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.

We’re thrilled to welcome Ashley Wetherby to Coldwell Banker Islands Realty as a licensed real estate sales associate. A lifelong Vermonter, Ashley was born and raised in Grand Isle County and now lives in Franklin County. Her deep roots in the community and local knowledge make her an excellent resource for clients buying or selling in Franklin County, the Champlain Islands, and beyond.

Born and raised in the Lake Champlain Islands, Ashley knew from the start that this is where she wanted to return to start her career in real estate. With a background in nursing, her approach to real estate is grounded in advocacy, compassion, attention to detail, and trust. Her passion lies in helping people navigate life transitions—whether it’s finding your dream home, downsizing, or investing in your future.

Her personal journey in real estate includes buying, leasing, selling, and building, giving her first-hand insight into every step of the process. She understands how exciting–and sometimes overwhelming–real estate decisions can be, and is here to guide you with clarity, care, and confidence.

Outside of her professional career, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, camping, gardening, baking, and DIY’ing. These moments keep her grounded and serve as a reminder of why finding the right home to suit your individual & family needs matters so much.

Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or explore life in Northwest Vermont, Ashley is a valuable resource. Connect with Ashley today!

Please join us in celebrating the outstanding achievements of Franz Rosenberger and Evan Potvin of Coldwell Banker Islands Realty! These top-performing agents have earned prestigious recognition among the highest-ranked sales professionals in the global Coldwell Banker network. Their dedication, market expertise and commitment to exceptional client service continue to set a gold standard in Vermont real estate.

Franz Rosenberger has been honored with the International President’s Elite Award, placing him among the top 2% of Coldwell Banker sales associates worldwide.

Evan Potvin has earned the International Diamond Society, ranking among the top 8% of sales associates globally. 

At Coldwell Banker Islands Realty, we are incredibly fortunate to have Franz and Evan’s leadership, expertise, and mentorship guiding our team. Their commitment to excellence not only elevates our brokerage but also inspires those around them to strive for the very best. Their passion for real estate, innovative strategies, and dedication to client success make them invaluable members of our team and community.

Congratulations to both on this well-deserved recognition! We look forward to seeing your continued success in 2025.

We are pleased to announce that Madeline Spaulding has joined Coldwell Banker Islands Realty as a licensed sales associate. Learn more about Madeline below. 

Madeline Spaulding is a fourth-generation Vermonter who grew up in Franklin County. For the past two years, she has managed her family's investment properties in Swanton, Vermont, while working on-site as the project manager for a newly built multi-family property. She grew up listening to her parent's stories about real estate and became interested in the industry at a young age. Madeline is working towards a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in project management. Madeline's experience in property management, education in business management, and customer service experience have set her up for success in pursuing a career in real estate. She hopes to share her knowledge of Franklin Country with prospective clients and looks forward to answering your questions.

Madeline lives in Swanton on Lake Champlain, enjoying the westerly sunset views. She has a fondness for admiring local waterfowl. In her free time, she enjoys going for long walks, listening to podcasts, appreciating Vermont's natural beauty, and, above all, spending time with her family. Madeline's local area knowledge will be invaluable to people thinking of buying or selling in Franklin County. Her strong work ethic and detail-oriented thinking will ensure no question goes unanswered. She genuinely enjoys helping others and is excited to turn her early passions into a career in real estate.

Connect with Madeline today!

We are proud to announce that one of our agents at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty, Paul Habersang, has recently earned his Accredited Buyer's Representative Designation. Paul's dedication to providing exceptional service to our clients shines through this achievement. Congratulations, Paul, on joining the ranks of top-tier real estate professionals worldwide! 

 Paul is attentive to detail and strives to treat all of his clients with professionalism, responsiveness, and respect. Paul is very familiar with all of Northern Vermont and the real estate markets in Grand Isle, Chittenden and Franklin Counties.

Whether you are buying or selling Paul is a fantastic local resource. Learn more about Paul