In the New York Metro and North Jersey market, start preparing your home 8–12 weeks before your target list date. That window covers repairs, deep cleaning, staging, professional photography, and paperwork, giving you enough runway to hit the spring or fall market ready to compete.

In Bergen County, sellers typically cover costs like title insurance, transfer taxes, and prorated property taxes, while buyers handle loan-related fees. But which party pays what is often negotiable, and knowing the local split before you list puts you in a stronger position at the table.