In Cranford, entrepreneurship is starting younger than ever. A Cranford 8th Grader Just Launched a Business — And It’s Built Around Sports! At just 14 years old, Hillside Avenue School student Cody DeCoons has launched Sports Sitters NJ, a babysitting concept that replaces screens and indoor activities with sports. Instead of traditional babysitting, Sports Sitters…

The post Sports Sitters NJ: Cranford Teen Entrepreneur Launches Sports-Focused Babysitting Service appeared first on Sharon Steele Real Estate.

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most festive times of the year in the Cranford NJ area, and the excitement is building again as the Cranford St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns for another year. The parade has quickly become a beloved community tradition, bringing residents together to celebrate Irish heritage, local pride, and a…

The post Cranford NJ St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026: Route, Local Food & Other Area Festive Events appeared first on Sharon Steele Real Estate.

The Union County NJ real estate market remained strong in February 2026, with limited inventory and steady buyer demand continuing to shape housing activity across towns like Cranford, Westfield, and Scotch Plains. Across many local communities—including Cranford, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Clark, Garwood, and Mountainside—homes are selling quickly and often above asking price when priced…

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Selling a home often comes with one big question: How many showings should it take before the right buyer comes along? The honest answer is that there isn’t a magic number — but there are patterns that help sellers understand what’s normal, what’s encouraging, and when it might be time to adjust strategy. In markets…

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Biggest Home Inspection Red Flags to Look Out for Before Buying Buying a home is exciting — but the inspection phase is where smart buyers slow down and get clear. A home inspection isn’t about finding a perfect house. It’s about understanding risk, cost, and leverage before you commit. Nearly every home, especially in established…

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A local look at gardening in and around Westfield, with favorite nurseries, garden clubs, community gardens, and resources to help you grow—right here at home.

The post Grow a Green Thumb: Your Guide to Gardening in the Westfield NJ Area appeared first on Sharon Steele Real Estate.

Read More in 2026: Local Bookstores & Book Clubs Near Cranford NJ If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to read more in 2026, you’re in luck — because the Cranford, NJ area offers so many ways to turn reading into an enjoyable, community-focused habit. While Cranford is my home base, this guide includes…

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The Start of the Year Is One of the Most Strategic Times to Sell Many homeowners assume spring is the only time to sell. In reality, the beginning of the year can be one of the smartest and most strategic times to list a home, especially in desirable communities like Cranford, Westfield, and throughout Union…

The post Why You Should List Your Home at the Beginning of the Year | NJ Real Estate appeared first on Sharon Steele Real Estate.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to slow down and appreciate the arts, you’re in the right place. The Westfield, NJ area offers a thriving arts scene filled with live theater, music, galleries, film, and cultural experiences. From intimate gallery openings and orchestral performances to local theater productions and film festivals, this guide…

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Grandma hobbies in Cranford and Westfield are shaping up to be one of the biggest lifestyle trends of 2026. As more people ditch doomscrolling and focus on hands-on creativity, crafting has become a popular New Year’s resolution. From pottery to knitting and everything in between, local classes offer a cozy way to beat winter boredom…

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