Buying or selling in Westport and wondering what really happens between an accepted offer and getting the keys? You are not alone. Connecticut uses an attorney-led closing model, which can feel different if you are relocating from another state or buying your first Fairfield County home. In this guide, you will learn who does what, how the timeline usually unfolds, what to expect in Westport, and how to avoid common hiccups. Let’s dive in.
Connecticut’s attorney-led model
In Connecticut, attorneys run point on the legal and financial pieces of your closing. They draft and review contracts, coordinate title work, and manage funds and documents at settlement. This is standard practice across Fairfield County and Westport, as explained by the Connecticut Bar Association.
Who does what
- Buyer’s attorney: reviews and negotiates the contract, orders and clears title, negotiates repairs or credits, and attends closing.
- Seller’s attorney: prepares seller documents, coordinates mortgage payoffs, calculates prorations, and attends closing.
- Real estate agents: guide pricing, offers, and negotiations and help schedule inspections and appraisals. Agents do not provide legal services or hold escrow unless designated.
- Lender: underwrites the loan, orders the appraisal, and releases funds at closing once all conditions are met.
- Title company or agent: completes the title search and issues title insurance.
- Westport Town Clerk: records your deed and mortgage in the town land records.
- Inspectors: perform the home inspection and any specialty inspections you choose.
For a quick refresher on local practices and forms, you can also consult the Connecticut Association of Realtors.
Your step-by-step timeline
Every transaction is different, but most financed Westport purchases close in about 30 to 45 days after contracts are signed. Cash deals can be faster. Complex title issues or municipal items may extend the timeline.
Step 1: Contract and deposit, Day 0 to 3
Once your offer is accepted, attorneys finalize and execute the Purchase and Sale agreement. This sets all deadlines, including inspections, financing, and the target closing date. You deliver the earnest money deposit to the escrow holder named in the contract, often a buyer’s or seller’s attorney or a title company. If you are financing, send your lender the signed contract and all requested documents right away.
Step 2: Inspections, Day 3 to 14
Schedule your home inspection as soon as you are under contract. Many Connecticut contracts allow 7 to 14 days for inspections, and Westport’s competitive market sometimes shortens that window. Consider add-ons like radon, wood-destroying insects, septic or well testing, and coastal or seawall evaluations if relevant. For inspection standards and best practices, see the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Step 3: Title search, Day 1 to 21
Your attorney or title agent orders a title search through Westport’s land records to confirm ownership and identify liens, easements, or other encumbrances. The title commitment outlines what must be cleared before closing. If issues surface, allow time for your attorney to resolve them with the seller’s side or with town offices. You can learn about local land record procedures through the Westport Town Clerk.
Step 4: Appraisal and underwriting, Day 7 to 30+
If you are getting a mortgage, the lender orders an appraisal to confirm value. Underwriting reviews income and assets, insurance, title, and the appraisal. Your goal is a mortgage commitment or clear-to-close. Cash purchases skip these lender steps, which can shorten the schedule.
Step 5: Pre-closing coordination, Days 21 to 45
Attorneys lock in a closing date once the lender is ready and title is clear. The seller’s attorney obtains mortgage payoff statements. Both sides finalize prorations for taxes and, if applicable, HOA fees or utilities. You secure homeowners insurance, and if the property is in a flood zone, you may need a flood policy before closing.
Step 6: Final walkthrough and signing, Closing day
You complete a final walkthrough, often within 24 hours of closing, to confirm property condition and agreed repairs. Closings typically take place at an attorney’s office or a title office. You sign the deed (seller) or the mortgage note and documents (buyer), along with affidavits and the final settlement statement. Funds are wired to the closing attorney or title agent for disbursement.
Step 7: Recording and keys, Same day or shortly after
After signing and funding, the deed and mortgage are recorded with the Westport Town Clerk. Recording triggers the official transfer of title. Keys are usually released after confirmation of recording and funds, although parties sometimes agree to release keys at signing with attorney approval.
Deposits, escrow, and wire safety
Your contract should name the escrow holder for your earnest money. In Connecticut, that is often a buyer’s or seller’s attorney or a title company. The contract also sets the rules for any escrow disputes.
Wire fraud remains a real risk nationwide. Only use wire instructions from your attorney or title company, and call the office using a verified phone number before sending funds. Do not rely on email alone for last-minute wiring changes.
Title search and title insurance
A title search checks Westport’s land records for liens, easements, judgments, and other items that could affect ownership. A lender’s title policy is required if you finance. Buyers commonly add an owner’s policy to protect their equity. For a plain-English overview, review the American Land Title Association resources on title insurance.
Local title items that may require attention include unpaid municipal charges, historical restrictions, or shoreline access easements. Open building permits can also cause issues at closing. You or your attorney can check permit status with the Westport Building Department and confirm property tax status with the Westport Assessor.
Westport-specific checks to consider
- Flood zones and coastal parcels: Parts of Westport sit along Long Island Sound. Flood zone classification can affect insurance and lender requirements. Run a flood zone lookup through the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and determine if a flood policy is needed.
- Septic vs. sewer: Many homes connect to town sewer, and some use private septic. Order a septic inspection when applicable. Confirm utility connections with your attorney and the town.
- Permit and code items: Ask your attorney to verify whether any open or expired permits exist. Clearing them early helps prevent last-minute delays.
- Competitive timing: Westport’s market can move quickly. Shorter inspection and financing windows are common on desirable listings. Have your documentation, inspectors, and attorney ready to act.
What to expect on closing day
Plan for about an hour to sign, longer if you are financing. Bring a government-issued photo ID and confirm with your attorney how you will deliver any remaining funds. Your lender wires funds to the closing attorney or title agent. After recording at the Town Clerk, you receive keys based on the contract and your attorneys’ instructions.
Quick checklists
Buyer checklist, before contract
- Get a strong lender pre-approval.
- Interview and select a Connecticut real estate attorney.
- Confirm funds for your deposit and closing.
- Line up inspectors and availability.
Buyer checklist, after contract
- Deliver your deposit to the named escrow holder.
- Schedule home and specialty inspections immediately.
- Send your lender the signed contract and requested documents.
- Review the title commitment and insurance options with your attorney.
- Obtain homeowner and, if needed, flood insurance binders.
- Complete your final walkthrough and bring ID to closing.
Seller checklist
- Provide your attorney with mortgage payoff details.
- Complete state disclosure forms to the best of your knowledge.
- Allow inspections per the contract.
- Address open permits or municipal items early.
- Confirm how and when keys will be handed over.
Realistic timelines at a glance
- Fast, competitive or cash: about 21 to 30 days from contract to closing.
- Typical financed purchase: about 30 to 45 days.
- Complex title or municipal issues: 60 days or more.
Your specific timing depends on lender speed, attorney coordination, inspection results, and how quickly documents and funds move.
Avoid common delays
- Title exceptions not cleared, such as liens or unreleased mortgages.
- Open building permits or unpaid municipal assessments.
- Flood insurance or FEMA designation issues for coastal homes.
- Septic problems when the property is not on town sewer.
- Appraisal gaps or slow lender underwriting.
- Wire instruction confusion or late funding.
Final thoughts
Connecticut closings in Westport are designed to protect you through attorney oversight, clear timelines, and thorough title work. If you prepare early, respond quickly to document requests, and keep your attorney looped in, you can move from contract to keys with confidence. If you want local, step-by-step guidance tailored to your goals, reach out to M & D Properties. Our team will help you plan the timeline, coordinate the process, and keep you informed at every turn.
FAQs
Who holds the earnest money in a Westport sale?
- The Purchase and Sale agreement names the escrow holder, often a buyer’s or seller’s attorney or a title company.
When do I get keys at a Connecticut closing?
- Keys are typically released after the deed records and funds are disbursed, though attorneys may approve release at signing in some cases.
How long does lender underwriting take in Westport?
- Most financed purchases close in about 30 to 45 days, depending on appraisal timing and how quickly you satisfy lender conditions.
What local items can delay a Westport closing?
- Open building permits, unpaid municipal charges, or title issues found in Westport land records can slow title clearance.
Do I need title insurance as a buyer in Connecticut?
- Your lender requires a lender’s policy, and many buyers opt for an owner’s policy to protect their equity from covered title defects.
How do I check if a Westport home is in a flood zone?
- Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to review the property’s flood zone and potential insurance requirements.