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For Northern NJ | September, 2025
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August 2025 Real Estate Market Update: Why Mortgage Rates Rise and Fall
Why Mortgage Rates Don’t Always Follow the Fed
One of the most common questions I hear from my clients is: “Why do mortgage rates go up and down even when the Federal Reserve doesn’t move its rate?”
Here’s the key: mortgage rates do not follow the Fed rate directly. Instead, they track the 10-year Treasury yield, which is influenced by the bond market.
The Fed funds rate is short term — it’s what banks charge each other overnight, and the Fed controls it directly. Mortgage rates, however, are long term. They move based on:
Inflation expectations
Forecasts for economic growth
Global investor demand for safe assets
Predictions about future Fed moves
Think of it this way: the Fed sets the short-term thermostat, but the bond market sets the long-term temperature — and that’s what drives your mortgage rate.
Northern New Jersey Home Buyers: More Inventory, More Choices
For home buyers across Northern New Jersey, this is good news. Rates have been coming down slightly, and housing inventory is growing month over month. That means you’ll have more homes to choose from and a bit more time to make a decision.
If you’re buying, it’s still important to:
Stay pre-approved
Understand how the 10-year yield impacts mortgage rates
Explore your “upside opportunities” with a trusted real estate professional
Northern New Jersey Home Sellers: Preparation Is Key
For sellers, the story is slightly different. Listings are increasing, which gives buyers more options. That means your home needs to stand out in the market.
To sell successfully in today’s market, it’s critical to:
Prepare your home thoroughly for inspections
Showcase upgrades and improvements to maximize value
Work with an experienced agent who knows how to market competitively
While homes are staying on the market a little longer — on average a couple of weeks instead of just a weekend — this is still much shorter than pre-COVID market timelines.
The Bottom Line: Balance Is Returning to the Market
August’s real estate trends show a more balanced housing market in Northern New Jersey. Buyers now have more inventory and sellers must focus on preparation and strategy.
As we move into fall, watch labor reports, jobs data, and most importantly, the 10-year Treasury yield — because that’s what will shape mortgage rates moving forward.
Work With a Northern New Jersey Realtor Who Knows the Market
Whether you’re buying or selling in Northern New Jersey, I’m here to guide you through the process. If your town isn’t listed in this month’s update, reach out and I’ll provide a local report tailored to your area.
Ready to make your next move? Let’s schedule a consultation and create a strategy that works for you.
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Buying or Selling in Northern NJ? Don't miss out on our latest Fall SEGInsider - A full guide to the housing market in Northern NJ.
Report Cards by Town
Brought to you by Niche.com
Check out Niche's 2024 Best Places to Live in Bergen County here
Bergen County, NJ
Bergen County, New Jersey, has a population of 953,243 and is considered one of the best places to live in the state. Most residents own their homes, and the area offers many bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. It attracts young professionals, with residents generally leaning liberal. The public schools in Bergen County are highly rated.
Tenafly, NJ
Tenafly, a suburb of New York City in Bergen County with a population of 15,299, is one of the best places to live in New Jersey. Most residents own their homes and enjoy a suburban feel with numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. The town attracts families, and residents generally hold moderate political views. Tenafly’s public schools are highly rated.
Oradell, NJ
Oradell, a New York City suburb in Bergen County with a population of 8,208, is considered one of the best places to live in New Jersey. Residents enjoy a suburban feel, with most owning their homes. The town has plenty of coffee shops and parks and is popular among retirees. Oradell residents generally lean conservative, and the public schools are highly rated.
Hawthorne, NJ
Hawthorne, a suburb of New York City in Passaic County with a population of 19,456, offers a dense suburban feel with many restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. It attracts families and young professionals, with residents generally leaning liberal. The public schools are rated above average.
Demarest, NJ
Demarest, a New York City suburb in Bergen County with a population of 4,930, is considered one of the best places to live in New Jersey. It has a rural atmosphere, with most residents owning their homes. The community generally holds moderate political views, and the public schools are highly rated.
Closter, NJ
Closter, a New York City suburb in Bergen County with a population of 8,555, is highly rated as a place to live in New Jersey. It provides a rural feel, and most residents own their homes. The community tends toward moderate political views, and the public schools are highly rated.
Montvale, NJ
Montvale, a New York City suburb in Bergen County with a population of 8,413, is known as one of New Jersey’s top places to live. It offers a sparse suburban atmosphere, with most residents owning their homes. The area attracts many young professionals, and the community generally leans conservative. Montvale’s public schools are highly rated.
Upper Saddle River, NJ
Upper Saddle River, a New York City suburb in Bergen County with a population of 8,313, is highly rated as a place to live in New Jersey. It offers a rural feel, with most residents owning their homes and enjoying the town’s numerous parks. Residents tend to hold moderate political views, and the public schools are highly rated.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Woodcliff Lake, a New York City suburb in Bergen County with a population of 6,096, is highly regarded as a place to live in New Jersey. It provides a sparse suburban feel, with most residents owning their homes and enjoying many coffee shops and parks. The community leans conservative, and the public schools are highly rated.
Real Estate Insights, Home Tips & More
August 2025 Real Estate Market Update: Why Mortgage Rates Rise and Fall
Why Mortgage Rates Don’t Always Follow the Fed
One of the most common questions I hear from my clients is: “Why do mortgage rates go up and down even when the Federal Reserve doesn’t move its rate?”
Here’s the key: mortgage rates do not follow the Fed rate directly. Instead, they track the 10-year Treasury yield, which is influenced by the bond market.
The Fed funds rate is short term — it’s what banks charge each other overnight, and the Fed controls it directly. Mortgage rates, however, are long term. They move based on:
Inflation expectations
Forecasts for economic growth
Global investor demand for safe assets
Predictions about future Fed moves
Think of it this way: the Fed sets the short-term thermostat, but the bond market sets the long-term temperature — and that’s what drives your mortgage rate.
Northern New Jersey Home Buyers: More Inventory, More Choices
For home buyers across Northern New Jersey, this is good news. Rates have been coming down slightly, and housing inventory is growing month over month. That means you’ll have more homes to choose from and a bit more time to make a decision.
If you’re buying, it’s still important to:
Stay pre-approved
Understand how the 10-year yield impacts mortgage rates
Explore your “upside opportunities” with a trusted real estate professional
Northern New Jersey Home Sellers: Preparation Is Key
For sellers, the story is slightly different. Listings are increasing, which gives buyers more options. That means your home needs to stand out in the market.
To sell successfully in today’s market, it’s critical to:
Prepare your home thoroughly for inspections
Showcase upgrades and improvements to maximize value
Work with an experienced agent who knows how to market competitively
While homes are staying on the market a little longer — on average a couple of weeks instead of just a weekend — this is still much shorter than pre-COVID market timelines.
The Bottom Line: Balance Is Returning to the Market
August’s real estate trends show a more balanced housing market in Northern New Jersey. Buyers now have more inventory and sellers must focus on preparation and strategy.
As we move into fall, watch labor reports, jobs data, and most importantly, the 10-year Treasury yield — because that’s what will shape mortgage rates moving forward.
Work With a Northern New Jersey Realtor Who Knows the Market
Whether you’re buying or selling in Northern New Jersey, I’m here to guide you through the process. If your town isn’t listed in this month’s update, reach out and I’ll provide a local report tailored to your area.
Ready to make your next move? Let’s schedule a consultation and create a strategy that works for you.
