Kristen Johnson, Esq 
The following information will walk you through the most common permits and inspections needed to sell a home in Monmouth or Ocean County – and how to avoid costly surprises. Why Permits Matter in a Real Estate Sale Permits and inspections exist to ensure that homes are safe, code-compliant, and accurately represented. When you sell … Read more
For both buyers and sellers, understanding how to deal with property liens is essential to protect your interests and avoid surprises at the closing table. What Is a Lien on Real Estate Property? A lien on your property gives a creditor a legal right to your real estate or personal property as collateral for a … Read more
Listing Agreement with a Real Estate Agent If you’re working with a realtor, you’ll need to sign a listing agreement that grants them the right to market your home. This document outlines: While many sellers glance over this contract, it’s worth noting that the terms can affect your total sale price, timeline, and even liability. … Read more
Dual Representation in Real Estate Transactions Dual representation is when one real estate lawyer represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. While this is allowed under NJ law, there are strict ethical considerations that must be met. Understanding the terms in a real estate contract is key to dual representation to … Read more
Kristen E. Johnson, Esq., a seasoned real estate attorney with over 20 years of experience in Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey, has guided countless clients through the complexities of real estate transactions, including the resolution of liens. Here’s what you need to know about how liens are handled when selling your home. What is … Read more
If you’re planning to sell your home in New Jersey, understanding your legal obligations for permits and occupancy records is important. Many homeowners don’t realize that overlooking these details can slow down the selling process, reduce buyer confidence, or even derail a closing. Why Permits and Occupancy Records Matter In New Jersey, sellers must typically … Read more
The Industrial Site Recovery Act in New Jersey underscores the importance of addressing environmental contamination, particularly for properties with potential hidden dangers like underground storage tanks (USTs), contaminated soil, or groundwater issues. Challenges such as asbestos and mold can pose significant risks to both buyers and sellers. Compliance with environmental permitting and addressing these concerns … Read more
Addressing tax liens promptly is essential. Delays in resolving these issues can result in increased financial strain and potential foreclosure. For New Jersey homeowners, understanding the common causes of tax liens and effective strategies for resolving them is crucial. Here’s some information about what tax liens are, why they occur, and how timely property tax … Read more
What is a Boundary Dispute? A boundary dispute occurs when neighboring property owners disagree on the location of a shared property line. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as outdated or unclear property surveys, changes in landscape or land use, or simply a lack of communication between neighbors. Boundary disputes can range … Read more
Understanding Tenant Rights in New Jersey Before filing a complaint against your landlord, it is important to understand your rights as a tenant in New Jersey. The state has specific laws and regulations that protect tenants from unfair practices and ensure safe and habitable living conditions. One of the most important tenant rights in New … Read more