Buying a home
Find the right home, and pay the right price for it.
Anyone can show you a house. We help you understand what it is really worth, what it will cost to own, and what could go wrong, before you make an offer.
Ready to look at homes? Call or text either of us.
Why buy with us
What you get on our side of the table
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The real value, not the asking price
A list price is an advertising tool. Before you offer, we show you what comparable homes actually sold for, so you know when a home is priced right and when there is room to negotiate.
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A lender's eye on your purchase
Zach has spent years in mortgage lending, so we spot financing, appraisal and closing problems early. You are free to use any lender you like, and we work with all of them.
Zachary Silk, NMLS #1745851, is a mortgage loan originator with United Mortgage Corp., NMLS #1330. Licensing information: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
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Local knowledge that protects you
Flood zones, bulkheads, well and septic, adult community rules, town inspections and property taxes. We point out the red flags on every home we show you, before you are under contract.
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You reach one of us
Homes move quickly. When you call or text about a house, you get Vin or Zach, not a call center.
How it works
Buying a home in New Jersey, step by step
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A first conversation
We learn what you need, where you want to be, your timing and your budget. We also walk you through the written buyer agreement we sign together before touring homes.
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Get pre approved
A pre approval from the lender of your choice tells you exactly what you can spend and makes your offer stronger. If you are paying cash, a proof of funds letter does the same job.
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Search and tour
We set up a search built around what you actually want, send you new listings the day they hit the market, and tour with you. We tell you what we see, good and bad.
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Price it and make an offer
We pull the sold comparables and tell you what the home is worth. Then we write an offer that is strong on the terms that matter to the seller, not only the price.
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Attorney review and inspections
In New Jersey, a signed contract goes into a three business day attorney review. Then come the home inspection and any other tests the home needs, such as radon, a well water test or a septic inspection. We help you negotiate repairs or credits.
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Appraisal, mortgage and closing
We stay on top of the appraisal, your loan approval, the town's certificate of occupancy inspection and the final walk through, all the way to the closing table.
Know the town before you buy
Town guides for Monmouth and Ocean counties
Neighborhoods, the kinds of homes you will find, property taxes, flood zones, commuting and the questions buyers ask us most, town by town.
Browse the town guidesReviews
What our clients say
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“Vincent did a great job getting the house sold quickly and over asking. Was very helpful during a tough closing. Highly recommend!”
Stephanie B., seller
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“Never have I experienced an agent that has gone well above and beyond what Vincent has done. I had so many problems to deal with. … Vincent took days tracking down how to acquire necessary documents even from out of state.”
Pat, seller
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“He did his homework on every property we visited, highlighting inspection concerns and possible red flags before we even asked. He was always easy to reach and quick to respond, even when things got busy.”
Michael S., buyer
Common questions
Questions buyers ask us
Do I have to sign an agreement before touring homes?
Yes. Under current REALTOR practice rules, which took effect in August 2024, we sign a written agreement with you before touring homes. It spells out the services you will receive and how your agent is paid, and those terms are negotiable. We walk you through it in plain language before you sign.
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the loan. Some conventional and FHA loans allow a small down payment, and VA loans can allow none for eligible buyers. A lender can tell you exactly what you qualify for. Budget for closing costs on top of the down payment.
What does a buyer pay at closing in New Jersey?
Typical buyer costs include your attorney, title insurance and the title search, lender fees, prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance, and any adjustments with the seller. Your lender provides a Loan Estimate early on, and we help you read it.
What is attorney review?
In New Jersey, once both sides sign a contract prepared by a real estate agent, each side's attorney has three business days to review it and request changes. The contract is not final until attorney review ends.
How long does it take to buy a home?
The search takes as long as it takes to find the right home. Once you are under contract with a mortgage, closing often happens in 30 to 60 days. Cash purchases can close faster.
Do I need flood insurance?
If the home is in a FEMA high risk flood zone and you have a federally backed mortgage, yes. Many shore homes are, and many inland homes are not. New Jersey sellers must disclose a home's flood zone and flood history, and we check it on every home you consider.
Get started
Tell us what you are looking for
Towns, budget, must haves and timing. We will set up a search built around you and send you homes that actually fit, usually starting the same day.
Or call or text either of us directly.