1. Assumes today’s average rate, 15 year fixed, 720 credit score, 3.5% down or home equity, and other common loan terms as seen here.
2. Assumes today’s average rate, 30 year fixed, 720 credit score, 20% down or home equity, and other common loan terms as seen here.
| City | Average Home Price | FHA Monthly Payment1 | Conv. Monthly Payment2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk | 470100 | … | … |
| Hartford | 244500 | … | … |
| New Haven | 248000 | … | … |
Buying a Home in Connecticut
In Connecticut, a real estate attorney is legally required to confirm that the title to a property is bona fide, and that the home has no outstanding liens before the transaction can proceed.
The main role of the attorney is to safeguard the buyer and ensure he or she gets what they are signing for. Real estate attorneys are also known as buyer’s attorneys, and they perform many functions for buyers.
In addition to having an attorney committed to your interests, the Connecticut state department of consumer protection appears enthusiastic about your appointing a buyer’s real estate agent. That person, too, has a duty to be 100% on your side.
During the initial search process, the buyer’s agent:
- Arranges property showings to meet with the buyer’s needs
- Provides any information that the buyer might request about the property, utilities and zoning, taxes and the local community
During the offering process, the buyer’s agent may:
- Counsel the buyer on what an appropriate offer might be
- Write an offer (always with the buyer’s interest in mind)
- Negotiate the best terms and price
During the closing process, the buyer’s agent should:
- Help with the mortgage application
- Record all dates, costs, and requirements for the buyer
- Attend the closing with the buyer
Refinancing in Connecticut
There don’t seem to be any state-specific regulations when you refinance your mortgage in Connecticut. The process is as easy as in most other places.
Connecticut allows attorneys to be a part of the refinance process. And that may be a good idea:
- You’re likely to pay fees anyway, to a closing or escrow company appointed by your lender
- You’re legally entitled to appoint your own attorney to do the work instead
- An attorney has a duty to be on your side. Closing or escrow companies don’t
- Closing or escrow companies aren’t obliged to deal with you if something goes wrong down the line
- Those companies don’t have to use qualified, licensed attorneys
- The attorney fee may be only slightly higher than the escrow fee would have been
This is really a question of peace of mind. If you’re tempted to go down the attorney route, shop around for some quotes. And then weigh up whether any extra cost is worth it to you.