First Quarter 2017

This gorgeous 3 bedroom, 3 bath Townhome overlooks the Vermont National golf course. MLS# 4618773

Single Family
Median Sale Price:Average Sale Price:Units Sold:Newly Listed:Days on Market:
$249,500 (+3.2%)$282,469 (+1.6%)350 (-10%)652 (-19%)110 (-6%)

Condo
Median Sale Price:Average Sale Price:Units Sold:Newly Listed:Days on Market:
$247,650 (+20.8%)$280,063 (+21.2%)120 (-5.5%)159 (-5.9%)117 (+30%)

Historically the first three months of the year represent the slowest period for real estate sales in Northwest Vermont.  As the landscape changes with the arrival of spring and summer, so might real estate trends as more sellers and buyers enter the market.  Stronger-than-normal sales in the 1st quarter of 2016 coupled with tight inventory continuing into 2017 have resulted in a decline in year-over-year sales for the first quarter of 2017.

Tight inventory levels still continue to put pressure on the real estate market in Northwest Vermont. In the first quarter, fewer homeowners have chosen to put their homes on the market. Buyers may have fewer choices, especially in the sweet spot of housing – the mid-priced range of $200,000- $400,000. In addition, the National Association of Realtors reports the median tenure for sellers living in their home has increased to 10 years from a historical median of 5 to 7 years.

Over the past 3 years the number of single-family homes available for sale during the first 3 months of the year has declined from 2256 to 1680 – a 26% decline – while closed sales have increased 15% during the same period. The results are homes being on the market for fewer days and, in many cases, multiple offers driving the prices up with both the median and average prices showing increases during the first quarter. Our Realtors advise buyers to be well prepared to make strong offers, with their financing in order. In some circumstances, Agents are advising their buyers to look at homes priced lower than their threshold in the event of a multiple offer situation. In a fast-paced market, Sellers need the expertise of their Agent to help them navigate the incredibly complicated process of lining up a contract for a purchase as well as the contract for a sale of their current home.

While both the median and average sold prices are showing increases, single-family home prices appear to be more stable than the healthy increases demonstrated in the sold prices of condos. In general, the increase in prices of condos comes from new construction projects that have come on the market versus the appreciation of existing inventory.

Cities, towns, and developers have increased density in their planning and zoning strategies in order to preserve open green spaces. These Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), including condos and single-family homes, are becoming more popular as homeowners look to “right size” their lifestyle with housing options that provide ease of maintenance and, in some cases, affordability. New construction can be more energy efficient and many new communities offer amenities such as community gardens, walking trails, parks, and proximity to conveniences.

Mortgage rates are being watched closely. After a climb in late 2016 and some volatility during the first 2 months of 2017 – many predictions are that the rates will remain steady for the remainder of the year. Changes to mortgage rates can affect buying power when affordability remains an issue. For example, an increase of .5% (one-half percent) in interest rate may reduce purchasing power by 4-5%. So, even though prices are rising slightly and inventory is limited, buyers who are serious about realizing their goal of homeownership this year should be ready to make an offer sooner – with the advice of their Agent.

As always, it remains that both sellers and buyers need to reflect on their personal situation. Utilizing the local knowledge within this report and the advice of your Agent – you can make an informed decision about your next move.

“Days on the Market” has dropped from 150 days to 80 in Chittenden County

South Village, a neighborhood of single-family homes and Townhomes in the heart of Vermont’s beautiful Champlain Valley.

Single Family
Median Sale Price:Average Sale Price:Units Sold:Newly Listed:Days on Market:
$289,000 (+1%)$332,990 (-1.3%)178 (-10.1)333 (-14.6%)80 (-46.7%)

Condo
Median Sale Price:Average Sale Price:Units Sold:Newly Listed:Days on Market:
$252,200 (+19.2%)$287,334 (+22%)102 (-14.3%)143 (-5.3%)105 (-18.6%)


The residential property market in Chittenden County continues to see strong demand from buyers while inventory remains extremely tight, especially for single-family homes. 

The pace of the market is reflected in the “Days on the Market until Sale” which has dropped from 150 days to 80 days for single-family homes during the first quarter of 2017. Sellers and Buyers alike need to be prepared to act when they decide to enter the real estate market.

The median and average sale prices for condominiums showed healthy gains due to new construction and higher-priced units selling rather than increases in the prices of existing units.

With residential sales flat in 2016 and the continuing decline in inventory in early 2017, the median sale price for single-family homes may rise more than the 1% we’ve seen in the first quarter.

Addison County saw an increase in 2016 and is continuing that trend into 2017.

Custom post and beam home with Easterly Mountain Views in Monkton | MLS# 4627500

Single Family
Median Sale Price:Average Sale Price:Units Sold:Newly Listed:Days on Market:
$232,000 (+14.3%)$259,481 (+6.4%)51 (-8.9%)111 (-16.5%)135 (-38.6%)

Condo
Median Sale Price:Average Sale Price:Units Sold:Newly Listed:Days on Market:
$194,500 (+28%)$269,321 (+57%)7 (+133%)1 (-85%)113 (-9.6%)

The growth in the median and average sold price for residential property in Addison County continued into the first quarter of 2017.

The majority of residential sales in Addison County is single-family homes; therefore a small change in the number of sales on Condominiums can have a large impact on the data.

New homes coming on the market continue to decline, with demand increasing as buyers are extending their searches to Addison County because of Chittenden County’s shrinking inventory and higher prices.

After a number of years of little to no growth in the median and average sales price for single-family homes, Addison County saw an increase in 2016 and is continuing that trend into 2017.

First-time Home Buyers Continue to Extend their Search into Franklin County

Large bright rooms in this lovely Ranch style home in St Albans Town. | MLS# 4627983

Single Family
Median Sale Price:Average Sale Price:Units Sold:Newly Listed:Days on Market:
$194,500 (+2.4%)$207,945 (+8.1%)100 (-17.9%)144 (-29.8%)110 (-32.9%)

Condo
Median Sale Price:Average Sale Price:Units Sold:Newly Listed:Days on Market:
$235,000 (+20.7%)$259,481 (+17.3%)11 (+83%)14 (-40%)147 (-32.3%)

Because Franklin County has the lowest average and median sale prices in Northwest Vermont, some homebuyers have been turning to the county over the past year as they seek more value for their money. 

After a surge in home sales during the first quarter of 2016, with a 37% increase and 18% increase for the year overall, the decline in single-family home sales at the start of 2017 may be viewed as a “normalizing” of the market versus a decrease in buyer interest.

The pace of the market is reflected in the “Days on the Market until Sale” which has dropped from 164 days to 110 days for single-family homes during the first quarter of 2017. Sellers and Buyers alike need to be prepared to act when they decide to enter the real estate market.

Condo sales rose – but a change in the small number of transactions can have a large impact on the percentages.


Grand Isle County Saw a Strong Start in 2017

Beautiful Lakefront Contemporary Farmhouse on the shores of South Hero. | MLS# 4624624

Single Family
Median Sale Price:Average Sale Price:Units Sold:Newly Listed:Days on Market:
$210,00 (-32.3%)$253,703 (-19.6%)25 (+56%)58 (-1.7%)161 (-25.5%)

Condo
No sales to report

Grand Isle had the strongest start in many years likely bolstered by the lack of affordable homes in nearby Chittenden County as reflected by the lower median and average sale price.

The decline in “Days on Market Until Sale” combined with the decrease in sale price may indicate that buyers are looking for affordable properties in Grand Isle and are ready to act.

Second-home buyers, core to the Grand Isle market, are historically not active in the market during the first three months of the year

Luxury Home Sellers have Grown More Flexible in their Expectations

Right on Lake Champlain with stunning southern views, this 4 bedroom updated house has it all! | MLS# 4630482
Luxury Home Market
Median Sale Price:Average Sale Price:Units Sold:Days on Market:
$940,000 (-30.2%)$1,057,178 (-31%)7 (+40%)86 *

Of the 7 properties that sold during the 1st quarter of 2017, 6 were located in Chittenden County and 1 property was in Addison County.  

A country home with mountain views, luxury condominiums, a contemporary lakefront dwelling near downtown Burlington and an antique lakefront home in Ferrisburgh are just some of the sales that closed in early 2017.

With more than 90 properties for sale, the Luxury market in Northwest Vermont provides plenty of options for buyers in the $850,000 and higher range. Sellers have grown more flexible in their expectations of prices and negotiations.

* The “Days on the Market” until sale for the 4 properties actively marketed through the multiple listing service may reflect the pent-up Buyer demand for well-priced, unique properties close to amenities.

Multi-Family Market has Strong Buyer Demand, but Inventory Remains Low

Prime Burlington Hill Section – 11 Units. Rare chance to invest in one of the strongest rental markets in New England. | MLS# 4615430
Multi-Family
Median Sale Price:Average Sale Price:Units Sold:Newly Listed:Days on Market:
$285,000 (-18.9%)$296,039 (-24.3%)27(-3.6%)5064 (-27%)

The Multi-Family market, largely driven by Chittenden County, is experiencing similar trends as the residential real estate market: steady buyer demand, tempered by lower inventory levels.

Over the past year, the historically low vacancy rate has eased a bit, however, Investors continue to show strong demand for multi-family properties given favorable trends such as a diverse professional base, consistent hiring by local institutions and businesses, and the delay of millennial buyers saddled with student loan debt to purchase their first home.

The decline in average and median sold prices is a result of a small number of properties sold in the 1st quarter of the year coupled with a high-priced property sold in 2016 which has a strong effect on the data. The decline is not a result of depreciation.

Our Agents report that larger, high-priced properties are not coming to market as Investors choose to hold on to those properties.

With well-positioned, multi-family units selling quickly – some buyers are considering single-family homes in renter-friendly neighborhoods as an investment opportunity.

Chittenden County Vacancy Rates Jump to 4.4%

South Village Rental Units in South Burlington. | SouthVillage.com

The rental market in Chittenden County is rapidly changing due to a surge of newly constructed apartment buildings.

With almost 700 newly constructed apartment units coming online in 2016, the rental market is showing more favorable signs for renters. A higher vacancy rate is giving renters more options in their apartment searches, while also prompting some landlords to offer more flexible terms or incentives to attract new tenants.

New rental buildings include Bartlett Brook, a 63-unit building in South Burlington, and the 67-unit Bayberry Commons in Burlington. Both buildings are offering one month of free rent for applicants who sign a lease by March 1, a sign of the type of incentives that are now available.

Our Rental Specialist is forecasting that rent increases will moderate in 2017. Rents may decline on some older apartments that lack the amenities offered by newer buildings. It’s likely the pressure on rents will continue throughout the year, given that another 323 apartment units are expected to come on the market in 2017, according to real estate consulting company Allen & Brooks.

Even though the vacancy rate has eased, our Rental Specialist continues to recommend an apartment search no more than 30 to 45 days before a move.

The following are some trends that are impacting the rental market:

A favorable vacancy rate for renters
The vacancy rate jumped to 4.4% in December 2016 from 3% a year earlier, Allen & Brooks found. In the previous decade, the rate rarely rose above 2%.

A wider range of choices
The construction surge means renters have more options than in previous years. The newly constructed buildings typically have higher rents, yet some renters prefer them because of their amenities, such as parking, gyms, recreation trails, storage, pet grooming, and swimming pools.

Minimal rent increases
The new rental inventory and higher vacancy rate will kick off a period of minimal to no rent increases, predicts Allen & Brooks. This comes after average rent increases of almost 3% per year since 2011. A welcomed relief as the rental prices in Chittenden County are high compared to wage levels.

Because our rental expert has extensive contacts with landlords, Realtors, and associations, Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman is well-positioned to help clients find the most recent properties on the market.