How Do I Begin? 

Buying a home can seem like a daunting experience. Once you make the decision to buy, you need to think about where you would like to live and how much you can afford.  

It may sound silly, but the best way to learn about a community is to visit. I always recommend to my clients to come out for a day or two. Visit parks, “hang out” at a local coffee shop. Talk with people and get a sense of who lives in the town and what they think about it. If you have children or are planning on having children in the school systems, visit the local schools. The schools are happy to accommodate you. (I can give you the names of who to contact--sometimes I will join you just to see the latest at the schools.) 

Each town is unique and has a certain "feel" to it. Montclair is oh so hip, with great restuarants, an art house movie theatre and wonderful stores. Maplewood's downtown is small and quaint and has a wonderful feel, and Maplewood is one of New Jersey's "greenest" towns with an environmentally conscious population. South Orange, with its new perfoming arts center, SOPAC, and new super chic supermarket, the Eden Gourmet, is perfect for the urban transplant. Sophisticated Summit has a number of fine restaurants and refined shopping establishments. Millburn, with its top ranked high school, defines upscale shopping with a few incredible womens' boutiques. 

And of course, you need to see what your money can buy. For my new customers I will show you around a few towns that interest you, showing you homes in a variety of prices. This will give you a sense of the market and also lets me know your likes and dislikes. Once you tell me which towns you like and the types of homes you want to focus on, we are off and running--on our way to find the perfect home in the right town.