September 10, 2026

By Courtney Orlando, REALTOR® | Courtney Orlando Group | Compass Real Estate

A buyer sees the words “Under Contract” and may assume the finish line is close.

A seller may see the same words and start planning what comes next.

But in New …

September 8, 2026
By Courtney Orlando, REALTOR® | Courtney Orlando Group | Compass Real Estate

Most homebuyers start with the same questions:

Do we love the house?

Can we afford the price?

What would the mortgage payment be?

Those are important questions.

But in …

September 1, 2026
By Courtney Orlando, REALTOR® | Courtney Orlando Group | Compass Real Estate

One of the most common things I hear from New Jersey homebuyers is:

“We're going to wait until mortgage rates come down before we buy.”

On the surface, that sounds like a …

August 20, 2026
By Courtney Orlando, REALTOR® | Courtney Orlando Group | Compass Real Estate

There is a problem with following the New Jersey real estate market too closely.

It can make you think there is one market.

There isn't.

A statewide housing report may show …

August 18, 2026
By Courtney Orlando, REALTOR® | Courtney Orlando Group | Compass Real Estate

For a buyer searching for a home in New Jersey, a new construction community can be incredibly appealing.

Everything is new. The finishes are modern. The appliances may be brand-new. Maintenance concerns can …

August 13, 2026
By Courtney Orlando, REALTOR® | Courtney Orlando Group | Compass Real Estate

Buying a home has always required careful financial planning. But in 2026, the calculation is becoming broader.

For many New Jersey buyers, the question is no longer simply:

“Can I afford the …

July 23, 2026
By Courtney Orlando, REALTOR® | Courtney Orlando Group · Compass Real Estate

For decades, homebuyers often measured value by the size of a home.

More bedrooms.

A larger yard.

Extra square footage.

While those features continue to matter, many New Jersey buyers …

July 14, 2026
By Courtney Orlando, REALTOR® | Courtney Orlando Group · Compass Real Estate

For years, homebuyers have focused on finding the right number of bedrooms, updated kitchens, spacious backyards, and convenient floor plans. While those features remain important, many New Jersey buyers in 2026 are expanding their …

July 2, 2026
By Courtney Orlando, REALTOR® | Courtney Orlando Group · Compass Real Estate

The listing price has always been one of the first numbers buyers notice when searching for a home.

In 2026, however, it is no longer the only number carrying significant weight.

Across …

June 25, 2026
By Courtney Orlando, REALTOR® | Courtney Orlando Group · Compass Real Estate

For years, New Jersey's real estate market was defined by one word: speed.

Homes sold within days. Buyers waived contingencies. Multiple-offer situations became the norm. Sellers often dictated the terms of the …