Websites Every Home Buyer and Seller in Connecticut Should Use

This list is not comprehensive but these sites are staples in my real estate agent repertoire.  Maybe you know some of them, maybe you don’t – but you should…

Agentsonline.net  - Want to know what real estate agents really think? This site is a lively forum where agents ask each other questions and get advice. Another great feature is that consumers can also ask real estate agents questions and get feedback, without any obligation whatsoever.  

Visionappraisal.com - This is the largest single source of real property and sales information in the state.  If the town you’re looking for isn’t covered by Vision Appraisal, here are some other sites I know of.   If it’s not on this list, try searching on-line for the name of the town and “assessor”.  If they have information on-line, there will be a link on their page.  Note: not every town has this information on-line. 

• Totalvaluation.com
• Town of Windsor CT
• Town of West Hartford CT
• City of Hartford CT
• City of Waterbury CT

CT Data Engine- This is a hodgepodge of real estate and demographics information.  Want to know the average rental rates in New Haven?  How about the average sales price for homes in Wethersfield?  Or the median income for Fairfield County? 

HSH - Get accurate mortgage rate info and do research on things like the LIBOR, the index many home equity lines of credits are based on.

CT Mill Rates By Town - This was last updated in September 2006.  Check directly with the town to confirm the mill rate as it’s budget time in Connecticut and the number may not be accurate.

Rate the Towns  - Every year, Connecticut Magazine rates each town/city in CT and compares it to towns/cities of a comparable size in categories like education, cost of living and leisure. 

CT Clic – Please, folks, make sure every contractor or real estate agent you hire is licensed and bonded.  This site will at least answer the license question.

City Rating -Their crime statistics are interesting for general purposes.  If you really want to know the statistics or what type of crime there is in a particular area, call the local police department – they will be more than happy to tell you what crime is like in a neighborhood and what’s causing it.  Another great source is SecurityOnCampus – Crime statistics on college campuses – which affect students and faculty.