Buying a Home in Vermont
Dreaming about buying a home in Vermont? Your own cozy cottage could be waiting for you in the Green Mountain State. Here’s what you need to know:
Where in the tiny state will you find your home? Vermont is well known for its bed and breakfasts, but has a stable year round population of a little over 600,000 persons, of which roughly one in seven live in the state’s five largest (although still small) cities:
- Burlington
- South Burlington
- Rutland
- Essex Junction
- Montpelier
How much home will you be able to afford in bucolic New England? Vermont ranks 22nd in US homes for sale at average price, and 40th for homes over $1,000,000. Getting preapproved can help you accurately review your budget before start attending open houses.
First-time Homebuyers
If you are a first-time home buyer, you may be able to qualify for assistance through a program administered by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency’s (VHFA).
The MOVE program offers the organization’s lowest interest rates, can have a low down payment requirement, and may be combined with down payment assistance as well as a $825 credit on the Vermont transfer tax.
Down payment and closing costs assistance are offered of up to $5,000 in the form of an interest-free loan, forgivable after five years if you live in the home the full time.
Borrower requirements are fairly strict, and include the following:
- 640 to 680 minimum credit score, depending on loan
- Maximum 45%-50%t debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, depending on loan
- Completion of a pre-closing education course and counseling
- Compliance with VHFA income limits
- Must meet VHFA purchase price limits
Refinancing in Vermont
If you need to refinance a home in Vermont to take advantage of favorable Vermont mortgage rates, you can do any of the following:
- Adjust your mortgage for a lower interest rate
- Adjust your loan term for a lower payment
- Access your home’s value as a cash-out equity refinance
- Eliminate payments for unnecessary private mortgage insurance (PMI)
A streamlined refinance may be in the cards assuming you have a certain type of loan. Ask your lender for more information.