If you’re a homeowner in New Jersey wondering whether 2025 is the right time to sell, you’re not alone. A recent national report from John Burns Real Estate Consulting offers timely insight into what current homeowners are thinking—and why many are seriously considering a move. For sellers in New Jersey, where demand remains strong in many towns, this data may help confirm what you’ve been feeling: it’s still a great time to act.

According to the “Homeowner and Seller Trends” survey, 34% of homeowners nationwide say they’re considering selling in the next three years. That’s nearly one in three, suggesting there may be a growing wave of listings on the horizon. But what’s motivating these homeowners to sell?

The most common reason, cited by 37% of potential sellers, is the desire to move to a different location. For some, it’s about relocating closer to family or changing states. For others, it’s about finding a more desirable neighborhood or school district. In New Jersey, this often means downsizing to a nearby community, moving to a more walkable town, or relocating from northern parts to southern or coastal parts of the state.

The second most popular reason was needing more space. About 29% of sellers said they were outgrowing their current home, a trend that’s especially common for younger families and multigenerational households. In New Jersey’s tighter suburban housing markets—places like Cranford, Scotch Plains, and parts of Monmouth County—this is a common issue, where many homeowners are simply looking for that extra bedroom, home office, or larger yard.

Interestingly, about 17% of respondents reported financial stress as their motivation. Higher utility costs, rising taxes, and changing job circumstances are pushing some homeowners to seek more affordable housing. Others, in roughly the same number, said they wanted to downsize or cash out the equity they’ve built. That last point is key, because many New Jersey homeowners have gained substantial equity over the past few years, and selling now could mean unlocking significant financial flexibility for the next stage of life.

While plenty of people are thinking about selling, some are still holding back—and the report sheds light on that as well. The number one hesitation for sellers is the fear of not being able to find a new home. Inventory remains tight in many areas, and that’s making some would-be sellers nervous. High mortgage rates are also playing a role, with 45% of potential sellers saying today’s interest rates are making them second-guess listing.

Other sellers are concerned they may not get their asking price, or that the market could shift quickly. These concerns are valid—but with the right strategy, they can be overcome. In fact, here in New Jersey, I’ve worked with sellers who were in the exact same position. We addressed their concerns by creating custom timelines, using bridge strategies like Use & Occupancy Agreements, and even locating off-market properties to help them feel confident moving forward.

If you’re a homeowner who’s unsure about whether now is the time to sell, it’s worth looking closely at your equity position. The report shows that nearly one in five sellers nationwide is motivated by the chance to cash out home equity. In many New Jersey towns, values have increased significantly since 2020, and that equity could be your ticket to a more flexible, lower-stress lifestyle. Whether that means moving to a smaller home, reducing your monthly expenses, or purchasing with cash in a new area, your home equity may be the key to making it happen.

So, what does this mean for you? If you’ve been thinking about making a move—whether it’s this year or sometime soon—it’s a great time to start the conversation. I can help you evaluate your options, estimate your home’s market value, and build a personalized plan for a successful sale. Even if you’re just in the “maybe” phase, I’m happy to answer questions and offer guidance with no pressure and no obligation.

If you’re curious about what your home is worth in today’s market or want to explore what selling would really look like, let’s connect. I’m here to help you navigate the market confidently, whether you’re ready to move now or just getting started.

Call my office at 908-664-1500 extension 564 or call or text me on my cell at 908-917-4189. You can also email me at wayne.zuhl@gmail.com