Sticker Shocked by Westfield and Cranford! (Newark, Orange: for sale, real estate, new house)

[kimchee]

Ok I'm probably not the first person to acknowledge the shocking truth about Jersey real estate... I visited Westfield and Cranford today and must admit both are lovely towns!

Hubby grew up near Ridgewood and we are looking for something similar - clean, walkable and charming. Both towns are as I described but for the money I was amazed to find out how little space and home you get! We are not asking for alot - 3BR and 2BA homes with about 1800-2600sf - but were shocked that some of the homes don't even have backyards!

One in Cranford was listed for $710K but on a mere .17 acre of space. And we didn't even get to see that home 'cus the homeowner apparently didn't know there were ppl coming to see his home. He had the gall to pull my realtor aside and ask her about our credentials 'cus he didn't want to bother making the home available for just anybody! Hello?! We were more than qualified and but felt so insulted we left w/o seeing the overpriced piece of poo on the pitiful lot.

Some of the other homes we did get to see only come with little patio areas or a driveway for a car. Others listed close to $700K were in dire need of a major rehaul! I'm talking about bathroom and kitchens 30 to 50+ years old and unfinished basements.

We also found out that commuting time to the city may be 50 minutes (bus or train) but realistically it's about 1.15 to 1.5 hours door to door!

Sorry if I sound like I'm venting. I did see a really lovely tudor home but it needed so much work that we're probably going to pass. I'm still hopeful about finding something in those towns but just had to share my experience so far.

:P

[veuvegirl]

If you have not already; just out Maplewood/South Orange. It is much more affordable with the same charm and feel. Great schools and really friendly. In your price range there are a lot of great houses that just came on the market.

[tandcookies]

Originally Posted by kimchee

Ok I'm probably not the first person to acknowledge the shocking truth about Jersey real estate... I visited Westfield and Cranford today and must admit both are lovely towns!

Hubby grew up near Ridgewood and we are looking for something similar - clean, walkable and charming. Both towns are as I described but for the money I was amazed to find out how little space and home you get! We are not asking for alot - 3BR and 2BA homes with about 1800-2600sf - but were shocked that some of the homes don't even have backyards!

One in Cranford was listed for $710K but on a mere .17 acre of space. And we didn't even get to see that home 'cus the homeowner apparently didn't know there were ppl coming to see his home. He had the gall to pull my realtor aside and ask her about our credentials 'cus he didn't want to bother making the home available for just anybody! Hello?! We were more than qualified and but felt so insulted we left w/o seeing the overpriced piece of poo on the pitiful lot.

Some of the other homes we did get to see only come with little patio areas or a driveway for a car. Others listed close to $700K were in dire need of a major rehaul! I'm talking about bathroom and kitchens 30 to 50+ years old and unfinished basements.

We also found out that commuting time to the city may be 50 minutes (bus or train) but realistically it's about 1.15 to 1.5 hours door to door!

Sorry if I sound like I'm venting. I did see a really lovely tudor home but it needed so much work that we're probably going to pass. I'm still hopeful about finding something in those towns but just had to share my experience so far.

:P

We lived in and absolutely loved Cranford for about 8 years. When it was time for a new house... I needed a ranch, we couldn't find anything and the prices were very high. We ended up looking in Metuchen which is very similar to Cranford in feeling and looks. It was a little cheaper to buy but our taxes are higher in Metuchen.

Honestly it was a great move. The people are warm and friendly, very community minded. All my friends with kids in the public and St. Francis schools are very happy with the education. The downtown has a cute main street filled with great restaurants. It's a small town so much of it is walkable. Oh and unlike Cranford and Westfield the train goes directly into Manhattan so no switching trains.

Good luck!!

[hrjersey]

Originally Posted by veuvegirl

If you have not already; just out Maplewood/South Orange. It is much more affordable with the same charm and feel. Great schools and really friendly. In your price range there are a lot of great houses that just came on the market.

It may be true that you get more for your money but there is a reason for that; the towns of Maplewood and South Orange are very different from Cranford and Westfield. I grew up in South Orange and although there are some beautiful homes there, based on taxes/services and school system I would not move back. Eventually if I have to move back up north from South Jersey my two choices would be Cranford or Livingston.

[veuvegirl]

It may have changed a lot since you have been here. People love it, great town and community.

[emanon]

Originally Posted by kimchee

Ok I'm probably not the first person to acknowledge the shocking truth about Jersey real estate... I visited Westfield and Cranford today and must admit both are lovely towns!

Hubby grew up near Ridgewood and we are looking for something similar - clean, walkable and charming. Both towns are as I described but for the money I was amazed to find out how little space and home you get! We are not asking for alot - 3BR and 2BA homes with about 1800-2600sf - but were shocked that some of the homes don't even have backyards!

One in Cranford was listed for $710K but on a mere .17 acre of space. And we didn't even get to see that home 'cus the homeowner apparently didn't know there were ppl coming to see his home. He had the gall to pull my realtor aside and ask her about our credentials 'cus he didn't want to bother making the home available for just anybody! Hello?! We were more than qualified and but felt so insulted we left w/o seeing the overpriced piece of poo on the pitiful lot.

Some of the other homes we did get to see only come with little patio areas or a driveway for a car. Others listed close to $700K were in dire need of a major rehaul! I'm talking about bathroom and kitchens 30 to 50+ years old and unfinished basements.

We also found out that commuting time to the city may be 50 minutes (bus or train) but realistically it's about 1.15 to 1.5 hours door to door!

Sorry if I sound like I'm venting. I did see a really lovely tudor home but it needed so much work that we're probably going to pass. I'm still hopeful about finding something in those towns but just had to share my experience so far.

:P

Sorry but I have to agree with the checking of your credentials. Lots of lookers have no business wasting sellers time if they can't afford the house or they have to sell first before they can buy. If you are a legit buyer and I assume you are than you should not feel insulted by the actions of that seller.

Open houses are for tire kickers otherwise leave the for sale houses to those who really can and will buy.

JMO

E

[veuvegirl]

emanon makes a good point. Selling our house now, we are out at a moments notice. Going on our fifth week being on the market; it is very disruptive. Last week I was gardening and planting flowers with my five year old. We were having a great time, covered in dirt making a big old mess. A realtor called and asked if they could come by in twenty minutes.

We cleaned everything up and headed out. The realtor didn't even show up. This has happened countless times. When you are selling you get to the point that to disrupt your life for someone "just looking" or "just getting a feel" is not worth your time.

[hc7612]

Originally Posted by veuvegirl

emanon makes a good point. Selling our house now, we are out at a moments notice. Going on our fifth week being on the market; it is very disruptive. Last week I was gardening and planting flowers with my five year old. We were having a great time, covered in dirt making a big old mess. A realtor called and asked if they could come by in twenty minutes.

We cleaned everything up and headed out. The realtor didn't even show up. This has happened countless times. When you are selling you get to the point that to disrupt your life for someone "just looking" or "just getting a feel" is not worth your time.

To you and Emanon. We actually had to cut our househunting trip to NJ short this week, as we received a call Wednesday stating we had a showing for 3 pm Thursday. We had initially planned on staying most of Thursday before heading back to PA. Nothing like the stress of looking for somewhere new to live coupled with having to keep your current house in pristine condition for spur of the moment showings. By the time we arrived back to PA. I had 1 hour to make to house sparkle. I will be so relieved when we sell. I will feel as if I can exhale.

To the OP, I feel for you and the sticker shock. I had to get over it. We want a least an acre, so we are looking further west in Hunterdon County where you seem to get alot more for your money. My husband will only have to commute into Newark, versus NYC, so not as long of a commute. It sounds as if the other posters have given you good options. Good luck to you.

[veuvegirl]

Yup; absolutely hate this part of selling the house. I can never leave without the house being perfect, just in case someone shows up. My poor kids get the "mommy madness" if they start actually playing with toys before it is time to leave.

[E-TOWN-R.I.P.]

Originally Posted by kimchee

Ok I'm probably not the first person to acknowledge the shocking truth about Jersey real estate... I visited Westfield and Cranford today and must admit both are lovely towns!

Hubby grew up near Ridgewood and we are looking for something similar - clean, walkable and charming. Both towns are as I described but for the money I was amazed to find out how little space and home you get! We are not asking for alot - 3BR and 2BA homes with about 1800-2600sf - but were shocked that some of the homes don't even have backyards!

One in Cranford was listed for $710K but on a mere .17 acre of space. And we didn't even get to see that home 'cus the homeowner apparently didn't know there were ppl coming to see his home. He had the gall to pull my realtor aside and ask her about our credentials 'cus he didn't want to bother making the home available for just anybody! Hello?! We were more than qualified and but felt so insulted we left w/o seeing the overpriced piece of poo on the pitiful lot.

Some of the other homes we did get to see only come with little patio areas or a driveway for a car. Others listed close to $700K were in dire need of a major rehaul! I'm talking about bathroom and kitchens 30 to 50+ years old and unfinished basements.

We also found out that commuting time to the city may be 50 minutes (bus or train) but realistically it's about 1.15 to 1.5 hours door to door!

Sorry if I sound like I'm venting. I did see a really lovely tudor home but it needed so much work that we're probably going to pass. I'm still hopeful about finding something in those towns but just had to share my experience so far.

:P

They're expensive because they're great towns and many people want to live here. No offense, but if you're so turned off by your experience, then why don't you look somewhere else ...

And, BTW, Maplewood and South Orange can't hold a candle to Westfield and Cranford.