[Bfrances9]

Hello,

I am searching for buying our 1st home for me and my 11-yr old daughter, and it's on a single income, so unfortunately we only have up to $180-200k to work with. Already recently pre-approved.

Looking at West Hartford suburbs, but running into mostly high end properties or ones that require structural fixing, but I do see possible properties that are in our price range, so I know it's slim but possible. I am open to fixer uppers, depending.

Problem is we have currently ended up with a realtor who is located too far in Longmeadow, MA (long story, don't ask), and my experience has been that she just wants to close a sale.

Does anyone have a realtor who lives in and is familiar with the area, who they can recommend and is not someone who is just looking to sell a home. Someone who actually wants to help us find our new place to call home?

Note that I can work from anywhere remotely in my 5+ yr position, excellent credit, no debt, and my #1 priority is finding something soon as we have been in limbo too long.

Only caveat: I admit to being picky since it's our first home and having a good school is top priority, so it would have to be someone who understands our situation.

Hope you can help.

Thanks!

[JayCT]

Unfortunately many agents are only interested in making a sale. I think you would be much better off with someone local. We occasionally have an agent in West Hartford that posts here. She seems to know the area very well. Her name is Amy Bergquist.

Your budget is modest but you still should be able to find something. Instead of West Hartford, which is one of the more desirable and priciest towns in the area, maybe consider a town like Newington or Wethersfield. They are very nice towns with good schools and a lot for you and your child. Plus your budget will go further there. Good luck, Jay

[Bfrances9]

Thanks JayCT for the leads on the realtor and those other 2 towns.

We're currently in Southern Vermont, where we originally planned on finding a home, but after months of residing here, we decided it's not for us. Same with NH or MA, and then Connecticut came into view when we took a trip down in late January.

We're heading down on Sunday to view a couple of open houses in the area and we can pass through Newington and Wethersfield to check out those towns as well.

Appreciate the help.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Bfrances9

Thanks JayCT for the leads on the realtor and those other 2 towns.

We're currently in Southern Vermont, where we originally planned on finding a home, but after months of residing here, we decided it's not for us. Same with NH or MA, and then Connecticut came into view when we took a trip down in late January.

We're heading down on Sunday to view a couple of open houses in the area and we can pass through Newington and Wethersfield to check out those towns as well.

Appreciate the help.

Glad to help. Be sure to check out Old Wethersfield which is charming old colonial section of town. There are several beautiful churches and dozens and dozens of charming old homes.

Don’t judge either town by their commercial strips. Wethersfield has the Silas Deane Highway and Newington has the Berlin Turnpike. These roads are lined with strip type shopping centers. Go off these roads to see the true towns. Lots of nice neighborhoods. Good luck, Jay

[kidyankee764]

I agree with Jay. Definitely get a local realtor. When I relocated, I sought out local realtors to the communities we were looking at. I interviewed each one of them to determine which was the best fit for us. I encourage you to do the same. And if you’re not happy with your current realtor, express your concerns and request to be released from the contract. I’ve done that, too.

Remember - they work for you.

[allybunnie]

I would recommend contacting Nancy...she is & has been a top real estate agent locally for many (20+ years) & really is super knowledgeable about the area & super nice as well - our sons went to high school together years ago - she is really a great person - W.H. is just south of the Granby, East Granby area & has top rated schools as well...I'm pretty sure she could be a great resource for finding what you like in your price range...

Nancy Reardon
Sales Associate
Main Office:
(860) 653-4507
Direct Office: (860) 653-4507
Office FAX: (860) 653-4575
Mobile: (860) 836-7506

[Reilly1017]

I’m a little worried that you said “southern Vt, NH and MA are all not for us” but central CT is? How do you know this? Why buy if that’s the case?

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by Reilly1017

I’m a little worried that you said “southern Vt, NH and MA are all not for us” but central CT is? How do you know this? Why buy if that’s the case?

I also wondered the same thing, since central CT is pretty similar to MA.

[GeoffD]

I don’t think the OP understands West Hartford home ownership and car ownership costs. A $200k house has a $6,000 property tax bill. Add in insurance, utilities, and basic home maintenance and you’re at $1,000/month even if you’re paying cash for the house.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

I don’t think the OP understands West Hartford home ownership and car ownership costs. A $200k house has a $6,000 property tax bill. Add in insurance, utilities, and basic home maintenance and you’re at $1,000/month even if you’re paying cash for the house.

This is very true and why I’ve stressed to pay attention to property tax rates in CT communities. Greater Hartford has some of the steepest property tax rates as a percentage of home values in the state and country. Even communities like Glastonbury and Wethersfield have insane tax rates for average homes, where an average home can run you 600+ a month just in property taxes. Buyers must pay attention.