Vermont’s agriculture sector is a major contributor to the state’s economy. Manufacturing is also a significant source of income among its residents. But existing employment numbers aren’t increasing as the state is facing the burden of an ageing population and contracting enterprises.

The state’s housing market is also on the brink of stalling but not as severe compared to other states in the northeastern part of the country. Statewide housing values have increased in 2007 but the following year saw the impacts of the recession as the market slowly contracted. This is a national epidemic that has gone to the local market. However, Vermont’s property market is not marred by adjustable rate mortgages that were granted to more than a million borrowers in the country.

Burlington’s home supply is outpacing the current demand. There’s a worse outlook among buyers and investors alike. With a sluggish home sales trend, RealtyOutlook.com expects home prices to drop by only 1 percent. This is a minimal depreciation that is comparatively better than the drastic downfall in other cities. During winter, home sales are on a slow pace unlike in the summer when buyers can actively seek out vacancies in the area.

Hartford’s property market is mainly driven by buyers from New Hampshire who want to invest in second homes. Other residents work in the town’s educational and medical institutions like Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Dartmouth College, Franklin Pierce College and Granite State College.

The town’s credit market remains under pressure due to lack of mortgage applicants that can spur housing activity. It’s a different scenario two years ago when buyers flocked the area in Windsor County. RealtyOutlook.com predicts home values to fall by 1.5 percent.

In Waterbury, tourism propels the local economy to higher revenues. Visitors are commonly found in the Cold Hollow Cider Mill and the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory. High property taxes are discouraging most people to move in this town of Washington County. It used to be a market for investment and second homes but the recession has curtailed the progress of the market. Expect home prices to fall by 1.5 percent this year.