
The frenzy of 2021–2022 has certainly evolved, but that does not mean the market is weak. As we enter 2026, data pulled directly from the MLS shows:
Home prices remain strong across most segments
Inventory is still limited
Buyer demand continues to outweigh supply
Days on market remain relatively low
Mortgage rates are trending down
This combination continues to favor sellers—though strategy matters more than ever.
Despite higher interest rates over the past two years, Bergen County home prices have not dropped. In fact, sold home prices are up across most towns.
We are also seeing:
Growth in condos and townhomes
A resilient luxury market
Selective price reductions on homes that are overpriced or poorly marketed
The key distinction is this: well-priced, well-marketed homes are still selling quickly and at strong prices.
One of the clearest indicators of market strength is days on market:
Most homes are selling in under 40 days
Well-priced, well-prepared homes often sell in under 30 days
Overpriced homes are sitting 60+ days and chasing the market down
For sellers, speed creates competition—and competition drives price.
For buyers, a home sitting longer than 60 days often signals a pricing or value misalignment, creating negotiation opportunities.
Inventory remains the single biggest factor keeping the Bergen County housing market strong.
We are currently sitting at approximately 2.5 months of housing supply, meaning:
If no new homes came on the market, Bergen County would run out of inventory in about two and a half months.
This is not a balanced market. It’s a supply-constrained market that continues to support pricing—especially in towns closest to New York City and those with the easiest commutes.
Despite elevated interest rates in 2024 and early 2025, prices have held because:
There are more buyers than sellers
Desirable towns remain in extremely short supply
Demand is strongest closest to NYC
As we head into January 2026, mortgage rates are now at their lowest levels in over a year, bringing even more buyers back into the market.
Mortgage rates peaked above 7% in 2023–2024, which slowed activity and caused hesitation. As rates improved:
Buyer confidence returned
Buying power increased
Competition intensified
A 1% drop in interest rates can equal roughly 10% more buying power. This is why homes are now selling at 103–104% of asking price when priced correctly.
Even in a seller-favored market, strategy is critical. Simply putting a sign in the yard and taking poor-quality photos can cost sellers real money.
The biggest mistake sellers make is leaving money on the table by not investing in:
Proper pricing
Strong presentation
A clear marketing strategy
Programs like the Value Up Method help sellers maximize their home’s value—even in a strong market—by focusing on preparation, positioning, and execution.
Waiting until spring often means:
More buyers entering the market
More competition
Stronger cash offers
More waived contingencies
Buyers who wait without a strategy often find themselves losing bidding wars. Programs that help buyers compete like cash buyers—even if they need to sell a home first—can be game changers in this environment.
This is no longer a guessing market—it’s a thinking market.
The buyers and sellers who achieve the best outcomes will not be the fastest or the loudest. They will be:
The most informed
The best prepared
The most strategic
Local expertise, data-driven pricing, and professional guidance make the difference.
Every situation is unique. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just planning ahead, understanding your specific town and price point is essential.
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If you are considering buying a home, download this worksheet to start your financial planning. We are happy to work with you to ensure you are prepared.
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