Protecting Your Interests from Contract to Closing

Real Estate Services

Residential Purchases and Sales

I represent both buyers and sellers in residential real estate transactions. For buyers, I review the contract, negotiate protective terms, coordinate with your lender, review the title commitment, and attend the closing. For sellers, I review the listing contract, negotiate buyer requests, resolve title issues, and ensure the transaction closes smoothly.

Title Search and Title Insurance

A title search examines the history of ownership and looks for anything that could affect your ability to own the property free and clear. Issues that may surface include liens from unpaid taxes or judgments, easements or restrictions on use, boundary disputes, errors in public records, and claims from prior owners. I review the title search results, work to resolve any defects before closing, and ensure your title insurance policy provides adequate protection.

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

This is a significant issue in New Jersey. Many older homes, especially those built before natural gas became the dominant heating fuel, may have underground oil tanks on the property. An undisclosed or leaking tank can result in environmental contamination and remediation costs that run into the tens of thousands of dollars. I include a UST clause in every contract that requires disclosure, may require a tank sweep, and allocates responsibility for removal and remediation if a tank is discovered.

Closing Coordination

I coordinate with your mortgage lender to ensure all legal requirements for your loan are met, review and explain every document you sign at closing, and handle the financial mechanics of the transaction. This includes ensuring correct amounts are collected and distributed, that the deed is properly recorded, and that your title company issues your owner’s policy.

Open Permits and Municipal Searches

If a previous owner pulled a building permit and never obtained a final inspection, that open permit becomes your problem. In some New Jersey municipalities, unresolved permits can prevent you from obtaining a certificate of occupancy, selling the property in the future, or obtaining certain insurance. I investigate open permits and include contract language requiring the seller to resolve them before closing.

Refinances

I represent homeowners in mortgage refinance transactions, reviewing loan documents, ensuring compliance with New Jersey requirements, and attending the closing.