Your first purchase is mostly about not being surprised. New Jersey's process has a few steps other states skip — attorney review being the big one — and the buyers who do best are the ones who understood the sequence before they fell in love with a kitchen.
Talk to a lender early for a real pre-approval: price range, monthly payment, cash needed for down payment and closing costs.
Commute, budget, and daily life first. Browse the 564 town guides to compare honestly.
Systems, layout, and resale basics — not just finishes. I'll point out what photos hide.
We write a clean, competitive offer; then NJ attorney review (typically three business days) finalizes the contract.
Licensed inspector, then the lender's appraisal. We negotiate from facts, in writing.
Final walkthrough, closing, keys — and a contact who answers the phone after closing day too.
After both sides sign a contract prepared by a broker, New Jersey has an attorney review period — typically three business days — during which either side's attorney can disapprove or revise the contract. It's a protection unique to NJ, and we'll plan around it.
It depends on your loan program — some allow as little as 3–3.5% down for qualified buyers, and New Jersey offers state assistance programs for eligible first-time buyers through approved lenders. Your lender gives you exact numbers; I'll connect the home search to what you qualify for.
A common planning range is about 2–5% of the purchase price for lender fees, title, escrows, and prepaid items. Your lender's Loan Estimate gives the real figures early in the process.