Are Mortgage Rates and Global Tariffs About to Price You Out — or Help You Win?
Let’s break down what’s happening in this month’s real estate market and what it means for your next move.
Tariffs and Inflation — What’s the Connection?
When tariffs are imposed on goods like steel, lumber, and international building materials, it increases costs across the board. That added cost fuels inflation, which affects everything from construction to shipping. When inflation stays high, the Federal Reserve delays cutting interest rates—keeping mortgage rates elevated.
As of March 2025, mortgage rates are hovering around 6.6 percent. That’s lower than the 2023 highs but still high enough to impact affordability and buyer confidence.
Local Market Snapshot: Northern NJ
While national trends are mixed, the North Jersey market continues to show strong performance:
Hackensack: Prices up over 13 percent year-over-year, with a median home value above $650,000
Hawthorne: Up nearly 11 percent, approaching $620,000; homes selling about 5.4 percent over asking
Clifton: Home values up about 10 percent, averaging $621,000; selling 6 percent over list price
Wayne: Leading the region with an average sale price just under $795,000
Fair Lawn and Teaneck: Gains of almost 5 percent in both towns
Fair Lawn was particularly competitive last month, with homes selling 8.8 percent over asking
What’s Driving This?
One word: scarcity.
With less than two months of inventory in these areas, buyer demand continues to outpace supply. This keeps sellers in control and creates strong competition for buyers—even with higher mortgage rates.
Next Steps
If you're planning a move, strategy matters more than ever. Text or DM Market Plan to schedule your complimentary strategy session. We’ll go over your goals, the numbers, financing options, and timing to help you make a smart move—regardless of the headlines.
Looking forward to connecting soon.
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The proven method to sell above market. Read more.
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You're not alone. Whether you are a buyer or a seller we would love to share our expertise to ensure you win in the current market. We put our client's first and thats why we don't offer listing appointments or buyer consultations. We start with strategy first, understanding your unique situation, rather than selling you the features and benefits of hiring an agent. We want to help you build your long term real estate strategy and that starts with understanding your needs first and how to maximize value. To do that, you need to build a solid real estate strategy.
Get in touch today. We’re happy to discuss your unique housing situation and answer your questions—from the simplest inquiry to the most complex. Reach out and put your market worries to rest.
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