Buying a Home in Northern Vermont

A straightforward guide to buying with clarity and confidence.

What to Expect in the Northern Vermont Market

Northern Vermont is a small market with its own rhythm. Inventory can feel tight at times, and good homes tend to move quickly, especially in and around Chittenden County and the larger employment centers. That doesn’t mean you have to rush. It means we work with realistic expectations about price, timing, and what “good value” looks like in this area.

We’ll talk honestly about what your budget can do in different towns, what tradeoffs are worth making, and when it’s smart to wait for a better fit.

Defining the Right Home for You

“Perfect” is a moving target. “Right for your life now and for the next few years” is more practical. We start with the basics:

  • Commute and access to work or school
  • Town character and services (rural, village, or more suburban)
  • Space needs now and potential changes over the next few years
  • Comfort level with older homes, wells, septic, and Vermont winters

Once we narrow your priorities, we focus on the homes and towns that genuinely fit, instead of chasing every listing that hits the MLS feed.

Getting Pre-Approved Without the Drama

A solid pre-approval is the foundation for everything else we do. I’ll connect you with local lenders who understand Vermont properties and can explain your options clearly—loan types, closing costs, and how taxes and insurance affect your payment.

The goal is simple: you know your comfort zone before we write an offer, and sellers see you as a serious, prepared buyer.

Touring Homes with a Vermont Lens

When we walk through homes together, we pay attention to a few Vermont-specific details:

  • Basements: drainage, moisture, foundation, insulation
  • Heating systems: age, fuel type, and likely remaining life
  • Roof and siding: how they’ve held up through winter cycles
  • Well and septic (where applicable): age, capacity, and records

While you’re deciding whether the house feels like home, I’m watching the systems, layout, and potential concerns so you’re not surprised later.

Writing an Offer Sellers Take Seriously

A strong offer is about more than price. It’s about terms, timing, and clarity. I’ll help you:

  • Choose a price that makes sense in the current market
  • Set realistic timelines for inspections, financing, and closing
  • Decide which contingencies you truly need to protect yourself
  • Communicate your position clearly so the seller understands you

My job is to explain your options, lay out the tradeoffs, and support the decision that aligns with your comfort level—not push you into something that doesn’t feel right.

Inspections, Appraisal, and Next Steps

Once you’re under contract, we move into due diligence. I’ll help you schedule inspections, understand the reports, and decide what’s truly important to address.

If issues come up, we’ll look at your options—repair requests, credits, or, if necessary, walking away. You won’t be left guessing what’s “normal” and what’s a red flag.

Closing and the Week Before You Move In

As we approach closing, I coordinate with your lender, the attorney or title company, and the other agent so everyone stays on track. You’ll know:

  • What to bring to closing
  • When utilities should be switched into your name
  • How the final walkthrough works and what to look for

When you get the keys, you should feel like you understand every step that got you there.

Ready to Talk About Buying?

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving within Vermont, I’m here to walk you through the process at a pace that fits you. No pressure, no rush—just clear information and straightforward advice.

Call, text, or email to start with a simple conversation about what you’re hoping for and what the next step should be.