Your Attorney Asked for a Preliminary Assessment — What Now?
If you're here, your attorney likely said:
👉 “You need a Preliminary Assessment.”
That’s common in New Jersey.
But most buyers don’t know what that actually means for their deal.
What a Preliminary Assessment Does
A Preliminary Assessment reviews the history of a property.
It looks for signs of environmental issues.
These are things like:
Old tanks
Past industrial use
Fill material
Prior site activity
Why Attorneys Recommend It
In New Jersey, environmental responsibility can transfer with the property.
Your attorney is trying to help you:
Avoid taking on unknown risk
Keep your deal on track
Prevent problems after closing
What Most Buyers Miss
A Preliminary Assessment is often just one part of the process.
Many commercial deals also require:
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
Additional investigation if concerns are found
👉 This is where smart decisions matter.
Stay in Control of the Deal
This isn’t about checking a box.
👉 It’s about making the right move before your deal moves forward.
Handled early, this step helps you:
Avoid delays
Avoid unexpected costs
Stay in control of negotiations
What to Do Next
If your attorney brought this up:
👉 Don’t guess what’s needed.
Understand the situation before moving forward.
Make the Right Move Before You Close
Talk to an NJ Environmental Expert
