In September 2024, the housing market continued its upward trend in available homes for sale, marking the 11th consecutive month of inventory growth. Nationwide, the number of homes actively listed increased by 34.0% compared to the same period last year, the highest since April 2020. This growth reflects a surge in seller activity, driven by lower mortgage rates and the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts. New listings increased by 11.6%, reaching a three-year high, as the easing “lock-in” effect has prompted homeowners to list their properties.
In New Jersey, a state known for its competitive housing market, similar trends have emerged, though some localized variations may present unique dynamics. With rising listing activity, the market in New Jersey continues to benefit from the relative affordability compared to other high-cost markets like Seattle and San Jose. Buyers in the Garden State are beginning to see savings from lower mortgage rates, which has encouraged more activity in mid-tier markets, particularly around urban and suburban hubs.
New Jersey’s housing supply has been steadily increasing, but homes are spending more time on the market. In September, homes nationwide spent an average of 55 days on the market—seven more than last year. This slowdown was also evident in New Jersey, though demand remains robust in desirable areas such as Bergen, Essex, and Monmouth counties. These regions continue to attract buyers seeking proximity to New York City while taking advantage of relatively lower home prices compared to other metropolitan markets.
While the national median home price saw a slight decrease of 1.0% to $425,000, New Jersey’s home prices have remained more resilient, particularly in areas with strong school districts and local amenities. This is reflected in the overall demand for properties in towns like Montclair and Ridgewood, where buyer competition is still strong, and prices remain elevated. The shift toward smaller and more affordable homes is also seen in New Jersey, where first-time buyers and downsizing baby boomers are helping to keep demand stable, despite the broader market slowdown.
Overall, New Jersey mirrors the national trend of increased seller activity, but local factors such as demand for suburban living and proximity to major employment centers continue to influence the state’s housing market. With interest rates falling, more homeowners may decide to sell, further increasing inventory and potentially stabilizing price growth through the remainder of 2024.
If you have any questions about this information or title insurance, please contact Ralph Aponte: 732.914.1400.
Counsellors Title Agency, www.counsellorstitle.net, founded in 1996, is one of New Jersey’s most respected title agencies, serving all 21 New Jersey counties with title insurance, clearing title, escrow, tidelands searches, and closing and settlement services for commercial or industrial properties, waterfront properties and marinas, condominiums, townhouses or residential single-family homes. Counsellors Title also features its own Attorney Settlement Assistance Program™ [ASAP], which is an individual resource customized to fit the needs specifically of real estate attorneys, including, Documentation, Preparation, Disbursement of Funds, Attendance at Closing, HUD Preparation or Post-Closing Matters.
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