For Buyers
Buying in New Jersey comes with its own steps, from your first consultation through attorney review, inspections, and closing day. Here’s what to expect at each stage, so you can move forward with confidence.
We begin with a private conversation about where you'd like to live, your timing, and what matters most in a home. It's also the time to ask anything about the process.
New Jersey requires real estate licensees to give you a Consumer Information Statement. It explains the different ways a brokerage can work with you, such as representing you as a buyer's agent, and how dual or designated agency works if one brokerage represents both sides.
If dual or designated agency could apply, New Jersey requires your informed consent in writing before it happens.
Before Mary represents you, you'll review a written brokerage services agreement. It describes the services she'll provide, the length of the agreement, and how compensation works.
In New Jersey commissions are negotiable.
Most buyers speak with a lender early. A pre-approval letter shows sellers you're prepared and helps you set a comfortable price range.
Any monthly payment you see online is an estimate. Actual terms depend on the lender and are available only to a qualified buyer.
We'll tour homes that fit what you've described, with time to look closely at each one. Mary will point out what to ask about and what to verify.
When you find the right home, Mary will help you prepare an offer: price, deposit, financing, inspection terms, and timing. Once both sides agree, a contract is signed.
For covered contracts prepared by a real estate licensee, including sales of one-to-four-unit residential properties, New Jersey provides a three-business-day attorney review period. Weekends and legal holidays are not counted.
During that period, an attorney for either side may review the contract and may disapprove it or propose changes. Most buyers in New Jersey work with their own attorney.
This is general information, not legal advice. For questions about a specific contract or lease, please speak with a New Jersey real estate attorney.
After attorney review, the contract's deadlines begin to matter: home inspection, any additional inspections, and the mortgage commitment date. Mary will help you keep track of each one with your attorney and lender.
No one can promise that a property is free from flood risk. New Jersey's Flood Risk Notification Tool lets you look up whether an address is in a FEMA-designated flood hazard area. Sellers answer flood questions on the property condition disclosure statement, and landlords give tenants a flood risk notice before a lease is signed or renewed.
Open the NJ Flood Risk Notification Tool (opens in a new tab)
Shortly before closing, you'll walk through the home to confirm its condition and that any agreed repairs have been made.
At closing, documents are signed, funds are transferred, and the deed is recorded. Your attorney and title company will explain each document. Once title transfers, the home is yours.
A private consultation is the simplest place to begin. Mary will listen, answer what she can, and outline sensible next steps.
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