Archive for the ‘The Home Buying Process’ Category

From Canton to Old Saybrook, towns can’t find enough volunteer firefighters because many potential volunteers can’t afford to live in those communities. In Falls Village, the new kindergarten class has only five children enrolled because young parents can’t afford to live in Litchfield County. In Groton, skyrocketing housing costs have caused the Pfizer ... Full story

What’s the warranty? Ask this question to a salesperson at your local electronics or appliance store, and instantly you’re presented with right-off-the-top-of-the-head answers like “ninety days,” or “one year parts and labor,” which might put your mind at ease when you make a major purchase. Even automobile manufactures aggressively tout their respective warranties to assure you of their product’s soundness and reliability in relation to ... Full story

The three most important words in real estate are location, location, and location. Nothing has a greater impact on the value of a home than its physical location, yet nothing is more beyond the homebuyer’s control. While a buyer can change the color of the house, add a bathroom, or update the kitchen, there is little one can do alone to improve the neighborhood or ... Full story

Before you close on your home, you have the right to conduct a final walk through. Usually performed either the day of or the day before the closing, the final walk through is your last opportunity to inspect the property and ensure that it is being conveyed to you in the condition you expect. You will check for the following: The condition of the ... Full story

For homes with a septic system and/or private water system, have the septic system inspected by a licensed septic company. The state of Connecticut recommends that water well testing be done by a Connecticut certified environmental laboratory annually.  The following basic tests can identify common contaminants in your well water: Total Coliform bacteria Sodium PH, color, and turbidity Hardness Iron and Manganese Chloride Nitrite/Nitrate Sulfate Other ... Full story

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS offer choices, lifestyles, amenities, services, and efficiencies that people value. More than fifty-four million Americans choose to live in condominiums, cooperatives, subdivisions with homeowner associations, and other planned communities.   For many, a condominium or planned community can be the most affordable way to own a home. Others are drawn to the architectural uniformity of the neighborhood or ... Full story

Is homeownership a goal or dream that all people can reach? More than nine years ago two organizations forged a partnership to help make the answer to this question “Yes.” Chet Cooper, the founder of ABILITY Magazine, and Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity, came together for the ABILITY House project. Each ABILITY House is an ... Full story

From having your credit put under a microscope by a mortgage lender to spending all your free time looking at houses, buying a home can be a stressful experience. Much of the stress is avoidable with advance preparation and hiring the right real estate professionals. Here are things you can do to make your home purchase go ... Full story

Federal Law Protects Home Buyers from Excess Charges The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) was enacted to help protect consumers when they buy and sell real estate, and to teach them to be better shoppers. Enforced by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), RESPA requires that consumers receive disclosures at various times in the transaction, and prohibits “kickbacks” that increase the cost ... Full story

Let’s face it, moving is no fun, even when your excited about your new home. You can make your move less stressful by planning in advance and staying organized. Purchase clean, sturdy boxes designed specifically for the valuables you are storing.   Don’t forget the other essentials, such as packing tape to seal your boxes, bubble wrap and newsprint, and ... Full story