NEWS RELEASE

Meriden CT - August 7, 2003 - Mortgage rates are still near record lows in Connecticut and savvy homeowners are looking to trade up. "Now is a very favorable time to buy a home," said Ray Palermo, Director of Public Relations for Connecticut Life & Casualty Insurance. "But, it's important to know what you're getting into, so having a professional home inspection is key."

The insurer is offering potential new homeowners a free brochure - "Pre-Purchase Home Inspection" - to help explain what you should look for when you have the home inspected. "The first step is to not rely on yourself or a friend to check things out," said Palermo. "Hiring a licensed home inspector may be the best money you will spend on your new home."

Major areas for a careful inspection include electrical, heating systems, roof, basement and foundation dampness, property drainage, plumbing, termites, and insulation. But it is recommended that you accompany your home inspector to see any problems first hand. Take notes and be sure to ask questions about mechanical operations and emergency shut-offs so you can familiarize yourself with these items before you have a problem. And, be sure to ask for the life expectancy of major appliances, HVAC and the roof.

"Homeowners should also look at the big picture," said Palermo. "Observing an overall pattern of poor maintenance is often a signal of bigger troubles." Crumbling masonry, makeshift wiring, peeling paint, cracked cement surfaces, broken fixtures and appliances may also indicate that other, even more important items, have been neglected.

Connecticut Life & Casualty is offering their free brochure to prospective homeowners in Connecticut who call 1-800-252-6252. Sources for home inspectors include the Connecticut Association of Home Inspectors (www.ct-inspectors.com), and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, which can provide licensing and consumer complaint information regarding home inspectors (www.state.ct.us/dcp).