Is 2025 the Right Time to Downsize? What Bergen County Empty Nesters Should Know

For many Bergen County homeowners, 2025 may feel like the perfect moment to rethink your living situation. The kids are out of the house. The rooms you once needed might now sit unused. And the thought of maintaining a large home—physically and financially—might feel more like a burden than a blessing.

If you’ve been wondering whether downsizing makes sense, you’re not alone. The good news? Today’s market offers plenty of opportunities for empty nesters, along with some unique challenges. In this post, we’ll guide you through the key considerations, market conditions, and smart steps to make downsizing work for you in 2025.

🏡 Why Empty Nesters in Bergen County Are Downsizing in 2025

✅ You May Be Sitting on a Gold Mine of Equity

Over the last decade, Bergen County home values have appreciated significantly. Many longtime homeowners are now sitting on hundreds of thousands in home equity. Selling in today’s market could unlock:

• A more comfortable retirement fund

• Cash for travel, hobbies, or helping family

• The chance to buy a smaller home without a large mortgage

✅ Lifestyle Upgrades — Not Just Smaller Spaces

Downsizing isn’t about “settling.” It’s about choosing what fits your next chapter. Many of today’s empty nesters are trading traditional homes for:

• Walkable communities near Ridgewood, Wyckoff, or Allendale

• Low-maintenance townhomes or condos with first-floor primary suites

• Active adult (55+) communities with shared amenities like pools, fitness centers, and tennis courts

➡️ Explore our guide to 55+ communities in Bergen County

✅ Smarter, More Efficient Homes

Older homes tend to come with higher utility bills and ongoing maintenance. Downsizing into a newer or renovated home can mean:

• Better insulation and lower heating/cooling costs

• Built-in smart features like app-controlled lighting, thermostats, or security

• Less upkeep, more enjoyment

📊 What’s the 2025 Housing Market Like for Sellers in Bergen County?

📉 Inventory Is Shifting but Still Tight

While we've seen a slight increase in inventory this year, competition remains strong across Northern NJ. Homes that are priced and marketed well continue to sell quickly—especially in popular towns like Ridgewood and Glen Rock.

📈 Mortgage Rates Have Stabilized

After years of fluctuation, mortgage rates have leveled off in 2025. If you’re buying your next home outright with equity from your current one, this may not impact you. But if you’re planning to finance part of the purchase, talk to a lender early to lock in the best rate.

🏘️ Smaller Homes Are in High Demand

Here’s the catch: you’re not the only one looking to buy a smaller home. First-time buyers are also shopping in this category. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a trusted local real estate team who can help you buy and sell strategically.

➡️ Meet our experienced buyer and seller specialists

❓Where Will I Go After Selling My Home?

This is one of the most common questions we hear from downsizing clients in Bergen County. Fortunately, there are flexible solutions.

If you sell before finding your next home, you can:

• Negotiate a Use & Occupancy agreement, letting you stay in your home for a short time after closing

• Rent temporarily while shopping for the right home

• Use a bridge loan to buy before selling (ask us about how this works)

➡️ Let’s talk about your options

💡 Smart Downsizing Tips for 2025

🧹 Start Decluttering Early

The earlier you start editing your belongings, the easier your move will be. Focus on:

• Items you haven’t used in the past year

• Furniture too large for smaller spaces

• Sentimental items you can digitize or gift

Need help? We can recommend professional organizers who specialize in downsizing transitions.

🛠️ Think Long-Term, Not Just Right Now

Look for homes that offer aging-in-place features, even if you’re active and independent today:

• Single-level layouts

• Wider doorways

• Step-free entrances

• Low-maintenance landscaping

These small details make a big difference in comfort down the road.

✅ Frequently Asked Questions About Downsizing in Bergen County

“Is now really a good time to downsize in 2025?”

Yes—if you're ready. Home equity is strong, buyer demand remains high, and there are more options than ever tailored to downsizers and 55+ buyers.

“Can I afford to buy something else in Bergen County?”

That depends on your goals and financing. With smart planning, you can often afford a smaller, newer home outright—or close to it—using your home equity.

“What if I sell before finding a new home?”

We’ll help you plan around that. Negotiating extra time after closing, finding temporary housing, or exploring bridge financing are all options we regularly help clients navigate.

📞 Ready to Explore Your Next Chapter?

Downsizing isn’t just about square footage—it’s about freedom, flexibility, and future planning. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy condo, a place near your grandkids, or a maintenance-free lifestyle in a Ridgewood-area 55+ community, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s talk about your goals.

📞 Call us at 201-888-2900

📧 Email us at info@gowithgill.com

Or visit GoWithGill.com to get started.