Buying Connecticut Real Estate Just Got Easier!

The professionals at Realty3 CT realize that your decision about where you'll live goes far beyond the physical house itself. The first step in the process is to select your own Buyer Agent.  Our agents are provided advanced training to represent the interests of property buyers and take the ABR -Accredited Buyer Representative Designation course.  There is no other advanced course material available that focuses entirely on the buying side of the transaction to advocate legally and ethically for the buyer's interests.

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Ten steps to help you search the real estate listings in CT to find your home!

1. Select the right professional first!  The first mistake buyers make is just going out to look at property and ending up with the agent that represents the seller, who may not be the best agent for the buyer.  Empower yourself to interview and a select buyer agent first.  Generally the trasaction pays for your representative so it is not necessary to pay them directly for the services and advocacy that they will provide you. 
2. Determine the monthly mortgage payment you can comfortably afford. Your payment will be affected by your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, your down payment and the interest rate at the time you buy your home.
3. Know your rights as a homebuyer. Our real estate agents will provide details, but you can get an overview of such items as credit, home buying, and Fair Housing and borrowers rights at HUD's Homeeconomics website.
4. Shop for a loan. Shopping around for real estate loans in CT will help you to get the best financing deal. Our real estate agents will assist you in comparing all the costs involved in obtaining a mortgage. Shopping, comparing, and negotiating may save you thousands of dollars. A mortgage—whether it’s a home purchase, a refinancing, or a home equity loan—is a product, just like a car, so the price and terms may be negotiable. Most real estate buyers in CT get pre-qualified for a real estate mortgage and most of your closing costs and fees can be included in the loan.
5. Learn about home buying programs. In addition to HUD's mortgage insurance programs, there may be Connecticut state sponsored programs available or local government subsidies such as homes located in revitalization areas to help you buy a home for sale in CT.
6. Shop for a home, Once you are financially qualified for a loan, you and your buyer's agent will start the showing process.  With so many real estate agents in CT, how can you make an intelligent decision? Do you choose a friend, neighbor or coworker? Should you work with an agent at a large firm, a small firm, a franchise or an independent? While there's an exception to every rule, and every marketplace has its own nuances, here are some solid rules to apply when you want the best representation to protect your interests: Demand Experience, Look for Commitment, Consider Education and Conduct Interviews before making a decision.
7. Make an offer. Making an offer on a home is an exciting step - you've found the house you want and you're working towards making it your home. Be sure you're serious about buying before you make an offer. If the seller accepts your offer, it becomes a legal contract after a few days. Details and planning are important. Know what you would like to pay but also think about the most you're willing to pay and the total pre-approved loan amount. Be specific, and put everything in writing.
8. Get a home inspection. You must be sure that the home you want to buy is in good condition. A home inspection is an evaluation of a home’s condition by a trained expert, preferably one that is an ASHI Certified inspector.  During a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth and impartial look at the property you plan to buy. The inspector will evaluate the physical condition of the home you buy: the structure, construction and mechanical systems, Identify items that should be repaired or replaced and Estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems (such as electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning), equipment, structure and finishes. 
9. Shop for homeowners insurance. You may be able to save hundreds of dollars every year on homeowners' insurance by shopping around. You can also save money with a higher deductible, or just asking about discounts. You may get a lower premium if your new home has safety features such as dead-bolt locks, smoke detectors, an alarm system, storm shutters or fire retardant roofing material. Persons over 55 years of age or long-term customers may also be offered discounts.
10. Sign papers. When you're finally ready to go to "settlement" or "closing," be sure to read everything before you sign! There is no standard home buying process used in all localities, but our experienced real estate agents will attend your closing with you and eliminate, as much as possible, the mysteries of the settlement process to make you feel comfortable. 

Whether it's the shoreline's ocean views, the city life of Hartford, New Britain, New Haven and Waterbury, or the serenity and comfort of Berlin, Southington, Essex and Stonington CT, contemporary or antique New England Colonials, our real estate agents are here to help you find your perfect 'home'.  Thinking about buying a home for sale in CT? Got questions? Talk to Realty3CT!