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

National headlines are noisy right now: talk of Fed moves, merger megadeals, and daily mortgage-rate swings. That noise creates anxiety — or over-eagerness — for buyers and sellers. In New Jersey, however, a quieter reality is emerging: …

By Courtney Orlando, Courtney Orlando Group | Compass Real Estate

The national headlines are buzzing with questions about a cooling U.S. housing market, fluctuating mortgage rates, and economic caution. Yet here in New Jersey, local confidence is showing a surprising strength. Buyers and sellers are both rethinking their strategies—grounded …

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

In one of the most consequential moves in U.S. residential real estate this year, Compass has agreed to acquire Anywhere Real Estate in an all-stock merger. The deal is valued at approximately $1.6 billion, creating …

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

A Surprising Shift in Buyer Behavior

Traditionally, spring has been the busiest real estate season. But in 2025, September is shaping up as an unexpected powerhouse month. Families who delayed buying in the spring — …

By Courtney Orlando, Courtney Orlando Group | Compass Real Estate

As we move into mid-September, the New Jersey housing market is entering a new phase. After months of rising home prices and shifting buyer behaviors, the market is showing both resilience and subtle signs of adjustment. For buyers and …

By Courtney Orlando, Courtney Orlando Group | Compass Real Estate

Market Snapshot: A Pause in the Frenzy

• Cooling Inventory, Still Seller-Weighted
  In Ocean and Monmouth Counties, listings rose about 6.5% in August while median sale prices hit $583,100 — a 6.2% increase from last year. Homes …

By Courtney Orlando, Courtney Orlando Group | Compass Real Estate

The real estate world got a big boost this week. Compass Real Estate, the #1 brokerage in the United States, saw its shares climb nearly 6% after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted at potential interest rate cuts …

By Courtney Orlando, Courtney Orlando Group | Compass Real Estate

Zillow has just made its boldest move yet—and it could change how your home is seen, sold, or sidelined.

In a sweeping shift that has shocked both real estate professionals and homeowners, Zillow has started penalizing agents who …

By Courtney Orlando, Courtney Orlando Group | Compass Real Estate

In a year marked by major real estate shifts, a new battle has taken center stage — and veteran Realtor Courtney Orlando is speaking out. The issue? Zillow’s new policy, which many agents believe threatens seller flexibility and …

By Courtney Orlando, Courtney Orlando Group | Compass Real Estate

In a market saturated with listings, data points, and quick-close promises, it’s easy to believe that real estate is just about numbers. But ask anyone who has successfully bought or sold a home, and they’ll likely tell you—behind every …