What to Do When You’re Not Sure What to Do Next
A Vermont Real Estate Buyer’s Guide
So… you started browsing homes, maybe toured a few, swapped a couple emails with a Realtor (maybe even me), and then? Life happened. Your inbox got full. Rates went up. Mud season arrived. And now you’re not sure where you stand.
First of all: that’s normal.
If I had a maple cone for every time someone paused their home search for a season—or a year—I’d be running a creemee stand instead of a brokerage.
But if you’re still quietly thinking about making a move, here are a few honest thoughts on how to regroup and figure out what’s next:
Revisit Your “Why”
What first sparked the idea to move? More space? Less yard? Closer to the lake, farther from traffic, better school district, woodstove dreams?
Reconnecting with your why can help cut through the noise of interest rates, listings fatigue, and well-meaning opinions from relatives. Your “why” is the compass—everything else is just weather.
Check Your Readiness, Not Just the Market
People talk a lot about the market—what prices are doing, what rates are doing, what the Fed is or isn’t whispering behind closed doors.
But here’s the real question: Are you ready to move if the right place comes along? That means financially, emotionally, and logistically.
If the answer is “not yet,” that’s totally okay. Sometimes the best move is no move—at least for now.
Use the Pause to Get Clarity
Even if you’re not actively house-hunting, you can still make meaningful progress. Use this quiet season to:
Talk to a lender and get pre-approved (or re-approved).
Drive through towns you’re curious about.
Make a wishlist—and a dealbreaker list.
Research what homes have actually sold for (not just what they were listed at).
Lean Into Local Knowledge
Online search tools are great for browsing, but they don’t always capture the full story—especially in Vermont, where every hill, road name, and town line can change the game.
If you ever want to talk through local areas, hidden gems, or what’s worth watching this summer, I’m here. No pressure, no pitch. Just real conversations from someone who knows this region like the back of their maple-stained hand.
Give Yourself Permission to Wait (or Restart)
You don’t have to be “actively looking” to stay in the loop. If your plans change, I’ll still be here. If they restart, I’ll help you hit the ground running.
In Vermont, we do things at our own pace. Real estate should be no different.
Bottom line?
If the dream’s still alive, don’t ignore it—but don’t rush it either. When the timing’s right, you’ll know. And when it is, I hope you’ll reach out.
Until then, keep dreaming, keep driving around, and keep imagining what “home” could mean for you.
