Becoming a homeowner is an exciting process. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or on your 10th house purchase, your selection of home will have an important influence on the happiness and health of your family. This is why so many people seek out small towns such as Newtown. Isolated from the hustle and bustle of the world, you'd never guess that Newtown is a mere 60 miles from NYC, with all the excitement and opportunities that come with this.
You may have fallen in love with the tree-lined streets, cultural centers, or the Horse Guard. Perhaps you have family in Newtown or you are looking for a cozy hometown for your New York commute. No matter the inspiration, buying a home in Newtown is a unique and uplifting experience. With the help of an experienced Fairfield County real estate agent such as Connie Widmann at your side, you're sure to find a dream home in this picturesque community.
Reasons to buy a home in Newtown
Newtown is a charming community prized for its small-town vibe and convenient proximity to New York City. These two factors drive a thriving, friendly community that cherishes family life. Many residents commute to NYC regularly and have businesses or relatives in the nearby urban density.
However, life in Newtown is peaceful, characterized by trees, parks, and a love for all things equestrian. Founded in 1711, the town also offers a delightful blend of new and classic homes rich in history.
It's easy to fall in love with living in Newtown. In fact, it was rated among the best places to live in Connecticut.
The top neighborhoods of Newtown
Newtown is home to a rich tapestry of neighborhoods and districts. The finest neighborhoods to buy your home in Newtown include Hattertown, Sandy Hook, Dodgingtown, and Taunton. However, if you've been dreaming of a classic New England home, you should look to the Newtown Borough Historic District.
The types of homes available in Newtown
Homes here range from traditional saltbox and stately colonial-style houses all the way to modern bungalows and cozy ranch-style homes. The best place to start is to determine whether you are looking for a more traditional style or if you'd rather have a newer home style. You can even have the best of both worlds through a recently constructed home in the town's traditional New England style.
Choosing between beautifully restored and new homes will help you discover exactly what you are looking for in your next Connecticut home. There is also a modest selection of luxurious condos, townhomes, and apartments to suit your tastes or preferred lifestyle.
How to determine housing costs
When buying a new home in Newtown, the cost is something that should always be planned for. How can you determine the housing costs for a home before you become a homeowner? A little research and calculation are in order.
Typical closing costs
When buying a home, closing costs are typically between 6% and 10%. This is true for both the buyer and the seller, although closing costs cover different expenses for each party.
Property tax rate
In Connecticut, property tax is calculated by mill rate, which is one-thousandth of a dollar. Because the Newtown mill rate is 34.67, you will pay that much for every $1,000 of your home's assessed value.
Homeowners insurance policies
Your housing costs also hinge on the insurance policy you can secure. Explore local insurance provider offers to discover the best deal on homeowners insurance.
Potential Homeowners Association (HOA) fees
If you are buying a home in an HOA, you must consider whether they charge monthly or annual fees and how much.
Average utility costs
You should also look into the average cost of power, water, and natural gas for each home in the neighborhoods where you are house hunting.
Home loan options for all buyers
There are three types of loans you can get to assist in buying a home in Newtown:
Conventional loans
Conventional loans are available through most mortgage lenders and will align with the usual rules regarding down payment and interest rates.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans
The FHA may provide a loan to assist some first-time homebuyers with lower incomes to achieve the dream of owning a home.
VA loans
VA loans are special loans offered as part of your military benefits.
Strategies to save money when buying a home
How can you save money when buying a home in an illustrious town such as Newtown? There are several ways you can work to improve your finances or lower the potential cost of your future home:
Find the best mortgage and get prequalified
Find a lender who wants to help build the community to identify the best mortgage prices. Credit unions are often a good place to start. Then go through the application process and get prequalified for the size of mortgage you will likely need due to your price range.
Save a larger down payment to reduce interest rates
If you put down more money upfront as part of your down payment, most banks will lower the interest rate on your loan because you are lowering their risk level.
Build your credit score while you save
Be sure to focus on your credit score by creating good credit records and removing bad ones as you focus on saving up for your Newtown home.
Explore homes in your style and price range
Newtown has a wide array of homes to explore. There are historic neighborhoods, new developments, and everything in between. Your goals as a homebuyer will determine what you are looking for as well as your ideal price range for homes.
Explore homes listed online and unlisted homes for sale in Newtown to determine what you love about those homes and what you would change and narrow down your focus to a single dream home. You can also explore virtual tours of homes without booking an in-person walk-through; you can go through a virtual tour as many times as you desire.
Explore homes listed online and unlisted homes for sale in Newtown to determine what you love about those homes and what you would change and narrow down your focus to a single dream home. You can also explore virtual tours of homes without booking an in-person walk-through; you can go through a virtual tour as many times as you desire.
Be prepared to negotiate
Once a seller has accepted an offer, you can move on to negotiations. Your real estate agent will likely take the lead, negotiating on your behalf for a lower price or better amenities. These goals work directly against those of the seller's agent, who will be seeking terms in their best interest. This is also when you will negotiate for special circumstances, including timing, or offer special considerations, such as leaseback, to make the home-selling and move-out/move-in processes easier for everyone.
Work with a skilled Fairfield County real estate agent
Your choice of real estate agent can help guide you to victory when choosing and closing on the perfect house. You need someone who understands the intricacies of Connecticut real estate and will listen carefully to learn exactly what you want from your house hunt. Buying a home in Newtown can be enhanced and streamlined with the help of your real estate agent.
Move into your Newtown dream house
When all is said and done, you will be the proud owner of a Newtown home. If you're ready to begin the house hunt, the Connie Widmann Team can help you find the ideal home in this cozy small town to inspire you and meet the needs of your entire household. From your very first home to a valuable investment, Newtown homes for sale have much to offer the modern homebuyer. To learn more about buying a home in Newtown, contact us today.