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The Paula Clark Group, Keller Williams Valley Realty | Top Westwood NJ Real Estate Team Blog

Monday, November 3, 2025   /   by Paula Clark

2025 Bergen County NJ Housing Market Update: What Buyers & Sellers Must Know

Welcome to your “2025 housing market update” for Bergen County, NJ. Whether you’re a buyer exploring homes for sale, or a homeowner thinking of selling, understanding where the market is now—and where it’s headed—gives you the edge. As the leader of the Paula Clark Group, I’m using real data and on-the-ground insight to bring you a clear picture.
Current Market Snapshot


Inventory remains tight, meaning fewer homes are available for buyers—this gives sellers an advantage in many local towns. christiandistasio.com+2sellecksellsnj.com+2


Home values in many Bergen County communities continue to hold steady or rise modestly, despite national headwinds. christiandistasio.com+1


Buyers are still active—particularly in neighborhoods with strong schools, transit access, and newer-quality homes. Competition is higher for quality listings. christiandistasio.com+1


What Sellers Should Focus On


Becau. ...

Monday, November 3, 2025   /   by Paula Clark

Top 10 Seller Mistakes in Bergen County — and How to Avoid Them

Selling a home in Bergen County, NJ can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. With high expectations for pricing, showings, and negotiation, it’s easy to stumble into mistakes—some result in lower offers or a longer time on market. As the leader of the Paula Clark Group, I’ve seen them all, and I want to help you avoid the top 10 so you get the best result.
Top Seller Mistakes & Solutions


Mistake: Pricing too high out of the gate
Solution: Use a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA), account for current market conditions, and set a price that drives interest.


Mistake: Waiting too long to prepare/repair your home
Solution: Start early—fix obvious issues, stage thoughtfully, and make sure your home shows “move-in ready”.


Mistake: Skipping professional photography or virtual tour
Solution: Invest in high-quality photos, drone shots if appropriate, and virtual tours—online listings are the first impression.


Mistake. ...

Monday, November 3, 2025   /   by Paula Clark

First-Time Home Buyer Guide for Bergen County, NJ

Buying your first home in Bergen County can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation and a trusted guide, you can enjoy the process and make smart financial decisions. Here’s my step-by-step plan to help you succeed.
1. Know What You Can Afford
Before you fall in love with a home, meet with a trusted lender to understand your budget. Get a full pre-approval, not just a pre-qualification — sellers take you more seriously when you’re ready to act.
2. Choose the Right Town
Each Bergen County community has its own lifestyle: Westwood offers walkable charm, Old Tappan has space and luxury, while Park Ridge balances neighborhood feel and convenience. We’ll match your goals to the right town.
3. Understand Total Costs
Beyond your down payment, remember taxes, insurance, inspections, and closing costs. Bergen County property taxes vary by town — I’ll help you estimate the full picture before you commit.
4. ...

Monday, November 3, 2025   /   by Paula Clark

Should You Sell or Rent Your Bergen County Home in 2025?

If you’ve outgrown your home or are relocating, you might wonder — should I sell it or rent it out? In Bergen County’s ever-changing market, both options can make sense depending on timing and finances.
1. Evaluate Market Conditions
Home values in Bergen County remain strong, with limited inventory across most towns. If your home is in a desirable area like River Vale, Montvale, or Park Ridge, selling now could yield a premium.
2. Consider Your Finances
Selling gives you liquid cash to reinvest; renting creates monthly income but requires management and maintenance. Run the numbers with your agent and accountant to compare return vs hassle.
3. Think Long-Term
If you plan to move back to Bergen County or hold the property as a future investment, renting may be smart. But if your next purchase depends on freeing up equity, selling now likely makes more sense.
4. Know the Tax Implications
Capital gains, depreciation, and write-offs differ for landlords and sell. ...

Monday, November 3, 2025   /   by Paula Clark

How to Price Your Home Right in Bergen County, NJ

Pricing is everything. Price your home too high, and it sits. Price it right, and it sells quickly with multiple offers. After 30 years selling in Bergen County, I’ve refined a data-driven, psychology-based pricing formula that gets results.
1. Start with Real Data
A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) compares your home to similar recent sales nearby. It’s the foundation of smart pricing — not online estimates that miss Bergen County nuances.
2. Study Active Competition
Your home competes with others on the market. Understanding how yours stacks up in features, size, and location is key.
3. Factor in Timing
Spring and fall are traditionally strong seasons, but pricing strategy can overcome timing if executed correctly.
4. Use Strategic Price Points
Psychological pricing (like $999,000 vs $1 Million) attracts more searches online and increases visibility.
5. Re-evaluate Every 2-3 Weeks
If activity drops off, don’t wait months to adjust — the mark. ...
The Paula Clark Group, Keller Williams Valley Realty | Top Westwood NJ Real Estate Team
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Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
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The data displayed relating to real estate for sale comes in part from the IDX Program of Garden State Multiple Listing Service, L.L.C. Real estate listings held by other brokerage firms are marked as IDX Listing. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Copyright © 2025 Garden State Multiple Listing Service, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
The data relating to the real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange Program of the NJMLS. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Paula Clark - Keller Williams Valley Realty are marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. Some properties listed with the participating brokers do not appear on this website at the request of the seller. Listings of brokers that do not participate in Internet Data Exchange do not appear on this website. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Last date updated: November 8, 2025 Source: New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. “2025 New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved.”
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