End of Summer Real Estate Checklist for Buyers and Sellers
- Peter Lamont, Esq.
- Sep 26
- 5 min read
End-of-Summer Real Estate Checklist for Buyers and Sellers
As summer ends and fall begins, buyers and sellers in New Jersey face unique real estate considerations. Seasonal changes affect both the condition of properties and the pace of the market. Those who prepare for these changes are far more likely to avoid disputes and reach the closing table smoothly.
For buyers, the end of summer is an ideal time to focus on inspections and repairs that will be critical once colder weather arrives. Heating systems should be tested, chimneys inspected, and roofs evaluated for wear. Issues that may seem minor in August can become major problems in January. Buyers who overlook these matters during inspections often face unexpected costs shortly after moving in.
For sellers, preparing a home for the fall market means addressing deferred maintenance before it becomes a point of negotiation. Cleaning gutters, sealing driveways, repairing exterior paint, and servicing HVAC systems all demonstrate care and reduce objections from buyers. Sellers who take these steps often find that their homes show better and attract stronger offers.
Another seasonal issue is timing. Buyers who enter contracts in late summer often aim to close before the holiday season. That requires careful attention to mortgage contingencies, inspection deadlines, and title work. Delays in September can push closings into November or December, when lenders, title companies, and attorneys face heavier workloads. The result can be missed deadlines and added stress.
From the attorney’s perspective, this is the season where disputes over inspection issues and closing dates become more common. Buyers push for repairs to be completed before winter, while sellers resist additional costs. Attorneys must balance these competing interests while keeping the transaction on track.
I advise both buyers and sellers to approach end-of-summer transactions with a sense of urgency and preparedness. Buyers should conduct thorough inspections with an eye toward cold weather. Sellers should address obvious maintenance concerns before they become negotiating points. Both sides should work closely with their attorneys to keep deadlines under control.
Seasonal changes in real estate are not simply cosmetic. They affect the rights and obligations of both parties in a transaction. Those who plan accordingly protect themselves from disputes and are far more likely to reach closing without unnecessary delay.
Buyer Checklist
Test the heating system before colder weather sets in.
Schedule a chimney inspection to confirm safety and functionality.
Inspect the roof for wear, loose shingles, or water damage.
Make sure gutters are clear and draining properly.
Verify that doors and windows are sealed and insulated against drafts.
Confirm that inspection reports address winter-related concerns, such as plumbing insulation and exterior grading.
Track inspection deadlines and mortgage contingencies closely to avoid delays.
Seller Checklist
Clean gutters to prevent water damage during fall rains.
Seal the driveway to protect against cracks caused by colder weather.
Repair any peeling or damaged exterior paint.
Schedule HVAC service to show buyers the system is maintained.
Trim back landscaping that may affect curb appeal.
Address small maintenance items now so they do not become negotiation points later.
Be prepared to demonstrate that seasonal upkeep has been completed.
For more information about your legal rights or to schedule a consultation, please contact the Law Offices of Peter J. Lamont at www.pjlesq.com, call 201-904-2211, or email info@pjlesq.com.
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About Peter J. Lamont, Esq.
Peter J. Lamont is a nationally recognized attorney with significant experience in business, contract, litigation, and real estate law. With over two decades of legal practice, he has represented a wide array of businesses, including large international corporations. Peter is known for his practical legal and business advice, prioritizing efficient and cost-effective solutions for his clients.
Peter has an Avvo 10.0 Rating and has been acknowledged as one of America's Most Honored Lawyers since 2011. 201 Magazine and Lawyers of Distinction have also recognized him for being one of the top business and litigation attorneys in New Jersey. His commitment to his clients and the legal community is further evidenced by his active role as a speaker, lecturer, and published author in various legal and business publications.
As the founder of the Law Offices of Peter J. Lamont, Peter brings his Wall Street experience and client-focused approach to New Jersey, offering personalized legal services that align with each client's unique needs and goals.
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