Buyers Guide

Buyers & Sellers

Create the life you want in a home you love with the help of a Greenwich REALTOR®. With unlimited data at your fingertips, finding the perfect home can be overwhelming. There’s so much to consider— home prices, mortgage rates, the closest schools, and even your commute to work. This guide walks you through every step in your search, from finding your Realtor to closing the deal.

Make a Wish List

A successful search begins with nailing down the specifics. Know the answer to key questions like:

  • What’s my estimated budget?
  • What type of home am I looking to buy?
  • What neighborhoods interest me the most?
  • Do I have any “must-haves” or “deal breakers” for my Realtor?

While it’s important to keep an open mind, going into your search with a concrete idea of what you’re looking for keeps everyone on track.

Find Your Realtor

You spend a lot of time with your Realtor. To find one you like and trust, ask friends and family for recommendations or stop by Open Houses in your target area. Once you have a short list of agents, interview each one to find the Realtor that fits you best.

All members of the Greenwich Association of REALTORS® subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and standards of professionalism. Through the Greenwich Multiple Listing Service (GMLS), they also have exclusive access to the most up-to-date and accurate listing and sales information available. You can search for a Realtor here.

Arrange the Particulars

While not all transactions in Connecticut require an attorney, some insurance companies and mortgage lenders do. Your Realtor, friends, and family might have recommendations of attorneys they’ve worked with before. Don’t be afraid to look around for a good fit.

Being pre-approved for a mortgage will show sellers that you’re a serious buyer. Your Realtor can help you determine what you can afford and shop around for a deal that suits you best. Typically, you’ll want to have enough saved to make a 20 percent down payment on the purchase of your house.

Start House Hunting

House hunting can be an adventure, but even the most enthusiastic buyer will find themselves dreading the touring process after a while. Your Greenwich REALTOR® will use the GMLS to keep searches on track. When new homes that fit your wish list hit the market, you will get an email alert. Every listing is accurate and comes directly from our listing service.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find your dream home right away. Your Realtor will work with you to fine-tune your search and find the right fit.

Make an Offer

You found the perfect house, and now it’s time to make an offer. Your Realtor will work with you to decide on a price, terms and conditions, and settlement date. After an agreement is reached and both parties have signed, you will make the down payment. Meanwhile, your lender will order an appraisal of the home to make sure it is worth the loan amount.

Conduct an Inspection

A house inspection should not be overlooked. If you’ve made an agreement contingent on a completed inspection, it must be finished before the deal goes through. You might ask for a price reduction or for repairs to be done based on the report you receive. Your Realtor and attorney will work with the seller’s representatives to reach an agreement.

Complete the Transfer Process

The settlement process is the last part of your buying journey. If you’re working with an attorney, they will handle background work like getting the history of the title of your new home. Your lender will finalize the details of your loan.

You’ll be busy preparing for your move, transferring utilities, and arranging homeowners’ insurance. Every step of the way, your Realtor will be there to help remind you of important dates, documents, and other details to make the settlement process a smooth one.

Enjoy Being a Homeowner

It’s the big day. You’ll exchange money, sign the contracts, and receive the keys to your new home. Welcome to Greenwich!