5 KEY TRENDS MOST LIKELY TO IMPACT NJ HOME VALUES IN 2019

2018 was a great year for New Jersey’s housing market and economy, but what’s in store for 2019 is still anyone’s guess. If you want to keep a pulse on what's happening with NJ homes values, especially in Union & Essex Counties, pay attention to these 5 areas in 2019:

INTEREST RATES: In 2018 interest rates rose 4 times to finish just north of 5% in December, but then dipped back down to 4.7% around Jan 2nd. As far as the rest of 2019, The Mortgage Bankers Association thinks rates will hold at 5.1%, while Realtor.com predicts the average 30-year loan rate will reach 5.5% by the end of year.

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT: Now more than ever, it’s important to stay in touch with what’s new on a local level. Use Tapinto.net, Patch.com, or your town's official website to check on nearby developments or construction projects and think about they effect home values your neighborhood.

NEW TAX LAW: This year there will be 2 big changes to the federal tax law that will effect many NJ residents. #1 is standard deductions have increased from $6,350 to $12,000 (and up to $24,000 for married couples), and #2 is the new $10,000 cap on property tax deductions. I recommend speaking with a qualified accountant ASAP to see how the new tax law will effect you.

MINIMUM WAGE: NJ lawmakers announced they have reached an agreement to raise New Jersey’s minimum wage. The new law will increase the minimum wage by $1 every year until it hits $15/hr by 2024. The increased minimum wage, along with changes to tax and healthcare policies, will no doubt have a deep effect on small businesses in NJ

STOCK MARKET: Last year was exciting for the stock market, it was like watching your favorite sports team! Now, many experts are predicting a crash is just around the corner. Considering we’ve been riding a bull market for the last 10 years, a correction does seem inevitable. The point is this - GET YOUR CASH READY - great buying opportunities are going to become available soon!

What do you think? Is there something I left off the list that we should be looking at?

-Silvio / Realty 33
973.506.9866

Silvio Lavrador

I help my clients make smart real estate decisions.