I hope you’re enjoying the start of October and all the things that make fall at the Jersey Shore such a great time of year. As always, thank you for your continued trust, support, and referrals. I’m so grateful to stay connected with you month after month.
This month, I’m sharing the latest episode of Cooking Up Closings with Betsy. I’m making one of my family favorites, chicken cutlets, while talking through another real estate topic. I’ve really enjoyed combining the two things I love, cooking for my family and helping people better understand real estate, and I hope you’re enjoying the series too. Keep the topics and recipe suggestions coming.
Monmouth & Ocean County Market Update: September’s numbers show a market that is still active, but once again, the story varies depending on the county and the type of home.
In Monmouth County, single-family closed sales were nearly even with last year, down just 1.1%, while prices continued to rise. The average sale price climbed to $1,171,315, up 13.7%, and the median sale price reached $825,000, up 3.8%. Homes also moved a little faster, averaging 30 days on market compared with 33 last year. Inventory was essentially unchanged, keeping conditions competitive for well-priced homes.
In Ocean County, single-family sales were down 4.5%, with 463 homes closing during September. The median sale price edged up to $605,000, a 1% increase from last year, while the average sale price declined 3.2% to $748,814. Homes sold a little faster, averaging 33 days on market, and inventory increased modestly by 2.2%.
The condominium market showed a different pattern. In Monmouth County, condo sales were down 13.5%, but prices moved higher, with the median sale price reaching $556,500, up 6%. Inventory also increased nearly 19%, giving buyers more options. In Ocean County, condo sales declined more sharply, but pricing remained strong. The median sale price rose to $398,000, up 16.4%, while inventory jumped 39%.
The biggest takeaway this month is that pricing remains resilient even as transaction volume softens in several segments. For sellers, that makes strategy, presentation, and realistic pricing especially important. For buyers, higher inventory in parts of the condo market is creating more choice, while desirable single-family homes are still moving quickly.
This month’s featured home is 443 W Lake Avenue in Oakhurst, a 3-bedroom, 3-bath ranch with 1,434 square feet of living space and a backyard built for entertaining. The home features an open floor plan, a chef’s kitchen, an inground pool, multiple patio areas, an outdoor kitchen, and a cabana with its own full bath. I’ll be hosting an Open House on Sunday, October 18, from 12–2 PM. I’d love to see you there.
You’ll also find my regular updates below about Homes For Heroes and Monmouth Collaborative Divorce Professionals, two organizations I’m proud to be connected with. Both allow me to support people in meaningful ways, from giving back to local heroes to helping families navigate important life transitions with trusted guidance and resources.
Keep in mind, if you are thinking about buying, selling, investing, or simply have questions about the market or your home’s value, I’m here to help. Your referrals mean the world to me and allow me to continue serving families with the personal care and attention every client deserves.
Wishing you a wonderful October,
Betsy
P.S. Below, you’ll find the full September 2026 market snapshot for Monmouth and Ocean Counties, the latest episode of Cooking Up Closings with Betsy, and more details about 443 W Lake Avenue and this weekend’s Open House.
COOKING UP CLOSINGS WITH BETSY
Chicken Cutlets & Real Estate Talk
In the latest episode of Cooking Up Closings with Betsy, I’m making a family favorite, chicken cutlets, while talking real estate along the way. This series gives me a chance to share useful information in a more relaxed way while doing something I genuinely enjoy at home.
I’d love to hear from you, too. Send me a real estate topic you’d like me to cover or a recipe you think my family would enjoy. You may just see your suggestion in an upcoming episode.
FEATURED LISTING
443 W Lake Ave, Oakhurst
This beautifully maintained Oakhurst ranch offers 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and an open floor plan designed for comfortable everyday living and entertaining.
The chef’s kitchen features a 36-inch range, stainless steel center island, abundant cabinetry and counter space, and a breakfast bar that opens to the dining area. The primary suite includes a private bath with a multi-head stall shower.
Open House: Sunday, October 18th | 12–2 PM
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 fire-fighters, 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. All nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals. Also, 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.
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 we can provide our clients with all the tools needed to go forward with their lives no matter what season they may be in.
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.
