Marshall & Ostop Team’s Complete Homebuying Guide for West Hartford

Marshall & Ostop Team’s Complete Homebuying Guide for West Hartford


There are many things to consider when looking for West Hartford real estate. By preparing adequately, you will be perfectly set up to enter the real estate game and ready to find an amazing new property.

Get pre-approved

If you will be using financing to buy your next home, getting pre-approved is a key first step in the home-buying process. It will give you a firm idea of what your price range will be and provide you with the necessary documents to make a strong offer. Preapproval will make your offer more compelling to sellers, as they can see you are a serious buyer with financial backing. If you are paying cash for your next property, ensure that you are financially prepared to make such a significant purchase.

Hire a real estate professional

Working with a realtor who is knowledgeable about the local market is essential to getting the best possible deal. They will be highly knowledgeable about all about the nearby neighborhoods and which ones are best suited for your needs. They will be there to answer any questions along the way, and they can assist you through all steps of the home-buying process. While buying a home can be an overwhelming process, working with the right realtor will not only make your journey simpler but actually enjoyable. 

Consider the neighborhoods

West Hartford, Connecticut, is a beautiful town that draws in many visitors and soon-to-be residents with its charm and thriving downtown environment. There are a host of neighborhoods found within West Hartford, each of them offering its own unique lifestyle and amenities. In order to have a solid idea of what you are looking for in the West Hartford real estate scene, let us first examine some of the top neighborhoods in town. 

Mountain West is an affluent suburban neighborhood comprised of generously sized homes and friendly locals. It is an ideal place for living a luxurious life and enjoying a relaxing, small-town atmosphere. West Hartford Center is another wonderful area with more of an urban city feel. Many of the properties here are historic and expertly preserved. Elizabeth Park is where you will find stunning homes, lush parks, and an abundance of nearby schools, all within proximity to the city of Hartford. Then there is Golf Acres South, where you will find an array of smaller properties, charming townhomes, and luxury high-rises. 

No matter what you are looking for, you will be able to find your dream home in West Hartford. With your realtor’s guidance, you can find a new home in a great neighborhood that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

What type of home is best for you?

There are many types of homes available for purchase, each one with its own unique features. You have the choice of a traditional single-family home, a townhouse, a condominium, or a high-rise apartment. You may already have a specific type of property in mind, but if you are on the fence, your real estate agent can further explain all of the pros and cons of owning these different types of homes to help you make a decision. In West Hartford, Connecticut, real estate is thankfully varied across all communities, allowing you to keep your options open.

Make a list of your desired features

What exactly would you like your home to have? Would you like to have a large, fenced-in backyard? Maybe you want a furnished basement that acts as a home theater or an in-law suite where your guests can stay for long visits. Making a list of all the features and amenities that you want helps to paint a clear picture of what your dream home will look like, which will significantly help your real estate agent find properties that match your criteria. 

Even if a property does not have all of the features you are looking for, as long as the possibility is there, you will be able to turn that property into the home of your dreams with a bit of renovations or upgrades. Feel free to separate your list into features that you must have and those that you would like but are not dealbreakers.

Go to showings

Once your real estate agent has a solid understanding of what you are looking for, they will be able to find homes in the area that fit the description. You can look through those properties and determine whether any of them feel like your dream home. No matter if your search is for single-family homes for sale in West Hartford, CT, or luxury townhouses in the heart of downtown, your real estate agent will work hard to get you exactly what you are looking for. 

Make an offer

One of the most exciting – and sometimes nerve-wracking – parts of buying a home can be putting in an offer. You and your real estate agent will sit down and write the offer together. It is important to remember that even amazing offers can be passed over, so be sure to keep your options open. 

Once your offer is accepted on a home, any remaining required documents will be gathered, and the closing will be scheduled. You should consider ordering a home inspection to ensure everything is in top shape. You will be able to have a final walkthrough right before the closing just to ensure all is in order. Then, you will sign the final paperwork, get the keys, and be able to move into your new West Hartford home. 

Work with the Marshall + Ostop Team

The Marshall + Ostop Team is a group of experienced real estate professionals who are here to make all your home-buying wishes come true. They work tirelessly for their clients in order to get them the best possible deals and are there for them even after the transaction is complete. If you are ready to take the next step in your West Hartford real estate journey, please do not hesitate to contact them today.

*Header photocourtesy of Shutterstock



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