It's been a wild year in the real estate market. The coronavirus changed what buyers are looking for, with many of us shifting to work from home.
Thedemand for space supercharged North Jersey housing sales as people flocked from cramped city apartments to the (relatively) wide-open 'burbs. Low interest rates andlow inventory– who wants strangers walking through your home in a pandemic? – added to the frenzy.
While prices have shown some signs of leveling off this year, it's still a seller's market, with open houses mobbed andbidding wars in full force. Homeowners can count on multiple offers, with cash buyers waiting in the wings.
To keep you up to date, here'sa compilation of our recent real estate coverage. It'll be updated periodically, as the market is ever changing.
What to know if you're buying or selling
Where's the most expensive place to live in pricey New Jersey?Alpine, the tony northern Bergen County town, followed by several Jersey Shore enclaves, ranked among the priciest locations in the country in a recent survey.(This story is for subscribers only.)
'You get more space': 25 New Jersey ZIP codes with the biggest home price increases during the pandemic. We crunched datain almost 600 ZIP codes statewide. (This story is for subscribers only.)
After a year offeverish bidding and buying, North Jersey's housing market is showing signs of leveling off. What buyers and sellers should know. (Subscriber-only.)
A study from financial technology companySmartAsset says Passaic County is one of the top real-estate values in the state.
Some buyers are waiving home inspections to get an edge in the hot housing market, but is it worth the risk? Here's advice from real estate agents on when to play the card and how to protect yourself if you do.
What New Jersey county gives you the biggest bang for your property-tax buck? The answer may surprise you.
Where home prices are soaring: Market data shows some of the biggest increases in western areas like Morris and Sussex counties. With remote offices and hybrid work schedules more of an option, a longer commute is no longer a turnoff for some buyers.
Looking to buy a house? North Jersey may soon see more properties on the market.The lifting of pandemic restrictions means sellers are more comfortable with listing their homes. This subscriber-only story follows one couple who were finally enticed to sell– with a starting price of almost $1 million.
Tales of the spring real estate frenzy: Cash offers, bidding wars, foregone inspections. When it comes to winning a bidding war, cash is king."There's no room for negotiations," one shopper told us. "You have to be willing to pull the trigger right away."
Buyers are wooing sellers with 'love letters.' But are they legal?Realtors are taking a closer look at the practice, worried that the missives will convince owners to sellto people like them– and run afoul of fair housing laws.
What does $600k gets you in North Jersey'soverheated real estate market?Our reporter shopped four counties to find out.I was a buyer too!Here's what worked for me.
Bidding $130k over asking:Why the housing market is red hot in 2021.A tiny home in Parsippany received 31 offers. This subscriber-only article looks at factors driving the demand.
Housing trends
Jersey Coast Home Watch keeps an eye on your housewhile you're gone. Home watch, a popular service in Florida, is growing rapidly in the northeast as well. Here's a look at how it works.
This Alpine mansion at $3.7 millionshowcases a real estate market for the rich.Big is back in vogue. The pandemic has prompted would-be homebuyers to seek luxurious details in their abodes if they have the means. This story is for subscribers.
How the pandemic could change the direction of housing development in North Jersey.A tour for subscribers though the post-pandemic condo and apartment market, wherebuilders are offering bigger units, shared workspace, touchless entries and otherperks. This story is for subscribers.
Why these 10 towns are the hottest in NJ. These were the most popular towns for home sales in New Jersey last year. The listmay surprise you.
Living and renovating
COVID has disrupted supply chains from New Jersey contractor's offices to manufacturers halfway around the world. That means you can expect to pay more and wait longer to remodelyourhome. A subscriber-only story.
In the New York suburbs, "home for the holidays" took on a new meaning for a new crop of arrivals.As the coronavirus took hold, families asked themselves: Is it time to flee to the suburbsor somewhere even more remote?
Want a hot tub? You'll have to wait, say NJ retailers slammed by demand. Hot tub and pool sales soared as owners stuck at home looked for new diversions.
Why retro pink bathrooms are popular in North Jersey.More than 70 years after pink bathrooms appeared on the scene, they are in vogue again. And North Jersey has plenty of them.
Mary Chao趙 慶 華 covers the Asian community andreal estate for NorthJersey.com.To get unlimited access to the latest news out of North Jersey,please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email:mchao@northjersey.com
