Is Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell a Home in South Jersey? What the Fall 2026 Housing Market Is Telling Us

Are you thinking about buying or selling a home in South Jersey, but wondering whether now is the right time?

You're certainly not alone.

With mortgage rates affecting affordability, more homes available for sale nationally, and properties sometimes taking longer to sell, buyers and sellers are asking some very important questions.

• Should I buy now or wait for mortgage rates to drop?
• Is this a good time to sell my house?
• Why are some homes selling quickly while others sit on the market?
• Is the housing market headed for a crash?

After 31 years of helping buyers and sellers throughout South Jersey, I can tell you one thing: There is no perfect real estate market. There is only the market we're in and the opportunities we can identify within it.

The market has changed from the extraordinary conditions we experienced just a few years ago. That doesn't mean it's a bad market. It means our strategies need to change, too.

More Homebuyers Are Paying Cash Than You Might Think

Here's something interesting.

According to Realtor.com research, approximately 30% of U.S. home purchases during the first half of 2026 were made with cash.

Cash buyers are especially prevalent in the luxury market. In early 2026, more than 40% of homes selling for over $1 million were purchased without a mortgage.

Why does that matter?

Because cash buyers aren't directly affected by mortgage interest rates the way buyers who need financing are.

The million-dollar-plus market also represents a larger percentage of national home sales than it did several years ago. However, that doesn't mean every luxury market is growing or that every expensive home is selling quickly.

What we're seeing is a housing market where different price ranges and different types of buyers can experience very different conditions.

And that's important here in South Jersey.

The market for a $350,000 home in Maple Shade may behave very differently from the market for a $900,000 home in Moorestown or a $1.5 million home in Haddonfield.

Real estate is local. Understanding your particular market matters much more than following national headlines.

Buyers: Are You Waiting for Mortgage Rates to Drop?

This is one of my favorite questions to ask buyers who tell me they're waiting for interest rates to come down:

"What do you think everyone else is going to do when mortgage rates drop?"

Think about it.

Many buyers are waiting for the same thing. If rates decline substantially, some of those buyers may return to the market.

And what happens when more buyers start competing for the same homes?

We could see more competition, multiple offers, less negotiating room, and potentially upward pressure on prices.

Of course, lower mortgage rates could also encourage more homeowners to list their properties, bringing additional inventory to the market. Nobody can guarantee what will happen.

But here's what I want buyers to understand:

Today's market may offer opportunities that were much harder to find during the frenzy of 2020 through 2022.

Depending on the neighborhood and price range, buyers may have:

• More properties to consider.
• Additional time to make informed decisions.
• Greater opportunities to negotiate pricing or terms.
• More flexibility when scheduling inspections and settlement dates.

Does that mean you should buy a house you can't comfortably afford? Absolutely not.

Your monthly payment, financial stability, long-term plans, and the property's value all need to make sense.

But waiting for the perfect interest rate isn't necessarily the best strategy either.

My advice? Let's look at the numbers, explore your options, and determine whether purchasing now makes sense for your circumstances.

Your home may be worth more than you think. But what would it actually sell for in today's South Jersey market?

Let's look at your home's value, competing properties, and what buyers are paying right now.

Talk With Michaela About Selling My Home

Sellers: There Are Three Types of Homeowners in Today's Market

When I speak with homeowners who are thinking about selling, I find that they generally fall into one of three categories.

1. The Homeowner Who Needs to Sell

These sellers have a definite reason to move.

Perhaps they're relocating for work, downsizing, settling an estate, moving into a retirement community, going through a divorce, or selling an investment property.

They have a goal and a timeline.

For these homeowners, the key is to develop a realistic pricing and marketing strategy that attracts qualified buyers.

A properly priced, well-presented home has a stronger chance of selling, even in a slower market.

2. The Homeowner Who Would Like to Sell

These sellers are considering a change but don't necessarily have an immediate deadline.

Maybe they're thinking about retiring, purchasing a smaller home, moving closer to family, or eliminating the maintenance that comes with owning a larger property.

For them, I believe the first step should be a conversation about their options.

How much equity do they have? What might their home sell for? What would their next home cost? How would today's mortgage rates affect their plans?

Sometimes selling makes excellent financial and practical sense. Other times, waiting is the better decision.

3. The Homeowner Who Is Testing the Market

We've all heard this one:

"If someone gives me my price, I'll sell."

There's nothing wrong with wanting top dollar for your property. Every homeowner should.

But buyers today have access to more information, and many are paying close attention to value.

An overpriced home may sit on the market, accumulate days, and eventually require price reductions.

That's why I believe pricing a property correctly from the beginning is one of the most important decisions a seller can make.

The goal isn't simply to put your house on the market. The goal is to sell it for the best possible price and terms the market will support.

Why Are Some Homes Taking Longer to Sell?

Nationally, active housing inventory increased 7.4% from October 2025 to October 2026, according to Realtor.com.

The typical home spent 63 days on the market nationally in October 2026.

But these figures do not tell us exactly what is happening in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Marlton, or Mount Laurel.

That's where local market knowledge becomes so important.

When I evaluate a home, I look at more than the asking price.

I consider the number of competing properties, recent comparable sales, days on market, buyer feedback, property condition, location, and how accurately the home is priced for the current competition.

A home that sits on the market isn't necessarily a bad house.

Sometimes the price doesn't reflect the property's condition or location. Sometimes buyers have more choices. Other times, the marketing or presentation needs attention.

Days on market tell a story. The important thing is knowing how to interpret that story and when to make an adjustment.

Is the Housing Market Going to Crash?

I hear this concern from buyers and sellers alike.

While nobody can predict the future with certainty, there are some important differences between today's housing market and the conditions surrounding the 2008 housing crisis.

Homeowners Have Substantial Equity

According to Cotality's 2026 research, the average U.S. homeowner with a mortgage has approximately $310,000 in home equity.

That equity can provide a financial cushion and give homeowners more options if they need to sell.

Many Homeowners Have Low Mortgage Rates

As of the second quarter of 2026, approximately 65.6% of outstanding U.S. mortgages had interest rates below 5%.

Let me ask you something:

Is your current mortgage rate below 5%?

If it is, you probably understand why so many homeowners have been reluctant to move.

Giving up a low mortgage rate to purchase another home at a higher rate can significantly change a household's monthly expenses.

This has helped keep some homeowners from listing their properties.

Combined with substantial homeowner equity, it's one reason today's housing environment differs from the mortgage distress experienced during the last major crash.

However, strong equity and low rates don't eliminate all risks. Economic conditions, employment, affordability, and local supply and demand will continue to influence home prices.

A market correction is not automatically a market crash.

We Just Experienced One of the Most Extraordinary Housing Markets in Our Lifetime

Think back to the years when homes were receiving numerous offers, buyers were waiving contingencies, and sellers were sometimes receiving substantially more than their asking prices.

Those were unusual market conditions.

Many buyers and sellers became accustomed to thinking that was normal.

It wasn't.

Today, we're experiencing a different market. And a different market calls for a different strategy.

For sellers, it means understanding what buyers are willing to pay today, not what someone might have paid two or three years ago.

For buyers, it means recognizing that there may be opportunities to purchase a home with less competition, while still carefully evaluating affordability and property value.

And for both buyers and sellers, it means making decisions based on facts rather than fear or headlines.

So, Is Now the Right Time for YOU to Buy or Sell in South Jersey?

Here's the most important question I ask my clients:

"What is motivating you to make a move?"

Are you tired of maintaining a large home? Are you thinking about retiring? Have you inherited a property? Do you need more space? Are you relocating? Or have you simply decided it's time for a change?

Your personal circumstances, finances, and goals should guide your decision.

There isn't one answer that works for everyone.

After 31 years in South Jersey real estate, I've helped homeowners navigate strong markets, slow markets, rising interest rates, changing buyer expectations, and unexpected challenges.

My job isn't to convince you that you need to buy or sell today.

My job is to give you the information, guidance, and honest advice you need to make the best decision for your situation.

Let's Talk About Your Real Estate Plans

If you're considering selling a home in Cherry Hill, Marlton, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, Maple Shade, Moorestown, or anywhere in Camden, Burlington, or Gloucester County, I'd love to help.

Whether you're downsizing, settling an estate, relocating out of New Jersey, selling a home as is, or simply exploring your options, we can start with a conversation.

I'll help you understand your home's current market value, what buyers are looking for, your competition, and the steps that can put you in the strongest possible position.

And if you're thinking about buying, I'll help you evaluate available homes, financing considerations, and potential negotiating opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About the South Jersey Housing Market

1. Is Fall 2026 a Good Time to Sell a Home in South Jersey?

Yes, fall 2026 can be a good time to sell a home in South Jersey, especially if you have a clear reason to move and a realistic pricing strategy. Buyers are still looking for homes in Cherry Hill, Marlton, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, and surrounding communities. However, today's buyers are paying closer attention to price, condition, and value. With 31 years of local real estate experience, I help homeowners understand their competition, price their homes strategically, and develop a marketing plan designed to attract qualified buyers.

2. Should I Wait for Mortgage Rates to Drop Before Buying a Home?

Waiting for lower mortgage rates might seem like a smart decision, but there is something important to consider: What will other buyers do when rates drop? Lower rates could bring more buyers into the South Jersey housing market, potentially creating additional competition and putting upward pressure on home prices. Buying now may offer more choices and negotiating opportunities, depending on the neighborhood. The best decision depends on your finances, monthly payment, and long-term goals. I can help you evaluate available homes and determine whether buying now makes sense for you.

3. Why Are Houses Staying on the Market Longer in South Jersey?

Some South Jersey homes are taking longer to sell because buyers have more choices, affordability remains a concern, and overpriced properties can struggle to attract offers. However, days on market vary considerably by town, price range, and property condition. A home in Cherry Hill may experience different market conditions than one in Moorestown, Voorhees, or Maple Shade. Pricing, presentation, location, and marketing all play important roles. I help sellers evaluate recent comparable sales, competing listings, and buyer feedback to make informed decisions that improve their chances of selling.

4. Will South Jersey Home Prices Fall in 2027?

No one can predict with certainty whether home prices in South Jersey will rise or fall in 2027. Prices will depend on mortgage rates, housing inventory, buyer demand, employment conditions, and individual neighborhood trends. Many homeowners have substantial equity and low mortgage rates, which may reduce pressure to sell. However, that doesn't guarantee prices will remain stable. Cherry Hill, Marlton, Mount Laurel, and other South Jersey communities may experience different market conditions. If you're thinking about selling in 2027, now is an excellent time to review your home's current value and develop a plan.

Thinking of Selling Your South Jersey Home?

Don't rely on national headlines to determine what your home is worth. Let's discuss recent sales in your neighborhood, current buyer demand, and what it would take to sell your home for the best possible price and terms.

Contact Michaela L. Hartery, REALTOR®, at MLH-Homes.com to schedule your personal seller consultation.

Let's talk before you make your next move.

Michaela L. Hartery, REALTOR®
Peze & Associates Realtors
31 Years of South Jersey Real Estate Experience
www.MLH-Homes.com

Contact me today to schedule your personalized buyer or seller consultation.

National research referenced: Realtor.com October 2026 Housing Report; Realtor.com 2026 Cash Buyer Research; Cotality 2026 Homeowner Equity Research; FHFA National Mortgage Database, Q2 2026. National housing trends may differ from individual South Jersey communities.