Stacy Esser Group July 17, 2025
The Northern New Jersey real estate market continues to stand apart from national trends as we move through June 2025. While much of the country is experiencing softening, local pricing in Bergen County and nearby towns remains resilient—even surprising. But under the surface, we’re seeing signs of a shift.
Let’s break it down so homeowners, buyers, and local real estate professionals can make smart decisions in this evolving market.
One of the standout success stories this month? Tenafly tops the list of appreciating towns in Northern New Jersey. Despite national headwinds, many Bergen County towns continue to see price growth, which tells us that local demand and scarcity are still in play.
We’re starting to see a slowdown in transaction volume. In fact, home sales in Northern NJ dropped 16% compared to 2024.
What caused it?
April 2025 marked a turning point, when trade war concerns and stock market volatility created hesitation.
Buyers became more cautious, and sellers became less willing to negotiate.
Higher mortgage rates also cooled buyer enthusiasm.
Despite this drop in activity, pricing tells a different story…
Even with fewer homes sold, the median sale price is up 10% compared to June 2024. That’s right—fewer buyers, but higher prices. This anomaly reveals a key insight:
Sellers are holding their ground.
Buyers are still willing to compete for the right home.
Many homes are still receiving multiple offers, especially if priced right and move-in ready.
This market behavior defies the usual rulebook, making it one of the most unique housing markets in recent memory.
We saw listing prices dip briefly in April, likely in reaction to:
Market anxiety
Mortgage rate hikes
Uncertainty tied to global and economic news
However, those prices rebounded quickly, and so did 30-year fixed mortgage rates, which climbed before tapering. If rates drop again, pricing could surge even more, as affordability improves and more buyers jump back in.
Despite the dip in sales activity, sellers are not rushing to offload their homes. Many listings are being withdrawn or expiring—not because they can’t sell, but because sellers aren’t getting their price and are choosing not to move.
This tells us:
Homeowners in Bergen County have strong equity positions
Many can afford to wait for the right buyer
Only highly motivated sellers are adjusting prices or making concessions
It’s a tough spot for buyers:
Inventory is up slightly, but selection is still tight
Prices are high, and continue to rise
Interest rates are volatile
Still, now is not a bad time to buy if you're ready. Buyers who are well-prepared—financed, working with the right agent, and clear on priorities—are succeeding.
Whether you're planning to sell in Closter, Tenafly, Hackensack, or Ridgewood, or you're a buyer looking for the right opportunity in Northern New Jersey, strategy is key.
Schedule a free real estate strategy session to:
Get a custom home valuation
Prepare your home for market with our “Value-Up” method
Build a smart buying plan that puts you in the strongest position
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
That’s the foundation of our Buyer Upside Method™. Because the goal isn’t just to buy a home
If you are considering a move, or simply want clarity on where you stand, start with a real strategy.
The Buyers Who Are Winning Right Now Aren’t Just Looking for A House They Love.
Tenafly is known for its tight-knit community, walkable downtown, and vibrant suburban energy.
An inherited home deserves more than a sign in the yard. It deserves positioning.
Luxury homes in Tenafly hold serious value. But holding on too long can eat into that equity.
Especially when paired with Tenafly’s highly ranked schools and proximity to NYC.
Another reason this trend stands out is the variety of neighborhoods within Tenafly itself.
The Oradell real estate market is one of the strongest in Central Bergen County right now.
SEG is a high performing Bergen County luxury real estate team that blends relationship driven service, cutting edge marketing, and strategic negotiation to consistently outperform traditional agents.