Is the Northern New Jersey Housing Market Shifting? A Local Look at Bergen County and Passaic County

As we close out the year, one question keeps coming up for buyers and sellers across Northern New Jersey real estate:

Is the market still competitive, or is it finally starting to shift?

The honest answer is simple — it depends on where you’re looking.

Two neighboring markets, Bergen County and Passaic County, are telling very different real estate stories right now. Understanding those differences is critical if you’re thinking about buying or selling in 2025.

Let’s break down what’s actually happening on the ground.

Bergen County Real Estate Market: High-End, High Expectations

Bergen County remains one of the most premium real estate markets in Northern New Jersey. Home prices are still strong, and in many towns, million-dollar homes are no longer the exception — they’re becoming the norm.

While inventory remains tight, it has improved compared to the frenzy of previous years. That shift has changed how homes are selling.

What This Means for Bergen County Sellers

Homes are selling, but pricing matters more than ever. We’re seeing fewer automatic bidding wars and slightly longer days on market, especially when homes are overpriced or need updating. Buyers are more selective and expectations are higher.

The homes performing best right now are well-located, properly priced, and positioned correctly for today’s buyers.

What This Means for Bergen County Buyers

Buyers do have a bit more breathing room than in recent years, but Bergen County is still a high-demand, high-expectation market. Preparation, strategy, and local knowledge remain essential.

Passaic County Real Estate Market: Opportunity and Flexibility

Passaic County is where opportunity truly stands out right now.

Compared to Bergen County, Passaic offers more attainable price points. Median home prices are generally in the mid-$600s, depending on the town. Values are still rising, but buyers are seeing more inventory and more room to negotiate.

Homes are spending a little more time on the market, signaling a market that is competitive — but not overheated.

Why Buyers Are Turning to Passaic County

For buyers who feel priced out of Bergen County, Passaic has become a very real alternative, especially for those seeking transit access, strong rental demand, and long-term upside. This market rewards buyers who understand value and potential.

What Passaic County Sellers Should Know

The opportunity for sellers is still there, but success depends heavily on pricing, presentation, and understanding what today’s buyers are willing to pay for.

The Big Takeaway: Northern New Jersey Is No Longer a One-Speed Market

National headlines don’t tell the full story in Northern New Jersey.

Bergen County remains high-demand, high-price, and high-expectation. Passaic County offers more flexibility, more opportunity, and more leverage for buyers.

Mortgage rates, inventory levels, and buyer behavior are pushing the region toward a more balanced market — but real estate here remains hyper-local. Two towns just five minutes apart can feel like completely different markets.

Why Local Strategy Matters More Than Ever

If you’re buying or selling in Bergen County or Passaic County, relying on national real estate headlines can be misleading.

For Sellers: The Value Up Method

This approach focuses on knowing which improvements actually matter, what buyers are paying for, and how to position a home to extract the highest possible value without over-improving or guessing.

For Buyers: The Buyer Upside Method

This strategy is about identifying opportunity pricing, spotting inefficiencies, and finding homes with real upside — so you’re not just buying a house, you’re buying future value.

In a shifting market, winners aren’t guessing. They’re making informed moves.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Bergen or Passaic County?

If you want a strategy built around your goals, your timeline, and your street — not generic market noise — feel free to reach out or drop a question below.

I’m happy to show you what opportunity looks like in today’s Northern New Jersey real estate market and, more importantly, what it looks like where you live.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season, and I’ll see you in the new year.