How to buy a home in Vermont

Vermont is a place where people come to start a future, whether you're a first-time buyer, relocating to Vermont for your career, or starting fresh in a new state. With the beautiful Green Mountain peaks and the energetic streets of Burlington, it’s clear why so many people find a sense of home here. 

While Vermont’s housing market can be competitive, it doesn’t have to stand in your way. With some preparation and guidance, you can move forward with confidence. This guide walks you through buying a home in the state, what’s possible, and how to navigate Vermont’s housing landscape. 

Vermont’s housing market at a glance

Vermont's housing market can feel competitive, with limited inventory. Here’s a view of the housing market, as of November 2025:

Understanding the housing market in Vermont

Vermont’s real estate market is shaped by rising home prices, limited inventory, and moderate buyer demand. Here’s a look at what’s driving these trends and what they mean for you.

The median home price is $436,100

As of November 2025, the state’s median home price sits at $436,100, about 1% higher than the national median of $433,275. While prices have increased slightly year over year, they are influenced due to the following factors:

• Location: Prices are highest in larger cities like Burlington, while smaller towns such as Winooski or Jericho generally offer more affordable options.
• Type of home: Single-family homes, townhomes, and condos vary widely in price depending on size, age, condition, and amenities.
• Fair market value: Appraised and assessed values affect pricing, with properties in popular neighborhoods or with sought-after features often carrying a premium. 

Even with a growing number of homes for sale, home affordability can still be a challenge, particularly in popular metropolitan areas. To gain a clear sense of what you can afford in your ideal neighborhood, use a home affordability calculator from Rocket Mortgage®.

Market trends and inventory

Vermont’s high quality of life, year-round outdoor recreation, and eco-conscious nature draw new residents, increasing housing demand. Newport, Morristown, and Morrisville are all cities experiencing notable growth. Redfin reported that 20.2% of homes in the state are selling above list price.

There’s good news for buyers: Vermont’s housing inventory has risen 11.2% year over year, higher than the national increase of 4.7%. This growth offers buyers breathing room from  intense competition. The state’s also working to expand housing options through investments in affordable housing and legislative reform.

Given the many factors shaping the market, guidance of a knowledgeable real estate agent can help you navigate Vermont’s housing landscape.

Spring and summer are peak shopping seasons

In Vermont, spring and summer are the best times of year to buy a home. This is when inventory generally rises, as well as competition, specifically in April through July when prices peak and competition is high. Homes can move quickly during this time, so being prepared can give you a major advantage.

Shopping for houses in fall or winter can offer a different experience. While there are usually fewer homes for sale, you’ll often benefit from less competition, stronger negotiating power, and a calmer home buying experience.

How to buy a home in Vermont: Step-by-step

To navigate the home buying journey, a clear plan is important. These are the steps to buying a home in Vermont.

1. Check your credit and set a budget

The journey to homeownership begins with a clear view of your finances. Start by using a mortgage calculator to estimate your price range and monthly payment. A strong credit score plays an important role in determining mortgage eligibility and better interest rates. Lenders will also consider factors like your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, employment history, and available assets.

If you’re buying for your first home, budget for key first-time home buyer expenses including your down payment, closing costs, inspection fees, and property taxes.

2. Decide on the type of financing you want

Before starting your home search, it’s helpful to understand your mortgage options available in Vermont. You’ll have a number of mortgage types to choose from, each with its own eligibility requirements, down payment minimums, and benefits:

3. Apply for preapproval

In Vermont’s competitive housing market, getting mortgage preapproval early gives you a great advantage. Preapproval estimates how much you can borrow and your potential 30-year mortgage rate, while signaling to sellers that you’re qualified and serious. With a defined price range, you’ll have clear direction for your home search.

4. Hire an experienced Vermont real estate agent

Working with an experienced real estate agent can make a meaningful difference when buying a home in Vermont. They can help you understand the local market, simplify the buying process, and offer insights on property values, regulations, trends, property rights. Redfin is one resource for finding an agent.

It’s notable that Vermont doesn’t allow dual agency, meaning one agent cannot represent both the buyer and seller. This ensures your agent is fully focused on your interests throughout the transaction.

5. Start house hunting

With your finances in place, you’re ready to start exploring homes. Work with your real estate agent to explore Vermont cities and towns that align with your priorities, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Browse the latest listings on sites like Redfin or the MLS to find available homes.

Attend open houses, both in person and virtually, to get a better feel for the home and neighborhood.

As you search, consider these factors:

• Education and job opportunities
• Recreation and amenities such as outdoor activities, shopping, and dining
• Transportation options, including public transit and major highways
• Homeowners association fees if applicable
• Property taxes

6. Make an offer and negotiate

After finding the right home, the next step is submitting an offer. In Vermont, buyers typically submit a formal purchase and sale agreement outlining an offer amount, earnest money, contingencies, and a proposed closing schedule.

Vermont is a full-disclosure state, meaning sellers are required to share known material details about the property. Buyers and sellers in Vermont are not required to hire a real estate attorney, so your agent will handle most of the process.

To protect your interests, many buyers include contingencies in their offer. For instance, an appraisal contingency helps ensure the home’s appraised value supports the agreed-upon purchase price before the transaction moves forward.

7. Close on your Vermont home

Closing marks the final step in the home buying process. During this time, you’ll finalize your mortgage, secure homeowners insurance, complete a title search, and pay closing costs. In Vermont, these costs typically fall between 2% to 5% of the purchase price. These could include loan origination fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, escrow fees, recording fees, and prepaid expenses like property taxes and homeowners insurance.

Once everything is signed and funded, you’ll receive your keys and officially become a  homeowner in Vermont.

FAQs about buying a home in Vermont

These are some of the most common questions people ask when buying a home in Vermont.

How much do I need to buy a house in Vermont?

The amount you need to buy a home in Vermont varies depending on your city, budget, down payment, and mortgage type. Using tools like the Rocket Mortgage® affordability calculator can give you a clear estimate.

What credit score is needed to buy a house in Vermont?

You generally need a credit score of 620 or higher for a conventional loan in Vermont. FHA and other programs could allow lower scores, but often require higher rates or larger down payments.

Do I need a real estate agent to buy a home in Vermont?

While hiring a real estate agent isn’t required to buy a home in Vermont, it is still highly recommended. An agent can help you navigate the local market, handle paperwork, and help you negotiate the best deal.

How long does it take to close on a house in Vermont?

It usually takes about 30 to 60 days once your offer is accepted. This can vary, however, based on loan type and housing market conditions.

Are there any Vermont specific factors that could affect the home buying process?

Several local factors can influence your home purchase in Vermont. The state’s mix of small towns, rural areas, and mid-sized cities means property values can vary significantly depending on location. Mountainous terrain and snowy winters may also impact insurance requirements, home maintenance, and property inspections.

Additionally, local property taxes, HOA fees, and town-specific zoning or historic preservation regulations can affect your overall budget and buying timeline.

The bottom line: There’s a home for in Vermont waiting for you

While home prices can be competitive and the market moves quickly, being prepared financially  and working with a knowledgeable real estate agent are essential when buying a home in Vermont. Between the year-round outdoor activities and breathtaking views, Vermont provides residents a lifestyle that’s hard to match.

If you’re ready for your next chapter in The Green Mountain State, speak with a Rocket Mortgage^® Home Loan Expert to find the right financing for you.

Rocket Mortgage is a VA-approved lender, not endorsed or sponsored by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs or any government agency.

Rocket Mortgage is not acting on behalf of FHA or HUD.

The 3% down payment option is only available on certain conventional loan products and is not available in all states. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide financial, investment, or tax advice. You should consult a qualified financial or tax professional before making decisions regarding your retirement funds or mortgage.