You finally have an accepted offer. Now what? If you’re buying in New Jersey, the next few days are critical. The attorney review period is short, but it can shape everything from your inspection timeline to your closing date. In this guide, you’ll learn what attorney review is, how it works for Woodcliff Lake buyers, what changes are common, and how New Jersey’s process compares to New York. Let’s dive in.
Attorney review basics in New Jersey
Attorney review is a standard clause in most New Jersey residential contracts that gives both sides a brief window to have their attorneys review and adjust the agreement. In typical NJ REALTORS forms, the period is commonly three business days. The exact timing depends on your specific contract, so confirm the start and end dates in writing with your attorney.
During attorney review, either party’s attorney may send a written disapproval. If that happens according to the contract’s requirements, the contract is usually void and the deposit is handled per the deposit terms in the agreement. If both attorneys agree on changes or the review window ends without disapproval, the contract becomes binding and all deadlines move forward.
The purpose of attorney review is to protect you. Your attorney uses this time to clarify contract language, negotiate contingencies and dates, flag title or municipal issues, and confirm how inspections, financing, and association documents will work.
Timeline after your offer
Every contract is different, but here’s a common sequence for Bergen County transactions. Treat these as typical steps and ranges that your contract and attorney may refine.
Day 0–1: After signatures
- Fully signed contract is exchanged and circulated to attorneys and the lender.
- You deliver the deposit to the named escrow holder as your contract requires.
- You send the contract to your attorney and lender immediately so they can start their work.
During attorney review
- Attorneys review the agreement and propose written changes to terms, dates, and contingencies.
- Either attorney can issue written disapproval within the review period, which cancels the deal under the contract’s language.
- If both attorneys sign an amendment or the review period expires without disapproval, the contract continues with any agreed changes.
After attorney review ends
Many key deadlines start after attorney review is resolved, though some contracts use the signing date. Your attorney will confirm which dates control.
- Inspections: Typically scheduled within 5 to 14 days after attorney review is removed.
- Mortgage and appraisal: You should be in underwriting right away. Lenders often target 30 to 45 days for loan commitment.
- Title search: Your attorney or title company orders searches and reviews exceptions and municipal items.
- HOA or condo documents: If applicable, sellers request these early. They may take 7 to 14 days or more.
- Municipal requirements: Attorneys check for required certificates, open permits, and local compliance items.
- Survey: If needed, the survey is ordered and reviewed.
Closing prep
- You finalize loan conditions and prepare to sign loan documents.
- Title is cleared, closing statements are prepared, and required certificates and repairs are wrapped up.
Closing day
- Funds and deed are exchanged per your contract and local custom.
Typical attorney changes
Your attorney will likely fine-tune key parts of the contract so your rights and timelines are clear and enforceable. Common changes include:
Contingencies and deadlines
- Inspection language that sets a clear window for requests and responses.
- Financing and mortgage commitment dates with clear outcomes if financing is not obtained.
- Appraisal provisions or a process for appraisal shortfalls.
Closing date and occupancy
- A firm closing date or a defined range, plus any early occupancy or rent-back terms if needed.
Title and survey
- Removal or limitation of certain title exceptions.
- Requirements for a current survey or an agreement about proceeding without one.
Municipal and compliance
- Representations about certificates of occupancy, smoke certifications, open permits, and zoning compliance.
- Clarity on who orders, pays for, and delivers any required municipal certificates.
Property condition and repairs
- A specific repair list, who performs repairs, or credits in lieu of repairs.
- Add-ons for items such as radon, mold, lead paint, septic, or well, if relevant.
Fixtures and appliances
- A clear list of what stays, from appliances to window treatments and outdoor items.
HOA and condo documents
- Delivery timelines for association budgets, rules, and disclosures, and remedies if issues arise.
Remedies and costs
- Default remedies, earnest money treatment, and who pays various closing costs and tax prorations.
Local notes: Woodcliff Lake
Buying in Woodcliff Lake means keeping a close eye on a few Bergen County specifics your attorney will help you navigate:
Municipal certificates and permits
- Many Bergen County towns have transfer-related checks. Attorneys confirm what is required, who orders it, and when it is due.
Property taxes and proration
- Local property taxes, including school taxes, are a major cost. Your contract should state how taxes will be prorated at closing.
HOA and condo timelines
- Association packets can take time. Ask for them early and review for special assessments, rules, and parking provisions.
Flood zones and mapping
- Some areas in the county fall in flood zones, which can affect insurance and lending. Your attorney checks status as part of title and municipal review.
Older-home records
- With older properties, attorneys watch for open permits, unpermitted work, or easements in the title and municipal records.
NJ vs New York differences
If you’re moving from New York, New Jersey’s process may feel different. In New Jersey, there is a short attorney review window built into the standard forms. You sign first, then attorneys have a brief period to adjust or disapprove the contract before it becomes final.
In New York, there is no comparable automatic post-signing attorney review. Contracts are typically negotiated and reviewed by counsel before signing, and once both sides sign, the agreement is usually binding unless it contains a negotiated contingency. The practical takeaway: in New Jersey, use the short review period promptly and purposefully. In New York, expect to involve your attorney earlier, before signatures are exchanged.
Avoid delays checklist
Use these steps to keep your Woodcliff Lake purchase on track:
- Retain an attorney before you go under contract and share their info right away.
- Send the fully signed contract to your attorney and lender immediately.
- Confirm the start and end of attorney review in writing and add it to your calendar.
- Deliver the escrow deposit as required and verify wire instructions through known contacts.
- Ask for HOA or condo documents as soon as your offer is accepted.
- Schedule inspections quickly so you can negotiate within your deadlines.
- Request municipal records and permit checks early, especially for older homes.
- Keep your lender updated and respond quickly to document requests.
- If a deadline is at risk, have your attorney request a written extension rather than relying on silence.
What to do next
Your attorney review period is brief, and every day counts. Have your attorney, lender, and title company lined up, confirm your dates, and start scheduling inspections as soon as possible. If you want a team that understands both New Jersey and New York practices and can coordinate a smooth process in Woodcliff Lake, we’re here to help. Connect with The Ramundo Team to map your timeline and next steps.
FAQs
How long is attorney review in New Jersey?
- The period is commonly three business days in typical NJ contract forms, though your agreement can set a different timeframe.
When does attorney review start in a NJ purchase?
- It usually begins when the contract is signed and delivered as the contract specifies, so confirm the effective date with your attorney.
Can I cancel during attorney review and keep my deposit?
- If your attorney sends a disapproval within the review period as required, the contract is generally void, and deposits follow the contract’s deposit terms.
Do inspection and financing deadlines start during review?
- It depends on your contract. Some deadlines run from signing, while others start after attorney review ends, so verify the controlling dates.
How fast should I schedule a home inspection?
- Aim to schedule immediately, with inspections commonly completed within 5 to 14 days after attorney review is removed.
What local items should Woodcliff Lake buyers watch?
- Focus on municipal certificates and permits, HOA documents, flood zone status, title exceptions, and property tax proration details.
