Agent Roberta Baldwin says that with Essex County, New Jersey's close proximity to New York City, demand for homes continues to be strong.

Low inventory in towns like popular Montclair continues to defy national trends, she says, with the most attractive right-priced homes still "flying" off the market in a week or two.

But buyers willing to purchase a diamond in the rough have more opportunity than in the past, when those properties are priced to sell.

Maplewood, another popular Essex County destination with a large inventory of smaller homes, has seen a market slowdown as first-time homebuyers struggle to obtain mortgages, Baldwin says.

But, in general, the "train towns" of Montclair, Maplewood, South Orange and Millburn/Short Hills, with thriving downtown sections and good schools, have shown remarkable resilience this quarter.

So what's the future look like for Essex County?

Baldwin thinks there will be additional stabilization of the local marketplace, especially in areas with limited access to train transportation to New York City.

And since today's housing marketplace is a beauty contest, homeowners who haven't made the requisite updates inside and outside, will find the going much tougher.

For more information, contact Roberta Baldwin at:
http://www.NJDreamHouses.com/.

Published: April 14, 2008

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