Quick answer
Understand when you become bound and what conditions protect you before signing or paying.
Do now
Review financing, inspection, appraisal, title, occupancy, deposit, and closing terms. Ask a local real-estate lawyer about any attorney-review provision in the actual contract. Verify the broker and payment recipient independently.
Watch for
Do not assume every NJ transaction has the same review process or that NY/DC offers work identically. An accepted offer, signed contract, and final mortgage approval are different stages.
Official sources
NJDOBI — Real Estate Consumer Information, CFPB — What Is a Loan Estimate?, CFPB — What Is a Closing Disclosure?.
