NCJAR News
The New Jersey Real Estate Commission (NJREC) implemented a new Agency requirement as part of the Continuing Education (CE) obligations for licensees, effective August 1, 2024. This means that even if you completed your CE prior to August 1st, you may not be in compliance if your coursework did not include the new Agency requirement.
In recent weeks, NCJAR has received an increasing number of calls from members who believed their CE was complete, only to find out their PSI records were incomplete or missing credit.
In most cases, this is due to:
- Courses not yet reported to PSI (providers have up to 7 days to report)
- Missing the newly required Agency topic
- Total CE credits not reaching the required 12 hours
NCJAR® Realtor® Member Call to Action Regarding proposed burdensome East Orange Proposal
The East Orange City Council is considering Ordinance 10-2025, which dramatically increases fines for property maintenance violations—some by as much as 700%! This could mean huge penalties for minor infractions like missing trash can lids or lightbulbs.
NCJAR® & New Jersey Realtors® strongly oppose these excessive fines and are calling on all members to attend the upcoming Council meeting THIS MONDAY to make our voices heard. Ordinance of the City of East Orange, NJ.
Date: Monday, April 14, 2025 – 6:00 pm
Location: East Orange City Hall, Council Chambers, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018
Closing day marks a huge milestone in the home buying or selling journey—it’s when a property officially changes hands. But behind the scenes, a lot is happening to ensure the legal transfer of ownership goes smoothly. Two important components of this process are deeds and titles.
Here’s what every buyer and seller should know:
What is a Deed?
A deed is the legal document that officially transfers ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. At a minimum, it includes the names of both parties and the seller’s signature, though many deeds also require the buyer’s signature and a legal description of the property. Once signed, the deed is typically filed with the local government, becoming part of the public record.
What is a Title?
A title isn’t a document—it’s the legal concept of ownership rights to a property. The deed transfers these rights to the new owner. When a title changes hands, it often triggers a one-time transfer tax (separate from annual property taxes). Whether the buyer or seller pays this tax depends on local laws.
Are There Different Types of Deeds?
Yes, and the type of deed can affect what rights are transferred. Most home sales use general-warranty deeds, which offer the highest level of protection for buyers. This type guarantees that the seller legally owns the property and has the right to sell it—offering peace of mind that you’re getting full ownership.
Your REALTOR® can help you understand the type of deed involved in your transaction and what rights come with it.
Bill Flagg is a North Central Jersey leader dedicated to fostering inclusion and advancing fair housing. Committed to the Fair Housing Act, he has led impactful initiatives addressing housing inequities. He introduced Newark’s first successful Homeownership Fair with Metropolitan Baptist Church, attended by 300+ community members. The event featured sessions on renting vs. buying, credit repair and down payment assistance. Through his leadership, Flagg continues to promote fair housing, ensuring equal, professional service for all while making a lasting impact on NCJAR and the communities it serves. Watch the full video here.
Bill Flagg: Uplifting Others (REALTOR® Magazine, Apr. 10, 2025)
