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Buying a home often feels like an impossible dream, especially when you're faced with down payments, closing costs, and strict credit score requirements. But what if there was a program that eliminated those barriers entirely? Enter the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA), a groundbreaking initiative designed to make homeownership accessible, affordable, and equitable.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how the NACA program works, who it’s for, and how we can help you use it to buy a home in your area.


What is NACA?

NACA is a nonprofit, community advocacy organization focused on housing justice. Through its Home Purchase Program, NACA offers what it calls "America’s Best Mortgage", a unique, no-fee mortgage with exceptional terms, especially geared toward first-time and underserved homebuyers.

Unlike traditional lenders, NACA provides extensive financial counseling to ensure buyers are prepared. More than just a mortgage, NACA represents a pathway to stable, long-term homeownership.


Why NACA Stands Out: Key Benefits

Here’s why so many first-time buyers turn to NACA:

  • No down payment required

  • No closing costs (NACA covers or eliminates many fees)

  • No PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)

  • Below-market, fixed interest rates

  • No credit score consideration—they use a character-based underwriting model

  • Comprehensive counseling and support


These features can save buyers tens of thousands of dollars upfront and over the life of the loan.


Who Qualifies for NACA?

To take advantage of the NACA Purchase Program, you must meet certain criteria:

  • Must live in the home as your primary residence

  • Cannot own other real estate at the time of purchase

  • Must attend required workshops and counseling sessions

  • Must demonstrate financial readiness (including a track record of timely rent payments and responsible banking)


Buyers are classified as Priority Members (below median income for the area) or Non-Priority Members (at or above median income). Priority Members can buy anywhere; Non-Priority Members must purchase in designated low-to-moderate income areas.


Step-by-Step: The NACA Home Buying Process

Here’s a snapshot of how the process unfolds:

  1. Attend a Homebuyer Workshop – Learn about the program in a group session.

  2. Become a NACA Member – Set up your Web-file, authorize credit checks, and pay a small annual fee.

  3. Meet with a Housing Counselor – They’ll assess your finances, help you build a budget, and set up an action plan.

  4. Work Through Your Action Plan – Pay off debt, establish payment history, and demonstrate affordability.

  5. Get NACA Qualified – Once ready, you’ll receive a qualification letter with your homebuying budget.

  6. Attend a Purchase Workshop – Prepare for the home search and learn the buying process.

  7. Find a Home – Work with a NACA-experienced real estate agent (like us!) to locate eligible properties.

  8. Obtain Credit Access – NACA internally approves your file for submission to the lender.

  9. Close on Your New Home – Celebrate! You now own a home with amazing terms and ongoing support.


How We Help You Buy a Home Through NACA

Navigating NACA's process can be complex, but that's where we come in. Our team has experience working with NACA-qualified buyers and knows how to:

  • Identify homes that meet NACA's requirements

  • Help you manage the documentation and timelines

  • Communicate effectively with NACA counselors and offices

  • Guide you through every step from qualification to closing

We’re not just agents, we’re your advocates in this process.


Is the NACA Program Right for You?

If you:

  • Are tired of renting

  • Want to avoid high upfront costs

  • Don’t have a perfect credit score

  • Are willing to commit to the process

…then the NACA program may be the opportunity you've been waiting for.


Ready to Take the Next Step?

Contact us below to start your journey toward homeownership through the NACA program. Whether you need help attending your first workshop, preparing your documents, or finding the perfect home, we’re here to help.


Let’s make homeownership happen—together.

Connecticut's housing market in 2025 is a study in contrasts. Prices are climbing, inventory remains tight, and the number of sales has dipped—yet the state continues to attract out-of-state buyers while simultaneously seeing a steady flow of residents leaving for other parts of the country. If you're buying, selling, or investing in Connecticut real estate, this year's data provides valuable insight into how to move smartly in a competitive environment.


Market Trends: A Pricing Surge Amid Slower Sales

As of September 2025, the median sale price for single-family homes in Connecticut hit $490,000, an 8.9% increase from the previous year. The average price per square foot rose to $299, also up 8% year-over-year, and the average sale price jumped to $701,787. These metrics reflect strong appreciation, particularly in the mid-priced segments.


However, despite rising prices, the number of total sales dropped by 9.3%, with 2,685 transactions in August alone, suggesting that affordability pressures and economic uncertainty may be sidelining some buyers.


Inventory remains historically tight, with only 1.47 months of supply available, well below the 5-6 months considered balanced. Days on market (DOM) remain low at a median of 17 days, indicating that well-priced homes are still moving quickly.


Most market activity continues to cluster between $200,000 and $599,000, where buyer competition remains fierce. Properties in this range often receive multiple offers and sell over asking price. Meanwhile, homes priced above $1.2 million are seeing more sluggish turnover, longer days on market, and are more likely to undergo price reductions.


The New Geography of Connecticut Buyers and Sellers

Migration is becoming a key force shaping Connecticut's housing market.

Where are sellers going? Many Connecticut homeowners are heading south or seeking states with lower costs of living. In August 2025, the top destinations for sellers included:

  • Florida (18%)

  • New York (13%)

  • Massachusetts (9%)

  • North Carolina (7%)

  • South Carolina (6%)

This outflow is consistent with national retirement and remote work trends, as people search for warmer climates and tax-friendly environments.


Who's moving in? On the flip side, Connecticut is drawing a significant share of out-of-state buyers. In August, 19% of all buyers were from outside Connecticut, continuing a trend that peaked in 2021 and has since stabilized.


Top buyer sources include:

  • New York (39%)

  • Massachusetts (17%)

  • Florida (6%)

  • California (5%)

  • Rhode Island (5%)


This inbound migration is largely driven by buyers fleeing higher housing costs in neighboring states, especially the New York metro area. Connecticut offers more space, lower prices, and a quieter lifestyle, while still providing access to major urban centers.


A Competitive Yet Fragmented Market

Despite overall demand, not every listing is flying off the shelf.

A full 33% of active listings have had at least one price drop, with the average reduction around 10%. Homes that drop their prices spend a median of 44 days on market before going pending. This is especially true for homes priced above $800,000, where buyers are slower to engage and more inclined to negotiate.


In contrast, homes between $200,000 and $599,000 continue to experience short DOM (12-16 days) and sell for 3-4% over asking. Listings in this range represent over 60% of all single-family home sales and are the epicenter of competition.

If you’re a seller in a higher bracket, it’s essential to price your home accurately from day one. If you’re a buyer in the mid-range, be ready to act fast and come prepared with strong offers.


What Buyers, Sellers, and Investors Should Know Now

For Buyers:

  • Expect bidding wars under $600k

  • Work with an agent who can help you move fast and understand local dynamics

  • If shopping above $1M, take advantage of softer competition and room to negotiate

For Sellers:

  • Homes under $600k can still fetch top dollar if marketed aggressively

  • Listings above $800k need competitive pricing and possibly staging to stand out

  • Consider the timing of your sale to align with buyer activity (spring and early summer remain strong)

For Investors:

  • Rental demand remains robust, especially in commuter-friendly towns

  • Price growth and limited supply make appreciation potential strong

  • Be strategic about property condition, as turn-key homes are commanding premiums


Final Thoughts

Connecticut's 2025 real estate landscape is complex but full of opportunity. Rising prices and low inventory are challenging for some but rewarding for others. Migration patterns show a growing attraction from out-of-state buyers, especially those looking to escape high-cost metros without sacrificing quality of life.


Understanding these market forces can make the difference between a missed opportunity and a smart move.


Contact us below to talk with a local expert about how we can help you buy, sell, invest, or manage property in today’s Connecticut market.

One of the most common questions homebuyers ask Realtors is about the quality of schools and school districts. While this is an understandable concern for families, it’s an area where real estate professionals must tread carefully. Discussing the quality of a school can unintentionally cross into Fair Housing issues, since comments about schools may be interpreted as comments about the people or demographics in a community.


Because of this, many Realtors avoid offering personal opinions on schools. Instead, we direct buyers to independent, publicly available resources so they can form their own judgments.


Reliable Resources You Can Use

Here are three of the most widely used and free-to-access platforms that provide detailed school information:

  • GreatSchools.org – Offers a simple 1–10 rating system based on test scores, student progress, and equity. It’s an easy way to get a quick snapshot of how a school is performing.

  • Niche.com – Provides detailed “report cards” with grades for academics, teachers, clubs, diversity, and college prep. It combines hard data with student and parent reviews, giving you a well-rounded perspective.

  • SchoolDigger.com – Useful for side-by-side comparisons of schools. It focuses heavily on state test score data, demographics, and spending per student, making it a good choice if you like to dig into numbers.

These sites are not sponsored by us in any way, and all are free to the public without requiring a subscription.


Additional Sources Worth Exploring

The three sites above are excellent starting points, but they aren’t the only options. Other reputable sources include:

  • State Departments of Education (for Connecticut, the Connecticut State Department of Education publishes accountability reports and district data)

  • U.S. News & World Report school rankings

  • National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

  • Local parent-teacher associations and district websites

Using multiple sources will give you a broader, more accurate picture of a school or district.


Important Disclaimer

We share these resources strictly for informational purposes. Realtors are not permitted to steer clients toward or away from neighborhoods based on school quality, demographics, or similar factors, as doing so could violate Fair Housing laws. Our role is to connect you with the tools you need to make your own informed decision.


When considering a school district, we strongly recommend that buyers:

  • Review several sources of information

  • Visit schools personally

  • Speak directly with school staff and parents

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© 2025 Triniyah Real Estate, LLC

Connecticut License: REB.0794930

 A Black-Owned Real Estate Brokerage

CONTACT US!

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60 Connolly Parkway, 17-203 

Hamden, CT 06514

(203) 200-0933

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