National Snapshot: A Market Divided
The U.S. housing market in 2025 is no longer one-size-fits-all. Nationally, buyers have started to gain leverage: there are roughly 33% more sellers than buyers, creating the biggest gap in over a decade. Sun Belt markets like Miami, Austin, and Orlando are firmly in buyer territory, with home supply stretching beyond six months and sellers slashing prices to compete.
In contrast, the Northeast and Midwest remain stronger for sellers. Homes here are holding value, and in some pockets, prices are still inching upward.
Where Buyers Have the Edge
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Florida & Texas metros (Miami, Orlando, Austin, Jacksonville, Tampa) — strong buyer’s markets, with inventory stacking up.
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California & Hawaii — slower sales, longer days on market, tipping conditions toward buyers.
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Midwestern metros like Indianapolis — more sellers than buyers, creating room for negotiation.
Where Sellers Still Rule
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Northeast hot spots: Cities like Newark, NJ are still competitive, with far fewer sellers than buyers.
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Massachusetts: Fastest sales pace in the nation (22 days on market).
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Select New Jersey suburbs: Tight inventory and strong commuter demand keep conditions in sellers’ favor.
The New Jersey Outlook for 2025
Despite national softening, New Jersey is holding steady as a seller’s market.
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Average NJ home value: $569,578, up 4.2% YoY.
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Median sale-to-list ratio: 1.014, with nearly 60% of homes selling above asking.
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Days to pending: just 19 days, showing homes still move quickly.
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Zillow forecasts for NJ metros (through early 2026): Atlantic City +2.4%, Vineland +1.4%, with statewide appreciation in the 1–4% range.
This makes New Jersey one of the few states bucking the national trend, especially in high-demand counties like Bergen.
Bergen County Spotlight
Bergen County continues to draw buyers who want proximity to NYC but crave the character and community of small-town living. Inventory is limited, and desirable homes still attract multiple offers. Here’s how key towns stack up:
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Ridgewood – Known for its walkable downtown, strong schools, and classic colonials. Still highly competitive, especially in the $1.2M–$1.8M range.
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Wyckoff – Family-driven community with larger lots. Buyers here face limited choices, keeping prices firm.
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Ho-Ho-Kus – Boutique-sized town with outsized demand. Inventory remains scarce, which supports premium pricing.
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Glen Rock – Popular with commuters for its train line and tight-knit feel. Homes often sell above list.
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Franklin Lakes – Luxury market with estate-style living. Higher price points create slightly longer days on market, but well-positioned homes still move.
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Allendale – Consistently desirable for schools and community amenities. Limited turnover means competition when listings appear.
Across Bergen County, the trend is clear: while the rest of the U.S. edges toward a buyer’s market, Bergen towns are still leaning in favor of sellers.
What to Expect in NJ Through the End of 2025
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Sellers: Conditions remain favorable, but the days of double-digit bidding wars are waning. Pricing right will be key.
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Buyers: You’ll find more negotiating power in luxury segments and less in entry-to-mid-level homes. Stay pre-approved and ready, especially in high-demand towns.
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Overall: Expect NJ prices to grow a modest 1–4% through year-end, with Bergen County outperforming many national markets thanks to scarcity and location.
Bottom line: While much of the country shifts toward a buyer’s market, New Jersey—and especially Bergen County towns like Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Ho-Ho-Kus, Glen Rock, Franklin Lakes, and Allendale—remain strongholds for sellers. The rest of 2025 will bring steady but modest appreciation, with well-priced homes continuing to command strong offers.
