Buying a home in Morristown is exciting, but the legal steps can feel confusing. One of the first milestones you will encounter is New Jersey’s attorney review. It moves fast, it protects you, and it sets the tone for the rest of your purchase. In this guide, you will learn what attorney review is, how the timeline works, who does what, and how to avoid common mistakes so you can move forward with confidence. If you need help right away, you can reach out to Megan’s buyer resources for guidance and trusted local referrals. Let’s dive in.
What attorney review covers
New Jersey’s attorney review is a short, formal window after you and the seller sign the contract. During this period, either party’s attorney can approve, modify, or cancel the contract. This step is standard in New Jersey and is included in commonly used residential contract forms.
Think of attorney review as a legal safeguard. Your attorney checks the contract’s legal terms and suggests changes where needed. If your attorney sends a written cancellation within the review period, the contract ends without penalty. This is separate from your inspection and mortgage contingencies, which have their own deadlines and rules.
How long it takes
The attorney review period is typically three business days. Business days do not include weekends or legal holidays. The clock generally starts the day the contract is fully executed, which means both parties have signed and in the hands of both attorneys. Always ask your attorney to confirm how your specific timeline is calculated.
What can happen during review
- Your attorney reviews legal terms, title items, contingencies, closing date, and special clauses.
- Your attorney may propose addenda that clarify or improve protections for you.
- Either side’s attorney can cancel in writing during the period if terms are not acceptable.
What ends attorney review
- Both parties’ attorneys agree in writing to conclude the review, or
- The period passes with no written cancellation or amendments delivered within the timeframe, or
- An attorney cancels in writing within the period, which voids the contract. In most standard cases, your deposit is returned according to the contract and escrow instructions.
Who does what
You, the buyer
- Line up a New Jersey real estate attorney once you have an executed purchase agreement.
- Respond quickly to your attorney’s questions during review.
- Share lender details and confirm who will hold your deposit in escrow.
Your attorney
- Reviews the contract for legal risks, ambiguous language, and missing protections.
- Drafts and negotiates addenda with the seller’s attorney.
- Sends written cancellation within the period if terms are not acceptable.
Seller and seller’s attorney
- Review and respond to proposed changes.
- If the contract is cancelled during review, ensure the deposit is handled per the contract and escrow instructions.
Your real estate agent
- Coordinates communication and helps you keep timelines straight.
- Provides local context on market norms and process steps.
- Does not provide legal advice. Your agent should encourage you to consult your attorney for legal interpretation.
Your lender
- Continues underwriting and may request documents.
- Mortgage commitment dates are separate from attorney review, so track those deadlines independently.
Avoid these common pitfalls
- Miscounting days. Treat the period as business days, not calendar days. Confirm the deadline with your attorney.
- Waiting to hire an attorney. If you delay, you may lose valuable time.
- Assuming a signed contract is final. It is not final until attorney review ends or is removed in writing.
- Mixing up contingencies. Attorney review is not the same as inspection or financing. Each has its own timeline.
- Slow communication. Be reachable. Your attorney may need your approval on changes with little notice.
- Deposit confusion. Confirm who holds your deposit and how it would be released if the contract is cancelled during review.
- Over-negotiating small points. Ask your attorney to prioritize the issues that matter most, such as title items, remedies, and key dates.
Step-by-step checklist
Before or at offer
- Identify and retain a New Jersey-licensed real estate attorney.
- Confirm how your deposit will be handled in escrow and who will hold it.
Day the contract is signed
- Confirm the execution time on your contract so the review clock is clear.
- Notify your lender and share the executed contract.
During attorney review
- Your attorney reviews the contract language and title items and drafts addenda if needed.
- Begin scheduling your home inspection.
- Stay available to approve or discuss proposed changes quickly.
After attorney review ends
- Confirm which contingencies remain and their deadlines. Common ones include inspection, appraisal, and financing.
- If the contract was cancelled, confirm deposit return steps with your agent, attorney, and escrow holder.
From review to closing
- Track inspection requests and responses, appraisal, lender underwriting, title search, and homeowners insurance.
- Confirm the closing date and coordinate with your title company about recording and any county or municipal forms.
Morristown and Morris County notes
- Market context. Morristown can move quickly at certain price points. Your approach to contingencies may vary based on current market conditions. Ask your agent for up-to-date local context.
- Recording and title. Closing documents are recorded with the Morris County Clerk. Your closing attorney or title company will handle recording and county-specific forms and will update you on processing times.
- Taxes and utilities. Property taxes and utilities are typically prorated at closing. Your final numbers will reflect Morristown’s billing cycles and rates.
- Historic properties. Some Morristown areas include historic districts. Your attorney can review any municipal code or preservation considerations relevant to the property you choose.
- Local providers. Work with professionals who understand Morristown housing stock. Ask for trusted referrals to home inspectors, title companies, and local real estate attorneys. Always verify and interview providers.
Quick glossary
- Escrow: A neutral account where your deposit is held under the contract’s instructions.
- Contingency: A contract condition that must be met, such as inspection, appraisal, or financing.
- Binding: A contract becomes fully binding after attorney review ends or is removed in writing, and after any agreed addenda are finalized.
Smart communication tips
- Set expectations early. Tell your attorney how you prefer to approve changes, and how quickly you can respond.
- Keep everyone in the loop. Share updates with your agent and lender so inspection, appraisal, and mortgage timelines stay aligned.
- Use one checklist. Track attorney review, inspection, and mortgage contingency deadlines in one place so nothing is missed.
Ready to move forward?
Attorney review is fast, but it does not have to be stressful. With the right team, clear communication, and a simple plan, you can protect your interests and keep your Morristown purchase on track. If you want local, step-by-step guidance from offer through closing, connect with Megan Bonanno, Broker Associate for a calm, process-driven approach and trusted referrals to New Jersey real estate attorneys.
FAQs
How long is attorney review in New Jersey home purchases?
- It is typically three business days unless your contract states a different period.
When does the attorney review clock start on my Morristown contract?
- The clock generally starts the day the contract is fully executed, using the contract’s execution timestamp.
Can my attorney cancel the contract during review without penalty?
- Yes. Either party’s attorney can cancel by giving written notice within the review period, which voids the contract.
What happens to my deposit if the contract is cancelled in review?
- Deposits are handled per the contract and escrow instructions. In most standard cases, the deposit is returned when cancellation occurs during review.
Does attorney review include inspection issues for Morristown homes?
- No. Inspection contingencies are separate. Schedule your inspection promptly and track that deadline with your attorney and agent.
