What to Expect

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This comprehensive guide for home buyers is designed to alleviate the stress associated with purchasing a home, ensuring that you can savor the experience to the fullest.

Step 1: Lets Connect

During our initial call or meeting, I’ll get to know you and your goals and determine if we want to work together. We’ll also take this time to explain how we plan to represent and guide you at every step of the process.

Step 2: Research

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? Now is the time we can begin narrowing down the homes on the market that meet your criteria.

Step 3: Get Pre-Approved

Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. You want to focus on looking at homes that not only meet your criteria but more importantly, fit within your price range. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already preapproved for a loan.

Step 4: Find The Right Home

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). Not only will I send you listings that meet your criteria, but I’ll also set you up on MLS alerts so new listings are sent straight to your inbox. I will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details.

My goal is to provide you with the most personalized service that is designed to help you buy your dream home.

Step 5: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home, I will guide you through crafting a compelling offer that stands out which is important in such a competitive market.

My expertise, coupled with a commitment to personalized service, positions me as a trusted advisor in navigating the complexities of the real estate market.

Step 6: Home Inspection

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. I can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer.

Step 7: Close and Celebrate

Congratulations! After signing the final paperwork to complete the purchase, you are now the owner of a new house. It may take a few days for your loan to be funded once the paperwork has been returned to the lender, but once that check is delivered to the seller, you’ll be all set to move into the home of your dreams.

Find Your Next Dream Home

Success Stories

I recently just purchased a home utilizing Jill Skibinsky as my realtor. I would like to thank her for the professionalism, consistency and knowledge of this process. I highly recommend to anyone who’s looking to purchase a home.

Mark D.

Jill was terrific. She guided us through the whole process including getting our home ready to sell, staging the home, pricing it competitively, advertising it through various local channels and finally negotiating the final sale price. She also helped us through the post-sale process up to the closing. We would use Jill again and highly recommend her.

Robert and Joy

Jill got us into our new home quickly and at a great price. We used Jill's entire team which allowed everything to close smoothly.

Michael B.

November 2, 2026
Moving, Real Estate, Scotch Plains, NJ, Westfield, NJ

How Much Does It Really Cost to Sell a Home in New Jersey? A Union County Homeowner’s Guide

Thinking about selling your home? Before you focus on the sale price, there's another important number to understand: how much money you'll actually walk away with at closing.

by Jill Skibinsky

November 2, 2026
Lifestyle, Scotch Plains, NJ, Westfield, NJ

Holiday Events in and Around Union County, NJ: Your 2026 Guide to Seasonal Celebrations

Discover holiday events in Union County, NJ for 2026, including Diwali, Thanksgiving, Christmas tree lightings, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and family activities.

by Jill Skibinsky