Vermont Real Estate Buyer's Guide

Buying Real Estate in Vermont

Welcome to the beautiful state of Vermont! If you're considering purchasing a home in the Green Mountain State, you've come to the right place. At Brian French Real Estate, we will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when it comes to buying a home in Vermont. From understanding the local real estate market to navigating the home buying process, we will guide you through the entire process. 

Why Vermont?

Vermont is known for its picturesque landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and strong sense of community. With its vibrant small towns, excellent schools, and welcoming atmosphere, it's no wonder that so many people are drawn to this charming New England state. Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin in the woods or a spacious family home in a bustling town, Vermont has something to offer everyone.

Understanding the Vermont Real Estate Market

At Brian French Real Estate we know that searching for a home can be significant and often stressful time. However, we have the resources, tools, and decades of experience to make this transition as smooth as possible. Before you start searching for your dream home, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the local real estate market. Here are some key factors to consider:

Housing Inventory: Like many parts of the country, Vermont has experienced a tight housing market in recent years. With low inventory and high demand, it's crucial to be prepared to act quickly when you find a home you love. Keep an eye on new listings and be ready to schedule showings as soon as possible.

Home Prices: The median home price in Vermont is around $414,000. However, prices can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, property size, and age. We can assist you in researching the areas you're interested in to get a better idea of what to expect in terms of pricing.

Closing Costs: When budgeting for your home purchase, don't forget to factor in closing costs. These typically include things like appraisal fees, title insurance, and attorney fees and can range from 2-5% of the purchase price.

Seasonal Trends: The Vermont real estate market tends to be busiest during the spring and summer months, with activity slowing down in the fall and winter. Keep this in mind when planning your home search, as you may find more options and potentially better deals during the off-peak season.

Finding Your Perfect Vermont Home

Now that you have a better understanding of the Vermont real estate market, it's time to start searching for your perfect home. Here are some tips to help make the process as smooth as possible:

Determine Your Needs and Wants: Before you start browsing listings, take some time to consider what you're looking for in a home. Make a list of your must-haves, such as the number of bedrooms, desired location, and any specific features like a fireplace or large yard. It's also helpful to have a list of "nice-to-haves" that you'd be willing to compromise on if necessary.

Get Preapproved for a Mortgage: Obtaining preapproval for a mortgage is an essential step in the home buying process. Not only does it give you a clear understanding of how much you can afford, but it also shows sellers that you're a serious buyer. Be sure to shop around for the best mortgage rates and terms, as this can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. We have several lenders in our local area that we can connect you with to get the process started. 

Why having a Buyer's Agent is important:  Vermont law allows for different types of brokerage services to be provided to Buyers and Sellers by Realtors. You have the right to decide whether you want to be represented in a real estate transaction as a Buyer's Agent of a Realtor or to be an unrepresented Customer.  As a Buyer's Agent, Brian French Real Estate will promote your best interest, negotiate the best price and terms on your behalf, maintain confidentiality of client information, and guide you through every detail of the purchase. Buying a home can be complex and tedious with all the paperwork, contracts, and negotiations involved. As your Buyer's Agent, we will manage all those items and more to make it stress free and give you a piece of mind during the home buying process.

Begin Your Search: Sign up for our Listing Alert Service to start receiving listings right away. 

Making an offer and the closing process.

You've found the perfect Vermont home, and now it's time to make an offer. Here are some steps to help ensure a successful transaction:

Submit a Competitive Offer: Our real estate agents will help you determine an appropriate offer based on recent comparable sales and the current market conditions. Be prepared for potential counteroffers and negotiations, and don't be afraid to walk away if the terms don't align with your needs and budget.

Schedule Inspections and Appraisals: Once your offer is accepted, you may have included in your offer certain contingencies that we will be assisting you with on a daily basis. Our Closing Department has state-of-the systems to keep your transaction on track, assist with all the tedious tasks involved with the buying process. This includes, coordinating your property inspection, coordinating all contingency deadlines, and coordinating communications between the listing agent, attorney and your lender. You receive a hands-on approach all the way to closing when you work with Brian French Real Estate. 

Begin your Chittenden County, VT real estate search by viewing our recommended search categories. You can also use our advanced search tool to create custom searches.