I’m super excited to share something new with you this month. I’ve started a video series called Cooking Up Closings with Betsy, where I get to combine two things I truly enjoy—cooking for my family and talking real estate. I hope you’ll have a little fun with me along the way!
The August 2026 numbers show a market that remains active, but the trends continue to vary depending on the county and type of home.
In Monmouth County, single-family home sales increased nearly 7% compared with last August, with 527 homes closing during the month. The median sale price rose to $825,000, up 4.4% year over year, while homes averaged 27 days on market. Sellers also received an average of 102% of their original list price. Inventory increased slightly, giving buyers a few more choices while well-priced homes continued to attract strong interest.
Ocean County told a somewhat different story. Single-family closed sales declined 14.1% from last year, but prices continued to move higher. The median sale price reached $644,000, up 3.9%, while the average sale price climbed to $802,600. Homes averaged 36 days on market, slightly faster than a year ago, while inventory remained essentially unchanged.
The condominium market was also mixed. In Monmouth County, condo sales declined nearly 13%, while the median sale price came in at $550,000, down 3.5% from last year. At the same time, inventory increased 9%, and homes sold a little faster, averaging 26 days on market. In Ocean County, condo sales were also lower, but prices moved higher. The median sale price rose to $450,000, up 9%, while inventory increased nearly 10%. Homes took longer to sell, averaging 50 days on market compared with 41 days last August.
The biggest takeaway this month is that there really isn’t one single story for our market. Monmouth single-family homes continue to show strong demand, while Ocean County is seeing fewer transactions but higher prices. Condo buyers have more inventory to choose from in both counties, creating opportunities that weren’t as readily available a year ago. For sellers, pricing and presentation remain critical. For buyers, having more choices can be an advantage, but the best homes are still attracting attention quickly.
This month's featured listing is 20 Eisele Avenue in Ocean Township. This 3-bedroom home, with the potential for a fourth bedroom, offers 2 full baths and a flexible split-level layout with plenty of possibilities. See below for all the details.
You’ll also find my regular updates below aboutHomes 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 major 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 September,
Betsy
P.S. Below, you’ll find the full August 2026 market snapshot for Monmouth and Ocean Counties, along with more information about this month’s featured listing at 20 Eisele Avenue.
COOKING UP CLOSINGS WITH BETSY
Real Estate, Recipes and a Little Fun
Welcome to the first episode of Cooking Up Closings with Betsy! In this new series, I’ll be sharing real estate tips and topics while cooking some of my favorite recipes for family and friends. I’d love for you to be part of it, too. If there’s a real estate topic you’d like me to cover—or a recipe you think my family should try, send it my way. You may just see it featured in an upcoming episode.
FEATURED LISTING
20 Eisele Avenue, Ocean, New Jersey
Bring your vision to this Wanamassa split-level and make it your own. Offered strictly as-is, 20 Eisele Avenue presents a wonderful opportunity to create the home you have always wanted while building equity in a desirable neighborhood.
The flexible 3- to 4-bedroom, 2-bath layout offers multiple living spaces, including a living room, family room, and sunroom, with potential to create a first-floor primary suite.
Set on a corner lot with room for gardening, outdoor entertaining, and personal touches, this home also includes an unfinished basement for added storage. Located just two blocks from Wanamassa Elementary School, it offers convenient access to Asbury Park, shopping, NYC transportation, Jersey Shore beaches, and the future Netflix Studios at Fort Monmouth..
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.
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.
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.
