The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
Housing Monopoly? Feds Sue Zillow & Redfin, Claiming $100 Million Deal Illegally Eliminated Rental Listings Rivalry—What This Means for Renters.
WASHINGTON D.C. – In a bombshell move challenging the power of digital real estate giants, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a major antitrust lawsuit against Zillow and Redfin, alleging an illegal conspiracy to suppress competition in the lucrative online rental listings market.
When it comes to buying a home, today’s buyers are looking for more than just four walls and a roof. The demand for homes equipped with smart systems has skyrocketed, and for good reason. From increased convenience and energy efficiency to enhanced security, a smart home can offer lifestyle benefits that traditional homes simply cannot match.
If you’re in the market for a new home—or looking to make your current property more appealing to buyers—understanding the benefits of smart home systems is essential. Here’s why modern homebuyers view smart features as non-negotiable.
Continue reading Why Smart Systems Are a Must-Have for Modern Homebuyers
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Ridgewood NJ, The American dream of homeownership is slipping away for middle-income families in 2025. With home prices skyrocketing and affordable housing options dwindling, households earning around $75,000 annually can afford just 21% of listings—less than half of what was available pre-pandemic, according to the National Association of Realtors. This alarming trend, coupled with declining construction and rising costs, is reshaping the U.S. housing market. A new report from Construction Coverage highlights where affordable housing is being built and what it means for buyers. Here’s what you need to know about the 2025 housing affordability crisis and the areas fighting back with lower-cost homes.
Continue reading 2025 Housing Crisis: Middle-Income Buyers Locked Out as Prices Soar
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WAYNE, NJ — If you’re looking to buy a home in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the nation, you may not need to look far. Wayne’s 07470 ZIP code has been named the fifth-hottest homebuying ZIP code in the United States for 2025, according to Realtor.com’s annual ranking.
Continue reading Wayne, NJ Ranks Among America’s Hottest Homebuying ZIP Codes for 2025
Only 3% Say They’d Sell at 6% or Higher — Here’s Why That Matters
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Ridgewood NJ, America’s housing market is stuck — and it’s not thawing anytime soon.
According to a recent Bankrate survey, only 3% of U.S. homeowners say they’d be comfortable selling their homes in 2025 if mortgage rates remain at 6% or higher — which they likely will. That reluctance has created a market freeze that’s stifling both supply and demand, pushing existing home sales to their slowest pace in nearly 30 years.
Continue reading U.S. Housing Market Stuck in a Deep Freeze as Mortgage Rates Lock Homeowners In
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the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Affordability, proximity to New York City, walkable downtowns, and easy access to amenities continue to drive homebuyers to select areas of North Jersey. But which ZIP codes have become the most in-demand halfway through 2025?
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TRENTON, NJ — Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40) has strongly criticized Trenton Democrats for fast-tracking major changes to New Jersey’s Mansion Tax with little notice or time for the real estate industry to adjust. The new law (S-4666/A-5804) was introduced on June 23, signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on June 30, and took effect immediately on July 1, leaving just nine days for compliance.
Continue reading Senator Kristin Corrado Slams Trenton Democrats Over Sudden Mansion Tax Overhaul
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Ridgewood NJ, — The housing market across New Jersey and the nation continued its path toward rebalancing in June 2025, with a surge in active home listings, more price reductions, and a slower pace of sales, according to Realtor.com’s Monthly Housing Market Trends Report.
📍 Zillow Snooping Is the New National Pastime
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Ridgewood NJ, You know the drill: someone casually drops that they just bought a house in Aspen, and before they’ve even finished their humblebrag, you’re hunched over your keyboard like a modern-day Nancy Drew, tapping their address into Zillow.
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the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood , NJ — As part of the newly passed $58.78 billion FY 2026 New Jersey state budget, major changes are coming to the state’s real estate tax structure — particularly the “Mansion Tax.” The revamped policy will increase taxes on high-end property sales and shift responsibility from buyers to sellers, significantly impacting the state’s luxury real estate market.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Homes are selling at record speed across New Jersey, placing the Garden State among the top 10 states in the U.S. where properties are flying off the market the fastest, according to the latest data from Realtor.com.
Continue reading New Jersey Ranked Among Top 10 Fastest-Moving Housing Markets in the U.S.
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Ridgewood NJ, if you’ve ever found yourself questioning the choices of homebuyers on HGTV’s House Hunters, you’re not alone. Now, North Jersey residents will have a local episode to critique!
Continue reading HGTV’s ‘House Hunters’ Features Ridgewood, NJ in Upcoming Episode
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Ridgewood Nj, In a surprising turn, sales of previously owned homes rose 4.2% in February, reaching an annualized pace of 4.26 million units, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Industry experts had anticipated a 3% decline, making this increase an unexpected boost for the housing market.
Continue reading February Home Sales Defy Expectations with 4.2% Jump
Lynnwood City in Washington attracts people to its scenic charm, cultural diversity, recreational possibilities, and flourishing economy. That’s why you bought a rental home to add a revenue stream. Many people do this to earn passive income. However, certain circumstances or events compel them to sell their properties. If you are a landlord, you can also be on the verge of deciding the fate of your rental home. While it may sound like a tough call, the decision can eventually come in your favor for several reasons.
Continue reading Do You Want to Get Rid of Your Rental Property? Sell It to a Home Buying Company
The question of who handles title insurance costs matters during real estate deals. Read how and why title insurers receive payments in real estate matters to learn about protecting your investment during property purchasing.
Continue reading Who Pays for Title Insurance and Why It’s Important in Real Estate Transactions?
