How to Buy House in Connecticut in a smooth and hassle free manner!

Burton, unless you know the area you are planning to move to very well, I would start by renting a home first. That will allow you time to get to know the neighborhoods, determine your job location, find your favorite grocery store, medical offices, commuter services, etc. Once you feel settled in the area, and before you start your home search, please get pre-approval for a mortage (unless you plan to pay in all cash). Pre-approval will give you guidance on how much you can afford and how much down payment you will need. Once you have been pre-approved, look to contract with a Realtor as your Buyer's Agent, which makes them a fudiciary to your interests in any real estate transaction. Typically, their commission will be paid by the Seller at closing, so it is likely a free resource of local expertise, home showing and valuation advice. Good luck.

Hi Burton!

Congrats on the decision to purchase a home and to do so in the area of the country in which your friends and family live!

To answer your question simply, ALWAYS utilize the professional assistance of a realtor whether you are purchasing or selling.

In the case of purchasing a home, your first step will be to obtain preapproval with a lender (unless of course you are paying cash). Here are some lenders I recommend:

Stephanie Wood
Core Lending
(O) 936.521.7196 (C) 281.799.6601
Stephanie@mamcusa.com

Amanda Wilkie
Amcap Mortgage, LTD.
281.863.9116 office
832.689.9669 cell
awilkie@amcap1.com

Your lender will ask for things such as: 2 years of W-2s or 1099s, last month of pay stubs, two months of bank statements, assets and debts, etc. You want your lender to compile all this information in order to determine up front what you qualify for and put you in the best position when purchasing.

If you already know what area of Connecticut you want to live in you'll want to find a realtor to assist you in your home search and throughout the transaction. Look for a realtor with an ABR designation (Accredited Buyer's Representative). I have this designation and network with other agents around the country who are designated Buyer's Reps. Feel free to contact me directly and I'll be happy to put you in contact with someone in the area you are moving to!

Best of luck!

Darby Grimmett
Keller Williams Realty
darby@darbygrimmett.com
936-827-9217

You should hire an agent to help you. It will make the transaction easier for you.