Bergen County Single-Family Homes: How 2025 Performed and What 2026 Looks Like
As February gets underway, it’s a natural point to reflect on how the single-family home market performed last year and what buyers and sellers in Bergen County can realistically expect as 2026 unfolds.
A Market That Found Its Balance in 2025
The 2025 market was less about extremes and more about balance. Inventory remained tight in many towns, but buyer demand stayed steady, particularly for homes that were well priced, well presented, and located in strong school districts or commuter-friendly areas. While multiple-offer situations were still part of the landscape, they became more selective. Buyers were less inclined to stretch beyond value, and homes that missed the mark on pricing or condition took longer to sell.
Even with these shifts, the upper end of the market remained active. Local expertise proved critical in helping sellers position their homes correctly and guiding buyers through competitive situations. That was especially evident in the performance of Till Horkenbach and Kelly O'Brien, who closed over $40 million in real estate transactions in 2025. Their production ranked them among the top four agents at Keller Williams Village Square Realty and earned them the New Jersey Realtors® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® at the Gold level.
What the Circle of Excellence Award Really Means
The New Jersey Realtors® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® is one of the highest professional distinctions in the state. It is based entirely on verified production and recognizes agents who deliver consistent, high-level results over the course of a full calendar year.
Gold-level recognition places an agent among the top producers statewide, not just within their office or local market. In a year like 2025, when buyers were more analytical and sellers more value-conscious, earning this designation carried added significance. It reflected not only sales volume, but discipline, strategy, and adaptability in a changing market.
For Till and Kelly, the award reinforced what their numbers already showed. One of the most telling indicators was pricing performance. In 2025, their listings averaged 113% of list price, compared to the overall NJMLS average of approximately 101%. That difference speaks to accurate pricing, strong marketing, and skilled negotiation, all of which mattered more than ever in a market that no longer rewarded guesswork.
Combined with their transaction volume, top-four office ranking, and statewide recognition, their 2025 results set a clear benchmark heading into the new year.
What This Signals for 2026
Looking ahead, 2026 is expected to build on many of the patterns established last year, with greater clarity and stability. Interest rates are projected to remain relatively steady compared to the volatility of prior years, helping buyers plan with more confidence. Inventory may improve modestly, but Bergen County will continue to reward preparation and precision over timing alone.
For sellers, realistic pricing and strong presentation will be essential. Homes that are move-in ready and aligned with recent comparable sales should continue to draw solid interest. For buyers, patience and strategy will be key. The strongest opportunities will come from understanding neighborhood-level trends rather than relying on countywide averages.
The Bottom Line
2025 reaffirmed that Bergen County remains a resilient and desirable market for single-family homes, even as conditions normalize. With experienced professionals like Till Horkenbach and Kelly O’Brien guiding the way, buyers and sellers alike are well positioned to navigate what 2026 brings.
In this market, success doesn’t come from guessing. It comes from experience, preparation, and a clear understanding of what the numbers are truly saying.
