Chris Burns Realtor

I specialize in Monmouth County, Ocean County, and Middlesex County, New Jersey. This includes popular towns like Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold, Holmdel, Colts Neck, Red Bank, and all Jersey Shore communities. I have deep local knowledge of these markets and can help you find the perfect home or sell your property for top dollar.

In most cases, buyers don't pay anything directly. The seller typically pays both the listing agent and buyer's agent commissions, which come from the sale proceeds. You get expert representation, negotiation, and guidance throughout the entire home buying process at no out-of-pocket cost to you.

The typical home buying timeline in New Jersey is 30-60 days from accepted offer to closing. This includes attorney review (3 business days), home inspection (7-10 days), appraisal (1-2 weeks), and mortgage processing (3-4 weeks). However, cash buyers can close much faster, sometimes in as little as 2 weeks.

Pre-qualification is a basic estimate based on self-reported financial information. Pre-approval is much stronger - the lender has verified your income, assets, and credit, and has committed to lending you a specific amount. In competitive Monmouth County markets, sellers strongly prefer buyers with pre-approval letters because they're more likely to close successfully.

I provide a comprehensive Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that examines recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood, current market conditions, your home's unique features and upgrades, and current buyer demand. This analysis gives you an accurate picture of your home's market value and helps us price it competitively to attract serious buyers.

This depends on your specific situation. In a seller's market, listing first can give you equity to purchase your next home without contingencies, making your offer stronger. In a buyer's market, you might buy first to secure a great deal. I'll analyze your financial situation, market conditions, and personal timeline to recommend the best strategy for your move.

Closing costs typically range from 2-5% of the purchase price and include items like lender fees, title insurance, attorney fees, home inspection, appraisal, and recording fees. In New Jersey, buyers should budget approximately $8,000-$15,000 for closing costs on a $400,000 home. I'll provide a detailed estimate so there are no surprises at closing.

While not legally required, it is standard practice in New Jersey to have a real estate attorney represent you. New Jersey has a 3-day attorney review period where your lawyer reviews the contract and can make changes or cancel the deal. I work with excellent real estate attorneys and can provide recommendations based on your needs.

In competitive Monmouth County markets, strong offers include a solid pre-approval letter, flexible closing timeline, earnest money deposit of at least 3-5%, clean offer with minimal contingencies, and a personal letter to the seller. I'll help you craft a competitive offer that stands out while protecting your interests and ensuring you don't overpay.

A professional home inspector examines the property's major systems and structure - roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and more. The inspection typically takes 2-4 hours and you should attend. You'll receive a detailed report identifying any issues. Based on the findings, we can negotiate repairs, request credits, or in serious cases, cancel the contract during the inspection contingency period.