Who pays the Realty Transfer Fee in New Jersey?
The seller, at closing, based on the sale price. Reduced rates can apply to qualifying senior, blind or disabled sellers; your attorney applies the correct schedule.
Selling
What it costs to sell a home in New Jersey
Selling costs in New Jersey usually include the Realty Transfer Fee, brokerage compensation (which is negotiable), your attorney, your mortgage payoff, any credits you agree to give the buyer, and your town’s smoke-alarm, carbon-monoxide and fire-extinguisher certificate. Ask for an itemized net estimate before you list.
Last updated: October 2026 · General information, not legal advice — your attorney confirms the details for your contract.Realty Transfer Fee
The seller pays New Jersey’s Realty Transfer Fee when the deed is recorded. It is graduated by sale price, and a reduced schedule can apply to qualifying senior, blind or disabled sellers and certain low- and moderate-income housing. Sales above $1 million also owe a graduated State fee whose rules changed in July 2025. The Division of Taxation publishes the current rates.
Brokerage compensation
Compensation is negotiable and not set by law; it is written into your listing agreement. Whether to offer anything toward a buyer’s agent is a separate decision we make together.
Attorney, payoff and closing adjustments
Plan for your attorney’s fee, the payoff of your mortgage and any liens, and the usual closing adjustments for property taxes and utilities.
Town certificates
Before a one- or two-family home is sold, New Jersey requires a certificate of smoke-alarm, carbon-monoxide-alarm and portable-fire-extinguisher compliance, issued through your municipality. Some towns also require their own resale or certificate-of-occupancy inspection; requirements and fees vary, so check your town early.
Credits to the buyer
Credits you agree to — for example after the inspection — reduce your net proceeds. Lenders may limit how large a seller credit can be.
Frequently asked
Is brokerage compensation set by law?
No. It is negotiable and is stated in your listing agreement.
Do I need a smoke-detector certificate to sell?
Yes, for one- and two-family homes: New Jersey requires a certificate of smoke-alarm, carbon-monoxide-alarm and portable-fire-extinguisher compliance, issued through your municipality, before the sale.