By New England Landmark Realty LTD

America’s financial engine is stuttering. Markets are volatile. Confidence is shaky. And traditional retirement vehicles? At best, uncertain. Welcome to 2025 — where economic policy looks more like a guessing game than a plan, and the Federal Reserve is stuck trying to fight inflation with one hand tied behind its back.

If you’re watching your 401(k) like a slow-motion car crash, you’re not alone.

The Problem: Policy Uncertainty Meets Market Fragility

We’re in a moment where economic policy is erratic, and Wall Street hates uncertainty more than it hates bad news. What’s driving the volatility? It’s not just inflation or interest rate hikes — it’s the broader erosion of investor confidence caused by political instability and reactive policymaking.

The result? Stock market turbulence that’s triggering anxiety for millions of Americans, especially retirees who depend on stable returns. Historical patterns offer some comfort — yes, downturns are often followed by recoveries. But let’s not pretend this is normal. We're in a new economic paradigm, and the old rules don’t apply.

Wall Street Offers Promises. Real Estate Delivers Returns.

Here’s the truth: No one can guarantee gains in equities. Brokers, analysts, and cable news commentators love to recite optimistic mantras. “Buy when others are fearful.” “Bear markets create opportunity.” Great — tell that to someone whose portfolio just dropped 20% in six months.

So where do you go when you’re done with speculation?

You go where value is tangible. Where cash flow is real.
You go to real estate.

Vermont Real Estate: A Case Study in Stability

While the markets churn, Vermont’s housing market is holding firm — especially in sought-after regions like the Mad River Valley, Stowe, and Burlington. Why?

• Limited inventory: Supply remains tight across all housing sectors.
• High demand: Remote work, second-home seekers, and retirees are fueling consistent buyer interest.
• Rental pressure: Rents have surged post-COVID, and rising rental income pushes asset valuations higher.
• Lifestyle premium: Vermont offers natural beauty, community, and safety — making it a compelling long-term choice.

Real Estate Is More Than an Asset. It’s a Strategy.

Let’s talk tax. The IRS isn’t generous — but real estate investors still get some of the best breaks in the code. Mortgage interest deductions, depreciation, and the ability to write off operational expenses make income properties a tax-efficient wealth-building machine.

Own a rental unit? You’re collecting passive income while reducing taxable income. That’s leverage Wall Street can’t offer.

The Wisdom of Real Estate: A Personal Reflection

Years ago, a sharp accountant gave me the best advice I’ve ever received:
“Buy cash-flowing real estate and hold it.”

He was right. Rents go up. Values follow. You can depreciate the asset and write off the costs. And unlike equities, real estate doesn’t disappear overnight because someone in D.C. made a bad call.

Today, I look at my portfolio — the properties, the rent checks, the equity growth — and I realize: this isn’t just about wealth. It’s about control.

Bottom Line: Think Long-Term. Think Real Estate.

In a showdown between real estate and the stock market, I’ll take the deed over the ticker symbol every time.

If you’re nervous about what’s next in the economy — you're not crazy. But you do have options. And in Vermont, the data is clear: real estate is one of the few asset classes still offering growth, income, and stability.

At NELandmark.com, Tony Walton and his team bring decades of boots-on-the-ground experience in Vermont’s real estate landscape. Whether you're investing, relocating, or building long-term equity, we’re here to help you do it intelligently — and profitably.

Ready to put your capital to work where it matters?
Visit NELandmark.com or call 802-253-4711 to connect with Tony and his team — and start building wealth that doesn’t ride Wall Street’s rollercoaster.

By Tony Walton

We've dissected Vermont's urgent housing crisis, debunked the unfounded fear of smart growth, and proposed tangible solutions. But now, it's crucial to address the individuals and policies actively impeding change.

This article will call out the real forces behind Vermont's housing shortage — local zoning boards, homeowners who fight every project, and politicians who refuse to fix broken policies.

If we don't confront the people blocking housing, we'll never solve the problem.

Who’s Blocking Housing? Naming Names and Exposing NIMBY Hypocrisy

1. Vermont's Housing Crisis Has a Face — And It’s Not Just "The Market"

Vermont's housing crisis isn’t happening by accident. It’s being engineered.

Every time a new housing project is proposed, the same pattern unfolds:

• Zoning boards stall approvals.
• Local homeowners protest, claiming it will "ruin the character" of their town.
• Politicians make big promises but refuse to change restrictive policies.

The contradiction:

• Vermonters say they want lower housing costs but fight every new housing project.
• Politicians talk about affordability but protect policies that prevent housing from being built.

The reality check:

If we don’t name the problem and hold people accountable, Vermont will continue to be a place only the wealthy can afford.

So who’s blocking housing — and why?

2. The NIMBY Problem: How Vermont Homeowners Are Fighting Against Affordability

Homeowners Who Say "We Need Housing" But Block Every Project

• In town meetings across Vermont, longtime homeowners rally against new developments.
• Their reasons? Traffic concerns, noise, parking, and "preserving community character."
• The real motivation? They don’t want their property values to drop or their town to change.

Example: The Stowe Housing Battle

• Stowe businesses desperately need housing for workers — but wealthy homeowners keep blocking projects.
• A 34-unit workforce housing project was delayed for years after residents complained it would "change the look of the town."
• The result? Local workers can’t afford to live where they work, and businesses struggle to stay staffed.

The reality:

• NIMBY homeowners benefit from housing shortages — because it keeps their home values high.

Smart Fix: Towns should fast-track approvals for workforce housing and override bad-faith NIMBY opposition.

3. Local Zoning Boards: The Unseen Gatekeepers of Housing

How Zoning Boards Quietly Kill Housing Projects

• Most people don’t realize it, but small-town zoning boards decide Vermont’s housing future.
• They control what gets built, how much housing is allowed, and how lengthy approvals take.

Example: Williston’s Stalled Apartments

• A 60-unit apartment complex near jobs and infrastructure should have been a no-brainer.
• Local zoning officials stalled approvals for months due to "community feedback" and "concerns about density."
• The developer walked away. Project canceled.

The reality:

• Local zoning boards hold too much power over Vermont’s housing supply.
• If a handful of people on a planning board don’t like a project, it dies.

Smart Fix:

• State lawmakers must limit zoning board power over critical housing developments.
• Fast-track approvals for workforce housing to stop endless delays.

4. Politicians Who Talk About Housing But Won’t Reform Broken Policies

Vermont's Leaders Know the System Is Broken — But Keep Protecting It

• Act 250, Vermont’s outdated land-use law, makes housing projects too expensive and slow to build.
• Every year, politicians talk about reforming it. Every year, nothing happens.
• Why? Because wealthy homeowners and environmental groups pressure lawmakers to keep things as they are.

Example: The Failed Act 250 Reform

• In 2023, a plan to streamline housing approvals under Act 250 was proposed.
• It was gutted after pushback from special interest groups — leaving the same bureaucratic roadblocks in place.

The reality:

• Vermont’s housing crisis isn’t just about market forces — it’s about deliberate policy choices.

Smart Fix:

• Overhaul Act 250 to make housing easier to build, especially in town centers.
• Hold state legislators accountable — demand action on real zoning reform.

5. How We Fight Back: Holding NIMBYs, Zoning Boards, and Politicians Accountable

Vermont's housing crisis isn’t inevitable — it’s being created.

If we don’t push back against the people blocking housing, nothing will change.

Here’s how we fix it:

• Show Up at Local Zoning Meetings — housing advocates must be present.
• Demand Statewide Zoning Reform — we need state-level action now.
• Expose Bad-Faith Housing Opposition — public accountability works.
• Support Candidates Who Prioritize Housing Reform — back real leadership.

Take Action: How You Can Help Fix Vermont’s Housing Crisis

• Attend a town zoning meeting and support housing projects.
• Contact your state legislators and demand zoning reform.
• Expose NIMBY opposition on social media.
• Share this article — Vermont needs to wake up.

About the Author

Tony Walton is a Vermont-based real estate professional with deep roots in the community and a passion for keeping the state livable for future generations. Whether you’re buying, selling, or want to talk about Vermont’s housing future, reach out at tonywalton@nelandmark.com.

If we don't expose the people blocking housing, nothing will change. Vermont’s future depends on calling out bad policies, bad zoning, and bad actors.

Next Week: Where Vermont Should Be Investing — Roads, Internet, and Infrastructure First.

By New England Landmark Realty LTD | April 2025

President Trump’s latest round of tariffs is making waves nationwide, but nowhere is the impact more visible or chaotic than in the housing sector. In Vermont, where building seasons are short and supply chains fragile, rising costs on lumber, steel, appliances, and imported goods are already squeezing builders, delaying developments, and raising significant questions for buyers and sellers alike.

Construction Costs Surge: Who's Feeling the Heat?

The Vermont Builders Association reports a 20–35% spike in framing lumber costs since February due to renewed tariffs on Canadian timber. Contractors are warning that kitchen appliances, HVAC systems, and imported fixtures are back ordered or cost-prohibitive. In communities like Montpelier, Barre, and Warren—where modest new developments were just beginning to gain traction—progress has stalled.

"We’re seeing price escalations mid-project and having to renegotiate bids. It’s chaos," said one central Vermont contractor. For homeowners, that means fewer available homes, rising listing prices, and skyrocketing renovation estimates.

Fewer Builds, Fewer Listings — But More Pressure

Vermont already struggles with low inventory. Tariff-driven costs are now exacerbating that crisis by halting new builds and renovations. Some developers are pausing projects altogether, while homeowners are deferring renovations they had hoped to finish by summer.

For sellers, this might push home values higher — but only if demand holds. For buyers, it means more competition, less choice, and even higher prices for already expensive homes.

Is This a Warning or an Opportunity for Vermont Owners?

• 📈 Opportunity: Homeowners could benefit from rising equity and seller leverage as supply contracts.
• 🧱 Challenge: Renovation costs are up, and custom building is becoming unrealistic for many.
• 📉 Risk: Market uncertainty and consumer hesitation could freeze deals, especially in luxury segments.
• ⚠️ Concern: First-time buyers and contractors are bearing the brunt — a blow to long-term affordability.

How Buyers and Sellers Can Adapt in 2025

Despite volatility, real estate remains one of the best-performing investments — and Vermont’s appeal continues to grow. Our advice for navigating the 2025 market:

• ✅ Get pre-approved quickly — and lock in rates and estimates before costs climb further.
• ✅ Work with local builders and contractors who can source regionally.
• ✅ Explore existing home options that don’t require major renovations or imports.
• ✅ For sellers: Act now. Spring is prime season, and limited inventory gives you leverage.

Bottom Line: Tariffs are shaking up the market — but with the right strategy, Vermont homeowners and investors can still come out ahead.

📩 Have questions about pricing, timing, or smart moves in this volatile market? Contact New England Landmark Realty LTD or visit our Ultimate Vermont Buyer’s Guide to stay ahead of the curve.

About the Author

Meet Tony Walton, owner and principal broker at New England Landmark Realty, your expert guide to Vermont's real estate scene. Discover personalized market reports, connect with our superior team of local Agents and Brokers, and access valuable resources for buyers and sellers. Delve into Tony's bio and kickstart your real estate journey today with New England Landmark Realty. Find his team at NELandmark.com or call 802-253-4711 for personalized service and expert guidance.

By New England Landmark Realty | April 2025

With new bipartisan housing bills in Congress and local legislation like Vermont’s H.169 targeting immigration-based housing discrimination, many real estate owners are wondering: Will these measures help or hurt those who rent, buy, or sell property in Vermont?

Federal Housing Bills Could Ease Inventory Pressures

Nationwide legislation like the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act (NHIA) and Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act aim to build affordable homes and improve financing mechanisms. For Vermont, this could mean more housing stock in rural areas, helping ease pressure on both buyers and property owners with rising equity but few comparable homes nearby.

Yet some owners worry about increased government influence or zoning reforms that could limit how properties are developed. For example, the Housing Supply Frameworks Act promotes HUD-backed zoning guidance — which, while boosting flexibility, could clash with traditional land-use values in towns like Stowe or Norwich.

H.169 and the Immigration Question: Equity or Risk?

At the state level, H.169 has generated intense debate. The bill would ban landlords from requiring Social Security numbers and add immigration status to Vermont’s fair housing protections. Proponents argue this levels the playing field for essential workers and immigrants who already power Vermont’s dairy and construction industries.

But Vermont landlords and bankers have raised concerns. Without Social Security verification, some say it’s harder to assess creditworthiness or secure mortgage-backed financing. Others fear unintended consequences, like federal scrutiny or increased liability — though housing advocates dispute these risks.

Impact on Landlords and Sellers

If passed, H.169 could reshape how landlords screen tenants. Larger property management groups may adapt easily using alternate screening tools. But smaller landlords — especially those managing single or duplex rentals — could face a steeper learning curve. Some may even exit the market, reducing rental supply.

On the selling side, real estate owners in areas welcoming new residents could benefit from expanded buyer demand — especially as federal incentives increase access to financing for underserved groups.

Will These Changes Help or Hurt Property Owners?

• ✅ Help: Expanded tax credits may drive new development and long-term equity growth
• ✅ Help: Federal supply-side policies could balance demand in tight markets like Chittenden and Washington Counties
• ⚠️ Hurt: Some local landlords may face new compliance burdens under H.169
• ⚠️ Hurt: Lending institutions may tighten mortgage availability for non-citizen buyers

Bottom Line: Most Vermont property owners could benefit from these bills — but only if they stay informed, work with qualified agents, and adapt to evolving tenant screening and zoning guidelines.

Have questions about how these housing bills could affect your next real estate decision? Connect with a Landmark Realty agent or explore our Ultimate Buyer’s Guide for up-to-date guidance.

About The Author

Meet Tony Walton, owner and principal broker at New England Landmark Realty, your expert guide to Vermont's real estate scene. Discover personalized market reports, connect with our superior team of local Agents and Brokers, and access valuable resources for buyers and sellers. Delve into Tony's bio and kickstart your real estate journey today with New England Landmark Realty. Find his team at NELandmark.com or call 802-253-4711 for personalized service and expert guidance.