Could Your Home Equity Pay for Your Next Move? A Guide for Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Medford and Marlton Homeowners

Quick answer: If you've owned your home in Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Medford or Marlton for several years, you may have more equity than you think. Equity is your home's current market value minus what you still owe. After selling costs, that money can cover a down payment, help you make a cash offer, or let you right-size without a bigger mortgage.

Key Takeaways

• September 2026 median sold prices, per Realtor.com: Moorestown $686,000, Medford $630,000, Marlton (08053) $492,000 and Mount Laurel $341,250 (all home types).
• Monthly medians swing. Moorestown's September figure was about 27% below a year earlier, which reflects the mix of homes that sold that month, not a drop in values (Realtor.com).
• 27% of U.S. home sales in September 2026 were all-cash, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.
• Your usable equity is what's left after your mortgage payoff and selling costs, not your home's full value.

How Much Equity Do You Have?

Here's the basic formula:

Current market value − mortgage balance (and any home equity loans) − selling costs = equity you can use

Say your home would sell for $500,000 and you owe $150,000. That's $350,000 in gross equity. If selling costs total $35,000 (an illustrative figure; actual costs vary), you'd walk away with about $315,000 before any tax considerations.

Selling costs in New Jersey typically include brokerage fees, attorney fees, any repairs or credits, and the state's Realty Transfer Fee, which the seller pays (NJ Division of Taxation). The fastest way to get a real number is a free home value estimate based on recent sales near you.

What Are Homes Selling for in Your Town?

A note on Mount Laurel: its all-types median includes many townhomes and condos, which pulls it lower. Single-family homes there sell for considerably more. And because one month's median depends on which homes happened to sell, your own equity depends on your home, your street and recent comparable sales, not the town average.

How Can You Use Your Equity on Your Next Home?

1. Make a stronger offer. A larger down payment can lower your monthly payment and make your financing look stronger to a seller.

2. Compete with cash buyers, or become one. 27% of September 2026 home sales nationally were all-cash, according to NAR. If your equity covers most or all of your next purchase, you can make an offer without a financing contingency.

3. Right-size without a bigger mortgage. Moving from a larger Moorestown or Medford home to a smaller Mount Laurel or Marlton home can free up cash, lower your expenses, or let you avoid a new mortgage altogether.

4. Reduce your borrowing cost. In a higher-rate market, every dollar of equity you put down is a dollar you don't pay interest on. If you're weighing loan types, our post on adjustable-rate mortgages for South Jersey buyers breaks down the options.

Should You Sell First or Buy First?

That's the hardest part of a move-up or right-size plan. Selling first gives you a clear budget, but you may need temporary housing. Buying first avoids a double move, but you may need to carry two homes for a while. The right answer depends on your equity, your lender's guidelines and how fast homes in your price range are moving. We walk through both paths on our selling and buying pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate how much equity I have in my home? Subtract your mortgage balance and any home equity loans from your home's current market value. To estimate what you'd actually walk away with, also subtract selling costs.

How much does it cost to sell a house in New Jersey? It varies by price and situation. Common costs include brokerage fees, attorney fees, repairs or credits, and New Jersey's seller-paid Realty Transfer Fee. Ask for a net sheet based on your expected sale price.

What is the median home price in Moorestown, NJ? Realtor.com reported a September 2026 median sold price of $686,000 in Moorestown. Monthly medians can swing a lot, so look at recent comparable sales for your own home.

Can I use my home equity to buy my next home with cash? Yes, if your proceeds after the sale cover the purchase. Some buyers also use bridge financing or buy-before-you-sell programs. Talk to a lender about which options fit your situation.

What could your equity do for you?

Get a free home value estimate for your Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Medford or Marlton home, or talk with Stan and Jacki about planning your next move.