIR support me throughout the home-selling process?

Coldwell Banker Islands Realty acts as your trusted advocate from the very beginning. They help you prepare your home with personalized recommendations, create a dynamic pricing strategy based on real-time market data, and manage the complexities of paperwork, showings, negotiations, and closing. Their goal is to protect your value and present your home in the best possible light to thousands of potential buyers.

 

6. The bottom line: why should I list with CBIR?

If you’re selling in Grand Isle County or on Lake Champlain, CBIR is uniquely qualified. With deep local roots, unmatched lakefront expertise, decades of experience, and the strength of the Coldwell Banker brand, you’re supported by a team that knows the market, advocates for your best interests, and maximizes your home’s exposure.