Navigating the real estate landscape in 2025 requires more than just luck — it requires knowledge, timing, and expert guidance. At Plush Properties, we believe in educating our clients so they can make confident, informed decisions in any market.
Understanding the Two Markets
What Is a Seller’s Market?
A seller’s market occurs when housing demand exceeds supply — there are more buyers than homes available. In this environment, sellers typically benefit from:
- Multiple offers
- Faster closings
- Higher sale prices
- Less need for concessions or repairs
What Is a Buyer’s Market?
In contrast, a buyer’s market happens when there’s more inventory than demand. Buyers have the advantage, and sellers may need to:
- Reduce their asking price
- Offer incentives (closing cost credits, rate buydowns)
- Wait longer for a sale
- Compete with more listings
National Market Overview (Summer 2025)
- Inventory Growth: Active listings across the country are up over 30% year-over-year.
- Price Trends: Home prices have started to flatten or decline in several metro areas.
- Buyer Leverage: Nearly 40% of homes nationwide are selling below their original asking price.
- Time on Market: Many listings now remain active for 60 to 90+ days, a shift from the fast-paced seller’s markets of the past few years.
New York & New Jersey: What We’re Seeing Locally
In the NYC and northern NJ regions, conditions vary neighborhood by neighborhood. However, common trends include:
- Moderate Price Growth: Some boroughs, like Brooklyn, continue to see price increases, especially near transit hubs and renovated inventory.
- Listing Saturation: Areas like Essex and Bergen counties have seen a jump in new listings, giving buyers more options and more time to make decisions.
- Sales Activity: Closings are steady but slower, with sellers receiving fewer above-asking offers and more price negotiations.
What Buyers Need to Know
If you’re a buyer, this market could be your window of opportunity:
- You have more inventory to choose from than you’ve had in recent years.
- Many sellers are willing to negotiate, offer credits, or even help with financing.
- Mortgage rates remain a concern, but working with a proactive lender can help you secure competitive options or even temporary rate buydowns.
- Buying now — before rates climb further or demand picks up again — could allow you to lock in a great deal on your ideal home.
What Sellers Need to Know
Selling in 2025 is still very possible — but it requires strategy:
- Homes need to be priced to reflect the current market, not last year’s headlines.
- First impressions matter: Professional photography, staging, and digital marketing are crucial.
- Timing and presentation are everything. Many buyers are still active — but they are being more selective.
- With the right strategy and expert guidance, you can still get top dollar — but only if you position your home properly from the start.
Who Has the Advantage Right Now?
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Side |
Advantage |
Strategy |
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Buyers |
More inventory, flexible pricing, negotiation power |
Get pre-approved, shop smart, work with a skilled agent to negotiate |
|
Sellers |
Opportunity with prepared buyers, but more competition |
Price realistically, stage professionally, market aggressively |
Why Plush Properties Is Your Advantage
At Plush Properties, we understand the complexity of today’s market — and we know how to help you win in it.
- Hyperlocal Expertise: From city neighborhoods to suburban enclaves, we know the streets, schools, and strategies.
- Data-Driven Advice: We study market trends weekly and tailor our advice to each client’s unique situation.
- Full-Service Support: From home prep and pricing to negotiations and closing, we guide you at every step.
Take Action with Confidence
If you’re considering buying or selling this year, now is the time to start the conversation. Markets shift — but smart decisions hold value in any condition.
Sellers — Get your FREE home value report and personalized marketing plan.
Buyers — Schedule a strategy call with us to discover homes that fit your goals and budget.
For the latest updates and more personalized advice on real estate market news, contact Jae Smith, founder and Real Estate Broker and advisor for Plush Properties Luxury Real Estate and homes sales.
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Jae Smith is a dedicated real estate broker with over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. Known for his expertise in serving buyers, sellers, and investors across both commercial and residential markets. His extensive background includes a specialization in short sales, foreclosures, and REO properties, allowing him to navigate complex transactions with skill and confidence… Read full bio |
