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Real Estate & Land Use


Attorneys that handle Real Estate & Land Use are:

Mason, Griffin & Pierson, P.C. provides legal counsel in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. The firm’s practice ranges from assisting individuals buying their first home to representation of major national corporations in complex real estate development transactions.


Real Estate Transactions

Residential and Commercial Purchases and Sales

The firm handles all aspects of residential and commercial real estate closings on behalf of individuals and business entities, from the time of the initial contract through the closing of title. Some of the services provided by the Real Estate Practice Group include:

  • Negotiation, preparation and/or review of contracts for sale or purchase
  • Negotiation, preparation and/or review of land development contracts
  • Lease agreements for landlords and tenants
  • Review, negotiation and preparation of mortgage documents for financing or refinancing
  • Procurement and examination of title reports, surveys and environmental studies
  • Representation of Administrators or Executors in the sale of estate property
  • Review and negotiation of Realtor Listing Agreements for the Sale of Real Estate

Useful Tips for Buyers and Sellers of Residential Real Estate

Tips for Buyers

Tips for Sellers

Representation of Commercial Lenders in Business Financing

Some of the services provided include:

  • Negotiation, preparation and review of loan documents
  • Review of title, survey, environmental studies, leases and corporate documents
  • Representation and attendance at closing
  • Post-closing assistance

Land Use Development

The attorneys in the Practice Group have a balanced understanding of development, zoning, land use and environmental concerns. This unique perspective enables the firm to facilitate the grant of the numerous approvals required to develop New Jersey real estate. The Practice Group acts as liaison– facilitating communication between client, engineer, architect, and the relevant state, county and municipal regulatory agencies. Some of the legal services provided to meet clients’ goals include:

  • Oversight of Due Diligence Investigations
  • Review & Analysis of Municipal Land Use & Zoning Ordinances
  • Review of Site Layout & Design for Conformity with State & Local Regulations
  • Preparation of Site Plan, Subdivision & Variance Applications
  • Coordination of Witness Testimony for Hearings
  • Coordination of Public Notice in Newspapers and to Adjoining Property Owners
  • Coordination of Public Hearings Before All Land Use Regulatory Bodies
  • Department of Transportation Permit Processing & Approvals
  • Department of Environmental Protection Permit Processing Including Wetlands, ISRA, UST & CARFRA Permits
  • Preparation of County Planning Board Applications
  • Mt. Laurel Litigation
  • All Aspects of Land Use Litigation, Including Municipal Prerogative Writ Appeals, State Administrative Appeals & Appellate Practice


  • Ed Schmierer Recognized as Outstanding Volunteer by Womanspace



  • Nicholas S. Taylor, Esq. joins Mason, Griffin & Pierson PC as an Associate.

    Nicholas is a member of the firm’s Business & Banking Practice Group and Real Estate Practice Group. Nick concentrates his practice in banking law, business formation, all aspects of business representation, and real estate. He will assist the firm’s Business & Banking Group in representing closely held businesses and local and national banks in business lending transactions as well as representing buyers and sellers of residential and commercial real estate.



  • Ed Schmierer honored with the David McAlphin Humanitarian Award



  • Edwin W. Schmierer, Esq moderates Affordable Housing Panel

    On June 23, 2022, Mason, Griffin & Pierson, PC, Director, Edwin W. Schmierer, Esq., moderated a panel discussion presented by Affordable Housing Professionals of New Jersey (AHPNJ) concerning the status of affordable housing delivery for the Third Round and preparation for the Fourth Round which commences July 1, 2025. Mr. Schmierer is the President of AHPNJ. The panelists included a representative from the Fair Share Housing Center, former Executive Director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, the Chief of Multifamily Program for NJHMFA and a professional planner who has served as a Special Court Master in 40 plus municipalities for the implementation of Third Round Affordable Housing Plans. Mr. Schmierer chairs the firm's Government Practice Group which represents over 30 municipal governing bodies, land use board and affordable housing committees throughout the State of New Jersey.