For the first time in a while, we’re seeing a noticeable shift: buyers are regaining leverage in many markets. The days of relentless competition and bidding wars are simmering down, and I’m finding that my clients—especially those navigating major life transitions such as divorce, probate, or estate sales—have more negotiating power at the table. Builders are responding to this change by offering incentives, mortgage-rate buydowns, and price adjustments in an effort to attract thoughtful buyers. With a larger selection of homes, purchasers have the breathing room to compare options rather than making rushed decisions. Of course, elevated mortgage rates continue to temper demand, but the landscape is opening up for those prepared to act strategically. As someone who’s guided clients through all types of markets over three decades, I know how valuable this newfound flexibility can be for families securing their next chapter.
Author: Felicia Hankerson
-
These NJ ZIP Codes Ranked Among America’s Hottest Markets
Twelve New Jersey ZIP codes rank among the nation's hottest real estate markets due to rising prices and strong demand in expensive suburbs. Proximity to New York City, transit access, and coastal amenities drive prices, with median listing prices around $1.01M, more than double non-New Jersey areas. Limited housing supply and zoning restrictions contribute to high costs, with home prices now over seven times average income, consuming 40% or more of household income for many families.
Continue to full article -
Happy Labor Day!
Labor Day in the United States celebrates the contributions of workers everywhere, while also unofficially marking the final big summer weekend before fall takes over.
It’s known for backyard barbecues, road trips, and that classic tradition of buying things you didn’t know you needed because “it’s on sale.”
Beaches, parks, and grills reach peak activity as everyone tries to squeeze every last drop of summer fun out of the long weekend.
Happy Labor Day! Wishing you a fun, easygoing weekend filled with good vibes, great food, and absolutely no thoughts about Monday. -
How Real Estate Agents Can Handle Career Pressure Effectively
After more than three decades guiding clients through the complexities of Divorce, Probate, and Estate Sales here in New Jersey, I know firsthand that a real estate career brings its share of pressure. Staying organized, setting achievable goals, and leveraging digital tools have been invaluable to me—not just for managing transactions, but for maintaining clarity during life’s transitions. Clear communication, ongoing professional growth, and drawing on strong support networks allow me to serve with discretion and confidence, while carefully protecting client equity. Work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a foundation for delivering steady results, even in the most challenging situations.
Continue to full article -
Which Emerging Skills Should Real Estate Professionals Master Now?
The real estate industry is rapidly evolving, requiring agents to master emerging skills like AI and automation for lead generation, advanced digital marketing and storytelling, data analysis for local market expertise, and virtual/augmented reality tours. Strong digital negotiation, cybersecurity awareness, and enduring soft skills such as active listening and time management remain vital. Continuous learning and tech adoption are key to future success.
Continue to full article -
Existing Home Sales Slip
US existing-home sales slipped 1.7% in Early-Q3 to a 4.06M annual pace, slightly above economists' expectations and still ↑0.7% on a yearly basis.
Median existing-home prices reached a record for Early-Q3 at $434.1K, while the benchmark 30-yr fixed mortgage rate climbed near 7%, highest in >1 yr.
Inventory stayed tight at 1.54M unsold homes in Early-Q3, ↓1.9% MoM and ↓0.6% yearly, leaving a 4.6-mo supply at current sales pace.
An economist said owners with ultra-low pandemic-era mortgages had little incentive to sell, helping keep listings scarce and limiting how many buyers completed purchases.
First-time buyers made up 29% of purchases in Early-Q3, down from Late-Q2 and still below the historical norm of ~40% of sales. -
US Vacancy Dips, but Stabilized Assets Lag
US apartment vacancy eased to ~8% in Late-Q2 2026, but most improvement came from newly delivered communities leasing up, not stronger performance across established inventory.
Quarterly absorption reached ~164K units, topping ~118K new units added, yet stabilized properties still saw vacancy ↑~35 basis points yearly overall nationally.
High-end four- and five-star apartments captured ~70% of demand, and overall vacancy in that segment improved while stabilized luxury properties faced tougher backfilling.
The national gap between overall and stabilized vacancy reached ~50 basis points, showing new lease-ups did the heavy lifting as older properties faced leasing pressure.
Through coming quarters, headline vacancy may keep improving, but existing properties could stay pressured into 2027 as operators emphasize retention, incentives, and repositioning.
