About Me

Hi! Welcome to my Blog.

My name is Karen Westwood.  

I was born in England and relocated to New Jersey in 2003. 

I am now a US citizen and I love living in Maplewood NJ with my family. 

As an Expat who has lived in NJ for over 10 years, I now work as a licensed Realtor and share my knowledge to assist anyone, from Brooklyn or abroad,  moving to the New Jersey suburbs. Here we are a quick commute 30-35 minute from Manhattan and a 15 minute drive from Newark International Airport. 

TRAILING SPOUSE

In 2001 I became an Expat in America. I was recently married, had finished my business degree and was succeeding in my own career in marketing.  I moved to Miami, Florida to support my husband's career. I speak Spanish so there was a world of opportunity for me to discover.

We were a young couple living on Miami Beach which was fun, but far from reality! I had to start a new life. I volunteered with young professional groups and at a hospital. I soon worked in the HR department, as the hospital sponsored my work visa.  

EXPAT FAMILY

We have two children and moved to New Jersey in 2003. They attend the local public schools. I had previously lived in the mega cities of London and  Miami and now found myself in suburban New Jersey! New York is a short train ride away and the peace and space of my neighborhood with its charming downtown is perfect for us to raise our family.

NEW CAREER

Once upon a time I was a marketing manager for the third largest law firm in the world. I  have also worked in recruitment/HR and as a preschool teacher. I am as happy negotiating a win-win deal with Partners at a boardroom table, as with toddlers over a toy on the classroom rug! I have always had a passion both for helping people settle in to town through our Expat group, and for the beautiful homes locally. Real Estate was the perfect fit for the next chapter.

"Mind the gap!" 
Expat life and relocation has it's challenges. Would I do it all again? Absolutely.