One of the hardest parts of buying in West Hartford isn't finding a good home. It's deciding which part of town suits you best. Some buyers want to stroll to dinner, others want a quiet street and a bigger yard, and still others care most about getting to work by …

When you're buying in Glastonbury, you want the right house and the right school fit, without any surprises after closing. The town offers real choices: village-center convenience, bigger lots farther out, different commute routes and school assignments that can change from one street to the next. Here's the process I …

"Should I just buy now and refinance when rates come down?" It's a question I hear from a lot of buyers these days. The strategy can absolutely work in the right circumstances, but it needs to be approached with clear eyes. The most important rule: the purchase has to make …

With home prices and mortgage rates higher than they were a few years back, a lot of people are taking a hard look at whether they should rent or buy. Renting often feels easier and more predictable, while buying feels like a much bigger financial leap. The right choice really …

When you find a home you love, calling the agent whose name is on the sign can feel like the quickest path to the finish line. It is a common instinct, and some buyers assume it will lead to a better price or an easier process. But going straight to …

The short version: Rates moving after you buy is completely normal. If they come down later, you may be able to refinance. And over the long haul, the benefits of owning a home usually matter far more than where rates happen to be in a given month.

One of the …

The short answer: Mortgage rates are shaped by a long list of economic forces, and their short-term direction is notoriously hard to call. For most buyers, the more helpful question is how today's rates affect what you can afford and how they fit into your long-term plans.

It's a question …

"Buyer's agent" is one of the first terms you'll hear when you start shopping for a home, and it's also one that a lot of people aren't quite sure about. I'm Brian Burke, and I'd like to clear up what this role actually involves.

The Role in a Nutshell

A …

“How much can I spend?” is usually one of the first questions buyers bring to me. It is a smart place to start, but the real answer goes beyond whatever number a lender is willing to approve. A budget that works is one that fits comfortably into your monthly finances, …

"Should I buy now, or wait?" I hear this question all the time, especially when rates are higher than people remember or the market feels uncertain. Many buyers are afraid of getting the timing wrong. But in my experience, the answer has less to do with the market and more …