Buying a Home in Rhode Island, Massachusetts or Connecticut: What Buyers Should Know

Wil is licensed in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut, and the basic path to buying a home is much the same in all three: get pre-approved, search, make an offer, inspect, and close. The details, though, change from state to state and even from town to town.

Work with an agent licensed where the home is

A real estate agent has to be licensed in the state where the property is located. If you are searching near a state line, make sure your agent can help you on both sides of it.

Expect an attorney at the closing

In all three states, attorneys typically play a role in residential closings, and buyers often hire their own. Ask your agent and your lender for recommendations, and get the fee in writing before you commit.

Taxes and transfer costs are local

Property taxes are set by each city or town, and transfer or conveyance taxes vary by state. When you are comparing homes, ask for the current tax bill and a full estimate of your closing costs, rather than relying on a general rule of thumb.

Ask about local requirements

• Some towns require smoke and carbon-monoxide detector compliance before a sale can close.
• Massachusetts has a septic inspection requirement (Title 5) for homes on septic systems.
• Homes built before 1978 come with federal lead-paint disclosures, and some states add their own rules.
• Coastal and low-lying properties may need flood insurance, so get a quote early.

Build the inspection into your offer

Purchase offers commonly include an inspection period and, when you are financing, a mortgage contingency. Your agent will explain how those deadlines work so you do not lose your deposit by missing one.

Buying across more than one state? We can walk you through the differences, in English or Spanish. This article is general information, not legal or financial advice.