FAQ: Buying a Home in Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford & Surrounding NJ Towns
Whether you’re buying your first home or making a move within New Jersey, questions naturally come up along the way. Here are the most common questions I receive from buyers throughout Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford, Clark, and nearby communities — along with clear, honest answers to help guide you.
FAQ: Buying a Home
1. Do I need to sign a Buyer’s Agreement before touring a home?
Yes. In New Jersey, buyers must sign a Buyer Agency Agreement before viewing homes in person. This form ensures transparency and outlines agency responsibilities, so you are fully represented and protected.
2. How do I start the buying process?
We’ll begin with a quick conversation about your goals, preferred towns, budget, and timeline. From there, I’ll connect you with trusted local lenders for pre-approval and set up tailored home alerts.
3. Should I get pre-approved before seeing homes?
Absolutely — it strengthens your position, clarifies your price range, and saves time. The strongest offers typically include a detailed pre-approval from a reputable lender.
4. How competitive is the current market?
Many towns like Westfield and Scotch Plains remain in demand. Some homes attract multiple offers, while others have more flexibility. I’ll guide you on how competitive each property is before you submit an offer.
5. What inspections are recommended in New Jersey?
Most buyers opt for:
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Home inspection
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Radon test
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Termite inspection
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Oil tank sweep
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Chimney inspection
Depending on the home, additional inspections may be recommended.
6. How many homes should I see before making an offer?
Every buyer is different. Some find “the one” quickly; others take time to compare. I’ll help you evaluate each home’s pros, cons, resale value, and long-term fit.
7. Do you work with first-time buyers?
Yes — I love working with first-time buyers and make sure the process is clear and stress-free from start to finish.
8. Do you help find off-market or coming-soon homes?
Yes — I stay in touch with local agents, homeowners, and market updates. Occasionally, opportunities become available before they hit the market.
9. What happens after my offer is accepted?
I walk you through every step, including inspections, attorney review, appraisal, lender updates, and the final walk-through. I stay in close communication throughout the entire process.
10. How quickly can you show homes?
I’m flexible and responsive. If a home fits your criteria, I do everything possible to get you in quickly — especially in fast-moving markets.
⭐️ Client Reviews (Buyers)
Buyer – Colonia, NJ
“The best way I could describe working with Lorraine is that she was personal. Yes she was aways professional but she was also kind, easy to reach, and easy to talk to. Lorraine never made me feel like I was a bother for calling her at any hour of the day and she had tons of experience to share as it was my first time purchasing a home. Basically, she made the entire experience a breeze! I’m lucky to have met such a wonderful individual and I recommend her to anyone who needs help in finding a home!”
Buyer – Clark
“Lorraine was fantastic! She helped my husband and I find out dream home! She worked tirelessly to assist us in meeting all of the criteria we had to on our “wish list” in a future home, and since we were first time buyers, we were unsure of how the process worked. Lorraine walked us through every step and was always available, no matter how small the question or concern. She also had great recommendations when it came to attorneys, local contractors, etc. We couldn’t be happier with our new home and wouldn’t have found it without all of Lorraine’s effort!”
🧭 Ready to Get Started on Your Home Search?
To help me learn your goals, preferences, and timeline — please complete my quick New Buyer Questionnaire.
It only takes a few minutes and gives me everything I need to customize your search, set up home alerts, and guide you confidently through the buying process.
👉 Start Your Buyer Profile Here:
https://forms.gle/5EcsQL8ocmrx1x42A
