Buying or selling a home is one of the most important financial and emotional decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you're preparing to sell your home in Burlington or searching for a house in Barre, having the right real estate agent by your side makes all the difference.

In Vermont’s competitive, often complex housing market, you need more than just a license holder — you need a knowledgeable local expert who listens to your needs, offers honest advice, and works in your best interest from start to finish.

So how do you choose the right real estate agent in Vermont? Follow these key steps to ensure you find a trustworthy partner who can guide you confidently through the process.

1. Understand Your Needs and Goals

Before reaching out to agents, take a moment to define what you need. Are you selling a home and trying to maximize your equity? Buying for the first time and need extra guidance? Searching for investment properties or land?

Your goals should guide the type of agent you choose. For example, if you're buying a home in a rural area like Addison or the Northeast Kingdom, you’ll want an agent who understands private wells, septic systems, and long driveways. If you're selling in South Burlington or Essex, you need someone with hyper-local pricing knowledge and a strong marketing plan.

2. Ask for Local Experience

Real estate is local — and Vermont is no exception. Markets in Burlington, Montpelier, St. Albans, and Brattleboro each behave differently depending on demand, inventory, and price point.

Look for agents who specialize in your target area. Ask questions like:

How many homes have you sold in this town or neighborhood recently?

What are typical days on market in this area?

What do buyers in this area value most?

Local experience helps with pricing, negotiation, understanding town regulations, and even knowing which inspectors or attorneys to recommend.

3. Check Credentials and Licensing

All Vermont real estate agents must be licensed through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation. You can verify an agent’s license online and see if any disciplinary actions have been taken.

Beyond basic licensing, you can also look for specialized designations such as:

ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative)

SRS (Seller Representative Specialist)

CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)

While not required, these designations show a commitment to continuing education and professional development.

4. Interview More Than One Agent

Don’t feel pressured to hire the first agent you talk to. It’s smart to interview at least two or three agents so you can compare styles, experience, and communication.

During the interview, ask questions like:

How do you plan to market my home (for sellers)?

How will you help me compete in a tight market (for buyers)?

How do you communicate with clients — text, phone, email?

What’s your availability for showings or walkthroughs?

The right agent will make you feel informed, supported, and respected — not rushed or confused.

5. Review Their Marketing or Search Strategy

If you're selling, ask the agent to walk you through how they’ll market your home. This should include professional photography, online exposure, listing on the MLS and third-party sites like Zillow, and possibly social media promotion.

At Flex Realty, we provide full-service marketing while offering lower commission options to help sellers keep more equity — and we’re transparent about how we’ll get your home in front of the right buyers.

If you’re buying, your agent should have a system to alert you about new listings, set up showings quickly, and help you write competitive offers — especially in fast-paced Vermont markets like Chittenden and Washington counties.

6. Ask for References and Read Reviews

One of the best ways to gauge an agent’s success is by hearing from past clients. Ask for references or read online reviews to get a feel for how the agent works, how they handle challenges, and how satisfied their clients were with the outcome.

Look for consistent themes in reviews — whether that’s strong communication, negotiation skills, or deep local knowledge. A great agent will have a track record they’re proud to share.

7. Understand Their Commission Structure

Before signing anything, make sure you understand how your agent will be compensated. In most Vermont transactions, the seller pays the real estate commission, which is then split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent.

However, commission rates vary, and they’re negotiable. At Flex Realty, we offer low-commission listing options while still delivering the full-service experience Vermont sellers expect. We believe in helping our clients keep more of their equity — without cutting corners.

Make sure you're clear on all costs upfront, and don’t hesitate to ask for a breakdown of what services are included.

8. Trust Your Gut

Finally, trust your instincts. You’re hiring someone to help you make one of the biggest decisions of your life. If you feel pressured, dismissed, or unsure during early conversations, that’s a red flag.

The right real estate agent will listen to your concerns, explain your options clearly, and empower you to make informed decisions at every step.

Work with a Team That Puts You First

At Flex Realty, we understand that buying or selling a home in Vermont isn’t just a transaction — it’s a personal journey. That’s why we take the time to understand your goals, offer honest advice, and work tirelessly to protect your interests.

Whether you're ready to list your home in Burlington or searching for your dream property in central Vermont, we’re here to guide you with confidence — and help you move forward with clarity.