Fort Lee Market Pulse: What the Latest Moves Say About Values, Velocity & Opportunity

What are today’s market signals in Fort Lee and how should you interpret them as a seller, buyer, or investor?

After 32 years in Fort Lee real estate, you learn to read between the lines. This week’s activity paints a clear picture: capital is still backing infill multifamily projects, county values continue to climb despite interest rate turbulence, and the resale market is tight but solid for the right homes.

Let’s unpack what that means for you—and where the best opportunities lie.

Smart Money Backs Fort Lee Fundamentals

The recent trade of a 24-unit approved site on Center Ave confirms it: developers still believe in transit-rich, amenity-forward rentals near the GWB. That’s not just another deal—it’s a vote of confidence in Fort Lee’s core advantages:

• Jobs

• Connectivity

• School access

When capital flows into quality rental product, nearby condo values often benefit as lifestyle retail follows and renter demand grows.

Countywide Trends Mirror the Local Feel

Zillow’s latest data shows Bergen County home values up approximately 4–5% year over year. That echoes what I see daily across the kitchen table: well-prepared homes are still selling strong, but buyers are choosier—especially on condition and tax assessments.

Redfin’s Fort Lee snapshot reinforces the pattern:

• Prices are up

• Days-on-market are improving

• Closings are down

This is classic late-summer Bergen: tight inventory, urgent buyers in some pockets, and selective competition. In short—good homes move, borderline ones linger.

Opportunities to Watch Right Now

Here’s where I see actionable value based on the current pulse:

🏡 Sellers in Fort Lee, Leonia, and Tenafly

If your home is updated and walkable to transit or top schools, the window is open—but pricing discipline is critical.

• Price to the last best comp, not your wish price

• Pair your listing with a pre-inspection and light cosmetic tune-ups

• Aim to win the first two weekends on market

🧱 Developers & Small Landholders in Fort Lee Core

Have an entitled or near-entitled parcel? There’s demand for Bridge Plaza/Main Street corridor infill.

• Assemblage potential is high

• Explore density via redevelopment overlays

• Parking and resident amenities are key differentiators

🔄 Move-Up Buyers in Tenafly & Leonia

With fewer deals closing, you may have negotiation wiggle room on homes that need updates.

• Focus on lot size, layout, and school-zone streets

• Bring a contractor

• Lock a rate with a float-down option

📈 Investors & Landlords

Rental appetite remains strong near the GWB. Target:

• Newer buildings with modern finishes

• Covered parking

• Minimal concessions

• High renewal stick rates

Pulse & Pattern: A Selective Seller’s Market

Call it quiet strength. There’s no froth, but pricing is steady, and smart money is flowing into the multifamily space.

I’m advising clients to:

• Be decisive on A-tier homes

• Stay opportunistic on B-tier listings that need vision

Expect a selective seller’s market to continue into early fall, with condition and location doing the heavy lifting.

Ready to Make Your Move?

📅 Schedule a consultation today: tidycal.com/slselleck
📞 Call me directly: 201-970-3960