May 2026 Newsletter
I hope you and your family are having a great start to May. With summer right around the corner, that seasonal energy is finally showing up in the numbers, and this month the data is telling a very specific story.
Monmouth & Ocean County Market Update
In Monmouth County, single-family homes continue to show strength, with the median sales price reaching $806,000, up 3.3% over last year. Homes are still moving at a healthy pace, averaging 36 days on market, which tells us well-priced properties are continuing to attract serious attention. While inventory is slightly lower than this time last year, demand remains steady heading into the summer season.
In Ocean County, single-family homes posted even stronger price growth this past month. The median sales price rose to $629,000, a 14.4% increase year over year. Inventory also ticked up slightly, giving buyers a bit more to look at, although the market remains competitive overall. With average days on market now at 41, we’re seeing signs of a market that is still active, but beginning to give buyers a little more time to make thoughtful decisions.
Condominiums are showing a more mixed picture across the two counties. In Monmouth County, the median condo sale price edged up to $551,000, a 0.7% increase over last year, while inventory rose noticeably. In Ocean County, the median condo price came in at $355,000, down 12.4% year over year, even as inventory increased significantly. Well-maintained units in desirable locations are still attracting attention, but buyers in the condo market may be seeing a bit more opportunity and flexibility than they were a year ago.
The takeaway for May is that our market is still moving, but not every segment is telling the same story. Single-family homes—especially in Ocean County—continue to show strong price growth, while the condominium market is offering a more varied landscape. For sellers, strategy is most important, especially when it comes to pricing and presentation. For buyers, there may be more opportunity depending on the property type and location. Success in this market means staying informed, moving with purpose, and keeping your long-term goals front and center.
Featured Listing: I’m also excited to highlight a wonderful opportunity at 330 Shore Drive in Highlands. This 1-bed, 1-bath condo offers a private patio, walk-in closet, and assigned parking right out front. Whether you’re looking for a full-time home, a Shore escape, or an investment property, the location is truly unbeatable—you’re just steps from the Seastreak ferry and minutes from Sandy Hook.
Just a reminder: I continue to serve our community through my involvement with Homes For Heroes and my work with the Monmouth Collaborative Divorce Professionals. These programs allow me to support families through important life transitions by providing guidance, resources, and steady support when it matters most.
Whether you’re planning a move, keeping an eye on the market, or simply have a question about your home’s value, I’m always here for you. I truly appreciate your continued trust and referrals.
Wishing you a wonderful May,
Betsy
P.S. You’ll find the full market snapshot for Monmouth and Ocean Counties below, along with more details on the Shore Drive condo. Please reach out if there is anything I can do for you!
Featured Listing
1-Bed, 1 Bath Condo in Highlands, NJ
Jersey Shore Getaway
Perfect full-time home, Shore escape, or investment. This is 330 Shore Drive E2, Highlands, NJ. Tour this well-maintained lower-level condo in Bayview and see why this could be the perfect full-time home, Shore escape, or investment property.
This 1-bedroom, 1-bath home offers 806 sq. ft., a private patio, walk-in closet, assigned parking right out front, and an unbeatable location just steps from the Seastreak ferry and minutes from Sandy Hook.
Call or Text: 732-822-6602
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 all 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. Please contact me if you would like to know if you qualify.
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 all the tools needed to go forward with their lives no matter what season they may be in.
Watch the Interview with Betsy
Distressed Property Expertise
Guidance When Timing, Options, and Experience Matter Most
With more than 25 years of real estate experience and my designation as a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I help homeowners navigate financially challenging situations by understanding their options early—often before foreclosure becomes the only choice.
My training in pre-foreclosure, 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.
