Choosing the best Realtor in Vermont isn’t about who pays the most for advertising, whose trending on socials, who sells the most homes, or even who’s been in the business the longest. It’s about finding the person who’s the best fit for you—someone whose expertise, communication style, and values align with your needs.
This is a big decision—because the right Realtor won’t just help you buy or sell a property, they can influence how confident, informed, and empowered you feel throughout the process.
So, how do you choose? Let’s break it down.
Start with Trusted Recommendations
Ask friends and family for referrals. Real estate is all about relationships! Personal recommendations can help you identify agents who’ve already had success with people in your circle, often with similar needs and goals.
Go beyond your day to day contacts—post in local Facebook and community groups like Moving to Vermont, Parents and Caregivers of Burlington and Beyond or local Reddit threads. You’ll get a variety of perspectives and may hear stories that highlight an agent’s strengths or their challenges.
Read Reviews—But Read Between the Lines
Google reviews can be gold when you know what to look for. Scan for keywords and phrases that reflect your own priorities—whether that’s “communicative,” “patient,” “negotiation skills,” or “market expertise.”
Remember: you’re not just looking for the most 5-star ratings (although that’s a good sign!) you’re looking for patterns that show how an agent consistently serves clients in ways that matter to YOU!!
Dig Deeper with Online Research
Beyond Google, explore:
- Testimonials on their website – These often give more detail about a client’s experience.
- YouTube channel or social media – See how they educate, communicate, and engage with their audience.
- Community involvement – Are they active locally, supporting events or causes?
- Professional relationships – Do they have connections to trusted inspectors, lenders, and contractors you might need during your transaction?
- Peer relationships – How well-connected are they with other agents, which can help with negotiations or off-market opportunities?
Match Their Expertise to Your Needs
Different real estate experiences require different skill sets.
- First-time buyer? You may want someone who’s an educator at heart and can walk you through every step.
- Buying or selling a lakefront property? Look for a Realtor experienced with shoreline regulations, water quality, and waterfront valuations.
- Investing? Find someone with a track record in rental income analysis, zoning rules, and cap rate calculations.
An agent can be amazing in one niche but less effective in another—so make sure their strengths match your goals.
Understand Their Process and Tools
The best Realtor for you will have a clear, organized process to guide you through buying or selling. Ask:
- How will they communicate updates and deadlines?
- Do they have checklists, timelines, or educational resources?
- Can they provide tools or platforms for you to track your transaction?
I personally offer a Buyer Knowledge Hub, which includes videos and written guides on everything from pre-approval to closing. A resource like this helps you feel informed and prepared, not left guessing.
Find Someone Active in Your Market
Vermont real estate varies dramatically from one area to another. The “best” Realtor for you should actively serve the market you’re in (or moving to) and have up-to-date knowledge about pricing trends, inventory, and buyer behavior there. Pro tip! You can find agents service map fairly easily on their Zillow profile. It will show homes they’ve sold over the last 5 years. You can quickly identify their hot zones!
Connections matter, too. Agents with strong relationships among other local Realtors can often open doors—literally and figuratively—that others can’t. This kind of network can make or break a transaction.
Ask the Right Questions
Don’t be afraid to interview a few agents before making your choice.
Some important questions to ask?
- What’s your process for helping me see the right homes?
- How do you ensure my time and energy are respected?
This is a partnership. You want to feel in sync with your Realtor’s style, pace, and approach.
For more, check out my videos: THESE might be called something else and you’ll need to add links….
Look for a Partner, Not Just a Professional
The right agent will keep you feeling informed, empowered, and confident—not overwhelmed or in the dark. They’ll respect your goals, your timeline, and your comfort level, while offering honest guidance to help you make the best decisions.
One of my clients, Edie, once said, “I feel like I’ve won the lottery.” That’s the kind of feeling you deserve in your real estate journey.
Work With a Licensed REALTOR® — Not Just a Licensee
Not every real estate agent is a REALTOR®.
A REALTOR® is a licensed agent who is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, which means they commit to following a strict Code of Ethics and professional standards that go beyond Vermont’s basic licensing requirements.
When you work with a REALTOR®, you get:
- Accountability: A duty to act in your best interest, always.
- Higher ethical standards: Honesty, fairness, and full disclosure.
- Access to resources: Networking, tools, and market data that can benefit your transaction.
Choosing someone with the REALTOR® trademark is about peace of mind—you know they’re backed by both training and a professional code that puts you first.
Ready to Find Your Match?
Choosing the best Realtor in Vermont is about more than credentials—it’s about connection, competence, and care.
If you’d like to talk through your goals and see if we’re a good fit, let’s set up a conversation. In the meantime, you can watch my video, How to Choose an Agent in Vermont, for more insights.
