Buying a Home in Branford

The stunning coastal community of Branford has been attracting buyers to Connecticut’s shore for decades. The quaint community blends the charm of suburban living with access to vibrant shops and commercial centers. Residents can enjoy unparalleled serenity, spend days sitting on the beach by the Long Island Sound, and shop in Branford’s numerous locally-owned boutiques and eateries. With a historic charm and coastal feel, Branford is unlike anywhere else. Residents get access to a range of amenities, local events, and places to get outside. Many buyers looking to escape the hectic bustle of the city choose to settle in Branford, where they can take life slow without sacrificing proximity to world-class amenities.

Each year many prospective buyers set their sights on the Branford area for its stunning natural beauty, countless amenities, and close-knit community. If you are interested in buying a home in Branford, learn more about what makes this community desirable for prospective homebuyers.

Branford is located on the shore of the Long Island Sound. The town has 20 miles of coastline and two immaculate public beaches. Residents can enjoy the sun, surf, and soft sand in Branford. Watching the tide and feeling the cool ocean breeze is a part of life for those that live in Branford. Beachfront bungalows, fresh seafood restaurants, and coastal charm are in ample supply in this sought-after seaside community.

Residents do not have to sacrifice the vibrance of city living when settling in Branford. The town is full of local shopping boutiques and quaint eateries that bring life to the community. Main Street runs through the center of Branford. There you can find a vast selection of specialty shops, coffee houses, and high-quality restaurants. The community hosts a number of parades and events each year, turning Main Street and the town into a bustling hub for activity and socialization.

Pristine natural beauty and untouched spaces give residents of Branford ample access to the outdoors. Whether you are looking to go for a swim in the ocean, spend an afternoon hiking through miles of stunning woodlands, or take a boat out on Lake Saltonstall, Branford has you covered. The community is home to over 15 beautifully-maintained parks, giving locals plentiful places to get outside.

Branford is home to several distinct neighborhoods. Each comes with its own set of unique amenities and real estate options. If you are looking to buy in Branford, be sure to find the community best suited to your tastes and lifestyle.

Branford Center is a large neighborhood encompassing many residential streets and stores along Main Street. This community is defined by the energetic spirit of downtown Branford, making it one of the community’s more lively places to live. Residents can easily reach many of the town’s most popular shops and restaurants.

Short Beach started as a premier vacation destination in the early 1900s. Today, the community is settled mostly by year-round residents. The evidence of its past is still apparent in the stunning multi-million dollar beach houses that line its shore. Located on the coast, Short Beach is ideal for those looking for a beachside cottage and unforgettable ocean views.

Stony Creek maintains the feel of a small seaside village. This distinct, historic charm attracts many to the neighborhood. Old Victorian hotels are reminiscent of the area’s past as a vacation town and today are home to several unique attractions.

Buying a new home is a big commitment, but it can also come with a substantial return on investment, especially for buyers looking at highly sought-after communities like Branford. Before you start looking for a new property, check out what you can expect to pay for your own piece of Branford real estate.

Housing prices in the Branford area have risen over the past few years, but price increases have recently started slowing down. Today, the average home price in New Haven and the surrounding area is $329,600. This is slightly below the national median, which is currently $372,667.

In the excitement of buying a new home, it can be easy to forget the hidden costs, and those can add up. Closing costs are the fees associated with the transaction of a home. They often include the home’s appraisal, title search, and attorney fees. In Connecticut, the average closing cost is $2,717 and will need to be accounted for by homebuyers.

Buying a home means putting down a substantial financial investment. While it can be intimidating to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a home, rest assured there are things new homeowners looking to move to the Branford area can do to bring the cost down. Follow these tips before buying your next home to help save money.

Before taking out a mortgage to pay for your new home, be sure to thoroughly research your options and find the best rate to save you money over time. Be sure to look into the term, rate, and whether it is fixed or variable. Shop around and talk to a real estate professional who can help you find the best mortgage for you.

In general, most professionals advise putting at least 20 percent down on a home. However, increasing your down payment can help you save money long term. Many homebuyers are able to lower their monthly mortgage payments by putting more money into the down payment.

Your credit score can impact the interest rate you are offered and the lender fees you have to pay. Taking the time to improve your credit score before buying a house can help you get a lower interest rate on your mortgage, leading to lower monthly payments.

Those looking to buy in Connecticut can save money with a commissioners rebate. In most cases, the seller is the one to pay the agent’s commission. A commissioners rebate allows buyers to reap the benefits of their realtor’s commission by receiving some of it themselves. This can give you some extra cash to put towards mortgage payments. 

The best way to ensure a successful home sale is to have an experienced local realtor behind your search. Joe Piscitelli Group has been connecting Branford buyers to their dream homes for years. Contact an agent at the group today to schedule an appointment.