It's never too early in the decision-making process to call a real estate agent to help you with the process. Do not send us any confidential information until a Retention Agreement has been signed and an attorney-client relationship has been established. Real estate lawyers can give you peace of mind that your home purchase will go smoothly, drastically reducing the chance that you will be affected by an unexpected legal problem. New Jersey does not require an attorney to be present at all stages of a real estate transaction, whether in the liquidation or sale stages.
Real estate agent Michael Shetler outlines the costs of selling a home in Northern New Jersey, including attorney fees, transfer tax, real estate commission, registration fees, etc. Real estate attorney fees vary significantly, said Michael Romer, managing partner by Romer Debbas, LLP, based in New York City. In states that don't require an attorney, it's still a good idea to consider hiring one to make sure everything is in order. Some states require that a real estate attorney not only be involved throughout the entire home sale process, but also be present at the closing.
Keep in mind that while this may initially seem lower, you could end up paying more in the long run if you opt for an attorney who charges by the hour. The real estate attorney handles all legal matters related to real estate, including transfers of titles and deeds, construction, mortgage concerns, and zoning. For example, buyers who live outside the area or who plan to buy property in an estate sale can benefit from having an attorney on their side to manage things on their behalf. Under New Jersey real estate law, closing costs are charged to the homeowner or title insurer.
Everything you need to know about real estate attorney fees, how much they could cost, and decide if you need one when buying or selling a home. Because of this, it's important to do your due diligence before hiring an attorney to try to make sure you know exactly what you'll pay.
