Francis Mellace, Realtor, Century21 Rauh & Johns

09/27/2026

New listings hit a four-year high
The US housing market just saw an 8% rise in new listings—the highest since August 2022. While active listings are moving closer to balanced territory, pending sales continue to trend low. Mortgage rates are currently at 6.66%, which adds some pressure to affordability, even as the median price has increased by 2.2%. For first-time buyers in New Jersey, these shifts can feel overwhelming. As someone who specializes in helping buyers navigate everything from down payment assistance (with programs offering $10,000 to $37,000) to evaluating opportunities in foreclosure and REO properties, I’m always watching these trends closely. Whether you're weighing your options as a buyer or exploring ways to maximize your equity as a seller, understanding the market is key to making the right move.


http://www.homessoldbyfrank.com/agent-news/frank-mellace/1967133-New-listings-hit-a-four-year-high

09/27/2026

For expert guidance on the housing market...
call today #856.625.4587 Francis "Frank" Mellace

If you’re selling this season, a little effort out front goes a long way. Because the moment a buyer pulls up to a showing, they're already forming an opinion.

But there are a few simple things you can do to nail that first impression. Think tidying up your landscaping, bringing in some seasonal flowers, and sweeping the walkways. Or even just cleaning out the gutters and making sure the path to your door is well lit.

You don’t need to do a big overhaul to get buyers’ attention.

Let’s chat about what people in our area are looking for right now, and get your house prepped to sell this fall.

Build your wealth through homeownership! Connect with me today # 856.625.4587
Francis "Frank" Mellace ,Realtor
@ Century21 Rauh & Johns​

09/26/2026

NJ Real Estate Market Shows Seasonal Adjustment in August
In August, we saw real estate activity in New Jersey ease up a bit—inventory bumped up 3.6% from a year ago, but it’s still 11.1% under pre-pandemic levels. The median listing price edged down 1.3%, now sitting at $424,500. Mortgage rates? They’re holding steady in the 6.65%–6.69% range. For those of you navigating your first home purchase or thinking about making a move (whether you’re buying, selling, or facing a unique situation like foreclosure or divorce), these numbers mean opportunity—especially if you’re considering downpayment assistance programs in NJ. It’s my job to help you understand what these shifts mean for your specific needs and to guide you through programs that could put $10,000 to $37,000 toward your downpayment and closing costs. Whatever your scenario, having the right information makes all the difference.


http://www.homessoldbyfrank.com/agent-news/frank-mellace/1995668-NJ-Real-Estate-Market-Shows-Seasonal-Adjustment-in-August

09/26/2026

For expert guidance on the housing market...
call today #856.625.4587 Francis "Frank" Mellace

Mortgage rates have been climbing again, and if you're hoping to buy, that can feel discouraging.

Here’s what you have to remember.

You can't control where rates go. But you can control a few things that shape the rate you actually get: your credit score, the type and term of loan you choose, and whether you buy a newly built home, where builders are often buying down rates to bring buyers in.

Focus there, and you put yourself in a stronger spot without waiting on the market.

Want to talk it through? A trusted lender can help with the numbers, and we can find the home to match. Let's connect.

Build your wealth through homeownership! Connect with me today # 856.625.4587
Francis "Frank" Mellace ,Realtor
@ Century21 Rauh & Johns​

09/26/2026

09/25/2026

New Jersey's New Construction Code Has Arrived. The Real Estate Implications Are Immediate.
With New Jersey rolling out its updated construction code, the impact on real estate is immediate and far-reaching. For anyone considering buying, selling, or redeveloping a property—especially first-time buyers navigating a complex market—these new codes bring changes to project schedules, permitting, and costs. It’s crucial to review transition rules, revisit budgets, and look closely at contracts to ensure you’re prepared for stricter building standards. As someone who specializes in guiding clients through every angle of the New Jersey market—from first-time purchases to bank-owned and foreclosure properties—I keep a close eye on regulatory changes like this. Early planning and smart coordination can help protect your investment and maximize your home’s value, even as the landscape shifts.


http://www.homessoldbyfrank.com/agent-news/frank-mellace/1969670-New-Jersey%27s-New-Construction-Code-Has-Arrived.-The-Real-Est

09/25/2026

For expert guidance on the housing market...
call today #856.625.4587 Francis "Frank" Mellace

Price cuts have climbed for 7 straight months.

Right now, more than 4 in 10 homes for sale have already had one, and it usually comes down to one thing – the market's moving faster than most sellers expected and their pricing hasn’t necessarily kept up.

A home that needs a cut usually just sat too long priced above what buyers will actually pay right now.

Selling soon? Let's set your number right from day one, so you skip that wasted time.

House hunting? A home that's had its price reduced means the seller's already been through that wait. And sellers who've been sitting are usually ready to deal.

Build your wealth through homeownership! Connect with me today # 856.625.4587
Francis "Frank" Mellace ,Realtor
@ Century21 Rauh & Johns​

09/24/2026

Why Buyers and Sellers Are Stuck
Navigating today’s real estate market can feel a bit like being caught in a standstill. Higher mortgage rates are making monthly payments more challenging to justify, so many of you searching for your first home are choosing to wait it out. Meanwhile, pending sales are slowing, which tells me that fewer buyers are moving from browsing to actually making offers. On the other side, homeowners who locked in lower rates aren’t eager to list their properties, keeping a lot of potential homes off the market. This creates a tricky situation—buyers are holding out for better payment options, while sellers don’t want to lose their favorable loans, and as a result, transactions across New Jersey have slowed down. As someone who specializes in guiding first-time buyers and those facing unique circumstances like foreclosure or divorce settlements, I see how this stalemate affects your choices. Understanding these dynamics is key, especially if you’re considering downpayment assistance or want to make the most of the programs available to help you move forward.

09/24/2026

Welcome to 307 Knoll Dr., a first-floor 1-bedroom, 1-bath condominium in Gloucester Township, offered at $185,000! Built in 2005, this home offers convenient single-level living with a functional layout and features designed for everyday comfort. The kitchen includes a dishwasher, garbage disposal, gas range, microwave/hood, and refrigerator. Laminate flooring adds a clean and practical finish throughout much of the home. The bedroom features a slider leading to the rear and offers nice-size closet space. The full bathroom provides convenient access from both the hallway and bedroom. Additional storage is available with a separate approximately 4' x 8' storage room located at the rear of the home. Located in Knoll Run Associates, this first-floor condo presents an opportunity for comfortable living in a convenient Gloucester Township location. As an added benefit, the home comes with a 1-Year Guard VIP Home Warranty, providing additional coverage and peace of mind for the new owner. The location offers convenient access to many of the area's shopping, dining, entertainment and recreational destinations. Approximately 20 minutes to Center City Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Sports Complex, home to the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers and Flyers, as well as Philadelphia's casinos and entertainment venues. The Jersey Shore is also within easy reach, with Atlantic City, Margate, Ventnor and Ocean City approximately one hour away, while the Wildwoods and Cape May are approximately 90 minutes away, depending on traffic and route. Gloucester Township also offers a variety of shopping and dining options, including premium outlet shopping and restaurants such as Texas Roadhouse and Catardo's, along with numerous fast-food and pizza establishments. Deptford Mall, Sam's Club, Walmart, Target, Best Buy and numerous additional shopping destinations are less than 10 minutes away. Schedule your showing today and see all that 307 Knoll Dr. has to offer!

09/24/2026

For expert guidance on the housing market...
call today #856.625.4587 Francis "Frank" Mellace

Why So Many Sellers Are Cutting Their Price Right Now

Price cuts are a normal part of today’s housing market, and both buyers and sellers can use them to their advantage. Let's look at what's actually happening with prices in your neighborhood, so you know exactly where you stand before you list or make an offer.

Build your wealth through homeownership! Connect with me today # 856.625.4587
Francis "Frank" Mellace ,Realtor
@ Century21 Rauh & Johns​

Price cuts are turning up everywhere right now, and they read very differently depending on which side of the deal you’re on.