Buying a home or property in Vermont is an exciting process, but not every transaction makes it to the closing table. National data shows that roughly 7% to 14% of home purchase agreements fail before closing, depending on market conditions. In some months, that is nearly 1 out of every 7 real estate transactions falling apart. The good news is that many of these failed deals are preventable. If you are under contract to purchase property in Vermont, here are practical steps you can take to keep your transaction on track. Protect Your Financing From Day One Financing issues are one of the leading causes of failed real estate transactions. Even after pre-approval, your lender will continue reviewing your financial situation right up until closing. To avoid problems: • Do not quit or change jobs during the transaction • Avoid taking on new debt such as car loans or credit cards • Do not make large purchases • Make all payments on time to protect your credit score A last-minute change in your financial profile can result in a loan denial just days before closing. Respond Quickly to Your Lender Mortgage underwriting moves quickly and requires detailed documentation. Delays often happen because buyers do not respond fast enough. To stay on track: • Submit requested documents promptly • Monitor your email and voicemail daily • Provide complete and accurate information A slow response can delay closing or cause financing deadlines to be missed. Be Reasonable About Inspection Issues Home inspections frequently uncover issues, especially with older Vermont properties. How you respond matters. Instead of expecting a perfect property: • Focus on significant defects rather than minor cosmetic concerns • Be open to repair credits or negotiated solutions • Understand that compromise is often necessary Transactions commonly fall apart when parties take inflexible positions after inspections. Stay on Schedule for Your Closing Date Your purchase contract includes important deadlines, including the closing date. Missing deadlines can create serious consequences. To stay organized: • Track contingency deadlines carefully • Coordinate regularly with your lender, attorney, and agent • Be prepared with funds for closing Failure to close on time can put your deposit at risk or allow the seller to cancel the agreement. Engage a Vermont Real Estate Attorney Early One of the most effective ways to prevent a transaction from falling apart is to involve a real estate attorney early in the process. An experienced Vermont attorney will: • Conduct the title search promptly • Identify title defects, liens, or other issues • Resolve problems before they delay closing Waiting too long to address title issues can leave insufficient time to fix them. Identify and Resolve Title Issues Early Title problems are a common but often overlooked cause of failed transactions. These may include: • Unknown liens or unpaid property taxes • Boundary disputes or encroachments • Errors in prior deeds Addressing these issues early allows time for resolution and avoids last-minute surprises. Avoid Last-Minute Changes Consistency is critical once you are under contract. Avoid making changes such as: • Switching lenders • Changing how you will take title • Making unexplained large deposits These changes can trigger delays or additional scrutiny that jeopardizes closing. Plan Ahead for Insurance and Closing Logistics Seemingly small details can delay a closing if overlooked. Make sure you: • Secure homeowner’s insurance in advance • Arrange for utility transfers • Provide any required documentation to your lender • Verifying with your bank or financial institution in advance how your funds can be transferred quickly and safely to the closing attorney. Missing documentation can delay funding and push back your closing date. Communicate Clearly With Your Team A Vermont real estate transaction involves multiple parties working together. Miscommunication is a frequent cause of delays. Stay proactive by: • Asking questions early • Confirming deadlines • Keeping your attorney, lender and Realtor informed of any issues Clear communication helps prevent small problems from escalating. Work With Experienced Vermont Professionals Local experience matters, especially in Vermont where properties often involve unique issues such as rights-of-way, rural access, or older title histories. Loan officers, Realtors and attorneys located in Vermont will know local laws and customs allowing for a smooth transaction. Working with knowledgeable Vermont professionals can significantly reduce the risk of your transaction falling apart. The Bottom Line A significant percentage of real estate transactions nationwide fail before closing, but most of these failures are preventable. By protecting your financing, staying responsive, being flexible during inspections, and addressing legal issues early, you can dramatically improve your chances of reaching a successful closing. Need Help Keeping Your Vermont Real Estate Transaction on Track? Peet Law Group assists buyers throughout Vermont with title searches, resolving legal issues, and guiding transactions from contract to closing. Engaging experienced legal counsel early in the process can help prevent delays, avoid surprises, and ensure your purchase reaches the closing table.

Beginning March 1, 2026, new federal anti–money laundering regulations issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will require reporting of certain residential real estate transactions. These rules are commonly referred to as the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule. The rule is designed to combat money laundering and illicit financial activity in the real estate market by requiring disclosure of the beneficial owners behind certain property purchases made without institutional financing. For buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals in Vermont, these requirements may add a new step to the closing process. At Peet Law Group, we are helping clients understand how the rule works and how to avoid delays at closing. When the FinCEN Reporting Rule Applies A report will generally be required when all three of the following conditions are present. 1. The Property Is Residential Real Estate The rule applies to most residential property types, including: • 1–4 family homes • Condominiums • Cooperative units • Vacant land intended for residential development Commercial real estate transactions are not covered by this rule. 2. The Buyer Is a Legal Entity or Trust Reporting requirements apply when the buyer is not an individual but instead a legal entity or trust. Examples include: • Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) • Corporations • Partnerships • Trusts These structures are commonly used for investment or liability protection purposes. The new rule requires disclosure of the beneficial owners behind these entities when certain transactions occur. 3. The Purchase Has No Institutional Financing The rule primarily targets all-cash purchases. A transaction will likely trigger reporting if there is no loan from a traditional bank or mortgage lender. Transactions may still be considered “non-financed” under the rule even if there is: • Private financing • Hard-money loans • Seller financing Because these arrangements do not involve a regulated financial institution performing anti-money-laundering checks, FinCEN requires the closing professional to report the transaction. What Information Must Be Reported When a transaction triggers the rule, information about the beneficial owners of the purchasing entity must be reported to FinCEN. Beneficial ownership information generally includes identifying details about the individuals who ultimately own or control the entity purchasing the property. Seller information required for reporting is relatively limited, but sellers should still be prepared to provide basic identifying details to the closing agent if the rule applies. This information must be gathered before closing so that the required report can be submitted to FinCEN. Who Is Responsible for Filing the Report In most Vermont real estate transactions, the closing attorney will be responsible for preparing and submitting the FinCEN report. However, both the buyer and seller must cooperate in providing the required information. Without timely disclosure, the closing process could be delayed. Because of this, real estate agents should notify their clients early in the transaction if the purchase may trigger FinCEN reporting. Contract Language and Timing Considerations To avoid last-minute problems, it is advisable for purchase contracts to include a provision requiring both parties to provide the necessary FinCEN information to the closing agent at least two business days before closing. Including this requirement in the contract helps ensure that: • The closing attorney has sufficient time to prepare the report • The transaction is not delayed at the closing table • Both parties understand their obligations under federal law Real estate professionals may wish to incorporate a FinCEN reporting addendum into their purchase and sale agreements. How the Rule Affects Vermont Real Estate Transactions Many Vermont transactions will not trigger reporting under the rule. For example, purchases by individuals using a conventional mortgage will typically fall outside the requirements. However, reporting is more likely in transactions involving: • Investment properties purchased through LLCs • Cash purchases of vacation homes or second homes • Purchases of residential development land through entities or trusts Given the prevalence of LLC ownership in real estate investment, it is important for buyers and sellers to understand whether the rule applies before they reach the closing stage. Guidance for Buyers, Sellers, and Realtors If you are involved in a residential transaction where the buyer is an entity and there is no traditional financing, it is wise to address FinCEN reporting early in the process. Buyers should be prepared to disclose beneficial ownership information. Sellers should be aware that the transaction may involve additional federal reporting requirements. Working with an experienced real estate attorney can help ensure compliance with the new rule while keeping the transaction moving smoothly. Vermont Real Estate Closing Attorneys Peet Law Group assists buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals throughout Vermont with residential and commercial closings. Our attorneys monitor new regulatory developments such as the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule and help clients navigate the additional requirements. If you have questions about how the new FinCEN reporting rule may affect your transaction, contact Peet Law Group to discuss your upcoming closing .

Buying a home in Vermont can move quickly, especially in competitive markets where multiple buyers may be interested in the same property. When a buyer wants to secure a property before another offer is accepted, there may not be enough time for an attorney to fully review the purchase contract before the offer is submitted. One useful solution is an attorney review contingency. This provision allows a buyer to move forward quickly while still preserving the right to have a Vermont real estate attorney review the contract after it has been signed. For buyers and sellers involved in Vermont real estate transactions, understanding how an attorney review contingency works can help protect their legal interests while still allowing them to compete effectively in a fast moving market. What Is an Attorney Review Contingency? An attorney review contingency is a clause in a real estate purchase contract that gives one or both parties the opportunity to have the agreement reviewed by an attorney after it has been signed. During the attorney review period, the attorney may: • approve the contract • recommend modifications • negotiate changes with the other party • advise the client to cancel the agreement if necessary If the contract is not approved during the review period, the buyer typically has the right to terminate the agreement and receive a refund of the deposit. This contingency allows buyers to move forward with an offer quickly while still ensuring that a qualified Vermont real estate attorney reviews the legal terms of the transaction. Why an Attorney Review Contingency Can Be Helpful in Competitive Situations In some Vermont real estate markets, desirable homes receive multiple offers shortly after being listed. When this happens, buyers often feel pressure to submit an offer quickly. Waiting for a full attorney review before making an offer may take valuable time. By the time the contract is reviewed, the seller may have already accepted another buyer’s offer. An attorney review contingency can solve this problem. Instead of delaying the offer, the buyer can: • submit an offer immediately • get the property under contract • lock in the seller before another buyer does Once the contract is signed, the buyer’s attorney can review the agreement during the contingency period. If legal issues arise, the attorney can request changes or advise the buyer on whether to proceed. This approach allows buyers to compete effectively while still protecting their legal rights. How an Attorney Review Contingency Works Although the exact wording may vary, the process usually follows these general steps: 1. The Buyer Submits an Offer The buyer submits a purchase and sale contract that includes an attorney review contingency clause. 2. The Seller Accepts the Offer Once the seller signs the contract, the property is considered under contract. At this point, the seller generally cannot accept another offer while the contract remains in effect. 3. The Attorney Review Period Begins The contract typically provides a short period for review, often a few days. During this time the buyer’s attorney reviews the contract and related documents. The attorney may review issues such as: • the purchase and sale contract • property disclosures • deadlines and contingencies • financing provisions • inspection rights 4. The Attorney Approves or Requests Changes After reviewing the contract, the attorney may: • approve the agreement as written • recommend revisions • negotiate modifications with the seller’s side If serious issues are discovered and cannot be resolved, the buyer may be able to terminate the contract under the contingency. Common Issues Attorneys Review A Vermont real estate attorney reviewing a purchase contract will often look closely at important legal and financial details, including: • financing contingencies • home inspection provisions • deposit terms • closing timelines • title requirements • property access and rights of way • personal property included in the sale Even contracts prepared by real estate professionals can benefit from legal review because every property and transaction is different. Why Buyers Should Involve a Vermont Real Estate Attorney Buying real estate is one of the most significant financial transactions most people will ever make. An experienced Vermont real estate attorney can help ensure that the buyer’s interests are protected throughout the transaction. Having an attorney involved early in the process can help avoid costly problems later. Vermont Real Estate Closings and Legal Guidance At Peet Law Group, our attorneys represent buyers and sellers throughout Vermont in residential real estate transactions. Our firm regularly assists clients with: • Vermont real estate closings • purchase and sale agreement review • title examinations and title opinions • resolving title issues • guidance for buyers and sellers If you are planning to buy or sell real estate in Vermont and have questions about an attorney review contingency or any other aspect of the transaction, our attorneys can help guide you through the process. Peet Law Group Vermont Real Estate Attorneys Offices in Williston and Hartford (White River Junction), Vermont Learn more at: https://www.peetlaw.com

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Buying or selling real estate in Vermont is a major financial transaction. Once a Purchase and Sale Contract is signed, many people assume they can still walk away if they change their mind. In most cases, that is not true. Whether a buyer or seller can back out depends almost entirely on the specific language of the Purchase and Sale Contract. That document controls the rights, obligations, and remedies of both parties. At Peet Law Group, we regularly advise clients across Vermont on these issues before disputes arise and, when necessary, after they do. The Purchase and Sale Contract Controls Everything In Vermont, a signed Purchase and Sale Contract is a legally binding agreement. It outlines: • The purchase price • Deposit terms • Closing date • Contingencies • Default provisions • Remedies available to the parties There is no automatic right to terminate simply because you have second thoughts. The contract governs whether termination is allowed and what consequences follow. Every contract is different. While many transactions use standard forms, they are frequently modified with additional language. Small changes in wording can significantly affect your rights.Before signing, it is critical to understand what the contract says about termination, contingencies, and default. Common Contingencies That Allow Termination Most Vermont real estate contracts include contingencies that permit a buyer to terminate under certain conditions. These provisions are typically time sensitive and must be exercised properly. Common contingencies include: Financing Contingency If the buyer cannot obtain financing on the terms specified in the contract, the buyer may be allowed to terminate and receive a return of the deposit. The contract usually requires proof of loan denial and good faith effort to obtain financing. Inspection Contingency Buyers often have the right to conduct inspections. If defects are discovered, the buyer may negotiate repairs, request concessions, or terminate if the parties cannot reach agreement. Appraisal Contingency If the property does not appraise at or above the purchase price, the buyer may have the right to terminate or renegotiate. Sale of Buyer’s Property Contingency Some contracts allow the buyer to back out if they cannot sell their existing home within a specified time. Title Contingency If a title search reveals defects that cannot be resolved, the buyer may be entitled to terminate. These contingencies must be exercised in strict compliance with the contract. Missing a deadline or failing to provide required notice can eliminate the right to terminate. What Happens After a Wrongful Termination? If a buyer or seller attempts to back out without a valid contractual basis, it may constitute a default. Buyer Default If a buyer wrongfully terminates: • The seller may retain the earnest money deposit as liquidated damages if the contract allows • The seller may pursue additional damages if the contract permits • In rare cases, the seller may seek specific performance, asking a court to compel the buyer to complete the purchase Whether the deposit is the seller’s sole remedy depends on the exact wording of the contract. Seller Default If a seller wrongfully refuses to close: • The buyer may seek return of the deposit • The buyer may sue for damages • The buyer may seek specific performance to force the sale Specific performance is more commonly pursued against sellers because real estate is considered unique. Courts may order a seller to complete the transaction if the contract is clear and enforceable. Litigation over real estate contracts can be expensive and time consuming. Avoiding default in the first place is always preferable. Why Contract Review by a Vermont Real Estate Attorney Matters Many disputes arise because parties did not fully understand the contract they signed. A Vermont real estate attorney can: • Review contingencies to ensure they are fair and customary • Confirm deadlines are realistic • Clarify default and remedy provisions • Identify unusual or one sided terms • Explain risks before you are legally bound At Peet Law Group, we regularly review and prepare Purchase and Sale Contracts for buyers and sellers throughout Vermont. Early review can prevent costly disputes later. A contract that appears standard may contain modifications that materially change your rights. Once signed, your options may be limited. The Bottom Line You generally cannot back out of a Vermont real estate contract unless the Purchase and Sale Contract allows it. Contingencies provide common pathways for lawful termination, but they must be exercised correctly and within strict deadlines. Wrongful termination can result in loss of deposit, lawsuits, or even court ordered completion of the sale. Before signing or attempting to terminate a real estate contract in Vermont, consult with an experienced Vermont real estate attorney. Understanding your rights before a dispute arises is the best way to protect your investment. If you are buying or selling property in Vermont and have questions about your Purchase and Sale Contract, contact Peet Law Group to discuss your situation.

When a Vermont property owner dies, transferring real estate to heirs is not automatic. The process depends on how the property was owned, whether the owner had an estate plan, and whether probate is required. Understanding how Vermont real estate is transferred after death can help families avoid delays, unnecessary costs, and legal disputes. Real Estate Owned Solely in the Decedent’s Name If Vermont real estate was owned solely in the deceased person’s name, the property typically becomes part of the probate estate. This means the property must be transferred through the Vermont Probate Division before it can be sold or distributed to heirs. In a probate transfer, the court appoints an executor or administrator who has legal authority to manage the estate. Once approved by the court, the executor may transfer the property to heirs or sell it as part of the estate administration. A deed is then prepared and recorded to reflect the new ownership. Probate transfers can take several months and sometimes longer, depending on the complexity of the estate and whether disputes arise. Joint Ownership With Right of Survivorship Many Vermont property owners hold real estate jointly with another person, often a spouse. If the deed includes a right of survivorship, ownership automatically passes to the surviving owner upon death. In this situation, probate is usually not required for the real estate itself. The surviving owner records a death certificate in the town land records, and title vests fully in the survivor. This is one of the simplest and most common ways Vermont real estate is transferred after death. Tenants in Common Ownership If property is owned as tenants in common, the deceased owner’s interest does not automatically transfer to the other owner. Instead, the deceased person’s share becomes part of their probate estate. The executor must then transfer that ownership interest according to the will or Vermont intestacy laws if there is no will. This often surprises co owners who assume ownership passes automatically. Vermont Real Estate Held in a Trust Property placed into a properly drafted and funded trust before death generally avoids probate. When the property owner dies, the successor trustee has authority to transfer or manage the real estate according to the trust terms. Trust based transfers are typically faster, more private, and less expensive than probate. This is one reason many Vermont homeowners choose to place real estate into a revocable living trust as part of an estate plan. Transfer on Death Deeds in Vermont Vermont allows transfer on death deeds, sometimes called beneficiary deeds. This type of deed allows a property owner to name one or more beneficiaries who will receive the property upon death without probate. The deed must be properly prepared and recorded during the owner’s lifetime. After death, the beneficiary records a death certificate and affidavit to complete the transfer. This option can be effective but must be used carefully to avoid title and estate planning problems. What Happens If There Is No Will If a Vermont property owner dies without a will, the real estate is distributed according to Vermont intestacy law. The probate court determines who inherits the property based on family relationships. This process often takes longer and can create results that do not match what the owner would have wanted. Probate is still required, and the property cannot be transferred until the court approves the distribution. Why Legal Guidance Matters Transferring Vermont real estate after death involves probate law, real estate law, and title issues. Mistakes can cloud title, delay closings, or expose heirs to legal risk. An experienced Vermont real estate attorney can determine whether probate is required, prepare and record the correct deeds, resolve title issues, and coordinate with the probate court when necessary. Helping Vermont Families Move Forward Peet Law Group assists executors, trustees, and families throughout Vermont with the legal transfer of real estate after death. Whether the property must go through probate or can be transferred outside of court, proper legal guidance helps ensure the process is handled correctly and efficiently. If you are dealing with Vermont real estate after the death of a family member, speaking with a knowledgeable attorney early can save time, money, and stress.

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One of the most common questions home buyers and sellers ask is simple: how long will this take? While every real estate transaction is different, most Vermont closings follow a predictable timeline from the signed contract to the day the keys change hands. Understanding the process helps reduce stress, avoid surprises, and plan your move with confidence. The Typical Vermont Real Estate Closing Timeline In Vermont, most residential real estate transactions take 30 to 60 days from the date the purchase and sale agreement is signed to the closing date. Some transactions close faster, while others take longer depending on the circumstances. Here is a practical breakdown of what happens during that time. After the Purchase and Sale Agreement Is Signed Once the buyer and seller sign the purchase and sale agreement, the transaction becomes legally binding, subject to any contingencies in the contract. This is when the clock really starts. During the first one to two weeks, the buyer typically schedules inspections, applies for financing if needed, and delivers any required deposits. At the same time, the real estate attorney begins reviewing the contract and ordering the title search. Inspections and Due Diligence Most Vermont purchase contracts include inspection contingencies. Home inspections, septic inspections, water testing, and other evaluations usually occur within the first 7 to 14 days. If issues are discovered, negotiations may follow. Requests for repairs or credits can add time to the process, especially if additional inspections are needed or contractors must be consulted. Mortgage Approval and Financing If the buyer is obtaining a mortgage, loan processing is often the longest part of the closing timeline. Appraisals, underwriting, document verification, and lender conditions typically take several weeks. Financed purchases often close closer to the 45 to 60 day mark. Cash purchases may close sooner, sometimes in as little as two to three weeks, assuming title issues do not arise. Title Search and Legal Review In Vermont, a real estate attorney conducts a thorough title search to confirm that the seller has clear legal ownership and the right to convey the property. This includes reviewing deeds, easements, rights of way, mortgages, and other recorded interests. If title issues are found, they must be resolved before closing. Clearing old liens, correcting boundary issues, or addressing missing documents can extend the timeline. Preparing for Closing As the closing date approaches, the attorneys prepare the deed, closing documents, and settlement statement. The lender issues final loan approval, and the buyer secures homeowners insurance. Final walkthroughs usually occur within a few days of closing to confirm the property is in the agreed condition. Closing Day and Getting the Keys On closing day, the buyer signs loan and legal documents, funds are transferred, and the deed is recorded in the town land records. At this point, the transaction is officially closed. This is when the buyer receives the keys and takes legal ownership of the property. What Can Delay a Real Estate Closing Several factors can slow down a closing, including financing delays, appraisal issues, inspection disputes, title defects, or missing documentation. Rural properties, older homes, and properties with shared access or private roads often require additional legal review. Working with an experienced Vermont real estate attorney from the beginning helps identify and resolve issues early, keeping the transaction on track. How a Vermont Real Estate Attorney Helps Keep Things Moving A real estate attorney coordinates the legal, title, and closing process, communicates with lenders and agents, and ensures deadlines are met. Having legal guidance throughout the transaction helps avoid last-minute surprises that can delay or derail a closing. The Bottom Line Most Vermont real estate closings take between 30 and 60 days from contract to keys. Some close faster, some take longer, but understanding the steps involved makes the process smoother and less stressful. If you are buying or selling property in Vermont and want a clear path from contract to closing, working with an experienced real estate attorney can make all the difference. If you would like an expedited closing, please contact an attorney at the Peet Law Group for an estimated timeline specific to your transaction.

One of the common questions Vermont homebuyers and sellers ask during a real estate transaction is whether a property must be surveyed before it can be sold. The short answer is no. Vermont law does not require a property survey before a sale. That said, the lack of a survey can create legal and financial risks that buyers and sellers should understand before closing. This article explains when a survey is required, when it is strongly recommended, and how surveys affect Vermont real estate transactions. No General Survey Requirement Under Vermont Law Unlike some states, Vermont does not have a statute that requires a property survey as a condition of sale. Many Vermont properties change hands without a new survey, particularly older homes, rural properties, and transactions where the parties are familiar with the land. However, the absence of a legal requirement does not mean a survey is unnecessary or unimportant. In many transactions, a survey plays a critical role in confirming what is actually being conveyed. When a Survey Is Commonly Required Even though Vermont law does not mandate a survey, one may still be required by other parties involved in the transaction. Lenders sometimes require a survey, particularly when boundary issues, acreage, or improvements near property lines could affect the collateral. Title insurance companies may also require a survey, or may exclude coverage for boundary or encroachment issues if no survey is provided. Municipal approvals, subdivisions, or recent boundary adjustments almost always require a survey, and the survey may need to be recorded in the land records before closing. Situations Where a Survey Is Strongly Recommended There are many situations in which a Vermont real estate attorney will strongly recommend a survey even if no one formally requires it. If the property has never been surveyed, or if the most recent survey is very old, a new survey can help avoid disputes. This is especially true in Vermont, where property descriptions may rely on stone walls, trees, or historic landmarks that no longer exist. Surveys are also important when fences, driveways, buildings, or septic systems appear close to boundary lines. Encroachments are common in Vermont and are often discovered only after closing if no survey is obtained. Waterfront property, large acreage, undeveloped land, and properties with shared driveways or rights of way are also strong candidates for a survey. In these cases, understanding the exact boundaries and access rights can be essential to the buyer’s intended use of the property. How Surveys Affect Title and Legal Risk A survey helps confirm that the legal description in the deed matches the land on the ground. Without a survey, buyers often rely on assumptions that may not be accurate. Boundary disputes, missing access, encroachments, and acreage discrepancies can all lead to costly legal issues after closing. A properly prepared survey allows these issues to be addressed before the transaction is finalized, when solutions are usually simpler and less expensive. From a legal standpoint, surveys also interact with title insurance. If no survey is provided, the title insurance policy may exclude coverage for matters that would have been disclosed by a survey. That means the buyer may be assuming risk without realizing it. Can a Buyer Waive a Survey in Vermont? Yes. Buyers frequently waive surveys, particularly in competitive markets. However, doing so should be a conscious decision made with an understanding of the potential consequences. A Vermont real estate attorney can help a buyer evaluate whether waiving a survey is reasonable based on the property type, history, and intended use. What may be acceptable for a small residential lot in a subdivision may be risky for rural land or property with complex boundaries. The Role of a Vermont Real Estate Attorney Determining whether a survey is needed is not a one size fits all decision. A Vermont real estate attorney reviews the deed, title history, municipal records, and transaction details to identify risks that a survey could address. In some cases, an attorney may recommend obtaining an existing recorded survey rather than commissioning a new one. In others, a new survey may be the best way to protect the client’s interests before closing. Conclusion Vermont properties do not have to be surveyed before sale, but that does not mean a survey is unnecessary. Surveys play an important role in identifying boundary issues, protecting buyers, and reducing legal risk. If you are buying or selling property in Vermont and have questions about surveys, title issues, or closing requirements, working with an experienced Vermont real estate attorney can help ensure the transaction proceeds smoothly and with fewer surprises. Peet Law Group regularly advises clients throughout Vermont on real estate closings, title issues, and property ownership concerns from its offices in Williston and Hartford. For more information on surveys, see Unlocking the Mysteries of Property Boundaries: The Essential Role of Surveys in Real Estate. We are also available to answer questions by phone or email .