Buying a Home in New Jersey
What to expect, step by step — from pre-approval to the keys — with a bilingual agent beside you at every stage.
Seven steps to your New Jersey home
New Jersey's purchase process has a few features buyers from other states — and other countries — don't always expect, most notably attorney review. Here is how it typically unfolds.
Get pre-approved
A lender pre-approval shows sellers you are ready and tells you exactly where you stand. You can start an application with Natalia Arias or use any lender you prefer.
Define the search
Angela sends a private, hand-picked selection that fits your criteria — including residences that come to market quietly — and arranges showings on your schedule.
Make an offer
When you find the one, Angela advises on price and terms using genuinely comparable sales, then negotiates on your behalf.
Attorney review — 3 business days
Once both sides have the fully signed contract, New Jersey provides a three-business-day attorney review period. Either party's attorney can approve, disapprove, or propose changes to the contract. How attorney review works in New Jersey.
Inspections
Your inspector evaluates the home — commonly within about 14 days under New Jersey's standard contract form — and any issues are negotiated.
Appraisal & mortgage commitment
Your lender appraises the property and issues a mortgage commitment.
Title & closing
A title search and title insurance protect your ownership; at closing the deed is signed, funds are disbursed and the deed is recorded.
Good to know: transfer fees
In New Jersey the Realty Transfer Fee — including the graduated fee on sales over $1 million, formerly called the "mansion tax" — is the seller's statutory responsibility since 10 July 2025. See the rates on our Sell page.
Property taxes
New Jersey property tax is based on assessed value set by the local assessor, with rates set through county, municipal and school budgets — so the bill varies meaningfully from town to town. Angela will show you the actual tax history of any home you consider.
Sources: NJ Division of Taxation — Graduated Percent Fee notice · NJ Division of Taxation — property tax · attorney review explainer. General information only — not legal or tax advice; consult your attorney.
Explore the communities
Rahway is a city of about 4 square miles in southern Union County.
Linden is a city in southeastern Union County.
Clark is a township of about 4.45 square miles in southern Union County.
Cranford is a township of about 4.87 square miles (U.S. Census Bureau figure) in central Union County.
Westfield is a town in Union County, New Jersey.
Roselle is a 2.65-square-mile borough in central Union County.
Tell Angela what you're looking for.
Buying, selling, or simply curious what your home is worth in today's market? Tell Angela a little about your goals — you'll hear back personally, in English or Spanish.
90 County Road, Tenafly, NJ 07670
Office (201) 568-5668 · prominentproperties.com