Top 3 Legal Mistakes That Delay Closings in New Jersey

Real estate deals fall apart all the time — and many delays come down to simple legal missteps. Here are the three biggest ones I see:

1. Poorly Written Addendums: Agents sometimes insert custom clauses without legal review. If it’s vague or contradicts the standard contract, it can spark disputes and delays. New Jersey utilizes an attorney review period. During this attorney review period, both parties will try to negotiate key terms. However, when custom clauses have been inserted without legal review, it’s often difficult to renegotiate.

2. Missed Attorney Review Deadlines: Buyers and sellers have a tight 3-day window. Missing it can lock them into a deal they no longer want — or expose them to legal risk. It is important to reach out to the other party if an extension is needed prior to expiration of this period.

3. Title Surprises Late in the Game: Unpaid water bills, old judgments, and missing estate paperwork can stop a closing cold. A proactive attorney will catch and fix these before they derail your timeline. I’ve had deals where sellers assumed a mortgage was long paid off, only to find out at closing it was never actually discharged of record.

Need help navigating these issues? I’m here to keep your deal on track.

Avoiding closing delays starts with the right local counsel. I represent buyers and sellers throughout New Jersey, including Westfield, Summit, Short Hills, Millburn, and Scotch Plains. Contact me to get started.