The Great Shift
From Seller’s Market to Buyer’s Chance in Chittenden & Stowe
Remember the feeling when everyone was losing their minds over houses during the Pandemic, like there was only one donut and dozens of people lining up for it?
That was a seller’s market. But lately, the donut supply is creeping up… and the crowd is thinning. Buyers, your chance might be arriving.
Here’s how Chittenden County and Stowe show the shift
Local Data Snapshot
Let's compare MLS data on single-family home sales from June-August, year-over-year:
Chittenden County
Average sale price in 2024: $577,990
Average days on market: 20
Average sale price in 2025: $597,7500
Average days on market: 26
You'll notice a slight increase in the sale price, but almost a week longer on the market.
In Stowe, the numbers are quite different:
Sale price 2024: $1,223,969
DOM 2024: 39
Sale price 2025: $1,163,938
DOM 2025: 71
This tells a very different story. Not only are homes taking significantly longer to sell, but they're actually selling for less!
What’s Changing (and why it’s funny in an “oh-wow, good for buyers” way)
Prices softening: Chittenden’s median is slipping; Stowe’s luxury homes are losing steam. If you’ve been waiting for the “peak panic price,” it may already be behind us.
Homes aren’t flying off the shelf: Days on market are climbing. Buyers can actually think before making an offer (what a concept).
Inventory creeping up: In Chittenden, it’s not a buffet yet, but there’s more choice. In Stowe, new condo and mid-priced listings are hitting, giving buyers room to maneuver.
Luxury fatigue: Stowe’s high-end buyers are cautious, which spells opportunity for folks aiming just under that ceiling.
Verdict: Where We Are
Chittenden County: Still technically a seller’s market, but no longer the frenzy of 2020–2022. Buyers have more leverage with slight price drops and longer listing times.
Stowe: Looking much more like a buyer’s market, especially outside the very top end.
Advice for Buyers & Sellers
Buyers: Get your financing ready, know what good value looks like, and don’t overpay just because you remember 2021 bidding wars.
Sellers: Price smart. Stage well. Don’t assume you’ll get a dozen offers over asking on day one.
Everyone: Keep an eye on mortgage rates, local inventory, and those little “price cut” tags on listings—they tell the real story.
TL;DR
Pandemic = sellers calling the shots.
Chittenden = still seller-leaning, but cooling.
Stowe = shifting toward buyers.
The donut line is shorter. Buyers, grab a plate.
