As we enter the last month of the year, you may be wondering what state the housing market is in and where it's headed. The answer is simple: look to the economic principle of supply and demand.

Housing inventory is low, which means prices are trending upwards. A scarce supply equals higher demand, which drives up sale prices. Consumers are willing to pay more for what they want- and considering interest rates are currently at an all-time low, they want to buy as soon as possible. This lack of inventory and desire to buy now is also leading home seekers to engage in bidding wars, which is another factor driving up price points. 

As a result of the present-day market landscape, experts from Zillow, Zelman, NAR, Freddie Mac, and others project that…

858 Views, 0 Comments

Though summer has come to a close and the holidays are right around the corner, the luxury housing market is holding steady in vacation destinations like Palm Beach, Aspen, the Hamptons, and coastal New Jersey. According to Redfin, luxury home sales jumped 41.5% in the third quarter of 2020, marking the largest year-over-year shift since 2013. 

Why the boom? Buyers are thinking about where they see themselves in the new year- even projecting as far ahead as summer 2021. Where would they like to purchase their next vacation home to spend time in after the winter season? Prospective buyers are also searching for things they didn't know they wanted in a home before the current health climate, including more square footage, outdoor amenities like pools and…

868 Views, 0 Comments

If you're thinking about moving, selling your house this fall might be the way to go. Here are four highlights in the housing market that may make your decision to sell this fall an easy one. 

Buyers are Actively in the Market 

ShowingTime, a leading real estate showing software and market stat service provider, just reported that buyer traffic jumped 60.7% compared to this time last year. That's a huge increase. 

It's clear that buyers are ready, willing, and able to purchase- and they're in the market right now. In many regions of the country, multiple buyers are entering bidding wars to compete for the home they want. Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market so you can sell your house in the most favorable terms. 

There…

1293 Views, 0 Comments

Set the Mood with Autumn Scents

Play up the holiday aspects of the season with autumn scents. At showings, set out homemade pumpkin rolls, serve hot apple cider, or place a tray of cinnamon sticks on the countertop. 

Use Fall Colors to Your Advantage 

Decor including pillows, throw blankets, candles, and wreaths in bold fall accent colors will help buyers envision themselves in your home for future holidays. 

Create Seasonal Curb Appeal 

A buyer's first impression is crucial, so your front yard should already look impeccable if you're thinking of selling. But while you're at it, add seasonal touches like potted fall flowers (think marigolds and chrysanthemums) as well as pumpkins and other types of squash for an infusion of holiday…

757 Views, 0 Comments

Wondering about the current real estate market's average home seeker? It's millennial women seeking more space, outdoor amenities, and surprisingly... CLOSED FLOOR PLANS. 

After lockdown due to the current health climate, real estate listing website Point2 found:

  • 55% of buyers looking for homes online were women ages 25 to 34. 
  • 71% of home browsers used smart phones or tablets to conduct their searches, which highlights the importance of digital marketing and advertising when selling a home. 

These millennial women are also willing to pay more to get what they want, as suggested by their online activity showing an increased number of searches for higher-priced homes. 

As for what these millennial women are looking for, the most common…

756 Views, 0 Comments

Rain in the forecast? Have no fear! Below are the top 5 things to do in the case of bad weather.

  1. Shop
    1. My Sisters Favorite Things- Lavallette
    2. House of Lucky- Lavallette 
    3. Ocean County Mall- Toms River 
    4. B & B Department Stores- Seaside Park
  2. Visit the Aquarium
    1.  Jenkinson's Aquarium- Point Pleasant Beach
  3. Go to the Nail Salon
    1. Salon Allure- Toms River
    2. JK Nails- Toms River
  4. Visit the Maritime Museum 
    1. New Jersey Maritime Museum- Beach Haven
  5. Go to the Arcades
    1. Lucky Leo's- Seaside Heights 
    2. Coin Castle- Seaside Heights

859 Views, 0 Comments

As you are already likely aware, there is a possibility that Hurricane Isaias could potentially impact our area in the upcoming days. We are closely monitoring the storm and awaiting updates from County officials regarding storm preparedness. 

If you are a guest who is currently staying in one of our homes or who just arrived yesterday, please know the following. 

  1. For efficiency purposes, updates will be immediately posted here, on our blog, as long as our Facebook page, and our Glad To Have You app. Additionally, we will email all instructional communications to the leaseholder on file if your reservation is to be impacted. 
  2. Regardless of whether Hurricane Isaias comes into direct contact with Seaside Park or not, we will still likely receive…

777 Views, 0 Comments

Despite uncertainty created by the current health climate over the last few months, economists have noted a distinct pattern in the housing market: instead of slowing down, it is actually booming. According to Bank of America, mortgage purchase applications have risen drastically and are currently clocking in above pre-lockdown levels. Keep reading for the five explanations for this surge in market activity. 

  1. The Disproportionate Recession: State lockdowns and stay-at-home orders affected lower income populations more dramatically than higher income brackets- and research shows that lower income groups are less likely to be homeowners. 
  2. Interest Rates Are at an All-Time Low: Last week, interest rates plunged to a new historic low. Compared to…

820 Views, 0 Comments