Marianna Romaniuk, Realtor - Southern Vermont

03/10/2026

Moving, relocating, and starting over can look different for military families — especially when it comes to buying a home.

For eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses, a VA loan can be one of the most flexible paths to home ownership.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what a VA loan offers:
• Often no down payment required - Qualified buyers can finance up to 100% of the purchase price.
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI) - VA loans do not require monthly PMI, even with little or no down payment.
• Competitive interest rates - Rates are often lower than comparable conventional loans.
• Flexible credit and debt-to-income requirements - VA guidelines allow for a wide range of financial situations.
• Available across many property types - Single-family homes, some multi-family properties, condos (if VA-approved), and new construction.

A VA loan is a benefit you’ve earned — and it can significantly reduce the upfront cost of buying a home.

If you’re eligible and curious about how this might work for you, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help answer questions or point you in the right direction.

03/08/2026

What is escrow? In practical terms, escrow simply means adding a set amount to your monthly mortgage payment so your lender can pay your property taxes and insurance for you when they’re due.

It is one of those parts of homeownership that feels unnecessary — right up until the moment it isn’t.

Years ago, I had a coworker who didn’t like that her bank required her to escrow her property taxes and insurance.

She told me, “I’m a responsible adult. I can set that money aside myself.”

At the time, I completely agreed with her.

Few years later I worked for the local Treasurer’s Office and I saw what actually happens in real life — not in theory.

I talked to homeowners who were responsible adults. People who had always paid their bills. People who had savings. People who never thought they’d fall behind.

Then the economy shifted.
People lost jobs.
A medical bill came up.
A car failed inspection and needed repairs so they could get to work.
And sitting there was this “extra” pot of money they had set aside for property taxes or insurance.
They dipped into it — always with the intention of putting it back.
But life didn’t settle down.
And the tax deadline didn’t wait.

What I saw over and over again was this:
No one planned to fall behind. But once they did, it was incredibly hard to catch up.
When taxes weren’t paid, the lender stepped in and paid the taxes, sent the homeowner a huge bill, and when they couldn’t pay it … foreclosure followed.

I had heartbreaking conversations with families who never expected to be in that situation.
That’s why I’m a strong advocate for escrowing your taxes and insurance.

For me, it isn’t about control.

It isn’t about the bank “forcing” anything.

It’s a safety net that prevents good, responsible people from losing their homes because life got unpredictable.

If you’ve ever wondered how it actually works in a mortgage payment, I’m here to help walk you through it.

03/03/2026

One of the biggest myths in home buying? You need perfect credit and 20% down.

In reality, there are several different types of mortgage loans — and many require far less upfront than most people expect. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Conventional Loan - Often as little as 3% down. Typically best for buyers with stronger credit profiles.

FHA Loan (Federal Housing Administration) - More flexible with credit requirements. Minimum down payment is usually 3.5%.

VA Loan (Veterans Affairs) - For eligible veterans and active-duty service members. Often no down payment required.

USDA Loan (United States Department of Agriculture) - Designed for rural areas — and much of Vermont qualifies. This loan can offer no down payment for eligible buyers.

Each option fits different financial situations, credit profiles, and long-term goals. The key is understanding which programs align with your circumstances.

Before touring homes, the first step is usually a pre-approval conversation with a lender. It gives you a clear picture of what you can comfortably afford — and which loan type might work best.
If you’re not sure where you might fit, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to walk you through the starting point.

03/02/2026

Moving from a crowded city to a small village in Vermont was an adjustment for me.

For the first time, I understood what “population pressure” really meant — because it was no longer weighing me down.

Here, everywhere I look, I’m surrounded by open views, beautiful homes, and quiet walking paths for my furry companion. There’s space. There’s calm. There’s room to think.

I didn’t realize how much constant noise and density had been affecting me until it was gone.

Home ownership, for many people, isn’t just about square footage or interest rates. It’s about stability. It’s about having a place that feels grounded. It’s about choosing the environment you wake up in every day.

If you’ve been renting and quietly wondering whether something different might be possible, you’re not alone.

Sometimes the first step isn’t touring houses — it’s imagining what life could feel like.

02/24/2026

If you’re renting and wondering whether buying a home is even realistic, this is for you.
Many people assume they need 20% down or a perfect financial profile to get started.
That’s not always the case.
In Vermont, there are state-backed programs designed specifically to help first-time home-buyers.
Through the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA), there are programs that may offer:
• Down payment assistance
• Competitive fixed-rate loans
• Fixed-rate mortgage options
These programs aren’t automatic, and they’re not right for everyone — but for the right buyer, they can significantly lower the barrier to entry.
I’ll share the official VHFA information in the comments below.
If you’d like help understanding whether one of these programs could apply to you, feel free to reach out.

02/23/2026

Thinking about buying your first home in Vermont?
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing a short series focused specifically on first-time home-buyers.
If you’ve ever wondered:
• What programs are available
• Whether you actually qualify
• What “escrow” really means
• How VA loans work
• Where to even begin
This series is designed to make the process feel clear and manageable — not overwhelming.
I’ll be posting new pieces midweek and on Sundays.
If this is something you’ve been thinking about, feel free to follow along.
If there’s a question you’d like covered, send it my way.

02/12/2026

Thanks Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group - Brattleboro VT for the lovely write up 🥰 I'm happy to have joined your team.

Marianna is a Vermont real estate professional known for her calm, organized, and client-focused approach. With a background in data-driven systems and client support, she guides buyers and sellers through the process with clarity, respect, and genuine care, creating a welcoming experience for clients at every stage.

02/11/2026

Joining the Masiello Group

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joined Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group as a Realtor!

This work means a lot to me. Buying or selling a home is filled with emotion, excitement, and often a little uncertainty — and my goal is to be a calm, steady presence throughout the process. I’m here for everyone who wants a supportive, respectful, judgment-free partner in their real-estate journey.

Whether you’re looking for your first home, a place to grow into, or a quiet Vermont retreat to unwind, I’m excited to help you make your next chapter feel like home.

If you ever have questions — big or small — I’m here. 💚