
There’s a question many people are asking right now: is the Hackensack real estate market starting to crash?
The short answer is no. But the market is changing, and understanding how is key.
Right now, we’re seeing three major shifts happening at the same time, and together, they’re reshaping the way buyers and sellers need to approach the market.
The first and most noticeable change is inventory. The number of homes for sale has surged, up nearly 200% year over year, bringing the market to about 3.8 months of supply. Compared to just a few months ago, buyers now have significantly more options, and sellers are facing more competition than they’ve seen in a while.
At the same time, prices are still rising. Home values are up about 2.5% year over year. That means the market isn’t declining, it’s simply stabilizing. Instead of rapid price jumps, we’re seeing a more balanced and sustainable pace of growth.
The third shift is timing. Homes are taking longer to sell, with average days on market now around 46 days, up from under 30 earlier this year. Buyers are no longer rushing into decisions. They’re taking their time, comparing options, and negotiating more confidently.
And yet, demand hasn’t disappeared. Pending sales have jumped significantly month over month, showing that serious buyers are still very active. They’re just being more selective.
We’re moving away from an extreme seller’s market into something more balanced. And in this kind of market, outcomes depend heavily on strategy.
For sellers, that means:
Pricing your home correctly from day one
Investing in presentation and condition
Understanding that buyers have more choices
For buyers, this shift creates real opportunity:
More inventory to choose from
Greater ability to negotiate
Less pressure to make rushed decisions
Well-positioned homes are still selling close to full value, with sale-to-list ratios around 99%. The difference now is that not every home gets that result automatically.
This is not a crashing market. It’s a rebalancing one.
The urgency of the past few years is easing, and we’re entering a more normal, healthier market where both buyers and sellers need to be strategic.
If you’re thinking about making a move in Hackensack, understanding how to navigate this shift is what will ultimately determine your success. If you're thinking about making a real estate move, call or text me at 973-662-4913.
How to negotiate your offer in a strong sellers market. Read more.
DIY Prep tips for sellers that net the highest return. Read more.
Most critical pitfalls to avoid for first time home buyers. Read more.
The proven method to sell above market. Read more.


LET'S BUILD YOUR
REAL ESTATE SUCCESS PLAN.
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.

82 N. Summit Street, Tenafly NJ 07670
Stacy Esser Consulting LLC
Copyright @ 2026