Frequently Asked Questions

The average home price in South Jersey is $487,868, according to Zillow.

This is up 4.4% over the past year. Home prices in South Jersey are expected to continue to rise in the coming years, due to strong demand and limited inventory.

Here are some of the factors that are driving up home prices in South Jersey:

1. Low interest rates: Low interest rates make it more affordable for buyers to borrow money, which increases demand for homes.

2. A strong economy: The strong economy in South Jersey is creating jobs and driving up wages, which gives buyers more money to spend on homes.

3. Limited inventory: There is a shortage of homes for sale in South Jersey, which is putting upward pressure on prices.

If you are thinking of buying a home in South Jersey, it is important to be prepared for the competitive market and rising prices. You should work with a qualified real estate agent to help you find the right home for your budget and needs.

According to Niche, the top 5 most popular neighborhoods in South Jersey are:

1. Moorestown

2. Haddonfield

3. Medford

4. Marlton

5. Cherry Hill

These neighborhoods are popular for a variety of reasons, with Niche quoting: “high-rated schools”, “family-friendly atmosphere”, “variety of housing options”, “convenient location”, and “diverse population”.

When choosing a neighborhood, it is important to consider your individual needs and preferences, and it’s best to discuss this with a trusted Realtor (although bear in mind that a Realtor can never offer their own opinion on whether a neighborhood is “good” or not).

Job opportunities in South Jersey are strong.

The unemployment rate in South Jersey is 3.6%, which is below the national average of 3.9%.

The job market is expected to continue to grow in South Jersey in the coming years, due to a number of factors, including:

The growth of the healthcare industry: South Jersey is home to a number of hospitals, medical centers, and other healthcare providers. This industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, due to the aging population and the increasing demand for healthcare services.

The growth of the technology industry: South Jersey is home to a number of technology companies, including Lockheed Martin, PTC, and Ingram Micro. This industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, due to the increasing demand for technology products and services.

The growth of the financial services industry: South Jersey is home to a number of financial services companies, including Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, and Ameriprise Financial. This industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, due to the increasing demand for financial services.

Some of the most in-demand jobs in South Jersey include nurse, doctor, other healthcare professionals, software engineers, web developers, other technology professionals, financial analysts, accountants and other financial services professionals.

The best transportation option for you will depend on your individual needs. If you need to travel long distances, public transportation or a car may be the best option. If you are looking for a more affordable option, biking or walking may be a good choice. Here’s some more info:

Public transportation: NJ Transit provides bus, rail, and light rail service throughout South Jersey. The Atlantic City Line provides train service between Philadelphia and Atlantic City. The RiverLINE provides light rail service between Camden and Trenton.

Taxis and ride-hailing services: Taxis and ride-hailing services are available in most major South Jersey cities.

Bicycling: South Jersey has a growing network of bike paths and trails.

Walking: Many South Jersey cities are walkable, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses located within walking distance. Some of our favorites include Haddonfield, Collingswood, Westmont, Medford and Pitman.

Parking: Parking is available in most South Jersey cities, although it can be limited in some areas.

South Jersey has an abundance of things to do.

Here are some of the recreational activities that are popular in South Jersey:

Beaches: South Jersey has 127 miles of coastline, with many popular beaches for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and fishing.

Hiking and biking: South Jersey has a number of hiking and biking trails, including the Batona Trail, the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail, and the Pine Barrens National Reserve. Don’t miss out on visiting Cooper River Park, Saddler’s Woods & Newton Lake in Haddon Township and Collingswood!

Water sports: South Jersey is home to many lakes and rivers, which are popular for boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Head to Cooper River in Haddon Township & Collingswood for some incredible watersports in summer.

Golf: South Jersey has over 100 golf courses, making it a great place to play golf.

Casinos: South Jersey is home to several casinos, making it a great place to gamble and enjoy other casino amenities.

Arts and culture: South Jersey has a number of art museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions. Don’t miss out on visiting The Ritz in Haddon Township for some great plays!

Family attractions: South Jersey has a number of family attractions, including amusement parks, water parks, and zoos. Don’t miss out on visiting the Adventure Aquarium in Camden!

The average property tax bill in South Jersey is $9,490.

This is higher than the national average of $3,020.

Property taxes in South Jersey are determined by the assessed value of your home.

It is important to note that property taxes are just one factor to consider when buying a home in South Jersey. Other factors to consider include the cost of housing, the job market, the schools, and the amenities that are important to you.

The average homeowner's association fee in South Jersey is $300 per month.

However, fees can range from $100 to $600 or more per month, depending on the amenities and services provided by the HOA.

HOA fees are used to cover the costs of maintaining common areas, such as pools, clubhouses, and parks. They may also be used to pay for security, utilities, and other expenses.

HOA fees are typically due monthly or quarterly. They are typically collected by the HOA and then used to pay for the expenses that the HOA is responsible for.

Homeowners are responsible for paying HOA fees, even if they do not use the amenities or services that the HOA provides. This is because HOA fees are a form of assessment that all homeowners are required to pay.

It is important to factor in HOA fees when considering buying a home in a community with an HOA. HOA fees can add significantly to the cost of owning a home, so it is important to understand what the fees cover and how much they will cost before making an offer on a home.

The average closing costs in South Jersey are 3% of the purchase price of the home.

This means that if you buy a home for $300,000, you can expect to pay about $9,000 in closing costs.

Closing costs can vary depending on the lender, the type of loan, and the specific property. However, there are some common closing costs that all buyers will need to pay, such as:

Title insurance: This protects the lender (and you!) against any title defects that may exist on the property, such as claims of ownership or liens.

Appraisal fee: This fee is charged by an appraiser to determine the value of the home, required by the lender.

Homeowner's insurance: This is required by most lenders and covers the cost of damage to the home from fire, theft, and other perils.

Mortgage origination fee: This is a fee charged by the lender to cover the costs of processing the loan.

Other miscellaneous fees: There may be other miscellaneous fees that are charged at closing, such as document preparation fees and courier fees.

It is important to get an estimate of closing costs from your lender before you make an offer on a home.

This will help you to budget for the closing costs and avoid any surprises at the closing table.

To put it simply, these are the steps a buyer will usually take when buying a home:

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage: This will give you an idea of how much you can afford to borrow and will make you a more attractive buyer to sellers. Contact us to be put in touch with a trusted, local lender.

2. Find a real estate agent: A good real estate agent can help you find the right home for your needs and budget.

3. Start house hunting: Once you have found a few homes that you are interested in, schedule showings with your real estate agent.

4. Make an offer: Once you have found a home that you love, make an offer to the seller.

5. Negotiate the offer: The seller may counter your offer, and you may need to negotiate back and forth until you reach an agreement.

6. Get the home appraised: The lender will require an appraisal to determine the value of the home.

7. Close on the home: This is when you will sign all of the paperwork and officially become the owner of the home.

Here are some additional tips for buying a home in South Jersey:

Start your research early: The South Jersey housing market is competitive, so it is important to start your research early.

Be prepared to act quickly: If you find a home that you love, be prepared to act quickly. Homes in South Jersey can sell quickly, so you don't want to miss out on your dream home.

Be patient: The home buying process can be long and frustrating, so it is important to be patient. Don't give up on your dream home, just keep looking and eventually you will find the perfect place for you.

Here are the things you should do to prepare to buy a home in South Jersey:

Get your finances in order: This includes saving for a down payment, getting your credit score in good shape, and having a budget for your monthly mortgage payments.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage: This will give you an idea of how much you can afford to borrow and will make you a more attractive buyer to sellers.

Find a real estate agent: A good real estate agent can help you find the right home for your needs and budget.

Do your research: Learn about the South Jersey housing market, the neighborhoods you're interested in, and the types of homes that are available.

Get your ducks in a row: Gather all of the documents you'll need for the home buying process, such as your financial statements, your credit report, and your proof of employment.

Be patient: The home buying process can be long and frustrating, so it's important to be patient. Don't give up on your dream home, just keep looking and eventually you will find the perfect place for you.

You should always hire a well-reviewed qualified home inspector, and they will look for things like:

The foundation: Checking for cracks in the foundation, uneven floors, and walls that are out of plumb.

The roof: Looking for leaks, missing shingles, and damage from pests or weather.

The exterior: Checking for peeling paint, rotting wood, and cracks in the siding.

The interior: Looking for water damage, mold, and pests.

The HVAC system: Making sure the system works properly and that the air quality is good.

The plumbing: Checking for leaks, clogs, and signs of water damage.

The electrical system: Making sure the system is up to code and that there are no exposed wires or other hazards.

The windows and doors: Making sure they are in good condition and that they seal properly.

The appliances: Making sure they work properly and that they are in good condition.

The yard and landscaping: Checking for signs of pests or disease, and make sure the yard is well-maintained.

After getting the keys, here’s some things to focus on:

Change the locks: This is important for security reasons.

Get homeowners insurance: This is required by most lenders.

Set up utility accounts: This includes electricity, water, gas, and trash removal.

Register your car: If you are moving from out of state, you will need to register your car in South Jersey.

Get a new driver's license: If you are moving from out of state, you will need to get a new driver's license in South Jersey.

Update your address with your employer, banks, and other important organizations: This will ensure that you receive your mail and other important notifications.

Get to know your neighbors: This is a great way to make new friends and feel more connected to your community.

Enjoy your new home!