Buying

Where can I get information on the school systems in Connecticut?

Connecticut has one of the finest school systems in the nation. For detailed information on a particular town's schools, go to www.state.ct.us.

What is the average time to commute to and from work in Connecticut?

With its compact borders, Connecticut is an ideal state for driving, whether for leisure or for commuting. Obviously, there are several variables to consider with regard to individual commuting times. Your Prudential Connecticut Realty Sales Agent and/or Relocation Counselor will be able to give you more specific time frames.

I understand Connecticut is an agency (Buyer Broker) state. What does this mean to me as a buyer when it is time to select a Realtor?

A buyer's agent is a real estate broker or sales agent who acts in a fiduciary capacity for the prospective buyer. The buyer's agent owes the buyer undivided fiduciary obligations. The buyer's agent must put the buyer's interest first and negotiate for the best terms and conditions for the buyer.

What major airports can I access from Connecticut?

Bradley International - Windsor Locks, CT
John F. Kennedy International - Jamaica, NY
LaGuardia Airport - Flushing, NY
T.F. Green Airport - Providence, R.I.
Westchester Airport - Westchester County, NY

What is the state income tax in Connecticut?

The state's income tax is 4.5 percent. Connecticut also has a sales tax of 6 percent.

If I want to go online to check out houses that are currently on the market, do I have to go to all the different Realtor Web sites to see every house that is listed?

No. Recent changes in multiple listing arrangements give all real estate companies the option of making all listings available on their respective Web sites. Prudential Connecticut Realty is a member of every MLS system in Connecticut and provides consumers access to every listing on the market in Connecticut. Consumers can also visit Realtor.com. However, the information available is not as current as the information available on individual Realtor's Web sites.

What is the typical deposit I can expect to put down on a house upon contract signing?

Ten percent of the purchase price of the house is typical. However, it is negotiable, as are all terms of the contract.

What are the most common inspections I should consider having as part of my offer on a house?

The House Inspection:
An evaluation of the property to determine if there are any specific problems that could change its value. The inspection also helps you decide on those items you wish to ask the seller to repair. The buyer typically pays for the inspection.

Termite and Pest Inspection:
If termites are found, you must have proof that the house has been treated and that any termite damage has been repaired. This is usually the seller's responsibility.

Water Potability:
This test determines whether your water meets Connecticut standards for potable drinking water.

Water Chemical Analysis:
This test determines whether there are chemicals in private well water that might be harmful to drink or might give the water an off-color or taste.

Well Water Recovery Test:
This test determines how much water the well produces each minute.

Radon Gas:
These tests determine whether there are levels of radon gas in the home or water that exceed levels recommended by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services.

Lead-Based Paint/Lead-Based Paint Hazards:
Every buyer of a home built prior to 1978 has the right to perform tests to determine the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards.

Sub-Surface Sewage Disposal:
Residences are connected to their own private sub-surface sewage disposal system. The care and use of private, sub-surface sewage disposal systems is much different than the use of public sewers. The Connecticut Health Department has several brochures containing information on sub-surface sewage disposal.

Underground Oil Tanks:
Leaking underground oil tanks present liability issues for buyers and sellers. Connecticut law imposes responsibility on any land owner whose underground oil tank leaks for cleanup costs and damage to other properties as a result of a spill. Some towns have special ordinances regarding underground oil tanks. It is important for a purchaser to know if the property has an underground oil tank and to speak with the local Fire Marshal, the State Department of Environmental Protection, or building inspector concerning underground oil tanks.