The process of planting the things in your yard is one that you need to research and learn about before you attempt it. If you do not currently have grass when you buy or build your house in New Jersey, you will first want to research what types of grass grow best in your climate. There are many different types of grass, but if you attempt to grow those that grow naturally or most easily in your climate, your yard will likely look much better than if you attempt to grow something that is not as viable in your area.
Next, you will need to choose whether you want to grow grass from seed or put down sod. If you are not familiar with sod, it is grass that has already been grown and then is cut from the ground with soil and roots attached. When you buy sod, you basically need to put it down on the ground, water it well, and then press the sod into the ground to help ensure that the roots take in your soil, not just in the patch of sod you purchased. Sod is quite simple to lay, even a large yard can be laid in a day, especially if you have some help. Sod is a significantly more expensive option, but will provide you with a beautiful lawn immediately.
If you want to grow your grass by planting seed, you will find that it is very affordable, but it is not as simple as planting sod. Seeds not only need to be spread very evenly, but they also need to be watered and nurtured as the grass begins to grow. When you use seed, you will need to research the type of grass that you want to plant to be sure that it is something that will grow relatively easily in your climate. Planting the seed takes a bit of time, but there is a lot of satisfaction in watching the grass grow.
Either method of planting works; you just need to decide when you want to have grass and how much time and effort you are willing to put into the process. Budget also must come into play when you are thinking about planting grass in your yard, because sod generally is more expensive than planting seed. If you have a lot of time and you have a small budget, seeding is the way to go. If you don't have much time, but you have a bigger budget, sod may be preferred.