Dear Monika,
What this usually means is that there are some inspections, like the Certificate of Occupancy, for example, that have not been done by the seller. Usually that is beacuase of the condition of the house and the buyer needs to be responsible for those papers. These are usually necessary for a closing, so the buyer may need to pay the fees, that vary from town to town.
Good Luck.
Sharon Kozinn

This is often a red flag that indicates some improvements to the home might not have been done with proper permits. It is also often seen in illegal multi-families where there are too many units, finished basements that are illegally occupied, or units without proper fire escapes and/or egress.

It's often a way of passing off responsibility to you, so be careful. The seller should be responsible for everything having been properly permitted, so make sure your contract has language by your attorney to that effect. And look for improvements that are fairly recent and MAKE SURE there were building permits and inspections for anything the owner has done. Especially finished basements, decks, new kitchens, baths, etc.

Good luck!


Marc Paolella
Relocation Director
Member, Worldwide ERC
Licensed Realtor NJ
Licensed Appraiser NJ & NY
Century 21 Joe Tekula Realtors
Phone (direct): (973) 584-4235
Phone (office): (973) 584-7580
Fax (973) 584-5092
e-mail: marc2000@verizon.net
text: 914-588-3787

Is the house a knock down? IF not it's likely a foreclosure.

Most towns in bergen cty require a certificate of occupancy. Contact the town to see what is required in that town. I think their phone number is: 201-288-0195.

It's usually pretty easy.