Monique Landolfi Real Estate Agent

01/30/2026

Top 2026 Housing Markets for Buyers and Sellers

The housing market in 2026 isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a year where local conditions matter more than ever.

Whether your market leans more buyer-friendly or seller-friendly, the right strategy can put you in a strong position. And that’s where a local expert comes in. Let’s connect.



Call Monique at 973-879-5661 for more information

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01/28/2026

Home sales picked up coming into 2026.

We just had the strongest December for home sales we’ve seen in nearly 3 years.

And that matters because December is usually a slower month in real estate. But 5.1% more homes sold in December than in November.

It means momentum is building. Buyers are stepping back in. And more homes are selling.

They’re not waiting until spring. Maybe you shouldn’t either.

If you want to sell now and get ahead of the Spring crowd, let’s connect.



Call Monique at 973-879-5661 for more information

01/27/2026

Still trying to find the perfect home? Here’s the good news.

Experts project the number of homes for sale will keep climbing, with inventory expected to rise another 9-10% percent this year.

That means more choices and more chances to find what you've been searching for.

Want to see what’s out there? DM me and let’s have a conversation about what you’re looking for.

With how inventory’s growing, your home could already be waiting for you.



Call Monique at 973-879-5661 for more information

01/26/2026

You’ve been waiting for mortgage rates to drop – and it’s happening.

Mortgage rates are in the lowest range they’ve been in nearly 3 years. And they’re expected to stay in this vicinity for the rest of 2026. That’s a big deal.
That means affordability is going to start to feel different.

The door just opened. Lower payments. Better affordability. More buying power.

If buying didn’t make sense for you before, it might now. Take this as your sign it's time to talk to a lender and take another look at your numbers.



Call Monique at 973-879-5661 for more information

01/23/2026

Thinking about making a few updates before you sell this spring?

Here’s the thing you have to remember: not all projects are created equal.

The upgrades you see here tend to deliver some of the strongest returns on your upfront investment because they impact curb appeal and first impressions right away.

And in today’s market, that matters more than it did a few years ago.

This isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things for your house and your market.

If you want help deciding which updates make sense for your home (and which ones you can skip), let’s talk.



Call Monique at 973-879-5661 for more information

01/22/2026

Why Rising Foreclosure Headlines Aren’t a Red Flag for Today’s Housing Market

Foreclosure activity may be rising, but it’s still well within a normal range – and nowhere close to the danger zones of the past. But the headlines are doing more to terrify than clarify. And that’s exactly why having a trusted real estate expert you can call on is so important.

When you hear something in the news or see something on social about housing that worries you, please reach out so you have the context to understand what’s really happening and how it impacts you (if at all).



Call Monique at 973-879-5661 for more information

If you’ve seen headlines saying foreclosure activity has been climbing for 10 straight months, it’s easy to assume that's a sign of trouble for the housing market.

01/20/2026

Home Updates That Actually Pay You Back When You Sell

If you’re looking to sell this spring, you still have time to make updates that help your home stand out – without taking on a full renovation.

If you’re not sure where to start, let’s talk through what makes sense for your house. A quick conversation can help you prioritize the updates that’ll pack the biggest punch.

What’s one upgrade you’ve been thinking about – and wondering if it’s worth it?



Call Monique at 973-879-5661 for more information

Planning to sell this spring? While you may be tempted to hold off until the first blooms or the spring showers hit, that's actually waiting too long to get started by today’s standards.

01/19/2026

It can feel like big investors are buying up all the homes right now. But the data tells a different story.

Large institutional investors – the ones owning 100+ homes – made up just 1.2% of home purchases in late 2025.

That means 99 out of 100 homes were bought by everyday buyers and small, local investors. Not big corporations.

In a few areas, investor activity is more noticeable. But nationally, big investors are a much smaller part of the market than most people think.

If you’re wondering how this plays out right here in our local market, let’s talk. A little context can make a big difference when you’re deciding your next move.



Call Monique at 973-879-5661 for more information

01/16/2026

The #1 Regret Sellers Have When They Don’t Use an Agent

Today, the biggest risk of selling without an agent isn’t the paperwork or the hassle. It’s the price. And once pricing goes wrong, it’s hard to course correct.

So, if you’re thinking about selling and want to understand what your home would realistically go for in our market today, let's connect. A quick pricing conversation now can save you from bigger regrets later.



Call Monique at 973-879-5661 for more information

Want to know the #1 thing homeowners regret when they sell without an agent? It’s that they didn’t price their house correctly for their current market.

01/14/2026

Mortgage rates are down a full percentage point since last year.

That recent drop doesn’t sound dramatic, until you realize how much it can already save you on the typical $400k loan.

Compared to buying in January of last year, that saves you more than $330 a month and almost $120k over the life of your loan.

That’s the difference just one year makes.

If buying didn’t work for you last year, let’s re-run the numbers and see if 2026 could finally be your year.



Call Monique at 973-879-5661 for more information

01/13/2026

A lot of people may think their credit score isn’t good enough to buy a home.

That may be because the median buyer’s score is pretty high (775) – so people assume they need near-perfect credit. But that’s not necessarily the case.

Data shows some buyers today are qualifying with scores in the mid-600s. And the median for the lowest 10% of buyer scores is 660.

So, you may have more options than you think.

If your credit is what’s been holding you back, take this as your sign to reach out to a lender to talk through your options.



Call Monique at 973-879-5661 for more information

01/12/2026

Why Pre-Approval Should Be Your First Step – Not an Afterthought

Pre-approval doesn’t box you in. It opens doors.

In today’s market, buyers who win aren’t the ones who wait. They’re the ones who plan. So, if you’re even thinking about buying in the next few months, get ahead of the game by connecting with your agent and a trusted lender.

They’ll help you understand what how the process works and walk you through every step along the way, so when the right home pops up, you’re ready.



Call Monique at 973-879-5661 for more information

Finding the right home feels exciting – but being pre-approved for your loan is what makes it possible.