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ge 50, she/her, lives with a partner and a blended family of six children. She works as an associate director in pharmaceuticals and the household pulls in about $110,000 a year.
Growing up, she spent most of her childhood in a rented apartment. Her parents eventually bought a house, and the idea of owning one became a lifelong aspiration.
The divorce that followed a few years ago forced her to rethink her living situation. She already owned a home in New York, but after the split she decided it was time to sell. The decision was driven by both financial logic and a desire to escape the chaos of that period.
Her search began in South Jersey, where she found that a single-family home was within reach, unlike the smaller options that would have been available if she stayed in New York. She considered Marlton, Mount Laurel, Medford, and Cherry Hill, but her priorities were clear: a strong school district, at least four bedrooms, and a quiet street.
To gauge school quality, she leaned on family in Cherry Hill and cross‑checked online listings, which always include school ratings. The hunt lasted roughly three months. She visited 15–20 homes in person, often attending two open houses on a weekend. The first day she saw the house that would become her new home, and within a week she put her New York property on the market.
Her real‑estate agent was the listing agent for that house. They clicked immediately, and she trusted her honesty and thoroughness. The home impressed her on every level: a fresh open‑floor plan, a clean exterior, a new vinyl fence, and a pool that was a major draw.
Although she and her partner live together, she bought the house on her own. The down payment came from the sale of the New York home, amounting to $150,000—about 26 % of the purchase price.
The timing of the deal was fortuitous. The house had been on the market for a few weeks because the pool needed repairs, which deterred buyers. By the time the sellers fixed the pool, her New York home had sold two weeks earlier, and the South Jersey property was still available.
She made an offer of $572,000, guided by her agent’s advice. That was the only offer she made; many of the other homes she saw online didn’t translate into a good fit when she saw them in person.
Marlton turned out to be a great choice. The town boasts a variety of restaurants, shops, and parks, all within easy reach. It’s close to major highways, and housing prices are far more reasonable than in other parts of New Jersey, giving her family more value for their money.
Compared to her former New York neighborhood, Marlton feels more picturesque and better maintained. Shopping centers are newer and more compact, so she no longer has to travel to neighboring counties for essentials.
The house itself is a highlight. The kitchen is spacious and newly renovated, providing a central space for family gatherings and everyday life. The backyard, currently a simple grass area with a small patio, is slated for future hardscaping: natural stone pavers, a bar area, seating, and a fire pit. She’s enjoying the space now but anticipates even greater enjoyment once the upgrades are complete.
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