When’s the Best Time To Buy or Sell a Home in New Jersey?

By William “Bill” Boswell

Bill is widely known as one of New Jersey’s most sought after real estate agents and is a sales associate of Keller Williams Prosperity Realty.

When is the best time to buy or sell a home in New Jersey? Different realtors may tell you different things, but I stand firm on what I’m about to share. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about making a move.

The traditional seasonal market. New Jersey has long been a seasonal market with natural ups and downs. Spring tends to be busier, with more buyers actively looking, but also more sellers entering at the same time. So, all that pent-up winter inventory hits the market, and transactions pick up.

In the fall, the opposite happens: buyer demand slows, but inventory also drops. Between spring and fall, there really isn’t a major difference for someone planning to buy or sell.

The impact of COVID-19 on seasonality. Before the pandemic, the market followed a predictable rhythm. Things would slow down a bit at the end of summer, then quiet again in winter, especially in December, as the holidays took over. But when Covid hit, that rhythm disappeared, and the market stayed busy all year long. Now, we’re starting to see those seasonal patterns come back again.

The one big rule: avoid December. That month is one of the few times when ready, willing, and able buyers are also distracted by family, holidays, and other things. If the right buyer doesn’t show up until January, either your house has already sold before they arrive, or it’s been sitting for a month, and buyers think something is wrong with it.

Summer slowdowns. The end of August and the beginning of September can be another quiet spot. The last couple of years after COVID-19 weren’t much of a challenge, but lately we’ve started to see things slow down again as people travel or get back to school. Most New Jersey schools start even at the end of August. Those distractions pull buyers out of the market, and this year the slowdown has been more noticeable than in recent years.

Buyer opportunities in off-peak times. On the flip side, if you’re buying a house, this could be a chance to take advantage of the distractions. When other buyers aren’t paying attention, your competition is lower even in a low-inventory market.

If you’re planning to sell, the key is to avoid December. Aim for a late November push or wait until after the New Year. As summer approaches, expect a potential slowdown in activity. This is a trend we hadn’t seen for a while, but one that seems to be returning.

By knowing when activity rises and when it slows, you can plan your timing instead of guessing. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or simply keep an eye on the market, paying attention to these seasonal patterns can help you make smarter decisions and get better results.

If you have more questions, you can call me anytime at 973-224-4605 or send me an email at bill@northjerseyluxury.com. I’m happy to help.