YOUR PATH TO OWNERSHIP

Guide to Buying Property in Connecticut or Rhode Island

BEGIN YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

Find a Place That Fits Your Life

The right property is about more than bedrooms, square footage, and price. It is about finding a place that fits your lifestyle, supports your goals, and feels right for what comes next. Whether you are buying your first home, relocating, searching for more space, or exploring an investment opportunity, Steph Rush will help you navigate the Connecticut or Rhode Island market with clarity and confidence.

From showing properties and comparing your options to preparing an offer, navigating inspections, and reaching closing day, you will receive personalized guidance and dedicated support at every step.

YOUR PRIORITIES FIRST

Meeting Your Buying Needs

Maybe it is a shorter commute, more outdoor space, room to grow, or a property with investment potential. Steph starts by understanding your budget, preferred locations, and plans for the future. She then helps you look beyond listing photos, weigh the details that matter, and focus on properties that deserve a closer look. That means less time sorting through unsuitable listings and more confidence when the right opportunity appears.

Your Path to homeownership

The Home Buying Process

A simple seven-step journey from first meeting to keys.

Step 01

Meet With an Agent

Start

Step 02

Get Pre-Approved

Step 03

House Shopping

Step 04

Make an Offer

Step 05

Under Contract

Step 06

Inspection & Appraisal

Step 07

Get Your Keys

Home

THE BUYING JOURNEY

The Road Map to Buying

From the first conversation to the closing day, Steph guides you through every step with clarity and care.

Questions & Pre-Approval

We will discuss what is most important to you in a home, separate your wants from your needs, and answer any questions you may have. You will also work with a lender to obtain pre-approval so you clearly understand your buying power.

Budget Planning
Home Priorities
Buying Power

House Hunting

Once you have your pre-approval, we will put boots on the ground and begin touring homes in person.

Tailored Home Search
Property Showings
Neighborhood Insights

Writing Offers

When you find a home you love, we will discuss the ins and outs of every offer before it is submitted, helping you understand the price, terms, and conditions.

Comparable Sales
Offer Price
Contract Terms

Getting an Offer Accepted

Once an offer is accepted, we will begin the Big Three: the home inspection, appraisal, and mortgage commitment process.

Inspections & Remedies

You will hire a home inspector to examine the property for safety issues and other areas of concern. We will review the findings together and discuss what steps you should take next, including any potential remedies.

Report Review
Repair Requests
Remedy Negotiation

Home Appraisal

The bank will hire an independent, Connecticut-licensed appraiser to determine the value of the home you are planning to purchase.

Licensed Appraisal
Property Value
Lender Review

Mortgage Commitment

Once all contract contingencies have been cleared, you will receive a mortgage commitment from your lender confirming their commitment to provide the funds needed to purchase the home.

Loan Documentation
Final Underwriting
Mortgage Approval

Swapping Utilities

A few days before closing, you will contact the utility providers and arrange for the services to be transferred into your name.

Electricity
Water & Heating
Internet Services
Transfer Date

Clear to Close

These are the three magic words. A “clear to close” means that everything is in place and you are officially ready to close on your new home.

Final Walk-Through
Closing Documents
Closing Preparation

We Celebrate

Congratulations—it is time to break out the happy dance. You bought a home and are ready to begin your next chapter!

Keys in Hand
Official Possession
Move-In Ready
New Chapter

HOW WE HELP

The Advantage of Choosing Steph Rush

Buying a home involves important financial and personal decisions. Steph provides the local knowledge, honest advice, and hands-on support buyers need to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Local Market Knowledge

Gain valuable insight into Connecticut & Rhode Island communities, property values, market conditions, and neighborhood considerations.

Personalized Property Search

Receive a focused property search based on your budget, preferred location, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Strategic Offer Support

Use comparable sales and current market data to prepare a competitive offer with terms that protect your interests.

Trusted Professional Connections

Connect with reliable lenders, inspectors, attorneys, appraisers, and other professionals needed throughout the transaction.

Guidance From Search to Closing

Receive consistent support through showings, negotiations, inspections, appraisal, financing, the final walk-through, and closing.

Browse

Steph’s Listings

Step into untamed freedom on this 1.06-acre lot, ready for your custom-built home. Cleared and set atop the highest peak in Norwich, the sunsets here will inspire you. Located in the highly sought-after Farm View Estates neighborhood, you'll find peace, quiet, and a beautiful place to create your home. With a building minimum of 2,800 square feet, there is no limit to what you can create. This approved building lot allows you to build immediately or bring your own design, builder, and finishes. A 2-3 car garage, 4-5 bedrooms, 3-4 bathrooms, and so much more are possible here. Let's talk about building your dream home, and that entire process as a whole- let's work together to create your masterpiece. Related MLS: 24141114.

$774,900 Under Contract - Continue to Show

6 Farm View Drive Norwich, Connecticut

4 Beds 4 Baths 1.06 Acres

Welcome to a piece of history located at 397 Colonel Ledyard Highway. This beautifully refreshed Antique Colonial blends historic New England character with meaningful modern improvements. Built in 1750, this home includes a rich history - in the early 1820's, this house was home to Jonathan Whipple, the first President of the post-Civil War Connecticut Peace Society and an early teacher of the oralism method to the hearing-impaired. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 2,424 square feet of living space including warm wide plank pine floors that flow seamlessly throughout, a flexible floor plan, and timeless details throughout. Recent updates provide added peace of mind, including a new roof in 2025, a water radon mitigation system, repointed foundation work on both the exterior and basement, fresh interior paint, mainly newer windows, and a newer fence. The home also features oil hot-water heat and an unfinished partial-basement for storage. Set on a half-acre lot, the property offers inviting outdoor living with a spacious deck ideal for relaxing, dining, and entertaining. Conveniently located near Ledyard Center, Mystic, Groton, Electric Boat, the Sub Base, casinos, vineyards, and major routes, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Ledyard history with important updates already completed.

$450,000 Under Contract - Continue to Show

397 Colonel Ledyard Highway Ledyard, Connecticut

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,424 SqFt 0.5 Acres

Welcome to 475 Meridian Street Extension, a spacious ranch-style home set on approximately 2.54 acres in a convenient Groton location with all the possibilities of making it your own. Built in 1985, this one-story single-family home offers approximately 2,464 square feet of living space with 5 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and 1 half bath, providing a flexible layout with room for everyday living, guests, work-from-home needs, or future updates. The generous lot offers a sense of privacy and room to spread out, while the location keeps you close to Groton's major employers, Electric Boat, Sub Base New London, shopping, dining, schools, and commuter routes. With central air, city water, a fireplace, substantial square footage, single-level living, and a large lot, this property presents a strong opportunity for buyers looking for space, convenience, and long-term value in Groton.

$449,900 Under Contract - Continue to Show

475 Meridian St Extension Groton, Connecticut

5 Beds 3 Baths 2,464 SqFt 2.54 Acres

Interior photos to come! Spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Colonial set on over an acre in a desirable Ledyard neighborhood with public water. The home offers a generous and flexible floor plan with plenty of room to spread out, including a welcoming mudroom, sunroom, den, sitting room, and dedicated laundry space. All four bedrooms are located on the second floor, including a spacious primary bedroom with a private ensuite bathroom. The additional bedrooms offer comfortable space for family, guests, or a home office. An unfinished basement provides excellent storage and added utility. Outside, the large corner lot includes a garden area and plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors. A one-year lease is required, with two- and three-year lease options available. Pets may be considered upon landlord approval.

$3,800 Active

22 Hyde Park Drive Ledyard, Connecticut

4 Beds 3 Baths 3,114 SqFt 1.11 Acres

Three-family, cash flowing, investment property in Norwich, built in 1910, with easy public utilities including public water and public sewer. Each of the three units offers separate utilities, 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath, creating a practical multifamily setup for investors or owner-occupants. Public utilities help simplify ownership and a convenient in-town location near downtown Norwich makes shopping, public transportation, and commuting a breeze. The rear of the property borders Franklin Park, offering nearby access to green space, playground, basketball court, and fields. A straightforward income-producing property with strong rental appeal and long-term upside.

$299,000 Under Contract - Continue to Show

35 Lake Street Norwich, Connecticut

9 Beds 3 Baths 2,040 SqFt 0.04 Acres

Welcome to the top of Norwich, Connecticut. This 1.06-acre approved building lot is located in one of the city's most prestigious neighborhoods, surrounded by well-appointed homes and protected by building minimums requiring a 2,800 sq. ft. residence or larger. Perfectly positioned at Norwich's highest elevations, this cleared lot is shovel-ready and offers some of the best sunsets in the area. With all approvals in place, you can begin planning and building your dream home immediately. Enjoy privacy, exceptional views, and a premium setting while still being close to local amenities, restaurants, shopping, and major routes. A rare opportunity to create a custom home in a sought-after location- come see your possible view from the top. Let's talk about building your dream home, and that entire process as a whole- let's work together to create your masterpiece. Related MLS: 24141479

$85,000 Under Contract

6 Farm View Drive Norwich, Connecticut

1.06 Acres

Start Your Journey With Steph Rush

Let’s discuss your goals and timeline while covering everything you need to know about buying a home in Connecticut.

Faq

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money should I have for a down payment?

It’s not compulsory to have the full 20% down payment. Many conventional loans allow as little as 3% down, and FHA loans require 3.5%. For first-time buyers, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) offers highly beneficial programs to help cover upfront costs. You can get assistance from local lenders through us, too.

How long does it take to buy a home in Connecticut?

Usually, it takes about 1 to 3 months from house hunting to closing in Connecticut. However, there’s no exact timeline because it depends on factors such as finding the right home, preparing your documents, and securing financing. If you go under contract, expect to close within 30 to 60 days after the offer acceptance.

What are the typical closing costs to expect in Connecticut?

Closing costs in Connecticut range from 3% to 5% of the purchase price. It’s mostly because of hiring a real estate attorney in Connecticut, local recording fees, and a property tax adjustment, where you reimburse the seller for any town property taxes they prepaid.

Do I need a Connecticut-specific pre-approval letter to make an offer?

You usually do not need a Connecticut-specific lender. A regular mortgage pre-approval letter from any lender is typically sufficient and can strengthen your offer. In Connecticut, sellers are more likely to take your offer seriously if you include a current pre-approval letter.

Is a buyer’s agent necessary to purchase a home?

No, it’s not mandatory to have a buyer’s agent for buying a home in Connecticut. However, an agent like Stephanie can help a lot with finding homes, pricing, negotiating, and closing, reducing stress and overwhelming pressure.