Have you heard friends in other states talk about title companies handling closings? In Connecticut, your attorney is the point person. That difference can surprise first-time buyers and even move-up sellers. In this guide, you’ll learn how attorney review works in Norwalk, what timelines to expect, who holds your deposit, and how to keep your offer strong while staying protected. Let’s dive in.

What attorney review means in Connecticut

How the process works

In Connecticut, attorneys for both buyer and seller typically prepare and review closing documents and attend the closing. Most purchase contracts include an attorney-approval clause. Once you and the seller sign, each attorney gets a short window to review the agreement, suggest changes, or disapprove it.

During this time, attorneys focus on the legal terms and closing mechanics. They look at title issues, deed language, prorations, and clarity around obligations. Inspections are separate; condition items are handled through the inspection contingency, not attorney review.

How long it takes

The common window for attorney review is five business days after both parties sign. You can negotiate a different period, but five business days is the usual standard in Connecticut. Because the window is short, your agent should share the signed contract and deposit details with your attorney right away.

What can happen during review

Your attorney can approve the contract as written. They can also propose amendments, such as clarifying the closing date or who pays certain fees. If an attorney disapproves within the review period and the parties do not agree on changes, the contract is typically voidable based on the clause. Your deposit is then handled according to the contract terms.

Earnest money and escrow in Norwalk

Who holds your deposit

In Fairfield County, your earnest money deposit is commonly held by the seller’s attorney or the listing broker in a trust account. Less often, the buyer’s attorney or a title company may hold it if everyone agrees. The contract should name the holder and spell out how the money is disbursed.

Trust accounts and receipts

Attorneys must place client funds in a separate trust account and follow strict accounting rules. Brokers also maintain separate trust accounts for client funds. Ask for a written receipt and confirmation that your deposit was placed in a trust account.

If a dispute happens

If there is a disagreement about the deposit, the holder keeps the funds until the parties reach a written agreement or follow the dispute steps in the contract. If needed, the holder can ask a court to decide how to release the money. Legal action or arbitration can be used if the dispute continues.

Contingencies and timing in a Norwalk purchase

Typical Norwalk timeline

Attorney review starts right after acceptance and often overlaps with your other deadlines. For a 30 to 45 day closing, a typical flow looks like this:

• Day 0: Offer accepted; deposit delivered as the contract instructs.
• Day 0 to 5 business days: Attorney review period.
• Day 0 to 10–14: Inspection period begins; give written notice within the inspection window if you plan to terminate per that contingency.
• Day 0 to 30–45: Financing period; lender orders appraisal, underwrites the loan, and issues commitment. If the loan is denied within the contingency period, you can terminate per contract terms.
• Three business days before closing: Lender provides the Closing Disclosure as required by federal rules.

What each contingency covers

• Attorney review: Legal terms, title matters, deed language, prorations, and closing logistics.
• Inspection: Physical condition of the property and related repair or credit negotiations.
• Financing and appraisal: Your loan process and appraised value, often tied together.
• Title and survey: Exceptions and clearance handled by your attorney and title provider.
• Condo or co-op documents: Bylaws, budgets, and rules if you are buying a unit in a common-interest community.

Making a competitive offer safely

You can shorten or waive certain periods to strengthen your offer, but that increases risk. Waiving attorney review removes your short window to change or void the contract based on legal concerns. Shortening inspection or financing periods gives you less time to uncover issues. Talk with your attorney before you give up protections.

Who does what: agent, lender, attorney

Your agent’s role

Your agent negotiates price and terms, delivers offers, and keeps the timeline moving. They coordinate showings, inspections, and access. They do not provide legal advice, so they will loop in your attorney for contract changes.

Your lender’s role

Your lender underwrites the loan, orders the appraisal, and prepares the Closing Disclosure. Lender timing often drives the closing date. They also set requirements such as proof of insurance and clear title that your attorney helps you meet before closing.

Your attorney’s role

Your attorney handles legal review, title search and clearance, deed preparation, and closing coordination. If designated, they hold your earnest money in trust and manage disbursements. They also record the deed and mortgage after closing and ensure prorations and payoffs are correct.

Clean communication flow

Expect your agent to manage logistics and timeline updates. Your attorney will share legal concerns and request amendments through your agent or directly with the other attorney. Your lender communicates loan conditions and pre-closing tasks to you and your attorney.

Norwalk-specific tips for buyers and sellers

Flood zones and coastal homes

Norwalk has coastal and tidal areas that may fall in FEMA flood zones. Lenders require a flood certification, and if the property is in a flood zone, flood insurance is required before closing. Share any flood-related information with your attorney and lender early and budget for insurance.

Condos and common-interest communities

If you are buying a condo, you will review association documents. These can include bylaws, budgets, rules, and any special assessments. Work with an attorney who is experienced in condo closings to interpret the documents and timelines.

Title quirks in older homes

Older Fairfield County properties can bring title questions like old liens, boundary issues, or unrecorded easements. Early title review helps you spot and solve concerns without delaying your closing.

Closing day logistics

Closings typically take place at a local attorney’s office. Bring a government-issued photo ID and have certified funds or a wire ready per your attorney’s written instructions. Confirm wiring details by phone with your attorney to avoid fraud.

When to bring your attorney in

Best timing

The best practice is to consult an attorney before or immediately after you make an offer. Early involvement can shape a safer strategy and reduce surprises once you are under contract.

Situations to involve counsel early

Bring in your attorney early if you expect complex title issues, a condominium purchase, a short sale, probate or estate matters, new construction, or any unusual contract term. If you plan to shorten or waive protections to compete, get legal advice first.

Risks of waiving or shortening

Waiving attorney review removes your safety valve for legal changes. Shortening inspection or financing windows gives you less time to discover issues or secure your loan. Competitive tactics can work, but they shift more risk onto you.

Quick buyer checklist

• Before offering: Get preapproval and talk with your attorney about offer strategy and timelines.
• After acceptance: Deliver the earnest money as the contract instructs and confirm it was deposited to a trust account.
• Right away: Share the signed contract with your attorney and lender; schedule inspections within 48 to 72 hours.
• During attorney review: Respond quickly to questions and document requests from your attorney and agent.
• Before closing: Confirm insurance, verify wire instructions by phone with your attorney, and prepare your closing funds and ID.

The bottom line

Attorney review is a short but important checkpoint in Connecticut real estate. In Norwalk, it works alongside your inspection, financing, title work, and lender timeline to get you safely to the closing table. With the right team and a clear plan, you can keep your offer competitive and protect your interests at the same time.

Ready to map out your offer strategy and timeline? Connect with the Fowler Sakey Team to start your move with a free home valuation.

FAQs

Can a buyer cancel during Connecticut attorney review?

• If an attorney disapproves within the agreed review period and the parties do not accept changes, the contract is typically voidable under the attorney-approval clause.

Who usually holds the earnest money deposit in Norwalk?

• The seller’s attorney or the listing broker commonly holds the deposit in a trust account, as specified in the contract, with less frequent use of the buyer’s attorney or a title company.

How does the inspection contingency differ from attorney review?

• Inspection covers the property’s physical condition and repair or credit negotiations, while attorney review focuses on legal terms, title, deed language, and closing mechanics.

What happens if the appraisal comes in low in Fairfield County?

• A low appraisal often triggers negotiations or reliance on the financing contingency; you might renegotiate, pay the difference, or terminate if allowed by your financing terms.

Where do Connecticut closings usually take place?

• Closings are typically conducted at an attorney’s office, with your attorney preparing documents, coordinating funds, and recording the deed and mortgage after closing.