One of the most important early stages in many New Jersey residential real estate transactions is the attorney review period. Buyers and sellers often hear that a contract is “signed” but still subject to review by an attorney. That can be confusing for people who are buying or selling a home for the first time.
In many residential transactions using the standard New Jersey REALTORS® contract form, the contract includes an Attorney-Review Clause. That clause states that the buyer or seller may choose to have an attorney study the contract, and if an attorney is consulted, the attorney must complete review within the time stated in the clause. See NJ REALTORS®, Standard Form of Real Estate Contract, Attorney-Review Clause:
https://www.njrealtor.com/uploads/forms/Forms_Package_Watermark_Burned.pdf
Understanding how attorney review works can help buyers and sellers better understand what is final, what may still change, and why deadlines matter.
What Is Attorney Review?
The attorney review period is a short period after a residential real estate contract is signed during which a lawyer for the buyer or seller may review the contract and object to it under the contract’s attorney-review clause.
The standard New Jersey REALTORS® contract form states that if an attorney for the buyer or seller reviews and disapproves the contract within the time provided by the clause, the contract will not become final unless the issues are resolved. See NJ REALTORS®, Standard Form of Real Estate Contract, Attorney-Review Clause:
https://www.njrealtor.com/uploads/forms/Forms_Package_Watermark_Burned.pdf
In plain English, that means the contract may still be changed, rejected, or renegotiated during this period.
How Long Does Attorney Review Last?
The standard contract form commonly used in New Jersey residential real estate transactions provides that the attorney review period runs for three business days. The exact timing is controlled by the wording of the contract clause, so the counting of days matters.
Because deadlines are short, buyers and sellers should pay close attention to when the contract was delivered and when attorney review begins and ends under the form being used.
The source for that timing is the Attorney-Review Clause in the standard form contract itself. See NJ REALTORS®, Standard Form of Real Estate Contract:
https://www.njrealtor.com/uploads/forms/Forms_Package_Watermark_Burned.pdf
What Can Happen During Attorney Review?
During attorney review, an attorney may:
- Approve the contract as written
• Propose changes to the contract terms
• Object to the contract
• Request clarification about inspections, deposits, repairs, deadlines, or contingencies
This is often the stage when legal and practical issues are raised, including:
- Inspection timelines
• Financing contingencies
• Closing date language
• Personal property included in the sale
• Repair credits or seller obligations
If one side’s attorney disapproves the contract within the review period, the parties may continue negotiating revised terms. If they cannot agree, the transaction may not move forward.
Why Attorney Review Matters
Attorney review matters because signing a contract is a major legal and financial step. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance explains that purchasing a home is often one of the largest and most important investments a person will make. The Department’s home-buying guide also notes that the process can be complex and involve multiple legal and financial steps. See NJDOBI, Everything You Wanted to Know About Buying a Home (PDF):
https://www.nj.gov/dobi/division_consumers/pdf/buyingahome.pdf
Attorney review gives the parties a brief opportunity to confirm that the contract reflects the transaction they actually intend to enter.
Does Every Real Estate Contract Have Attorney Review?
Not every real estate transaction uses the exact same contract form, and not every matter follows the same process. However, attorney review is very common in New Jersey residential transactions that use the standard REALTOR® contract form.
Commercial transactions, privately drafted agreements, and unusual transactions may involve different procedures or contract language.
Because contract forms and transactions can vary, buyers and sellers should read the actual contract carefully and understand whether an attorney-review clause applies.
What Happens After Attorney Review Ends?
Once attorney review ends and any objections are resolved, the transaction usually moves into the next stages of the purchase process, which may include:
- Home inspection
• Mortgage underwriting
• Title search
• Insurance arrangements
• Closing preparation
The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance home-buying guide describes the transaction process as moving through shopping, making an offer, getting ready for settlement, insuring the home, and then closing. See NJDOBI, Everything You Wanted to Know About Buying a Home (PDF):
https://www.nj.gov/dobi/division_consumers/pdf/buyingahome.pdf
At that point, the contract is generally treated as moving forward under the agreed terms.
Why Buyers and Sellers Should Read the Contract Carefully
Attorney review is short, and real estate transactions often move quickly. Buyers and sellers should make sure they understand:
- Deadlines in the contract
• Inspection rights
• Financing terms
• Deposit terms
• Items included or excluded from the sale
Even routine transactions can raise legal and practical questions, especially when deadlines are tight.
Scope Note
Informational only, not legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and procedures may change, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Individuals with legal questions should consult qualified counsel.
Byline
Anthony Picillo, Attorney at Law, represents individuals and businesses throughout New Jersey in matters involving real estate, municipal court, personal injury, and related legal issues. His practice focuses on helping clients understand legal procedures and their rights. Learn more by visiting Anthony Picillo – New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer.
Contact Information
Anthony Picillo, Attorney at Law
111 Northfield Ave #306
West Orange, NJ 07052
(973) 731-0409
apicillo@apicillolaw.com
anthonypicillolaw.com
View on Google Maps:
https://share.google/HnSuHUJ0Yb1lPKwSu
Last reviewed: March 13, 2026.
Law may have changed after this date.
References
NJ REALTORS®, Standard Form of Real Estate Contract, Attorney-Review Clause
https://www.njrealtor.com/uploads/forms/Forms_Package_Watermark_Burned.pdf
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Everything You Wanted to Know About Buying a Home (PDF)
https://www.nj.gov/dobi/division_consumers/pdf/buyingahome.pdf
Comments
Post a Comment