March 2026 Newsletter
Spring has sprung… well, at least the snow melted. And with that, the Jersey Shore real estate season is officially underway.
I hope you and your family are doing well and enjoying the first signs of spring. February’s numbers give us a snapshot of where things stand as we head into the season, and the story remains consistent: while the number of sales has softened slightly, home values continue to rise.
Monmouth & Ocean County Market Update
In Monmouth County, the single-family market continues to show strong pricing. While closed sales dipped slightly to 246 homes, both pricing benchmarks moved higher. The average sale price climbed to $1,032,580 — a 10.67% increase year over year — and the median price rose to $760,000. Homes averaged 46 days on market, and sellers received about 98% of their original asking price, showing that well-positioned homes continue to attract serious buyers.
In Ocean County, we saw a similar pattern. Closed sales totaled 263 homes, slightly lower than last year, but values continued to climb. The average sale price reached $745,932, up 6.44%, and the median sale price rose to $585,000. Homes averaged 48 days on market, and sellers received about 97% of their list price, while inventory increased to 1,059 homes, providing buyers with a few more options as we move into the spring market.
Condominium sales painted a mixed picture across both counties. In Monmouth County, condo sales slowed compared to last year, but pricing remained strong with the median price rising to $520,000 and sellers receiving about 99% of their list price on average. In Ocean County, condo sales edged slightly higher while pricing remained steady, though inventory increased significantly — giving buyers more flexibility and negotiating room heading into the spring market.
Open House This Sunday
4-Bedroom, 2.5-Bath Home in Long Branch, NJ
Join me for my open house at 25 Community Place, a thoughtfully renovated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath center hall colonial in Long Branch.
This home features an open, comfortable layout, updated kitchen and baths, smart-home features, a fenced yard, and a location close to beaches, transit, and Pier Village. Stop by and take a look — you won’t want to miss it.
Date/Time: Sunday, March 15, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
A Personal Story
Guidance When Timing, Options, and Experience Matter Most
At the very end of December, I received a call from a past client who was worried about a family member facing foreclosure. It’s the kind of situation no one ever wants to experience, and there was a lot of stress and uncertainty about what might happen next. They reached out hoping there might still be a path forward.
Acting quickly, within just a few days we were able to prepare the home for the market and get it listed. Even during the quieter holiday season, the response from buyers was immediate. The property generated significant interest and quickly became very competitive.
Within a week, the home received 18 offers and ultimately sold for more than $100,000 over the asking price. Instead of losing the home through foreclosure, the homeowner was able to move forward with a successful sale and walk away in a far stronger financial position than they had imagined possible.
Situations like this are never easy, but there are often more options available than people realize. The key is understanding those options early and having someone who can guide you through the process with a clear strategy and steady support.
My training in pre-foreclosure solutions, foreclosure alternatives, and short sales allows me to work directly with lenders and hardship programs, helping clients preserve more equity and find clarity during an otherwise stressful time.
Helping my clients move forward in a better position than when we first met has always been my goal, and this was one of those moments where that goal truly mattered.
If you or someone you know may be facing foreclosure or financial hardship, please know these conversations are always confidential, and there may be solutions available.
Homes For Heroes
Betsy Helps Local Heroes With Their Real Estate Transactions
Homes for Heroes is a national program dedicated to providing real rebates and discounts to public workforce heroes when they buy, sell, or refinance a home. Homes for Heroes was organized shortly following the tragic events of 9/11/2001 by a group of seasoned REALTORS® who wanted a way to say “Thank You” to the brave men and women who serve our nation and its communities.
Who qualifies as a local hero?
Qualifying heroes include, but are not limited to, current and former firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, law enforcement, and other first responders. All ranks of active military, reserves, and veterans of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard qualify. Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals also qualify, along with Pre-K, elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educators, teachers, professors, and education administrative staff.
Watch the Interview with Betsy
Collaborative Divorce
Discover How Betsy Helps Couples Through Difficult Times
The mission of the Collaborative Divorce Professionals is to bring together independent interdisciplinary professionals and to foster the growth of collaboration through shared resources, ideas, and energy. With common goals, ethics, high standards, and services, they can provide clients with the tools needed to move forward with their lives, no matter what season they may be in.
Watch the Interview with Betsy
