Selling In A Softening Market

Surprisingly, yes—it’s still a great time to sell. If you price strategically, with smart marketing. While the market has softened from the frenzy of the pandemic years, demand for South Jersey homes remains strong thanks to our desirable mix of suburban space and walkable downtowns. With only about 2.2 months of inventory as of fall 2025, we’re still in a seller’s market—just a more balanced one. Homes that are priced right and presented well are still selling quickly and competitively.

Homes are taking a little longer to sell than they did a year ago—but they’re still moving at a healthy pace. As of 9/25, the average days on market in Camden County was 30, up about 11% from September 2024. In Burlington County, homes took an average of 32 days to sell (23%+ year-over-year). And in Gloucester County, the average was also 32 days (up 39%). This reflects a normalized market, rather than a 'slowdown'.

There’s no sign of a housing market crash in South Jersey. What we’re seeing is a softening, not a collapse. Inventory has increased, but we’re still sitting at just 2.2 months of supply as of September 2025—far below the six months that signals a balanced market. Home prices are stabilizing after several years of rapid growth fueled by pandemic demand. While the pace has cooled, demand for South Jersey’s walkable downtowns, quality schools, and commuter-friendly location remains strong.

Today, most homes are selling within 30-60 days if they’re priced and presented correctly. If your home has been on the market longer than that without strong interest or offers, it may be a sign that buyers see better value elsewhere. Before making a price adjustment, review the data with your agent: Are you competing against newer listings? Have similar homes recently reduced their prices? Sometimes small strategic changes—improved staging, refreshed photos, or updated marketing—can reignite interest. If the feedback and numbers point to price, a timely, data-driven adjustment can help your home stand out again and attract the right buyers before it goes stale.

We start with data—not guesswork. Traditionally, home value was determined by looking at past comps—similar properties that sold in the last few months. But in today’s market, what’s active matters just as much as what’s closed. We analyze both: recent sales to understand value trends, and active listings to see what your home is competing against right now. We factor in timing, condition, location, and buyer demand in your specific price range. The goal is to position your home strategically—high enough to protect your equity, but realistic enough to attract attention early and avoid price fatigue.

The short answer: yes, some are—but not nearly as many as during the peak of the frenzy. In our South Jersey housing market, homes are still selling at or above asking price when they’re well-positioned, well-presented, and priced right from the start. The era of nearly every home getting 20%+ over-asking is gone, but the seller can still hold meaningful leverage if the home stands out in today’s more balanced market.

Preparation is everything. Before listing, take time to make your home shine—both in person and online. Start with decluttering and deep cleaning, then tackle small repairs and cosmetic updates that boost first impressions. Here's a convenient list of things you can do.

Yes, and they’re starting to again. During the pandemic, many buyers waived inspections and appraisal contingencies to stay competitive. Now, with the market softening slightly, buyers have regained some room to negotiate repairs or closing cost credits.

The biggest mistake is overpricing and waiting too long to adjust. In a softer market, buyers are comparing your home to everything else that’s active. Starting too high can cause your listing to sit, lose momentum, and ultimately sell for less. Smart sellers price strategically from the start, plan regular check-ins, and stay flexible. The market rewards those who adapt... not those who wait.