Filters
Filters

The Home Buying Process in Vermont

A clear path from your first showing to closing day — with guidance at every step.

Clarity at every step — from your first search to closing day

Buying a home is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make. It’s not just about finding the right property — it’s about understanding the process, making informed decisions, and moving forward with confidence.

From financing to closing, each step builds on the next. With the right preparation and guidance, the process becomes manageable and far less overwhelming.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect

1. Getting Ready

Begin by understanding your budget and securing pre-approval. This step sets the foundation for everything that follows.

2. Searching & Evaluating

Tour homes, compare locations, and refine your priorities as you learn what matters most.

3. Making an Offer

When the right home appears, strategy matters. Price, contingencies, and timing all influence success.

4. Under Contract

Once your offer is accepted, the focus shifts to completing inspections, satisfying contingencies, and finalizing financing. This includes property inspections, appraisal, and working with your lender to reach clear to close. Staying organized and responsive during this phase is critical to keeping your purchase on track.

5. Closing & Moving

Final walkthrough, signing documents, and receiving your keys — the final step in the process.

Start with Financing & Pre-Approval

Before searching, it’s important to understand what you can afford. A local lender can help you explore loan options and prepare a pre-approval letter — an essential step in today’s market. Working with a local lender also provides insight into Vermont-specific programs, timelines, and market conditions, helping ensure a smoother and more reliable transaction.

Why it matters:

  • Strengthens your offer
  • Speeds up the buying process
  • Helps you act quickly when the right home appears
Get Pre-Approved.

Homebuyer Search Checklist

Home-Buyer-Checklist

Define what matters most before you begin your search. This worksheet helps you identify your must-haves, preferred locations, and key features — from layout and bedrooms to lifestyle and community priorities — so your search stays focused from the start.

Download the Checklist

What Happens After Your Offer Is Accepted

This is where the process becomes more detailed and time-sensitive.

  • nspections are completed and reviewed
  • The appraisal is scheduled by your lender
  • Financing moves toward final approval
  • Deadlines and contingencies must be satisfied

Reaching “clear to close” means your financing is fully approved and you’re ready to move forward with closing.

 

What Today’s Buyers Experience

Most buyers spend several weeks searching, comparing options, and narrowing their choices before making a decision. Understanding this process helps you stay prepared, move confidently, and recognize the right opportunity when it appears. According to the NAR Homebuyers & Seller Report

10 Weeks

Average
Search Time

7 Homes

Average Viewed
Before Purchase

20 Miles

Average
Distanced Moved

Start Your Home Buying Journey

Meet our agents

Connect with agents who understand Vermont’s neighborhoods, market conditions, and what it takes to find you the perfect home.

Nancy Desany

Meg Handler

Debby Hanley

Sandi Kenyon

Jessie Cook

Jenna Pugliese

Lynn Locher

Katie Wade

Brian Boardman

Edie Brodsky

Jill Vespa

Amanda Bell
View All Agents

Helpful Tools & Insights for Buyers

Looking for guidance as you prepare your home to sell? These resources can help you take the next step! Click on a resource to learn more about a topic or contact us for additional support.

View All Resources

Let's Get starteD

Tell us a bit about what you’re looking for, and a member of our team will be in touch to help you take the next step.

Name(Required)
(802) 863-1500
Facebook Instagram Youtube Linkedin

Greater Burlington

346 Shelburne Rd.,
Burlington, VT

Montpelier Area

2641 US-2,
East Montpelier, VT

Addison County

268 Main Street,
Vergennes, VT

Franklin County

120 N. Main Street,
St Albans City, VT

Mad River Valley

4366 Main Street, Suite 4,
Waitsfield, VT

Copyright 2026 PrimeMLS, Inc. All rights reserved. This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate displayed on this site comes in part from the IDX Program of PrimeMLS. The information being provided is for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated 04/12/2026.

© 2026 Hickok & Boardman, Inc. All rights reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Hickok & Boardman, Inc fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affliated with or related to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.

Compare Properties

Compare
You can only compare 4 properties, any new property added will replace the first one from the comparison.