15 Easy Steps for Buying a Home in New Jersey
Whether you are a first-time buyer, or a repeat home buyer, this guide can be extremely helpful.
Step 1: Decide where you want to live
Most people already know where they want to live. Others will use various means to determine the area best for them, depending on work, schools, commuting, etc. Some of the most effective ways to find your best home location are:
- Ask friends, colleagues, family. Ask many, not just a few. Remember that everyone has an opinion and it their opinion based on their outlook and experiences which may differ from yours (some people even like liver!), but if you ask enough people you will get some excellent recommendations and notice trends.
- Search the web. We personally recommend Realtor.com. They tend to have the most accurate information. There are many possible resources for information on the web – practically limitless!
- Drive around. Go ahead, get lost in the side streets, visit the downtown, do some shopping, have lunch, talk to people, walk about, get a sense of the community.
- Ask us! We have lived and worked here for all of our lives. We can give you the straight scoop or to tell you where to find it.
Step 2: Determine what you can afford
Do this early in the process. Online calculators can help or contact us for a list of qualified, competitive mortgage professionals for a no-obligation consult about mortgage financing.
Step 3: Obtain a mortgage pre-approval
Yes, up front. Even if you’re not sure you’re going to find your house immediately. This benefits you:
- By giving you the leverage of a qualified buyer when negotiating price and terms on the house you want.
- By getting this important but time-consuming step out of the way early on
- By giving you the opportunity to resolve any financing issues early in the process, thereby reducing stress
Step 4: Choose your Realtor
Choosing your Realtor can make a big difference on the outcome of your purchase in terms of stress and can even save you thousands of dollars! Buying a home in NJ is a very large purchase and it is critical that you are represented by a Realtor you can trust to act in your best interests and has the skills necessary to execute your wishes. Some things to consider:
- Do you like and trust your Realtor? Do they make time to explain things and communicate with you? Are they available to help you when your schedule allows it?
- Buyer Representation is critical. You want your Broker to represent you, to guide you and advocate for you for the entire transaction.
- Does your Realtor abide by the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics? Adherence to the Code ensures you and others are treated fairly.
Step 5: Decide on your time-table
Most people find their new home within a 2 week period, depending on area and supply, of course. The average length of time from finding your home in NJ to closing is 60 days. Sometimes 30 or 90 days can be accommodated. It depends on the buyers’ and sellers’ needs and schedule. When do you want to move?
Step 6: Look for your New Jersey home
This is the most fun part of the process. Be guided by your instincts and remember that there is no perfect home, but there is a perfect home in NJ for you at this time, within your budget.
Step 7: Make your offer
Once you’ve seen all the contenders and you’ve found the perfect house for you, the offer must be made in writing. There is a form contract to be filled out by your Realtor and it includes all the details of your offer: price, of course, but also mortgage terms, deposit amounts, closing date, inclusions, exclusions, inspection contingency and details, etc.
Step 8: Contract negotiations and acceptance
Frequently your initial offer is countered by the seller. At that point, the price and terms are negotiated verbally and communicated through the Realtors from the seller to you and back and forth. Once the terms and price have been agreed to, both buyer and seller then sign and initial the revised contract.
Step 9: Attorney Review
After the executed contract is delivered to buyer and seller, via fax or email or mail, the contract is then forwarded to both parties’ attorneys for their review. The review can take 3 business days, as the contract allows, or 3 hours or 30 days. The two latter options being most unusual. During this period, either party may cancel the contract without penalty or consequence. If you really want the home (and if you’ve gotten this far, you should be excited and happy), then you will want to promote a speedy attorney review and it is up to you, the buyer (as well as the seller) to help facilitate this process. A couple of important points when selecting an attorney to represent you: First, don’t necessarily go for the lowest price; 2nd, work with someone who specializes in real estate transactions (would you have the family doctor do your open heart surgery?); thirdly, select a local attorney who is knowledgeable of the area and any issues that may be local.
Step 10: The contract phase
Once attorney review is completed, you are officially under contract to buy your NJ home. This is when you complete the mortgage processing, including appraisal, scheduling and conducting all your inspections. A note about inspections: you must use a licensed NJ inspector and you have a very short time to schedule, perform inspections and receive your reports, so it would behoove you to schedule inspections very early, usually while still in attorney review. Generally one inspector will inspect the home structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other defects, also arranging for radon testing, inspecting for termites and other pests, and other environmental concerns. Other inspections may be warranted, such as lead paint hazard testing or searching for oil tanks. Since each property is unique, ask me and your attorney and inspector for guidance. Ask me for a short list of inspectors – I attend many inspections and I have the opportunity to see first-hand how each works. I also rely on clients’ feedback in making further recommendations.
Step 11: Negotiate for defects
No NJ house is perfect. While on the inspection, the inspector may tell you the good parts as well as the bad but you should expect the report to lengthy and full of to-do’s. Many are simply suggestions for continued maintenance, appropriate upgrades. Minor issues are to be expected. However, you should generally expect to have a leak-free roof, major systems in working order, and a structurally sound home. If there are major issues such as those mentioned, your attorney and I will work with you and the seller to negotiate repairs or credits.
Step 12: The other details
At this point, your mortgage appraisal has been done and your final commitment should be available (there is a date in the contract by which you must comply and provide the mortgage commitment). Your attorney will then order the survey, title search and flood certification. Call your insurance agent and get the homeowner’s policy in place to begin the day of closing. You will need to have a paid receipt for the first year’s insurance at the closing. Give this at least 2-3 weeks.
Step 13: Call the movers and start packing
At this point, I will provide a list of the utility companies so you can be ready to open accounts for gas, electric, phone, cable, water, etc. as of the day of closing.
Step 14: Walk through inspection
You should plan on inspecting the house sometime in the 48 hour period prior to closing. It is important to wait for the sellers to have moved out. Generally, this walk through is conducted just prior to the closing.
Step 15: Closing celebration
Coordinate with your attorney as to how much money you will need at closing. It will have to be in certified funds or bank check or wire, so allow time for this that day. Get ready for writer’s cramp and to finally receive the keys to your new home!
Step 16: Enjoy your new home!
Congratulations and good luck on your search for your dream home!
