Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Should You List Your Home This Fall in Essex, Morris & Union Counties?

October 30, 2025

While spring is often seen as “prime real estate season,” fall in Northern New Jersey brings its own set of surprising advantages.

Less Competition, More Attention

According to NJ Realtors®, housing inventory typically dips in the fall — and that’s good news for sellers. With fewer homes on the market in places like Glen Ridge, Livingston, and Madison, your property can shine brighter to serious buyers who are still searching before year’s end.

Buyers in the fall are motivated — whether they’re relocating for work, hoping to settle before the holidays, or taking advantage of stable mortgage rates. Fewer listings often mean faster offers and less back-and-forth.

Cozy Homes Sell Faster

Autumn has built-in charm. From pumpkin-lined porches to glowing fireplaces, the season practically stages your home for you. A few small touches — a seasonal wreath, fresh mums, or warm indoor lighting — help buyers picture themselves spending cozy evenings inside.

Pro tip: Schedule showings earlier in the day when natural light is at its best and the fall colors are glowing outside.

What to Watch Out For

Of course, fall selling isn’t without a few challenges. Shorter days mean fewer evening showings, and unpredictable weather can make curb appeal tricky. Keep walkways clear of leaves, check your gutters, and plan exterior photos during sunny stretches.

Buyer activity also tends to slow around the holidays, so pricing your home strategically is key. A realistic list price and strong marketing can make all the difference.

How the Local Market Looks

Even as the market cools slightly from spring peaks, homes across Essex, Morris, and Union Counties remain in high demand. In Maplewood and South Orange, walkable neighborhoods still attract city buyers. Summit and Chatham continue to see steady relocation activity, and Westfield and Millburn remain favorites for families looking for more space and top schools.

Mortgage rates hovering near 6.5% have trimmed some buyer enthusiasm — but those still shopping this fall tend to be well-qualified and ready to close quickly.

Should You Wait Until Spring?

If your home shows beautifully and you’re ready to move, don’t wait. With limited inventory and committed buyers, you could enjoy a smoother, faster sale now than during the crowded spring rush.

But if your property needs updates or you’re aiming for the broadest possible audience, early 2026 might be your ideal window.

Our Take

Fall selling isn’t just possible — it can be powerful. Between motivated buyers, seasonal appeal, and fewer competing listings, it’s a great moment to test the market in Northern New Jersey.

At Allison Ziefert Real Estate Group, we help sellers in Maplewood, South Orange, Summit, Montclair, Millburn, Livingston, and Chatham make smart, strategic moves — no matter the season.

📧 Want a personalized plan?
Email us at [email protected] to start your next chapter this fall.

 

Recent Blog Posts

Real Estate

From City Streets to the Burbs: A Fun Morning for NYC Families Dreaming of More Space in the City or the Suburbs

Thinking about trading up to an apartment with more room and amenities in your current City neighborhood? Or maybe you’re just curious about what life in the suburbs r… Read more

Why Building Permits Matter When You Remodel—or Buy or Sell—a Home in Maplewood, NJ

Real Estate

The New Jersey Towns Millennials Are Moving to in 2026

Millennials are now one of the largest groups of homebuyers in New Jersey. As they enter their prime earning and family-building years, their preferences are reshaping… Read more

Should You List Your Home This Fall in Essex, Morris & Union Counties?

As the air cools and the leaves turn gold across Maplewood, Montclair, and Summit, many homeowners wonder: Should I wait until spring — or sell now?

Why We Love Fall in Morristown, NJ

When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to glow, there’s no better place to soak in the season than Morristown, New Jersey. This historic, walkable town knows ho… Read more

Sump Pump Rules Every Millburn Owner Should Know

Real Estate

Keep the Home Fires Burning Safely: Fireplace & Chimney Maintenance Tips for New Jersey Homeowners

There’s nothing cozier than a crackling fire on a chilly New Jersey evening. Whether you live in a Maplewood, NJ craftsman, a Montclair, NJ tudor, or a Summit, NJ cent… Read more

Lifestyle

Haunted New Jersey: Ghost Stories and Local Legends

Every October, Northern New Jersey comes alive with fall foliage, festive events, and—if you believe the legends—a few lingering spirits. From eerie tales in historic … Read more

Real Estate

Why Real Estate Faces Its “College Sports” Moment

The housing market is undergoing a major shakeup that could reshape how agents, buyers, and sellers interact. Just as college athletics recently experienced a legal re… Read more

Work With Us

We are passionate about researching market stats, negotiating contracts, and helping our clients find and sell homes. The majority of our business comes from past clients and referrals from people who know our work.

Follow Us