Fair Housing Month and the Connecticut Home Buyer: Why Having an Attorney at the Closing Table Matters 

What Every CT Buyer Should Know Before They Sign

April is National Fair Housing Month, a time to reflect on the protections that exist to help every person have a fair shot at finding and purchasing a home. It also happens to coincide with one of the busiest buying seasons of the year. If you are entering the Connecticut real estate market this spring, whether as a first-time buyer or someone relocating from another state, there is something important you should know: Connecticut is an attorney-closing state. 

That means having a licensed Connecticut attorney at your closing is not just a good idea. In most transactions, it is the law. 

What Connecticut’s Fair Housing Protections Actually Cover

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale or financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. Connecticut goes further. 

Under the Connecticut Fair Housing Act (CGS § 46a-64c), state law adds additional protected classes, including: 

• Age 

• Marital status and civil union status 

• Sexual orientation 

• Gender identity or expression 

• Veteran status 

• Lawful source of income (including housing vouchers and public assistance) 

• Status as a victim of domestic violence 

Housing discrimination in Connecticut is not always obvious. It can show up as a seller who suddenly becomes unavailable, a lender who steers you toward less favorable loan terms, or an agent who guides you away from certain neighborhoods. If you believe your rights have been violated, the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) handles fair housing complaints at the state level. 

Connecticut Requires an Attorney at Your Closing

Many buyers, especially those moving from states like Florida, New York, or the Midwest, are surprised to learn that Connecticut real estate closings must be conducted by a licensed Connecticut attorney. This is not simply a local custom. It became state law with the passage of Public Act 19-88, now codified at CGS § 51-88a, effective October 1, 2019. 

Under this law, a “real estate closing” covers mortgage loan transactions that involve the issuance of a title insurance policy, as well as any transaction where consideration is paid to transfer ownership of Connecticut real property. Conducting a closing without a Connecticut-licensed attorney in good standing is a Class D felony. 

If you are coming from a state where a title company or notary handled your last purchase, this is a meaningful difference, and one that works in your favor. 

What a Real Estate Attorney Actually Does for You

Your closing attorney does far more than witness signatures. Here is what they are responsible for in a Connecticut transaction: 

• Title search and examination. Your attorney reviews the history of the property’s ownership to identify any liens, encumbrances, or title defects that could affect your ownership rights. 

• Contract review. Before you are legally bound, your attorney reviews the purchase and sale agreement to make sure the terms protect your interests. 

• Coordination of closing documents. Mortgage documents, the deed, the HUD settlement statement, and transfer documents all require review and proper execution. 

• Conveyance tax compliance. Connecticut imposes a real estate conveyance tax on property transfers (CGS § 12-494). Your attorney ensures the correct state and municipal portions are calculated and paid. 

• Recording the deed. Your attorney handles the legal recording of documents with the town clerk, which is what officially transfers ownership. 

In short, your closing attorney is the person making sure everything is legally sound before you hand over your down payment. 

What to Watch for in This Spring’s Market

Spring is historically the most competitive time to buy in Connecticut, and eastern and central Connecticut are no exception. A few things worth keeping in mind as you navigate this season: 

• Get your attorney involved early. Do not wait until closing day to bring in legal counsel. Having an attorney review your purchase and sale agreement before you sign can prevent costly surprises. 

• Understand what you are buying. Connecticut property taxes are assessed as of October 1 each year and typically billed in two installments. Your attorney can help you understand any prorated tax adjustments at closing. 

• Know your fair housing rights. In a fast-moving market, buyers can feel pressure to move quickly. That pressure should never come in a form that discriminates or steers your decision based on a protected characteristic. 

The Prue Law Group Is Ready to Help

At The Prue Law Group, our real estate attorneys guide buyers and sellers through Connecticut closings with the thoroughness and personal attention the process deserves. We understand the local market and the legal landscape across eastern and central Connecticut, and we work to make sure every client walks away from closing with confidence. 

Whether you are buying your first home in Colchester, selling a property in Windham County, or navigating a complex transaction anywhere in the region, our team is here for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our four offices in Willimantic, Brooklyn, Coventry, and Colchester. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your business’s future.  

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Sources: 

 Connecticut General Statutes § 51-88a (Attorney Closing Requirement, Public Act 19-88) 

Connecticut General Statutes § 46a-64b (Connecticut Fair Housing Act) 

Connecticut General Statutes § 12-494 (Real Estate Conveyance Tax) 

Connecticut Office of Legislative Research, Report 2021-R-0222: Attorneys at Real Estate Closings. Cga.ct.gov  

Connecticut Fair Housing Center, Fair Housing 101. ctfairhousing.org 

Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), Fair Housing. portal.ct.gov/CHRO 

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The Prue Law Group has served eastern and central Connecticut since 1980, providing comprehensive business law, estate planning, probate, and elder law services. Our team’s deep local knowledge and specialized expertise help business owners protect what matters most. AI may have been used for the initial research and drafting of the article. This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, please contact our office for a consultation.