Know your comfortable number
Compare lenders and plan for taxes, insurance, repairs, and cash due at closing. A preapproval is conditional; it is not a final loan commitment.
Official guidanceBig move.
Clear next steps.
Understand the process and your financing options. Ask better questions. Keep your perspective when a house feels like the one.
Your first tour
to your front door.
to your front door.
Eight steps. One informed buyer.
Timing and responsibilities vary by transaction. Use this as a starting point, then follow your contract and professional advice.
Start with a clearer financing plan.
Compare loan types, Connecticut buyer programs, and options that may fit your situation.
Build your Connecticut team
Choose your agent, lender, and real estate attorney. Discuss a written buyer representation agreement before touring: scope, duration, compensation, and termination terms.
Official guidanceTour with a purpose
Separate must-haves from preferences. Visit your chosen towns and use the showing notebook to record questions while details are fresh.
Official guidanceMake an informed offer
Review price, deposit, dates, included items, and contingencies with your agent and attorney. Your signed contract, not a generic timeline, controls deadlines and obligations.
Official guidanceInvestigate the property
Arrange inspections within your contractual deadlines. Review disclosures and discuss findings, additional evaluations, and any requested remedies with your team.
Official guidanceComplete financing and title review
Respond to lender requests. An appraisal considers value; an inspection assesses condition. Your attorney can explain title issues and closing documents.
Official guidanceCheck your final numbers
Compare your Closing Disclosure with the Loan Estimate. Ask about differences, cash to close, and payment instructions before signing.
Official guidanceWalk through, close, move in
Check the property’s agreed condition in the final walkthrough. Resolve questions before closing, then coordinate keys, utilities, insurance, and your move.
Official guidanceLook below the surface.
Concrete foundations
Connecticut has documented deteriorating-concrete problems. Ask about foundation history and consult a qualified professional about evaluation; an ordinary visual inspection does not establish whether concrete contains pyrrhotite.
CT foundation resources ↗Radon testing
Radon cannot be assessed by appearance or smell. Connecticut DPH recommends testing homes statewide. Discuss testing and any mitigation findings with qualified professionals.
CT DPH radon guidance ↗Private wells
A private well changes the questions to ask about water quality, treatment, and maintenance. Review testing with your inspector and local health department.
CT private-well resources ↗Education & assistance
CHFA offers homebuyer education and information about financing programs. Eligibility, available funding, and property requirements vary; confirm current options with a participating lender.
Explore CHFA education ↗Reviewed September 22, 2026. General educational information, not individualized legal, lending, tax, or inspection advice. Your agent, lender, attorney, and licensed inspectors can address your specific property and contract.
No question is too small for your next big move.
Talk through your plans with Adrian Wojtun, The Tall Realtor.