Inside Housing Vermont

Jack Russell, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Vermont Realty Group, returns to Inside Housing Vermont to share insights from over 50 years in real estate. From Vermont's housing challenges and the future of AI to his memorable “Russellisms,” Jack offers wisdom that goes far beyond business. The conversation ends on a heartfelt note as he shares a moving experience with the Vermont Air National Guard, highlighting the lasting importance of leadership, relationships, and human connection.

On this episode, Vermont Senator Steven Heffernan joins Inside Housing Vermont to discuss the rising cost of housing and the regulations shaping development across the state. Drawing on his experience as a business owner, excavator, and lifelong Vermonter, Heffernan breaks down how permitting delays, Act 250, wetlands regulations, and rising construction costs are making it increasingly difficult to build. He also shares his perspective on property taxes, workforce shortages, and what needs to change to make Vermont a more affordable place to live and work.

On this episode, former Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger joins Inside Housing Vermont to discuss Vermont’s housing shortage and his work with Let’s Build Homes. He breaks down the barriers slowing housing development, recent policy changes including CHIP and Act 181, and the coalition’s push for simpler, more predictable zoning. Weinberger also shares what Vermont needs to do to increase housing production while preserving the character of its communities.

On this episode, Matt Cota, owner of Meadow Hill, UVM instructor, former South Burlington city councilor, and member of the Vermont Climate Council, joins Inside Housing Vermont to discuss the systems that power Vermont’s homes, vehicles, and economy. The conversation covers heating oil, propane, heat pumps, EV adoption, fuel prices, and how Vermont’s climate and energy policies affect homeowners, businesses, and the state’s transportation network. Matt also shares his perspective on Vermont’s emissions mandates, the challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels, the realities of heating homes through Vermont winters, and how energy policy connects to housing, affordability, and population growth. The episode closes with his thoughts on Vermont’s primary system, political representation, and campaign spending.

On this episode, Vermont State Senator and UVM Grossman School of Business instructor Tom Chittenden joins Inside Housing Vermont to discuss what he sees as the biggest barriers to housing and affordability across the state. He talks Act 250 and permitting reform, property taxes, TIF and CHIP financing, education spending, and the need for growth beyond Chittenden County. Chittenden also shares his perspective on “accessible housing,” expanding Vermont’s commercial tax base, and making it easier to build and live in Vermont.

On this episode, Jenifer Hoffman, broker-owner of Hoffman Real Estate and President of the Vermont Association of Realtors, joins Inside Housing Vermont to discuss her path from launching a brokerage during COVID to leading at the state and national level. She and Renick talk Realtor safety, SentriLock and Forewarn, mentorship, industry wellness, and the challenges facing Vermont housing, from affordability and workforce shortages to the need for more housing and skilled trades.

Content Note: This episode includes discussion of mental health, suicide, personal safety, criminal history, scams, and other potentially sensitive topics.

On this episode, former Vermont Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray joins Inside Housing Vermont to discuss her return to public service and what she believes Vermont needs to become more affordable and accessible. From zoning reform and infrastructure investment to growing the trades workforce, housing mobility, and rising healthcare costs, Gray outlines her approach to addressing the pressures facing Vermonters and creating more opportunities for people to live, work, and build a future here.

On this episode, Vermont Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers joins Inside Housing Vermont to discuss what needs to change to make housing more attainable across the state. From permitting and land use regulations to rising construction costs, property taxes, and the shortage of skilled tradespeople, Rodgers shares his views on the barriers facing Vermont and what it will take to create more opportunities for people to live, work, and build a future here.

On this episode, Brian Vaughan, Co-Manager of the Vaughan/McHenry Team at Fairway Home Mortgage, breaks down what today's homebuyers need to know before purchasing a home. From navigating the mortgage process and understanding affordability to exploring loan programs, down payment options, and practical strategies for today's market, Brian shares valuable insights to help buyers make informed decisions with confidence.

On this episode, Megan Sullivan, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, discusses her career in public policy and economic development before diving into Vermont's housing crisis, permitting reform, workforce challenges, and the policy changes needed to strengthen the state's economy.

On this episode of Inside Housing Vermont, Lisa Meyer, Principal Broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Vermont Realty Group, discusses what it really takes to build a successful real estate career. From supporting agents through every step of the transaction to sharing insights on entrepreneurship, client relationships, and navigating today's market, Lisa offers an inside look at the knowledge, responsibility, and professionalism behind Vermont real estate.

Kyle Tetzlaff, CEO of the Vermont Association of Realtors, shares his vision for the future of VAR, the organization's role in advocating for homeowners and real estate professionals, and the legislative issues shaping Vermont's housing market. From affordability and property rights to ethics, member resources, and what's ahead for the industry, Kyle offers an inside look at the work happening behind the scenes to support Vermont real estate.

On this episode of the Inside Housing Podcast, mortgage lender Krystal LaRose discusses today's lending landscape, including loan programs, down payment assistance, pre-approvals, and financing options for unique Vermont properties. She also explains how buyers can navigate interest rates, strengthen their purchasing power, and avoid common pitfalls while preparing for homeownership. //Krystal LaRose Envoy Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS: 1401742

Home inspector Jeff Belrose shares what buyers and sellers should really know about home inspections, from hidden safety issues and common maintenance problems to the realities of Vermont’s aging housing stock. He also reflects on the COVID market, waived inspections, and why transparency and proper home maintenance matter more than ever.

On this episode of Inside Housing Podcast, Julie Marks, founder and executive director of the Vermont Short-Term Rental Alliance, breaks down the realities of short-term rentals in Vermont, from housing policy and tourism to property rights and local economies. She shares how VTSRA advocates for responsible hosting, owner education, and smarter regulations while addressing common misconceptions around platforms like Airbnb and the role short-term rentals play in Vermont communities.

On this Inside Housing Podcast episode, Stacy Andre shares how Vermont’s Mobile Home Infill Program is helping create faster, more affordable housing opportunities across the state. She also discusses the challenges of permitting, lessons learned from the program’s rollout, and new efforts to streamline housing development in Vermont.

On the Inside Housing Podcast, Kevin Chu, executive director of the Vermont Futures Project, discusses Vermont’s workforce and housing challenges driven by aging demographics, low graduate retention, and housing underproduction. He outlines data-driven solutions including growing the population, increasing housing supply, accelerating permitting, and advancing broader economic reforms to improve affordability and long-term competitiveness.

On the Inside Housing Podcast, managing broker Sean Dye, based in Vergennes, discusses his transition from decades as a fine artist and UVM painting instructor to Vermont real estate starting in 2015, later becoming a broker in 2020. He shares buyer-side guidance through a range of unusual situations, from inspection surprises and last-minute deal issues to challenging property conditions, while also touching on affordability and the realities of today’s market.

On the Inside Housing Podcast, Montpelier-area agent Lori Holt shares her journey from starting as a Saturday secretary to building a decades-long career in real estate, offering insight into how the industry has evolved over time. On this episode, she reflects on launching her career in 1985 during high interest rates and sustaining success through relationships, referrals, and smart investments, while highlighting the shift from paper-based transactions to today’s fast-paced, digital market, and explaining today’s competitive seller’s market in the Montpelier area along with key considerations in condominium ownership.

On this episode of the Inside Housing Podcast, Jack Russell reflects on his journey from education into real estate, crediting mentorship, community ties, and a willingness to take risks as key to his success. He also discusses the value of homeownership, challenges facing today’s housing market, and why strong relationships and real-world experience remain essential in an increasingly tech-driven industry.