Resources
Questions and answers
Short answers to common questions about buying, selling, and renting in New Jersey.
How do I start buying a home in New Jersey?
Begin with a consultation and a conversation with a lender. Mary will explain the Consumer Information Statement and the written brokerage services agreement, then help you focus your search.
What is attorney review?
For covered contracts prepared by a real estate licensee, including one-to-four-unit residential sales and residential leases of one year or more, New Jersey provides three business days for attorney review, not counting weekends and legal holidays. An attorney may disapprove the contract or propose changes during that time.
This is general information, not legal advice. For questions about a specific contract or lease, please speak with a New Jersey real estate attorney.
What does selling a home in New Jersey cost?
Common costs include brokerage compensation, attorney fees, the realty transfer fee, any mortgage payoff, and tax adjustments. Sales above $1,000,000 also carry the seller-paid Graduated Percent Fee.
In New Jersey commissions are negotiable.
Do you work with landlords and tenants?
Yes. Mary helps landlords price, prepare, and lease residential properties, and helps tenants search, apply, and review leases.
Is your CMA an appraisal?
A comparative market analysis is not an appraisal and should not be considered the equivalent of an appraisal.
A CMA is a starting point for discussing price, prepared from recent sales and listings.
What is the Consumer Information Statement?
A New Jersey document that explains the ways a brokerage may work with you. Licensees are required to provide it.
How can I check a property's flood risk?
Flood risk
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)
Is there an extra fee on sales over $1 million?
New Jersey's Graduated Percent Fee
On sales above $1,000,000, New Jersey charges a Graduated Percent Fee. It is paid by the seller and calculated on the entire sale price, not only the amount above each threshold.
| Sale price | Fee on the entire price |
|---|---|
| Above $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 | 1% |
| Above $2,000,000 to $2,500,000 | 2% |
| Above $2,500,000 to $3,000,000 | 2.5% |
| Above $3,000,000 to $3,500,000 | 3% |
| Above $3,500,000 | 3.5% |
Example: a $2,750,000 sale owes 2.5% of the full price, or $68,750.
Your attorney can confirm the fee and how it applies to your specific sale.
Can you recommend attorneys, lenders, or inspectors?
Yes. Mary can provide contact information for attorneys, lenders, inspectors, and other professionals when needed. You're free to choose any professional you like.
No referral compensation is received unless otherwise disclosed and legally permitted.
Do you work with investors and people moving to New Jersey?
Yes. Mary works with investors, and helps buyers relocating to New Jersey find the right community and property.