Clayton & Clayton Real Estate Blog - Madison Clayton

Why Buying a Home at the Jersey Shore Pays Off in the Long Run

For many families, renting a beach house at the Jersey Shore — especially in towns like Bay Head, Mantoloking, and Lavallette — is a yearly tradition. It feels easy: no repairs, no property taxes, and no long-term commitment. You enjoy the beach, pay the bill, and look forward to next summer.

But the part most people overlook is this:

Renting doesn’t build your financial future. Owning does.

And if you’ve been renting the same Bay Head, Mantoloking, or Lavallette beach house year after year, it may be time to consider turning that annual expense into an investment.

Renting vs. Owning at the Jersey Shore

When you rent a Shore home, especially in popular towns like Bay Head, Mantoloking, or Lavallette, you’re paying for someone else’s taxes…

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Thinking About Buying Instead of Renting at the Jersey Shore? Here’s Why Bay Head, Mantoloking & Lavallette Are Smart Investments

For many families, renting a beach house at the Jersey Shore — especially in towns like Bay Head, Mantoloking, and Lavallette — is a yearly tradition. It feels easy: no repairs, no property taxes, and no long-term commitment. You enjoy the beach, pay the bill, and look forward to next summer.

But the part most people overlook is this:

Renting doesn’t build your financial future. Owning does.

And if you’ve been renting the same Bay Head, Mantoloking, or Lavallette beach house year after year, it may be time to consider turning that annual expense into an investment.

Renting vs. Owning at the Jersey Shore

When you rent a Shore home, especially in popular towns like Bay Head, Mantoloking, or Lavallette, you’re paying for someone else’s taxes…

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Coastal Luxury Redefined at 366 N Highway 35, Mantoloking, NJ | Clayton & Clayton Realtors

Introducing one of Mantoloking’s most remarkable oceanfront estates—366 N Highway 35, a warm, contemporary coastal retreat set on 1.2 private acres with sweeping Atlantic Ocean views. Situated in one of the most coveted stretches along the Jersey Shore, this double-gated and expertly hedged property offers rare seclusion while placing you moments from the charming communities of Bay Head, Point Pleasant Beach, Lavallette, and the wider Mantoloking coastline. Perfectly positioned for luxury shore living or a high-end investment, this home embodies modern coastal elegance at its finest.

With 8 bedrooms, 7.5 baths, and over 5,400 sq ft of refined living space, the residence is designed for effortless hosting, relaxation, and year-round enjoyment. The open…

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Bay Head Events this Holiday Season | December 2025

Bay Head Christmas Walk – December 5, 2025

December in Bay Head, New Jersey brings classic coastal holiday charm, and the centerpiece of the season is the 43rd Annual Bay Head Christmas Walk on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5–9 PM. This festive evening features the community Christmas tree lighting at 6 PM, followed by pictures with Santa, live musical performances, open houses at local shops, and plenty of seasonal treats. Visitors can also enjoy the Candy Cane Express train rides along Osborne and Bridge Avenue, a favorite tradition for families and kids.

Saturday Holiday Celebration – December 6, 2025

The holiday fun continues on Saturday, December 6, with a cheerful family morning throughout Bay Head. The Bay Head Fire House and Bridge…

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Does a Government Shutdown Slow Down the Housing Market?

There’s been a lot of discussion recently about how a government shutdown could affect the housing market. Many homeowners and buyers are wondering if it means everything comes to a standstill.

In reality, the answer is no.

Even during a government shutdown, the housing market keeps moving. Homes in Bay Head, Mantoloking, Point Pleasant Beach, and throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties continue to sell. Buyers are still submitting offers, sellers are still listing their homes, and closings continue to happen every day. While certain parts of the process can take a little longer, the overall market remains active.

What Usually Happens When the Government Shuts Down

When parts of the federal government close temporarily, certain agencies…

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Great Investment Opportunity to Invest in Real Estate in Mantoloking

If you’ve been waiting for the right home to come to market in Mantoloking, this is it. Located on the highly desirable Barnegat Lane, this beautifully designed four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath residence offers timeless coastal charm, modern comforts, and exceptional investment potential.

Just across from the bay, the property features a large backyard with room for a pool, providing the perfect outdoor space for summer gatherings or relaxing evenings under the stars. Inside, the home is equally impressive, thoughtfully designed for both entertaining and everyday living.

A classic front porch welcomes you into a gracious foyer that opens to a formal dining room and a spacious living room with a cozy fireplace. The first-floor family room—part of…

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Winterizing Your Shore Home: How to Prepare for the Colder Months in Bay Head & Mantoloking

As the leaves fall and temperatures drop along the Jersey Shore, it’s time for homeowners in Bay Head and Mantoloking to think about winterizing their coastal properties. Whether your home is a year-round residence or a seasonal getaway, taking a few preventative steps now can help protect your investment from the harsh winter weather and ensure everything is ready when spring returns.

1. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Water Lines

Frozen pipes are one of the most common (and costly) winter issues. Be sure to shut off your water valves and drain graden hoses, outdoor showers, and irrigation systems. For homes that will be vacant during the winter, consider having a plumber professionally winterize your plumbing to avoid burst pipes.

2. Check for…

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Mortgage Rates Are Finally Starting To Fall – But Will It Last?

If you’ve been waiting for mortgage rates to drop before buying your dream home along the Jersey Shore, there’s finally some good news. Rates have begun to ease — and experts predict there’s room for them to come down even more over the next year.

But how far will they go? And what’s driving this shift? To answer that, we need to look at one key indicator: the 10 year Treasury yield. 

The Connection Between Mortgage Rates and the 10-Year Treasury Yield

For over 50 years, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has closely followed the movement of the 10-year Treasury yield — a benchmark for long-term interest rates.

When the Treasury yield rises, mortgage rates typically follow. And when it falls, mortgage rates tend to decline as well.…

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Why Now Is the Right Time to Buy a Home in Monmouth County Before the Opening of Netflix Studios

Big things are happening in Monmouth County—and the buzz is only going to get louder. With Netflix Studios already under construction in Fort Monmouth and expected to open in 2028, our area is set for incredible growth. Once the studios are complete, thousands of jobs will follow, bringing more people who will be looking for homes in Red Bank, Middletown, Eatontown, and across Monmouth County.

Get Ahead of the Demand

When a major company like Netflix moves in, the real estate market reacts quickly. Families relocating for work and investors looking for opportunities will all be searching for the same thing: homes. Buying now in areas like Red Bank, Rumson, or Middletown gives you a head start before prices inevitably rise.

Inventory Is Already…

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Mortgage Rates See Biggest Drop in Over a Year – What It Means for Monmouth & Ocean County Buyers

If you’ve been waiting for mortgage rates to finally come down, the moment you’ve been hoping for may be here. On Friday, September 5th, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to its lowest level since October 2024—the largest one-day decline in more than a year.

For buyers across Monmouth County, Ocean County, and the Jersey Shore, this shift could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to make your move on a coastal home, luxury property, or investment real estate.

Why Did Mortgage Rates Drop?

According to Mortgage News Daily, the dip came in response to the August jobs report, which was weaker than expected for the second straight month. That signaled a cooling economy, and financial markets reacted quickly. As uncertainty…

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