Buying or selling a home in Teaneck comes with a unique New Jersey step that can feel confusing at first. It is called attorney review, and it can shape your deal in the first few days after you sign a contract. You want to protect your interests, keep your timeline on track, and avoid surprises.
In this guide, you will learn what attorney review is, how the timeline works, what local Teaneck details matter, and how to prepare so your transaction moves forward smoothly. You will also get simple checklists for buyers and sellers. Let’s dive in.
What attorney review is
Attorney review is a short, contract-protection period that starts after both sides sign a purchase agreement. During this time, each party’s attorney can approve, suggest changes, or cancel the contract without penalty. The standard window in New Jersey is three business days, and the parties can agree in writing to change it.
While the agreement is signed, it is not fully binding until attorney review ends. If an attorney sends a written cancellation within the window, the contract is void and the buyer’s deposit is returned based on the terms in the contract. If no cancellation is sent, the contract becomes fully binding when the review period ends.
Why does New Jersey do this? The goal is to give both sides time for legal counsel to check the details, clean up vague terms, and negotiate fair protections before the contract is final.
How the timeline works
A typical flow in Teaneck and across Bergen County looks like this:
- Offer is accepted and everyone signs. The contract is now subject to attorney review.
- The three business days of attorney review begin once the final signed contract is delivered to all parties.
- Attorneys approve, propose changes, or cancel. If no cancellation is delivered in time, the contract becomes binding.
- Inspections, mortgage underwriting, title search, and other contingencies move forward based on the contract deadlines.
- Repairs and credits are negotiated, financing and title are cleared, and you close on or around the date in the contract.
Day-by-day snapshot
- Day 0: Final contract is signed and delivered to everyone.
- Day 1 to Day 3 (business days): Attorney review is active. Attorneys exchange approval letters, proposed amendments, or cancellation notices.
- After Day 3: If no cancellation is delivered, the contract is binding. Contingency timelines continue under the contract terms.
Electronic signatures are common. What matters is when the fully signed contract is delivered. Ask your attorney to confirm the exact start and end of your review window.
How contingencies fit in
Attorney review does not replace other protections. It sits at the front of the process. Common contingencies include inspection, mortgage or financing, appraisal, title, and in some cases a sale-of-home contingency. These deadlines usually run from the contract date, but the exact timing depends on your agreement. Confirm dates with your attorney so you do not miss a window.
Many buyers schedule inspections during or right after attorney review so they can move fast once the contract becomes binding. If an inspection reveals a major item, attorneys can draft clear language to handle repairs, credits, or timing.
Roles of the attorneys
Buyer’s attorney
- Reviews the contract language for clarity and protection.
- Tightens inspection, repair, and financing language so your rights are clear.
- Proposes amendments for things like deposit handling, closing cost credits, or deadlines.
- Advises you if the deal terms present risk and whether to proceed, amend, or cancel.
Seller’s attorney
- Reviews the contract for enforceability and fair performance dates.
- Limits overly broad contingencies and clarifies when and how the buyer must perform.
- Protects the seller’s deposit interests and outlines clear obligations for the buyer.
- Prepares the path to closing, including deed work and required documents.
Attorneys also coordinate with the title company or closing agent. Title searches check for liens, easements, or judgments that must be cleared before closing.
Teaneck specifics to watch
Permits, COs, and municipal items
Teaneck has many older homes, and some have past renovations. During attorney review your team should confirm whether permits and any required certificates were handled correctly. Sellers should gather records for permitted work. Buyers should make sure their inspector looks for signs of unpermitted changes that could affect value or timing. Tax proration and municipal utilities are part of closing. Having recent tax bills ready helps keep things moving.
Condos, co-ops, and associations
Teaneck includes single-family homes, multi-family properties, condos, and co-ops. If you are buying or selling a condo or co-op, attorney review may address board approval timelines, house rules, financial statements, and resale packages. Build in time for the association to process your paperwork.
Environmental and age-related issues
Many Bergen County homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint, and some older properties may still have or once had oil tanks. Your attorney can include or confirm required disclosures and certifications. Your inspector can flag concerns that may need further investigation.
How buyers can stay on track
Here is a simple checklist to prepare before or at the offer stage:
- Get a current mortgage pre-approval, not just a pre-qualification.
- Gather proof of funds for your deposit and closing costs.
- Select your real estate attorney and share their contact details with your agent.
- Line up your home, pest, and radon inspectors so you can book fast.
- Plan to schedule inspections as soon as your offer is accepted.
During attorney review, send your pre-approval and any early inspection findings to your attorney. If you need amendments, ask your attorney to draft specific language rather than relying on informal promises.
How sellers can prepare
Sellers who prep early make attorney review smoother and reduce the chance of delays. Start a file with:
- Property deed and any old survey you have.
- Recent tax bills, utility information, and maintenance records.
- Copies of permits and certificates for renovations or improvements.
- For condos and co-ops, association bylaws, financials, and resale package details.
- Known disclosures, including lead-based paint for homes built before 1978.
- Payoff information for your mortgage lender.
If you have open permits or missing paperwork, address them before listing or be ready to handle them during review.
Common issues and how to avoid them
Confusion about start dates
A frequent problem is guessing when deadlines start. The attorney review window typically runs for three business days from the delivery of the fully signed contract. Other contingencies may count from the contract date too, but the contract controls. Ask your attorney to confirm dates in writing.
Vague or missing deadlines
If the contract is unclear on inspection or mortgage dates, it can lead to disputes later. During attorney review, your attorney can add clear, calendar-based timelines. This reduces stress and creates a shared roadmap.
Rushing or waiving review
Some buyers or sellers consider waiving attorney review to speed up a deal. This can make an offer look stronger, but it removes a layer of legal protection for both sides. If you shorten or waive review, do it in writing and make sure you understand the risk.
Financing fallout
If financing falls through after attorney review, the mortgage contingency governs what happens next. Clear dates and requirements can reduce the chance of a dispute over the deposit or timing.
Timing tips that work in Teaneck
- Share your fully signed contract with your attorney right away.
- Confirm the exact start and end of the review window.
- Schedule inspections as soon as your offer is accepted.
- If issues arise, have your attorney prepare written amendments quickly.
- Keep all agreed extensions or waivers in writing.
A smoother path to closing
Attorney review is short, but it sets the tone for the entire deal. When you prepare documents, clarify dates, and move fast on inspections, you lower your risk and keep momentum. In a competitive Bergen County market, clear communication and timely action help you stand out.
If you want a local team that guides you through the Teaneck process and coordinates closely with your attorney, reach out to Links NJ. We combine high-touch service with local expertise so you can move forward with confidence.
FAQs
How long is attorney review in New Jersey?
- The standard practice is three business days after delivery of the fully signed contract, and the parties can agree in writing to change that window.
Can an attorney cancel a signed contract during review?
- Yes. Either party’s attorney can deliver a written cancellation within the review period, which voids the contract and returns the deposit as the contract provides.
Does attorney review replace inspections and financing?
- No. Attorney review focuses on legal terms. Inspections, mortgage approval, appraisal, and title each have separate deadlines in the contract.
When do inspection and mortgage clocks start?
- These timelines usually run from the contract date, but the contract language controls. Ask your attorney to confirm the exact dates in writing.
Can I waive or shorten attorney review in Teaneck?
- Yes, if both sides agree in writing. Waiving speeds things up but removes a layer of legal protection, so weigh the risk before deciding.
