Author: Felicia Hankerson

We’re seeing a shift in the national market: in the four weeks ending August 23, new listings in the US inched up by 0.4% week over week, and total homes for sale climbed 0.5%—reaching their highest point since early Q2. Yet, pending home sales dipped 1.1% to a six-month low, as elevated housing costs kept many buyers on the sidelines, even as inventory improved. The median sale price rose 1.9% from last year to just over $400,000, while average mortgage rates hovered near 7%, close to a 13-month high. This combination is creating more buyer-friendly conditions in many US markets, with increased negotiating power—especially on homes that have been listed for several weeks. Sellers who price realistically are finding more success, rather than trying to match the highs of previous years. As someone who has guided clients through complex life transitions and unique property sales for over three decades, I know how important it is to adapt your strategy in evolving markets—whether you’re looking to maximize your equity or secure the right next home.

New Jersey continues to stand out for its homeowner housing wealth, ranking in the top five states during Q1 2026. Based on over 965,000 anonymized home equity borrowing inquiries, the median home equity for New Jersey shoppers was about $295,000—meaning half had even more available when exploring their options. Notably, nearly three out of four New Jersey homeowners seeking loans or credit lines reported at least $200,000 in equity, providing a considerable financial cushion for many families in our state.

Home equity—the difference between your property’s value and what’s owed on the mortgage—can increase as home values rise or as you pay down your loan. For many New Jersey owners, this equity can be a valuable tool when life transitions arise, whether it’s consolidating debt, covering education expenses, or investing in repairs and improvements. As someone who guides clients through pivotal moments such as divorce, probate, and estate sales, I know how essential it is to protect what you’ve built. Before tapping into your home equity, it’s wise to verify how much is truly available, fully understand the costs involved, and borrow only what’s necessary. Clarity and careful planning help ensure your next step is a confident one.

Here's a quick update on Hudson County's real estate market. Homes are selling at a similar pace as before. Fewer properties are changing hands, but prices remain consistent.

As we move through early Q3, the US housing landscape continues its nuanced dance: existing-home sales dipped 1.7% month-over-month, yet still edged 0.7% above last year’s pace. The median price hit $434,100—marking a staggering 37 months of consecutive annual increases. For many New Jersey homeowners, that means even more equity to watch over, especially if you’re managing a life transition like divorce or probate.

Inventory remains tight, ending early Q3 at 1.54 million homes (down 1.9% from last month and 0.6% year-over-year). For buyers, this underscores how crucial it is to keep a close eye on available listings. Interestingly, despite rising prices, national affordability improved—proof that with preparation and the right timing, opportunity is still out there.

With 30-year fixed mortgage rates averaging in the high-6% range, even a small drop could open new doors for buyers as summer progresses. Whether you’re safeguarding equity or searching for your next chapter, staying informed is key in today’s shifting market.

After more than three decades guiding clients through some of life’s biggest financial transitions, I’ve seen firsthand how the idea of ‘price stability’ can be more myth than reality—especially in real estate. In the US, when prices for one type of good rise, it often means there’s a decline elsewhere; spending patterns shift, but not everything moves in sync. For example, as technology gets cheaper and more accessible—think supercomputers in your pocket—finite resources like hotel rooms, sports tickets, or college tuition see their prices climb. This demonstrates how global dynamics and endless daily transactions shape our market, far beyond what any central bank can control. In my work with divorce, probate, and estate sales, I’ve learned that a truly steady dollar is elusive. If we ever reached it, investments currently used to hedge against inflation might instead flow into new opportunities, compressing prices in some areas and sending others higher. The key takeaway: lasting price stability simply doesn’t exist. Instead, changing prices often signal economic progress, not decline—a perspective that’s especially important for anyone navigating property decisions in our ever-evolving market.