Welcome to the most confusing housing market we’ve ever seen.
Buyers and sellers are living in two completely different realities.
Sellers still think it’s 2020. Buyers think it’s 2009.
And somehow… both of them are wrong.
Meanwhile, the rest of the country is cooling off — but New Jersey is heating up like it’s the Fourth of July.
Just look at Redfin's national housing data.
🤯 Two Markets. One Zip Code.
Right now:
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Buyers expect price cuts because interest rates are high.
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Sellers expect bidding wars because, well, they heard their neighbor got one last year.
The result? Unrealistic expectations on both sides — and major friction.
We listed a home in Colts Neck, got 5 offers, and accepted a cash offer nearly $200K over asking.
Then the buyer tried to negotiate $150K in inspection credits… for $5,000 worth of actual repairs. 😵💫
That’s the reality of this market.
📍 What's Actually Happening in NJ
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Bergen County: Homes are selling 10–30% over asking on opening weekend
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Monmouth & Northern Ocean Counties: 10–15% over is the norm
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Luxury Market ($5M+): After 2 slow years, demand is back in towns like Rumson, Colts Neck, and Navesink
And this is despite stock market volatility and national headlines.
The reason? One word: proximity.
New Jersey’s closeness to New York City keeps demand high. Commutable towns are thriving. Remote towns… not so much.
🌎 Meanwhile, the Rest of the Country…
Other parts of the U.S. are experiencing very different trends:
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Austin, TX & Phoenix, AZ: Too much inventory, not enough buyers
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Florida & California coastal markets: Insurance premiums post-natural disasters are driving buyers away
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Naples, FL: Tri-state transplants are being pulled back to NYC offices, and they’re selling off their second homes
What’s happening in NJ isn’t normal — it’s unique. And it’s all about location, scarcity, and timing.
🔮 What’s Next?
My prediction:
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We’ll see 4–5% appreciation in 2025
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If rates drop below 6% this spring, we could be looking at 8–10% price increases in 2026
Buyers waiting on lower rates are going to fuel a new wave of demand.
And once sellers with 2–4% rates are willing to move, more inventory will hit the market — but not enough to match the demand. Here’s what economists are saying about rate cuts.
💡 Buyer Advice
If you keep losing bidding wars at $500K, start looking at $425K–$450K homes instead.
Get in now and ride the appreciation.
That same home will likely be $625K next year, with twice as many offers.
💡 Seller Advice
Want top dollar? Be smart — not stubborn.
Overpricing your home will stall momentum and lead to price drops.
Price it right, prep it well, and you’ll still see multiple offers and strong returns.
It’s not 2021. But it is a great time to sell — with the right strategy.
🧭 Ready to Make a Move?
📆 Book a Buyer Discovery Call
📆 Book a Seller Strategy Session
🔍 Search Current Listings in NJ
