What Lisa Jenison and Karl Klein’s Move Tells Us About the Market
By Tony Walton, Founding Partner & Principal Broker, New England Landmark Realty
Recognizing Two Proven Professionals
Lisa Jenison has been a trusted figure in Mad River Valley real estate since 1997—offering nearly three decades of deep market knowledge, client advocacy, and community commitment. Karl Klein brings similarly extensive experience and has played a key role in many of the valley's highest-profile transactions. Together, they’ve helped shape the local market with professionalism and purpose.
These are the types of agents every market values: ethical, skilled, and truly connected to their communities. Lisa noted the difficulty of making a change after 28 years with her previous firm—a sentiment that reflects the weight of such a move. Agents like Lisa and Karl don’t shift for superficial reasons. Their decision points to deeper questions around infrastructure, growth, and the evolving nature of the brokerage model.
A Market in Transition
Movements like this among seasoned agents suggest more than personal preference—they signal a broader market shift. When professionals of this caliber make strategic decisions, it's typically driven by vision and alignment, not incentives or trends.
Over the past decade, Vermont real estate has undergone major transformations. Technology, client expectations, and marketing have all evolved rapidly. Virtual tours have replaced walk-throughs. Social media now shapes brand visibility. Clients expect real-time updates and data-rich insights. The business has become more complex and more demanding.
- Does my firm have the infrastructure to support my growth?
- Is there a clear and credible succession plan?
- Am I working toward ownership—or just leasing a desk?
These aren't new considerations, but in today’s landscape, they’ve become more urgent. The agents asking them are the ones shaping what the future of Vermont real estate will look like.
Rising Competition in the Valley
The Mad River Valley has long been competitive, and that intensity has only grown. Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman’s entry into the region reflects that. As one of the top Coldwell Banker affiliates in the world, they've built a strong reputation and operational footprint under Leslee MacKenzie’s leadership.
Their decision to welcome Lisa and Karl into their team underscores a growing interest in the central Vermont and resort real estate segments. But let’s be clear: success in this market doesn’t belong to one brand. Other brokerages—like Green Light Real Estate—have earned strong reputations by combining local knowledge with transparency and collaborative service. Independent firms throughout the region continue to bring real value to clients and agents alike. That kind of diversity is healthy for the market and raises standards across the board.
What We’re Building at New England Landmark Realty
Since founding New England Landmark in 2007 with Lynn Taylor and Cindy Lyons, we’ve focused on building something durable—not just for the next quarter, but for the next generation.
- Succession planning from the start: We’ve built equity structures that let top producers earn ownership through transparent metrics—real stakes with real timelines.
- Independent and infrastructure-rich: We’re not part of a franchise, but we invest heavily in marketing, technology, and agent support.
- Selectivity over scale: We prioritize values-aligned agents and support them with training, tools, and a strong culture.
- Rooted here, reaching globally: Our agents live here—and we market to the world.
The Broader Industry Moment
Real estate is undergoing a generational shift. Many brokerage owners are aging out, and new agent expectations around flexibility, technology, and equity are reshaping the conversation. In Vermont’s small-market reality, where inefficiencies are costly and reputations matter, these shifts are especially important.
What Clients Should Take Away
For buyers and sellers in the Mad River Valley, these changes are good news. More competition means better service, higher standards, and more informed choices. Clients should evaluate more than the brand on the business card—look for experience, integrity, and local understanding.
Ask about recent transactions. Ask how agents handle complexity. Choose based on the person—not just the firm.
Looking Ahead
I congratulate Lisa and Karl on their new chapter. They’ve earned their reputations through years of service and skill, and I’m confident they’ll continue to deliver excellence wherever they go.
The Mad River Valley benefits from a diverse, high-performing real estate community. At New England Landmark, we remain focused on our own path—serving clients, developing talent, and building a firm that will thrive for decades to come.
There’s room for excellence across multiple brokerages. May the agents who are most committed to integrity, service, and local knowledge continue to raise the bar—for all of us.
About New England Landmark Realty
Founded in 2007, New England Landmark Realty is an independent brokerage serving Central Vermont’s Washington, Lamoille, and Chittenden Counties. Our team of experienced professionals offers deep market expertise, strategic marketing, and results-driven negotiations. With a focus on residential, luxury, and investment properties, we are committed to sustainable growth and long-term client relationships.
Our intentionally selective approach ensures that each agent aligns with our values of integrity, collaboration, and local knowledge. We provide a clear path to equity partnership for top-performing agents and invest heavily in the infrastructure, tools, and support they need to thrive. Based in Waterbury Center, our firm is proud to serve clients and communities across Vermont with authenticity and purpose.
Ready to Buy or Sell in the Mad River Valley?
Whether you're exploring homes in Warren, Waitsfield, Fayston, or beyond—our team is here to help you navigate the Vermont market with confidence.
Contact Tony Walton
📞 802-253-4711
📧 tonywalton@nelandmark.com
📍 26 N Main Street Suite 2, Waterbury, VT 05676
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