Everyone wants their partner to be a part of the home buying process – but sometimes it just doesn’t work out that way! Meet Dagmara and Kevin – they contacted me after living in Texas and deciding to return to Cranford. Kevin was able to make frequent visits to the area to assist with the search, but Dagmara was in Texas with the children. Buying a home from afar can often be a bit complicated – but I think we made a great team and everyone was up for the challenge! In the end, the entire family moved back to Cranford and into a beautiful house that was waiting to welcome them home again!

Tell me a bit about yourselves. How you met, how you first ended up living in Cranford, reasons for moving to Texas…anything you want to share!)

We originally moved to Cranford in 2012 when our older daughter was six and I was pregnant with our second daughter. We loved the town and our house but, two years later, Kevin had a great opportunity for a new position in Houston Texas. While we enjoyed our time in Texas, we decided to return to New Jersey about four years later.

What made you decide to move back to New Jersey? And, in particular, Cranford?

Once our minds were set on returning to New Jersey, there was no doubt that we wanted to live in Cranford. Not only did we want to return to the same town, we wanted to limit our search to South Cranford, so our older daughter could return to Hillside Ave School where she had previously attended and had stayed in touch with some schoolmates.

How did you find Sharon?

We were looking for a professional that was extremely familiar with the local market. Sharon was recommended by a friend and, after a quick introductory phone call, we were convinced that Sharon was a great fit.

What in particular do you like about your new home – features that were important to you?

Beyond it being in our preferred neighborhood, and meeting our general size requirements, we loved the home’s character and yard. We also liked that the previous owner had lived there for over fifty years and kept it in wonderful condition.

 

Did anything cause anxiety/stress during the home buying process?

We were still living in Texas while looking for a home. Kevin was traveling to the area for work regularly, but houses were selling fast so we missed opportunities to view some potential homes. Luckily, when Sharon let us know this house was going to be listed soon, Kevin was in the area and able to view it on the first day. Kevin immediately loved the home, but I wasn’t able to view it in person. Instead, I relied on Sharon, Kevin, and a friend to describe the property. We decided to make an offer the following day!

 

What renovations have you done so far?

The only significant renovation so far has been to a bathroom. Otherwise, we’ve only replaced carpeting and painted.

What’s in plan for the future?

We would love to eventually add another bath.

What did you enjoy the most about working with Sharon?

Sharon is a professional that knows the local market and the various neighborhoods in the area. She was flexible and understanding which was vital given our schedule and geographic restraints. She was a great asset to our search and successful purchase of home that fits us perfectly.

 

Best advice that you can offer other new home buyers?

I don’t know if this is advice – but thank goodness we’ve been married long enough to each other that we were able to trust each other and our similar taste! This is our house #4 for us – so we’ve had some practice!!!