Do I Need a Real Estate Attorney in NJ?

Buying a new home is one of the most important decisions a person or family can make.  The home buying process is exciting, but may leave you with many questions.  The first step is to find the right house, and the last step comes at the closing when you are handed the keys to your new home.  There are many steps in between, and although you are not technically required to use a lawyer when buying a new home in NJ, a licensed attorney with experience in real estate transactions can help you navigate the process more efficiently and put your nerves at ease.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer to Buy a Home?

In New Jersey, once you place an offer on a house and the seller accepts, the realtor will often draft a contract. Once the contract has been written, a three-day attorney review process begins. During this time, you are given the opportunity to have the contract reviewed by an attorney who can make changes or modifications on your behalf to protect your interests. During this stage, both the buyer and seller are given an opportunity to consider the transaction, and either side can terminate the contract for any reason. Once both sides come to an agreement regarding the terms of the deal, the attorney review phase of the purchase is complete, and the contract is officially in effect.  Even though you do not need a lawyer to help you through this stage, a licensed attorney will be able to make sure that you are legally protected during this important transaction.

What Does an Attorney Do Besides Review the Contract?

During the home-buying process, your attorney often will help you with more than just reviewing your contract.  Following a home inspection, you may need to request that the seller repair defective items within the house.  Your lawyer can help you make sure that these repairs are made before closing, or he may negotiate with the seller to reach another mutually agreeable outcome.  Your attorney will also help make sure that all deadlines regarding the sale are met, and that your rights under the law and the contract are protected. Successfully navigating a real estate transaction from offer to closing can sometimes be tricky, but having a licensed New Jersey attorney on your side can make the process much easier.

Where Can I Find a Real Estate Attorney?

Finding an attorney to help you is similar to finding the right house. You want to find a lawyer who will work on your behalf and who is “the right fit.” Like selecting a home, selecting an attorney is a personal decision. You may want to ask friends, family members, or your realtor for recommendations, or you can contact us to let us know more about the home you are trying to buy. Every home is unique, and as a result, every real estate transaction is unique. That is why it is important to make sure that you have a lawyer who not only understands your needs, but can address them as well. The attorneys at Tagliente & Shah, LLC, are ready to help you with your new home purchase or real estate transaction.