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When you are purchasing or selling real estate transaction in New Jersey, hiring the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. Not only is hiring an attorney a wise investment, but it can save you money in the long run by ensuring that your transaction closes pr...

When it comes to buying a home, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is financing. Most people need a mortgage to purchase a property, and as part of the mortgage application process, the lender will typically require an appraisal to determine the home's value and ensu...

If you are in the process of purchasing a home, you have likely heard of title insurance. This type of insurance protects the buyer and lender from any issues that may arise with the property's title. While lender's title insurance is typically required by the lender, owner's title insurance is o...

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is a type of insurance that many homebuyers are required to purchase when they do not have a large enough down payment to secure a conventional mortgage. PMI helps protect the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan, and is typically required when the dow...

If you are selling a home in New Jersey and planning to move out of state, it is important to be aware of what is often referred to as the state's “exit tax.” When New Jersey residents sell their homes and prepare to move out of state, they must pay a standard tax rate on the profit from the sale...

When purchasing a home in New Jersey, there are many important considerations to keep in mind, including the need for a property survey. A survey is a recommended part of the home buying process that can help identify any issues with the property's boundaries or features. In this blog post, we wi...

If you are buying or selling real estate in New Jersey, you may be wondering about the realty transfer fee. This fee is a tax that is paid to the state when a property is transferred from one owner to another. It is calculated as a percentage of the sale price of the property and is generally pai...

Title insurance is an important aspect of the real estate transaction process, particularly in the state of New Jersey. In this blog post, we will explore what title insurance is, why it's important, and how it can protect your investment in a New Jersey property. First, let's define what title i...

Residential real estate contracts are an essential part of the home buying and selling process. These contracts outline the terms and conditions of the transaction, including the purchase price, closing date, and any contingencies or conditions that must be met before the sale is finalized. As a ...

If you're in the market for a new home, you may be wondering what the cheapest way to buy a house is. While there are a few different options to consider, one of the most affordable ways to purchase a property is through a short sale. A short sale is a type of real estate transaction where the se...

As a first-time homebuyer, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the many steps involved in purchasing a home. From securing financing to negotiating the sale, there is a lot to consider. But before you even begin looking at homes, it's important to understand the legal considerations that come with ...

If you're a real estate investor, you may have heard of a 1031 exchange, also known as a like-kind exchange. But what exactly is a 1031 exchange, and how can it benefit you as a real estate investor? A 1031 exchange, named after the Internal Revenue Code section that allows it, is a way for real ...

As a real estate lawyer in New Jersey, I often have the opportunity to help clients with the sale of their real estate, including in the case of an estate sale. Estate sales can be a complex and emotionally charged process, as they often occur in the wake of a loved one's passing. In this blog po...

A mortgage approval generally reflects a financial institution's commitment to lend against real property. If you are approved for a mortgage loan, you may receive funding based on a variety of conditions. Mortgage approvals are typically valid for a limited amount of time. A loan officer typical...

Purchasing a home is a significant financial decision, and one of the most important factors to consider is how much money you have saved up before making the purchase. While there are many factors that can impact how much you should save, a general rule of thumb is to have at least 20% of the pu...

If you're buying or selling a property in New Jersey, hiring a real estate lawyer is a smart move. A lawyer can help protect your interests and ensure that the transaction goes smoothly. But with so many lawyers to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are the top five thi...

Homebuyers often rely on various mortgage products to facilitate their financing needs. Buying a home that needs above-average repairs or substantial improvements generally requires a specialized loan program. A 203(k) mortgage loan through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) might provide t...

Purchasing a foreclosure property can be a great way to get a good deal on a new home, but it's important to understand the legal process before diving in. In New Jersey, the process for buying a foreclosure property is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key things to be aware of to ...

As a home serves as collateral for a mortgage, a lender must ensure that it meets certain minimum standards. A lender for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan might require repair of certain defects as a condition of financing. The Basics The FHA insures loans made by lenders that are appr...

Before lenders fund the purchases of homes, they almost always require value appraisals to ensure the homes being bought are actually worth their prices. In fact, many home sales have been canceled after a poor appraisal caused the lender to disapprove a mortgage loan. Appraisals and Approvals Pr...

Methods for getting a document notarized were changed temporarily at the outset of the pandemic because it was not practical – or at times even possible – to meet with a notary public in person. Now New Jersey is making that temporary solution permanent. Signed into law on July 22, 2021 and effec...

It's back to school time, but this year is not normal. More than 400 of New Jersey's public and private school districts are starting the 2020-2021 school year with a hybrid model combining in-class and at-home learning, while another 242 districts will open all-remote. At the very least, this me...

Wednesday, July 15th (the extended tax filing deadline due to covid-19) is almost here. If you are contemplating divorce or you are getting divorced, questions regarding your taxes are sure to be prevalent as you go through the process. Here are 5 tips to help you understand and navigate the path...

Selling your home can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. While you may be eager to find a buyer and move on to your next chapter, it's important to avoid common legal pitfalls that can cause delays, extra costs, and stress. As a real estate lawyer in New Jersey, I've seen firsthand the...

When parents of different religions divorce, reaching an agreement on their child's future religious upbringing could be complex. If you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are in disagreement over your child's future religious upbringing, here are some suggestions to guide you: 1. Lay Your Cards on th...