Working with an NJ real estate attorney is key to making sure your home purchase or sale is safe, clear, and free of surprises. Every transaction involves legal contracts, inspections, municipal requirements, and title documents that must be reviewed carefully.
Our bilingual firm (English and Spanish) guides buyers, sellers, investors, and first-time homebuyers throughout New Jersey, with a special focus on clients in Ridgewood and Northern New Jersey.
Here you will find a clear guide on what real estate attorneys do, how much they cost, when you need one, and how they help protect your investment.
FULL LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND COUNSELING
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The best NJ real estate attorney for buyers and sellers
Our legal team advises buyers, sellers, and investors from the initial offer through closing. We review contracts, negotiate contingencies, analyze title documents, and coordinate with agents, lenders, and insurance companies so the transaction moves forward without delays.
We handle residential real estate transactions in New Jersey and commercial real estate transactions, representing buyers, sellers, and investors throughout the entire process.
Our real estate services in New Jersey
Popular: buying, selling, and closing (the essentials)
We help you buy or sell a home, review contracts, and coordinate the closing. We represent buyers, sellers, and investors in all kinds of real estate transactions.
We guide you from the offer through the final signing, protecting your legal and financial interests at every step.
- Types of houses in New Jersey
- Buying a house in New Jersey
- Buying a foreclosed home in NJ
- Selling a house in New Jersey
- Selling a house “as is” in New Jersey
- Closing costs in New Jersey
Topics you may find helpful:
Mortgages and real estate financing in NJ
We review lender documents, explain requirements, and help you avoid mistakes that can delay or increase the cost of your mortgage.
We also support clients who are refinancing or facing payment difficulties, helping them prevent situations such as foreclosure.
- Foreclosure defense in NJ
- Types of mortgage loans in the U.S.
- Self-employed mortgage loans
- Mortgage requirements in NJ
- Home appraisal in New Jersey
Topics you may find helpful:
Home inspection and property deed
We review inspections, negotiate repairs, and supervise the signing of the deed to ensure a clear transfer of ownership.
Topics you may find helpful:
Title, ownership, and municipal requirements
We verify the title search, municipal requirements, and critical documentation to ensure a smooth and timely closing.
- What is title in real estate?
- What is marketable title in real estate?
- Property title search in New Jersey
- Title insurance in New Jersey
- Certificate of occupancy
- NJ first-time homebuyer assistance
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What NJ real estate attorneys at Curbelo Law really offer
At Curbelo Law, our real estate attorneys in Ridgewood, New Jersey advise clients from Ridgewood, Bergen County, and other communities in Northern New Jersey. We combine legal experience, high-level coordination, and hands-on support so your purchase or sale proceeds safely and without delays.
Here is what sets us apart from other firms:
- Complete strategy from day one: We do more than just “review the closing.” We design a legal strategy from the initial offer through the delivery of the keys.
- Prevention of common New Jersey issues: Municipal requirements, mandatory certificates, inspections, appraisals, title chains, and liens. We identify risks before they stop the deal.
- Real coordination with all parties: Real estate agents, lenders, title companies, and municipalities. Our team keeps everything organized to avoid delays.
- Clear bilingual support (English and Spanish): For immigrant families or first-time buyers, we explain each step in simple terms and answer questions in real time.
- Experience in both residential and commercial deals: From condos and single-family homes to multifamily properties and investment transactions.
The result is a safer, more predictable process with fewer surprises, and a legal team that steps in before problems appear.
How much does an NJ real estate attorney cost and what does their fee include?
The cost of an NJ real estate attorney depends on the type of property, the complexity of the transaction, and the scope of services. In many residential transactions, attorneys use a flat fee for the entire process, while more complex cases may combine flat fees with hourly billing.
- Single-family homes: Typically involve flat fees that cover contract review, coordination of the closing, and review of key documents.
- Investment or multifamily properties: Usually involve higher fees due to multiple contracts, tenants, or additional requirements.
In addition to attorney’s fees, there are other transaction costs (transfer taxes, title search, title insurance, and lender closing costs). The official CFPB guide on closing explains how the closing disclosure works and what costs usually appear.
A good real estate lawyer will explain upfront what their fee includes and what other closing costs you should expect so there are no surprises before closing.
Do I need a real estate attorney in New Jersey? (When you do and when you may not)
Hiring an NJ real estate attorney is not always legally required, but in many transactions it is highly recommended. Below are situations where you should strongly consider hiring one, and scenarios where it may not be strictly necessary.
When you DO need an attorney
- First-time home purchase: When you are unfamiliar with the process and deadlines.
- Investment or multifamily properties: When there are tenants, leases, or ongoing rental income.
- Title or inheritance problems: Lawsuits, liens, or unclear chains of ownership.
- Financed transactions: When there is a mortgage, appraisal, and additional lender requirements.
- Inspection issues: When there are significant repairs, credits, or sensitive renegotiations.
In addition to individualized advice from an NJ real estate attorney, the federal government offers general resources such as the “Buying a Home” section from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which can help you understand the broader housing market in the United States.
When an attorney may NOT always be necessary
In some very simple transactions, an attorney may not be strictly required:
- Transfers between family members with no mortgage and no inspections.
- Deals where buyer and seller already agreed on all terms from the beginning.
- Properties with no pending municipal issues such as open permits or required certificates.
- Clean title searches with no liens, judgments, or open issues.
Even in simple deals, having an NJ real estate attorney usually helps you avoid costly mistakes and gives you peace of mind at closing.
Step-by-step home buying and selling process in New Jersey with an attorney
The process of buying or selling a home in New Jersey involves several stages. Having an NJ real estate attorney at your side during each step reduces risks, delays, and unnecessary disputes.
Step 1: Offer and initial contract
The buyer submits a written offer and the seller accepts it, usually using a standard contract prepared by the real estate agent. The attorney reviews that contract to verify dates, contingencies, and key conditions before the agreement becomes final.
Step 2: Attorney review period
After signing, there is usually an attorney review period of about three business days. During this time, the contract is not yet final and the attorney can cancel it or propose written changes to protect your interests.
Step 3: Home inspection
The buyer orders inspections (structure, systems, roof, pests, tanks, etc.). If defects are found, the attorney helps you request repairs, credits, or price adjustments, or even terminate the deal according to the agreed contingencies.
Step 4: Mortgage and appraisal
If the purchase is financed, the lender processes the mortgage and orders an appraisal to confirm the property’s value. At the same time, a title search is conducted to verify ownership and identify liens, judgments, or chain-of-title issues. The attorney reviews these documents and coordinates any necessary corrections.
Step 5: Closing disclosure and delivery of keys
Before closing, the settlement statement is prepared, listing the purchase price, taxes, fees, and adjustments. The attorney checks the numbers, answers your questions, and attends the closing so the signing of documents and delivery of keys happen correctly.
What does a real estate attorney in NJ actually do? (Key functions)
A real estate attorney reviews, negotiates, and supervises the legal aspects of a property purchase or sale. They do more than just “read paperwork” – their job is to anticipate risks and protect your investment.
- Review and adjust contracts: They analyze clauses, correct errors, and propose changes during attorney review.
- Review title and municipal requirements: They identify liens, judgments, title issues, and mandatory certifications.
- Negotiate contingencies: Repairs, credits, price adjustments, or deadline changes when inspection or financing issues arise.
- Verify the closing disclosure: They check taxes, fees, and adjustments between buyer and seller so funds are distributed correctly.
Attorney review in New Jersey: can the buyer back out of the contract?
Most purchase contracts in New Jersey include an attorney review clause. Thanks to this clause, buyers and sellers can consult their attorneys and make changes or cancel the contract during an initial period without penalties.
Length of the attorney review period
The typical attorney review period is three business days from the date both parties sign the contract. During that time, the agreement is not yet binding.
How to back out of or modify the contract
If the buyer decides not to move forward, the attorney can send a formal letter within the attorney review period stating that the contract is terminated, and the deposit is returned. The attorney can also propose changes; the contract only moves forward if both parties accept those changes in writing.
Real estate attorney vs. real estate agent: key differences
The real estate agent is essential for showing properties and negotiating prices, but they cannot provide legal advice or modify legal contracts. The attorney, on the other hand, handles the legal issues that can create problems after closing.
- Real legal advice: The attorney interprets laws, reviews complex clauses, and explains risks and consequences.
- Critical documents: They review title searches, municipal certifications, the closing disclosure, and lender documents.
- Conflict prevention: A poorly drafted contract, incomplete inspection, or defective title can lead to disputes months after closing.
The agent and the attorney work together, but each has a different role. The agent drives the transaction forward; the attorney ensures that it is legal and safe.
Common mistakes when buying or selling a home without an NJ real estate attorney
Buying or selling a home without an attorney’s review can lead to very costly problems. These are some of the most frequent mistakes:
1. Signing contracts without understanding the contingencies
Many buyers and sellers sign standard contracts without understanding deadlines, responsibilities, or the consequences of missing a requirement. An NJ real estate attorney adjusts the contract and helps avoid obligations that do not favor you.
2. Failing to properly review title and municipal requirements
Liens, unpaid taxes, or open certificates of occupancy can delay closing or create serious issues after the purchase. The attorney identifies these issues and makes sure they are resolved before closing day.
3. Accepting the closing disclosure without checking the numbers
A mistake in the settlement statement can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. The attorney reviews taxes, fees, and adjustments between buyer and seller so the funds are distributed correctly.
Frequently asked questions about real estate attorneys in New Jersey
These are some of the most common questions we receive from buyers and sellers in New Jersey.
When should I contact a real estate attorney in NJ?
The best time to contact an attorney is before signing any contract. If you already signed, reach out during the attorney review period, when changes can still be made without penalty.
Can I buy a house in the United States if I am undocumented?
Yes. As we explain in our article on whether an undocumented immigrant can buy a house in the United States, the law does not require immigration status to purchase a home. However, you may need additional advice regarding banking, taxes, or long-term planning. Our firm assists buyers with and without legal status.
What is the difference between residential and commercial transactions?
Commercial transactions often involve longer contracts, leases, zoning analysis, and sometimes business structures. That is why it is important for your attorney to have experience with the specific type of property you are buying or selling.
Why choose Curbelo Law as your NJ real estate attorney firm?
At Curbelo Law, we combine legal experience, a human approach, and full support throughout the purchase or sale process. As an NJ real estate attorney firm, we represent buyers, sellers, investors, and first-time homebuyers across the state.
Attorney Carolina T. Curbelo and bilingual team at your service
Attorney Carolina T. Curbelo has extensive experience representing clients in residential and commercial real estate transactions in New Jersey. She knows the purchase and sale process in depth, from the initial contract to closing.
Our fully bilingual support staff in English and Spanish works under attorney Curbelo’s direct supervision. This allows for clear communication, quick answers to your questions, and close support at every stage of your real estate transaction.
How to schedule a consultation with our firm
If you want to buy or sell a property in Ridgewood or Northern New Jersey with maximum legal protection, you can schedule a consultation by calling our office or filling out the contact form. We assist clients across the state from our Ridgewood offices and work to protect your investment at every stage.
