Heather is right on target. Keep in mind that a CO is NOT a home inspection and does NOT protect you, the buyer, effectively. A CO inspection is typically 10 minutes as opposed to 2 hours. They do not inspect all areas of a home as licensed inspectors are required to by the state.

Best of Luck! Feel free to contact me for more information.

Rafi Footerman
Mid Jersey Inspections
732-906-4100
NJ Home Inspector Lic. #076900

Each town has different requirements and different fees, typically the CO application should run $40-$140. You can also pick-up a checklist from the town to ensure you meet all the requirements.

Since you posted this question in Freehold here are the local numbers for additional CO information:
1. Freehold Township-732-294-2051
2. Freehold Borough-732-462-4903

Thanks,
Heather Daccurso
Weichert Realtors
Office: 732-577-0440
Cell: 732-580-5309
Email: heather@heatherdaccurso.com

Thanks Heather for your informative answers as always!

Taking a step back, what exactly is involved in obtaining a CO?

If buyer had to pay for the CO, what're the approximate costs? Need to factor into our budget. Thanks!

Hi House Hunter,
Typically the seller pays for the certificate of occupancy, if it is a short sale or foreclosure than the buyer pays for it. However the seller can state that the home is sold AS IS and have the buyer pay for the certificate of occupancy.

If you need further assistance please feel free to contact me.

Thanks,
Heather Daccurso
Weichert Realtors
626 Route 9 South
Freehold, NJ 07728
Office: 732-577-0440
Cell: 732-580-5309
Email: heather@heatherdaccurso.com