Pages 205–219
All checklists below are designed to print cleanly on one or two pages (portrait, 8.5 × 11). In the digital PDF, you can download each one as a separate fillable form. Print them, check off items as you go, and keep them in a folder with your closing documents.
1. Financial Readiness Quiz & Checklist
Use this before you start seriously shopping.
Self-Assessment Quiz (Answer Yes/No) □ My credit score is at least 620 (680+ is ideal for best rates) □ My debt-to-income ratio is under 43% (ideally under 36%) □ I have saved at least 3–6% for down payment + closing costs □ I have completed (or scheduled) HUD-approved homebuyer education □ I understand Connecticut’s property taxes (~1.81% effective rate) □ I have opened a First-Time Home Buyer Savings Account (2026 tax break)
Action Checklist □ Pulled free credit reports (AnnualCreditReport.com) □ Ran CHFA Affordability Calculator (chfa.org) □ Got pre-approved with a CHFA-participating lender □ Saved 3–6 months of reserves □ Budgeted for 2–5% closing costs + annual taxes
Steve’s Note: If you answered “No” to more than two questions, pause and finish these steps first.
2. Offer Worksheet
Fill this out before writing any offer.
Property Address: ______________________________ Asking Price: $___________ My Offer Price: $___________ Earnest Money Deposit: $___________ (1–3% recommended)
Contingencies I Want (check all that apply) □ Home Inspection □ Radon Testing □ Financing □ Appraisal □ Title □ Attorney Review (automatic in CT) □ Appraisal Gap Coverage (up to $___________)
Seller Concessions Requested: □ Closing cost credit $___________ □ Repair credit $___________ □ Other: ______________________________
Closing Date Requested: __________________ Possession Date: __________________
Personal Note to Seller (optional):
3. Closing Day Checklist
Day-of Closing – Bring This With You
Documents to Bring □ Photo ID (driver’s license or passport) □ Cashier’s check or confirmed wire instructions for down payment □ Final Closing Disclosure (reviewed 3 days prior) □ Proof of homeowners insurance (binder) □ Any last-minute repair receipts or agreements
Final Walkthrough Items □ All agreed repairs completed □ All personal items removed by seller □ All fixtures and appliances still present □ HVAC, water, and electrical systems working □ No new damage since last visit
At the Closing Table □ Review every page before signing □ Ask attorney to explain anything unclear □ Confirm deed will be recorded same day
Immediately After Closing □ Change all locks □ Transfer utilities into your name □ Activate insurance policy □ File for any tax relief/exemption with town assessor
4. Property Tax Appeal Worksheet
Use this every year you receive a new assessment
Property Address: ______________________________ Current Assessed Value: $___________ Your Estimated Market Value (from recent comps): $___________
Comparable Sales (attach 3–5 recent sales)
- Address: __________________ Sale Price: $___________ Date: ________
- Address: __________________ Sale Price: $___________ Date: ________
- Address: __________________ Sale Price: $___________ Date: ________
Reasons for Appeal (check all that apply) □ Assessment higher than recent comparable sales □ Property condition worse than assessed (photos attached) □ Errors in property description (square footage, rooms, etc.) □ Recent revaluation over-stated value
Timeline □ Informal appeal filed with assessor by: ___________ □ Formal appeal filed with Board of Assessment Appeals by: ___________
Steve’s Tip: Keep every receipt for improvements — they help support your appeal and increase your cost basis for when you eventually sell.
