Buying a home in Central Jersey
A clear, step-by-step path to buying a home in New Jersey — explained in English, Arabic or Spanish.
How buying works in New Jersey
Plan and agreement
We talk through your goals, budget and timing, then sign a written buyer agreement before any tours.
Pre-approval
A lender reviews your finances and issues a pre-approval, so sellers take your offer seriously.
Search and tours
We search and tour homes that fit your brief; every shortlist comes with tax and school notes.
Offer and contract
When you find the home, we negotiate price and terms, and you sign the sales contract.
Attorney review
In New Jersey, a contract prepared by a real estate licensee has a three-business-day attorney review period. During it, either side’s attorney can propose changes or cancel.
Inspections
Home and other inspections happen within the deadlines in your contract, followed by any repair or credit negotiation.
Mortgage commitment
The lender orders an appraisal and, once its conditions are met, issues the mortgage commitment.
Title and closing
A title search and title insurance, a final walk-through, then closing — where you sign and get the keys.
Buyer agreements, in plain language
Since August 17, 2024, agents who use the MLS must have a written agreement with a buyer before touring a home together. The agreement states how the agent will be paid — a specific amount or rate — and the agent cannot receive more than that from any source.
Compensation is negotiable and is not set by law. It can be paid by you, requested from the seller as part of your offer, or a combination. I will walk you through every line before you sign.
Estimate a monthly payment
Principal, interest, property tax and insurance — an estimate to plan with, not a loan offer.
Buying your first home?
New Jersey’s housing finance agency (NJHMFA) offers down-payment and first-time buyer programs through participating lenders.
Read the first-time buyer guide →