Monmouth County NJ Real Estate Lawyer

Buying or selling real estate is one of the most significant financial transactions most people will ever make. Whether you're purchasing your first home, selling an investment property, or involved in a commercial real estate deal, having an experienced real estate attorney is essential. At Buchan & Cardamone, our real estate practice is led by David Cardamone, who provides comprehensive legal services for residential and commercial transactions throughout Monmouth County and New Jersey.

Many people wonder whether they really need a lawyer for a real estate closing, especially if they're working with a real estate agent. The answer is absolutely yes. While your real estate agent represents your interests in finding a property and negotiating a price, only your attorney represents your legal interests throughout the entire transaction. Your attorney reviews and negotiates contract terms, investigates title issues, resolves problems that arise during inspections, ensures all legal documents are properly prepared, and protects you from potential liability.

New Jersey law provides buyers with a three-day attorney review period, during which the contract can be modified or canceled. This critical window is when your attorney can negotiate better terms, add protective clauses, and ensure the agreement truly serves your interests. Once this period expires, you're generally locked into the contract terms. That's why it's essential to involve an attorney immediately after signing the initial agreement.

Real estate transactions rarely proceed without complications. Problems can arise at any stage, from contract negotiation through closing. Title issues are among the most common problems we encounter. These can include outstanding liens, easements, boundary disputes, or errors in public records. A thorough title examination is essential to ensure you're acquiring clear ownership of the property. If issues are discovered, we work to resolve them before closing or negotiate appropriate adjustments to the purchase price.

Home inspection issues can also create significant complications. When an inspection reveals problems with the property—such as structural damage, environmental hazards, or code violations—we negotiate with the seller to address these issues. This might involve requiring repairs, providing credits at closing, or adjusting the purchase price. Our goal is to ensure you're not taking on unexpected costs after the transaction closes.

Financing contingencies protect buyers who need mortgage approval to complete the purchase. We carefully review loan documents to ensure the terms match what you were promised and that there are no hidden fees or unfavorable conditions. If financing falls through, we work to protect your deposit and ensure you can exit the transaction without penalty when the contract provides for this protection.