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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. Choosing the right Agent to ensure your success should be the first step. It’s not just about finding a property — it’s about understanding the process, making informed decisions, and moving forward with confidence.

Your Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Agent will guide you from financing to closing. With the right preparation and guidance, the process becomes manageable and far less overwhelming.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect

1. Getting Ready

Start with financing and clarity around your goals. This includes connecting with a local lender, reviewing your budget, and identifying your priorities.

2. Understand Market Conditions

Real estate is hyper local and market conditions can vary by town, price range, property type, seasonality, and more. We’ll prepare you to make an informed decision based on current market conditions

2. Searching & Evaluating

Real estate is hyper local and market conditions can vary by town, price range, property type, seasonality, and more. We’ll prepare you to make an informed decision based on current market conditions

3. Making an Offer

When the right home appears, strategy matters. Price, contingencies, and timing all influence success. Our Agents have proven strategies and expertise to help you craft a strong offer.

4. Under Contract

Once your offer is accepted, the our 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 — it’s the most rewarding 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 a local lender 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-Buying-Checklist

Define what matters most before you begin your search. This checklist can 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. Your Agent will guide you through each step in this critical process:

  • Inspections 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.

JacobsShe

Sheila Jacobs
Murray ClasenThe

Theresa Murray-Clasen
MartiAim

Aimee Marti
PuretzSar

Sara Puretz
JohnstonMic

Michael Johnston
CascoMar

Margo Casco
HanleyDeb

Debby Hanley
PolyakovaRos

Rose Polyakova
DesanyNan

Nancy Desany
MorseHea

Heather Morse
BellAma

Amanda Bell

Stacey Lax
View All Agents

Helpful Tools & Insights for Buyers

Our 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

Download the Vermont Home Buyer's Guide

Our comprehensive guide walks you through the Vermont home buying process—from preparing your finances and searching for homes to making an offer and closing on your new property. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, you’ll gain valuable insights to help make your next move a successful one.

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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 07/16/2026.

© 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.

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