Webster defines the verb expatriate, or expat, as, “Leaving one’s native country to live elsewhere,” and, in 2010, my family did just that. With the help of Cartus, my husband and I, along with our teenage son and daughter, packed up and flew to Switzerland, arrived at what would be our new home in the beautiful mountain village of Aubonne, and awaited the delivery of our American belongings.

Our home was quintessentially Swiss – an antique home in a quaint town center overlooking all the activities that the town had to offer. We were meeting new people and learning new customs, not to mention enjoying the amazing Swiss delicacies of cheeses and chocolate.

Doesn’t it all sound just glamorous?  In reality, part of it was, but it came with the burden of stepping into new surroundings. A foreign language, foreign customs and foreign systems made being out of our comfort zone exponentially more difficult.  While it was scary, it also presented me with the greatest opportunity for growth in my life thus far.  Along with that growth came a greater understanding of the challenges imposed by a life-changing move, which is what brought me to selling real estate when I moved back to New Jersey.

What I learned along the way is that uncertainty and nervousness come along with moving. Choosing the right real estate agent is vital to a smooth relocation. Wouldn’t you prefer working with an agent who has walked in your shoes before? Whether you are moving across town or across the world, my job is to bring you home.

Since moving back to the United States, I’ve had the privilege of working with a family that was also relocating from Switzerland. In their online review, they gave me the greatest compliment I could have imagined:

“After 11 relocations I can honestly say Ann was our favorite real estate agent.” 

If you have been thinking about relocating, I would love the opportunity to become your favorite real estate agent.

This article was submitted by Ann Piovano, sales associate, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Piovano can be reached at (973)738-7764; Ann.Piovano@cbmoves.com.