New Jersey Residential Closing Lawyer

Residential Closing Attorney Serving New Jersey

New Jersey's residential market is among the most active in the Northeast, spanning single-family homes in Bergen and Essex counties, townhouses and condominiums along the Hudson County waterfront, multi-family investment properties in cities like Newark, Paterson, and Elizabeth, and waterfront homes along the Shore. Each property type carries specific legal considerations at closing, from title examination and municipal lien searches to flood zone certifications and certificate of occupancy compliance.

New Jersey residential closings follow a process distinct from New York. Contracts include a three-business-day attorney review period, closings are typically conducted at the title company's office, the seller customarily pays for the buyer's owner's title insurance policy, and municipal requirements like smoke detector and carbon monoxide certifications must be satisfied before transfer. Having an attorney who understands New Jersey closing procedures protects you from start to finish.

At Agarunov Law Firm, P.C., we are licensed in both New Jersey and New York and handle residential closings throughout the state. Our Englewood office at 285 Grand Avenue is conveniently located at 285 Grand Avenue in Englewood, NJ, with a second office at 30 Broad Street in Manhattan's Financial District. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your New Jersey residential transaction.

Our New Jersey Residential Closing Legal Services

Attorney Review for New Jersey Home Purchases

Every New Jersey residential purchase contract includes a three-business-day attorney review period. During this window, your attorney can cancel the contract outright or negotiate modifications covering financing contingencies, inspection provisions, repair credits, closing date adjustments, and property condition disclosures. Once attorney review expires without disapproval, the contract is fully binding. We use this period aggressively to protect your interests and negotiate the best possible terms.

Title Search and Insurance for New Jersey Homes

We coordinate the title search through the title company and review the commitment for mortgages, judgments, tax liens, open permits, and other encumbrances. New Jersey title practice has its own customs: the seller pays for the buyer's owner's title insurance policy, and the title company typically serves as the closing agent. We also order a municipal lien search, which checks for open permits, outstanding municipal fines, and compliance with local ordinances. This municipal search is specific to New Jersey and catches issues that a standard title search would miss.

Residential Closing Representation in New Jersey

New Jersey closings are conducted at the title company's office, with both attorneys, the title closer, and sometimes the real estate agents present. We review the settlement statement, verify all financial calculations including the realty transfer fee, confirm deed accuracy, ensure that all municipal requirements (smoke and carbon monoxide certifications, certificate of occupancy or certificate of continued occupancy) have been satisfied, and authorize the release of funds only when everything is in order.

Multi-Family Home Closings in New Jersey

New Jersey has a substantial multi-family housing stock in cities and older suburban communities. Purchasing a two-to-four unit property involves additional diligence: reviewing existing tenant leases, verifying compliance with the New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act, confirming that the property's use conforms to its certificate of occupancy and zoning, analyzing rent rolls and expense statements, and ensuring proper allocation of security deposits and prepaid rents at closing. Landlord-tenant law in New Jersey provides tenants with strong protections that affect both the transaction and ongoing ownership.

First-Time Homebuyer Representation in New Jersey

Buying your first home in New Jersey involves navigating the attorney review process, home inspections, mortgage commitments, title clearance, and closing procedures. We walk first-time buyers through each step, explaining what every document means and ensuring you understand your rights and obligations before you sign. New Jersey also offers various first-time buyer programs and property tax benefits that your lender or financial advisor can help you explore.

Seller Closing Representation in New Jersey

New Jersey sellers have specific obligations including providing a seller's disclosure statement, obtaining smoke detector and carbon monoxide certifications, satisfying any municipal requirements for a certificate of continued occupancy, and paying the realty transfer fee at closing. We prepare the contract of sale, respond to the buyer's attorney review modifications, resolve title issues, and attend closing to verify proper execution of all documents and accurate disbursement of proceeds.

What You Should Know About New Jersey Residential Real Estate

New Jersey's residential closing process has several features that distinguish it from New York and other states. The attorney review period gives buyers a post-signing opportunity to negotiate terms or cancel the contract, something unavailable in New York. Municipal lien searches are standard practice and can reveal open building permits, code violations, and compliance issues that a title search alone would not uncover. The seller's obligation to pay for the buyer's owner's title insurance policy reduces buyer closing costs compared to New York. Property taxes in New Jersey are among the highest in the nation, and understanding the tax implications of a purchase is essential for budgeting your monthly carrying costs. For buyers moving from New York City, the different closing procedures, cost structure, and municipal compliance requirements warrant an attorney who practices in both states.

Why New Jersey Home Buyers and Sellers Choose Agarunov Law Firm

• Dual-state licensing: admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York for clients with cross-border needs
• Englewood office: our Bergen County location at 285 Grand Avenue provides direct access for North Jersey clients
• Direct attorney access: a licensed attorney personally handles your residential closing at every stage
• Multi-family experience: thorough diligence on tenant leases, NJ Anti-Eviction Act compliance, and investment property transactions
• Responsive communication: every call and email receives a same-day response