Korean-Speaking Realtor for New Jersey Buyers, Sellers & Renters

Moving from Korea to New Jersey? Here's what actually happens

1. 1

   Choosing the right town

   Before looking at houses, we compare three or four towns on commute, school district, tax rate and Korean-community access. This single decision determines most of what follows, and it is much cheaper to change now than after a lease is signed.

   집보다 타운을 먼저 정합니다 — 통근, 학군, 세율, 한인 상권 접근성을 비교합니다.

2. 2

   Rental vs buy

   Most families arriving from Korea rent for one to two years first. Renting buys time to confirm the school, the commute and the neighborhood; buying immediately makes sense when the assignment is long or permanent and financing is already arranged.

   대부분 1–2년 렌트 후 매매를 결정합니다. 체류 기간과 자금 상황에 따라 판단합니다.

3. 3

   US credit & income documentation

   With no US credit history, landlords and lenders look at other evidence: employer letters, bank statements, tax returns, and proof of assets. Applying for an SSN or ITIN and opening a US bank account early gives you a record to point to within a few months.

   미국 크레딧이 없다면 재직 증명, 은행 잔고, 세금 신고서, 자산 증빙으로 대체합니다. SSN/ITIN과 미국 계좌를 빨리 만드세요.

4. 4

   Lease application

   A strong application is assembled, not negotiated: completed forms, ID and visa, employer or company guarantee, proof of funds, and references. Deposits are typically one and a half months plus the first month's rent, paid by certified funds.

   신청서, 신분증·비자, 재직/회사 보증, 자금 증빙을 한 번에 제출합니다. 보증금은 보통 1.5개월치 + 첫 달 렌트.

5. 5

   Offer & attorney review

   In New Jersey an accepted offer goes to attorney review: three business days for each side's attorney to adjust terms before the contract becomes binding. I walk through each proposed change in Korean so you are never signing something you have not understood.

   오퍼 수락 후 3영업일 변호사 검토 기간이 있습니다. 수정 조항을 한국어로 하나씩 설명드립니다.

6. 6

   Inspection

   A licensed inspector reviews roof, structure, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, plus radon and termite. The report is long and technical; what matters is separating genuine repair items from normal age, and deciding what to ask the seller for.

   지붕, 구조, HVAC, 전기, 배관, 라돈, 흰개미를 점검합니다. 실제 수리 항목과 노후 항목을 구분해 요청 사항을 정리합니다.

7. 7

   Mortgage

   Underwriting is where foreign income and overseas funds need to be documented carefully: translated income records, transfer histories, and a clear source of down payment. Choosing a lender experienced with these files prevents late surprises before closing.

   해외 소득과 송금 자금은 번역 서류와 이체 기록으로 증빙합니다. 이런 케이스에 익숙한 대출 담당자를 연결해 드립니다.

8. 8

   Closing

   You will receive a Closing Disclosure three days before closing listing every cost. We compare it against the original estimate, confirm the certified funds amount, and complete the final walkthrough before signing.

   클로징 3일 전 Closing Disclosure로 모든 비용을 확인하고, 최종 점검 후 서명합니다.

9. 9

   Utilities & move-in

   Electric and gas (usually PSE&G), water, internet, trash schedule, school registration and the town parking or recycling rules. This is the part most newcomers underestimate, so I provide a checklist with the accounts to open in order.

   전기·가스(PSE&G), 수도, 인터넷, 쓰레기 배출, 학교 등록, 주차 규정 — 순서대로 정리한 체크리스트를 드립니다.