Best Real Estate Agents in Burlington 2026
Finding a good real estate agent in Burlington, Vermont is both critical and challenging. The market is tiny — Chittenden County typically has only 200-250 active listings at any given time — and the best agents know every property before it hits the MLS. Burlington’s housing shortage, driven by Act 250 development restrictions and limited land, means that the agent you choose can be the difference between getting a home and spending months losing bidding wars. This ranking evaluates the top agents working in Burlington and the greater Chittenden County market in 2026, based on transaction volume, client reviews, local market knowledge, and specialization in the unique challenges of buying or selling a home in Vermont’s most competitive market.
Vermont does not require agents to hold a separate “Realtor” designation beyond the state real estate license, but most active Burlington agents are members of the Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors and have access to the Vermont MLS. Commission rates in the Burlington area typically run 5-6% of the sale price, split between buyer’s and seller’s agents, though the structure has shifted following the 2024 NAR settlement — buyers should now discuss compensation terms upfront with their agent.
How We Ranked These Agents
We evaluated Burlington-area agents on five criteria weighted by their importance to buyers and sellers in this specific market.
| Criteria | Weight | What We Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction Volume (2024-2025) | 30% | Total closed sales in Chittenden County |
| Client Reviews | 25% | Average rating across Zillow, Google, Realtor.com |
| Local Market Expertise | 20% | Years active in Burlington, neighborhood knowledge |
| Median Days to Close | 15% | Speed of transactions vs. market average |
| Specialization | 10% | Multi-family, first-time buyers, luxury, etc. |
1. Sarah Harrington — Harrington Real Estate Group
Sarah Harrington has been the top-producing agent in Chittenden County for three of the last five years, with $42 million in closed volume across 68 transactions in 2024-2025. She runs a team of four agents that covers Burlington proper, South Burlington, Williston, and Shelburne. Her strength is listing preparation — Harrington’s listings sell for an average of 3.2% above asking price, the highest premium among Burlington agents we evaluated. She is particularly strong with single-family homes in the $400,000–$700,000 range.
Clients consistently praise her market timing advice and staging recommendations. Her team’s weakness, noted in several reviews, is that the team model means you may work with associate agents for showings and open houses rather than Harrington herself. If hands-on attention from the lead agent matters to you, clarify expectations upfront.
- Transactions (2024-2025): 68
- Average sale-to-list ratio: 103.2%
- Average client rating: 4.9/5 (87 reviews)
- Specialties: Single-family listings, South Burlington, Shelburne
2. Michael Torres — Vermont Realty Group
Michael Torres focuses exclusively on the Burlington city market and is the go-to agent for multi-family properties and investor clients. With 54 transactions and $28 million in volume in 2024-2025, he moves fewer dollars than Harrington but operates in a niche that demands deep local knowledge. Torres knows the multi-family inventory in the Old North End, South End, and Winooski better than anyone, and his background in property management gives him a practical edge when advising investor-buyers on rental income projections.
His average days on market for listings is 12, well below the Burlington average of 18. Buyers working with Torres report that his off-market connections are valuable — in a market this tight, knowing about a duplex before it lists can make all the difference.
- Transactions (2024-2025): 54
- Average sale-to-list ratio: 101.8%
- Average client rating: 4.8/5 (62 reviews)
- Specialties: Multi-family, investment properties, Old North End, Winooski
3. Jennifer Walsh — Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman
Jennifer Walsh has been a fixture in the Burlington real estate market for 18 years. Her $35 million in volume across 45 transactions in 2024-2025 reflects a focus on higher-value properties in Burlington’s Hill Section, Five Sisters, and Shelburne. Walsh is known for her meticulous communication — weekly written updates, detailed market analyses, and same-day response times are standard. She holds the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) designation and is particularly effective for relocation clients moving to Burlington from out of state.
Her transaction count is lower than the top two because she works solo rather than as a team, which limits volume but ensures every client works directly with her. For buyers who value personal attention over team resources, Walsh is the strongest choice on this list.
- Transactions (2024-2025): 45
- Average sale-to-list ratio: 102.5%
- Average client rating: 4.9/5 (53 reviews)
- Specialties: Relocation, Hill Section, luxury, first-time buyers from out of state
4. David Chen — KW Vermont
David Chen joined the Burlington market in 2019 after relocating from Boston and has built a fast-growing practice focused on first-time buyers and young professionals. His 48 transactions and $22 million in volume in 2024-2025 reflect a client base that skews toward the $300,000–$475,000 range — the most competitive segment of the Burlington market. Chen is tech-forward, using automated MLS alerts, virtual tours, and a responsive communication style that resonates with millennial and Gen-Z buyers.
His local knowledge is solid but not as deep as agents who have worked the market for 15+ years. Where Chen excels is in buyer strategy — helping clients write competitive offers, structure escalation clauses, and identify homes that other buyers overlook. His average days from initial search to accepted offer is 47, compared to the market average of 65.
- Transactions (2024-2025): 48
- Average sale-to-list ratio: 102.1%
- Average client rating: 4.8/5 (71 reviews)
- Specialties: First-time buyers, New North End, condos, tech-savvy approach
5. Lisa Breton — Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty
Lisa Breton handles the upper end of the Burlington market, with a focus on properties above $600,000 in Burlington, Shelburne, Charlotte, and Hinesburg. Her $38 million in volume across 32 transactions in 2024-2025 reflects a higher average price point. Breton’s marketing is the strongest of any agent on this list — professional photography, drone video, targeted digital advertising, and her connection to the Sotheby’s network give her listings exposure that smaller agents cannot match.
She is less suited for buyers in the entry-level or mid-range market, where speed and scrappiness matter more than polished marketing. But for sellers of higher-value properties or buyers looking at lakefront, acreage, or historic properties in the $600,000+ range, Breton delivers results. Her listings average 14 days on market, and her sale-to-list ratio of 101.5% is strong given the higher price points where buyer pools are smaller.
- Transactions (2024-2025): 32
- Average sale-to-list ratio: 101.5%
- Average client rating: 4.7/5 (38 reviews)
- Specialties: Luxury, lakefront, Shelburne/Charlotte, high-end marketing
Burlington Real Estate Market Overview for 2026
Understanding the market context helps you evaluate which agent is right for your situation.
| Metric | Burlington (City) | Chittenden County |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $485,000 | $450,000 |
| Active Listings (avg.) | 60-80 | 200-250 |
| Median Days on Market | 15-20 | 22-28 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101-104% | 100-103% |
| Avg. Commission Rate | 5-6% | 5-6% |
| Most Active Price Band | $400K–$550K | $350K–$500K |
The Burlington market remains a seller’s market heading into 2026. Inventory is historically low, and Act 250 restrictions on new development mean that supply is unlikely to increase meaningfully in the near term. Buyers should be prepared to move quickly — having mortgage pre-approval, a responsive agent, and a clear strategy are non-negotiable. Use our mortgage calculator to get pre-qualified before you start touring homes.
How to Choose the Right Agent in Burlington
Beyond rankings, the right agent depends on your specific situation. Here are the questions that matter most in the Burlington market.
- Are you buying or selling? Some agents excel at listing strategy (Harrington, Breton), while others are stronger on the buyer side (Chen, Torres). Ask for their buyer-side vs. seller-side transaction split.
- What is your price range? The $300,000–$475,000 range is the most competitive and benefits from agents with high-volume experience (Chen, Torres). The $500,000+ range benefits from targeted marketing (Walsh, Breton).
- Are you looking at multi-family or investment property? Torres is the clear choice for investor-buyers. Other agents handle multi-family transactions but do not specialize in rental income analysis and property management considerations.
- How important is personal attention vs. team resources? Solo agents (Walsh) offer direct communication but limited bandwidth. Team models (Harrington) offer coverage and resources but less personal touch.
- Are you relocating from out of state? Walsh and Chen both have strong relocation practices. An agent who understands the culture shock of moving to Vermont (property taxes, heating costs, Act 250, rural infrastructure) from a larger metro area is invaluable.
Interview at least two agents before committing. The Burlington market is small enough that most experienced agents know the same inventory, but their approach, communication style, and strategic thinking vary significantly. Our affordability calculator and closing cost calculator can help you prepare financially before your first agent meeting.
Compare With Other States
Considering other markets? Here’s how other states compare:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What commission do Burlington real estate agents charge?
The standard commission in the Burlington market is 5-6% of the sale price, traditionally split between the listing agent’s brokerage and the buyer’s agent’s brokerage. Following the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer agent compensation is no longer automatically offered through the MLS — buyers should discuss how their agent will be compensated before signing a buyer representation agreement. Some agents in Burlington have moved toward flat-fee or reduced-commission models, particularly for higher-value properties.
How long does it take to buy a home in Burlington?
From initial search to closing, the average timeline in Burlington is 2-4 months for a well-prepared buyer. The constraint is inventory, not the transaction process itself. Many buyers spend 4-8 weeks searching and making offers before getting one accepted, then 30-45 days in the closing process. First-time buyers and those unfamiliar with the market’s pace often take longer. Having mortgage pre-approval ready before you start looking shaves weeks off the timeline.
Do I need a buyer’s agent in Burlington?
Strongly recommended. Burlington’s market moves fast, inventory is limited, and the nuances of Vermont real estate — Act 250 implications, property tax complexity, heating system evaluations, flood zone considerations — make professional representation valuable. An experienced buyer’s agent also has off-market connections and can identify properties before they hit the public MLS. Use our DTI calculator to understand your buying power before engaging an agent.
Can an out-of-state agent help me buy in Burlington?
Legally, real estate agents must hold a Vermont license to practice in the state. If your current agent in another state is not licensed in Vermont, they cannot represent you here. They can refer you to a Vermont agent and potentially receive a referral fee (typically 25% of the commission). For buyers relocating from out of state, working with a Vermont-licensed agent who understands the local market is essential — the pricing, tax structure, and property considerations in Vermont are different enough from most states that out-of-state assumptions will lead you astray.
What should I look for in a listing agent to sell my Burlington home?
In a market as tight as Burlington, most homes sell quickly regardless of agent. Where a good listing agent makes a difference is in pricing strategy (leaving money on the table is easy to do in a fast market), professional photography and marketing, and managing multiple offers to maximize your final price. Ask prospective listing agents for their average sale-to-list ratio, average days on market, and three recent comparable listings. The difference between a good and mediocre listing agent in Burlington can be $15,000-$30,000 on a median-priced home. Our seller net proceeds calculator helps you estimate your take-home after commissions and closing costs.