New Jersey contract deadlines and disclosures
A quick checklist for New Jersey agents, from signed contract to closing. Use it as a starting point: your signed contract always wins.
The contract
Most residential deals use the Standard Form of Real Estate Sales Contract (NJ REALTORS) with attorney review clause, published by New Jersey REALTORS. Closings are usually handled by a closing attorney. Attorney review usually runs about 3 days after signing.
Typical deadlines
Days are common starting points, not rules. Many are negotiated in every contract.
| Deadline | Typical timing | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fully signed contract delivered | When the last party signs (day 0) | |
| Attorney review ends (3 business days) | 3 business days after signing | |
| Earnest money delivered | 10 days after Attorney review ends | |
| Loan application | 5 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Inspections completed | 14 days after Attorney review ends | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Repair response / inspection resolution | 3 days after Inspections completed | Only if your contract includes it |
| Appraisal contingency | 21 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown. Only if your contract includes it |
| Mortgage commitment | 40 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Certificate of Occupancy and smoke/CO/fire extinguisher certificate | 5 days before Closing | |
| Title commitment delivered | 14 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Title objections | 5 days after Title commitment delivered | Only if your contract includes it |
| HOA / condo resale documents delivered | 10 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Closing | 35 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Final walkthrough | 1 day before Closing | |
| Possession | Same day as Closing |
Disclosures and required forms
Required: Flood risk disclosure (state form, since March 2024) (confirm with your broker)
Customary: Seller's Property Condition Disclosure Statement (confirm with your broker)
Required: Consumer Information Statement at first substantive contact (confirm with your broker)
If it applies: Megan's Law statement, underground oil tank, private well testing (Private Well Testing Act) (confirm with your broker)
If it applies: Lead-based paint disclosure (built before 1978)
Money at closing
Transfer tax: Realty transfer fee on a sliding scale, paid by the seller; sales of $1 million or more also owe the graduated 'mansion tax' (confirm who pays with the attorney). (confirm with your broker)
Sellers who live out of state: A seller who isn't a New Jersey resident files a GIT/REP form and usually pays about 2% of the price (or 10.75% of the gain) at closing. (confirm with your broker)
Good to know
A broker-prepared contract isn't final until 3 business days of attorney review pass without a disapproval (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays don't count).
Since July 10 2025 the seller pays the mansion tax on $1M+ sales (single source: confirm).
Let Reta track it for you
Upload your signed contract and Reta builds this timeline with your real dates, reminds you before each deadline, and drafts the emails to your client, lender and title for you to approve. Your first deal is free.
This guide is general information for licensed agents, not legal advice. Rules and forms change; confirm with your broker or a local attorney. Last checked 2026-11-10.