Category: Blog Posts

It’s the start of a new year, and that means it’s a great time to set some goals for the year ahead. If you’re in the real estate industry, you may be wondering what you can do to make the most of the year ahead. Here are a few suggestions for real estate goals to consider in 2023:

1. Expand your portfolio: Whether you’re a real estate investor or a broker, one of your goals in the year ahead may be to expand your portfolio. This could mean acquiring more rental properties, flipping more houses, or taking on more clients as a broker.
2. Increase your online presence: In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to have a strong online presence. Consider setting a goal to improve your website, start a blog, or get more active on social media to reach a wider audience and generate leads.
3. Get your finances in order: As a real estate professional, it’s important to have a handle on your finances. Consider setting a goal to get your finances in order by creating a budget, reducing debt, or saving more for the future.
4. Build your network: Networking is an important part of the real estate industry, and in 2023, you may want to set a goal to expand your network. This could mean attending industry events, joining professional organizations, or simply reaching out to other professionals in your field.
5. Enhance your skills: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the industry, there’s always room to improve and learn more. Consider setting a goal to enhance your skills by taking a course, earning a certification, or simply staying up-to-date with industry trends.

Whatever your goals for 2023, the key is to set specific, achievable targets and create a plan for achieving them. With focus and dedication, you can make the most of the year ahead and achieve great things in the real estate industry. Whatever your real estate goals may be for 2023, contact Bergmann Law, LLC to help you reach those goals. 

Let’s begin with the alarming truth that home inspections are not required in New Jersey. Contrary to what many believe, there is no legal obligation on buyers, sellers, agents or brokers to ensure a home inspection is conducted before the purchase of a home. This follows whether it is new construction or a 100-year-old Victorian.

You may wonder why there is no federal or state guidance in this seemingly important area of the real estate transaction, and a guess could be that caveat emptor or “let the buyer beware” is still firmly rooted in American transactions. Whatever the reason, in today’s world, home buyer’s may still need to beware, but can now be certain: with a simple home inspection. 

For those who think they can “deal with it later” …

By opting not to have a home inspection, you are placing yourself in a position where you will most likely lose the right to make additional requests for repairs that aren’t agreed to at the time of signing the initial purchase contract. This can sometimes come as a shock, but the sales agreement and everything within it will dictate each parties’ rights regarding inspections.

For those looking to save a little money …

Home inspectors are trained to discover defects in a home’s foundation, mold, water damage, and other potentially hazardous conditions. If not discovered, the damage from those defects alone could cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars. So, if you’re looking to save money in the short run, just consider the price you could end up paying in the long run. (Inspections in NJ typically range $357-$582).

For those who believe they are the “home inspector” …

In New Jersey, home inspectors are licensed and strictly regulated by the Home Inspection Advisory Committee under the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

Unless you can thoroughly inspect and efficiently identify defects in each of the areas below during a routine walk-through, then it is highly recommended that you leave it to the professionals.

• Exterior of the home
• Home’s foundation
• Exterior walls of the home
• Roof coverings, flashings and gutters
• Roof support structure
• Attic
• Basement
• Quality of insulation
• Garage
• Electrical wiring, outlets and breaker
• Visible interior and exterior plumbing
• Central air and heating system
• Overall interior condition of the home

New Jersey Realtors recommends using the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors to begin your search for the right home inspector.