Clayton & Clayton Real Estate Blog - Information for Home Sellers | Clayton & Clayton Realtors

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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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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Clayton & Clayton Realtors is Bay Head’s Oldest Real Estate Firm: 95 Years of Excellence

At Clayton & Clayton Realtors, we are proud to celebrate 95 years of dedicated service to the Bay Head and Mantoloking communities. As the oldest real estate firm in Bay Head, our legacy stretches back generations, offering unmatched expertise and personalized care to buyers and sellers along the Jersey Shore.

Clayton & Clayton was founded by Stanley Clayton, and the firm has now reached its fifth generation of family leadership. Today, Broker Shawn Clayton brings over 35 years of experience in the coastal real estate market, combining deep local knowledge with a proven track record in helping clients buy and sell luxury waterfront properties along the Jersey Shore.

For almost a century, we have been specializing in waterfront properties along…

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Bay Head to South Mantoloking Market Update: A Stronger Summer Market in 2025

As we settle into mid-July, it’s clear that the real estate market from Bay Head to South Mantoloking is having another standout season. From increased buyer activity to a higher volume of quality listings, 2025 is off to a solid and encouraging start.

Whether you're considering making a move or just love keeping tabs on the local market, here’s a look at what’s been happening so far this year.

Buyer Confidence Is High

So far in 2025, 26 homes have sold along the Bay Head–South Mantoloking stretch, with a total sales volume of more than $58.5 million. Homes are selling in an average of just 59 days, and buyers are paying close to full asking price—on average, 95.78% of list.

That strong list-to-sale ratio is a great indicator that…

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Is It Still a Good Time To Sell? Yes – And Here’s Why

 If you’ve seen the headlines lately, you might be wondering: “Is now really the right time to sell?” It’s a fair question, especially when the news says home sales are down compared to last year. But let’s put things into perspective.

Yes, the market has cooled from the red-hot frenzy we saw a few years ago — but that’s not a reason to hit pause. In fact, it’s a sign that we’re returning to a more normal and sustainable pace. And “normal” doesn’t mean “nothing’s happening.” Far from it.

Homes Are Still Selling – Every Minute

Let’s look at the numbers. According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the market is on pace to sell over 4 million homes this year (excluding new construction).

That breaks down to:

…

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More Homes Are Hitting the Market — What That Means for Buyers and Sellers at Jersey Shore

After years of tight inventory and fierce competition, we’re finally seeing a shift in the housing market — and it’s good news for buyers.

Nationally, the number of homes for sale is on the rise, giving more people the chance to find a home they truly love. While the pace of that growth varies depending on where you live, the trend is clear: options are improving. And here in Bay Head, Mantoloking, and throughout Ocean County, that shift is beginning to take hold — just at a more gradual pace.

A National Surge in Inventory

Across all regions of the country, inventory has increased year-over-year. According to recent data from Realtor.com, every region has seen at least a 19% jump in homes for sale, with the West leading at nearly 41%. Two key…

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If the Price Isn’t Right, It’s Not Selling — Even in Bay Head and Mantoloking

Buyers are active in the market, especially along the Jersey Shore, but they’re also more selective than ever. That means pricing your home right from the start is critical — even in sought-after coastal communities like Bay Head and Mantoloking.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Recent national data shows price cuts are on the rise, returning to more “normal” pre-pandemic levels. In fact, this March saw over 300,000 listings across the country with price reductions — a clear sign that many homes are missing the mark on pricing.

Even in premium markets like along the shore like Bay Head, Mantoloking, and Spring Lake homes that are not priced appropriately are sitting on the market longer and requiring adjustments.

Why Does This Happen?

Here are a…

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Why April 13–19 Is the Best Week to Sell Your Home in New Jersey

If selling your house is on your to-do list this year, now is the time to start preparing. According to a recent Realtor.com study analyzing years of housing market trends, the best week to list your home in 2025 is rapidly approaching—April 13–19.

Why This Week Stands Out for Sellers

Spring is traditionally the busiest season for real estate, and this specific week is expected to offer significant advantages. Realtor.com states:

"...we’ve identified April 13–19 as the best week to list for sellers ... a seller listing a well-priced, move-in ready home is likely to find success. Because spring is generally the high season for real estate activity and buyers are more plentiful earlier rather than later in the year, listing earlier in the…

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Asbury Park's Newest Developments: Modern Luxury Meets Coastal Charm | Clayton & Clayton Realtors

Asbury Park, a historic and vibrant town on the Jersey Shore, is seeing exciting new developments that are transforming the area while preserving its unique character. Major builders like Pulte Homes, Toll Brothers, and Hovanian are bringing fresh, modern living spaces to the iconic beach town, with an emphasis on luxury, convenience, and style. But what sets these new projects apart from typical coastal developments? Let’s take a closer look at what makes these properties stand out and why Asbury Park remains one of the most desirable places to live along the Jersey Shore.

The New Builders: Pulte Homes, Toll Brothers, and Hovnanian

Three major builders—Pulte Homes, Toll Brothers, and Hovnanian—are bringing their expertise to Asbury Park. Known…

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Why Buying or Selling a Home in the Winter Could Be a Smart Move | Clayton & Clayton Realtors

The real estate market during winter might seem quieter, but it offers distinct advantages for both buyers and sellers. Whether you’re considering purchasing a home or putting your property on the market, this season provides unique opportunities to achieve your goals.

For Buyers: Why Winter Is an Advantage

1. Motivated Sellers
   Many sellers in the winter are eager to close deals, whether due to job relocations, financial considerations, or personal timelines. This can give buyers an edge when negotiating on price, closing costs, or repairs.

2. Tailored Opportunities
   While popular properties may still spark bidding wars, winter can offer a chance to find hidden gems in the market. Buyers willing to…

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