Tag: Interest Rates 2024

Portland Market Update Mid-September 2024

Posted on by Kyle Gordon



Find out what’s happening in the Portland real estate market for Mid-September 2024.

 


Hi, I’m Kyle Gordon, professional Broker and amateur drummer with Living Room Realty here to tell you what you need to know about the market for mid September 2024.


Inventory & Stats

In the Portland-metro market, we currently have 3 Months Supply of Inventory, meaning that based on the current rate of sales, it would take 3 months to sell all the homes on the market.

This is an increase from July’s 2.8 months of supply. Historically, it’s normal to see an increase in this metric as we exit summer and enter fall, but it’s noteworthy that we have seen an increase in supply when compared to this time last year. 

Digging into this further, new listings have decreased 8.1% compared to last month, and decreased 8.7% compared to August of last year. This downward trend also continues when looking at closed sales numbers – currently down 5.7% from last month and 9.2% from last year.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom for sellers – both average and median home sale values are up compared to August of last year – 2.1 and 3.5% respectively.

 


So What Does This Mean?

The number of homes hitting the market in August were down year-over-year, the number of homes sold were also down, and existing homes on the market are sticking around a little longer.

However, when we ​​compare the first eight months of 2024 to the same period in 2023, new listings have actually increased 1.4%, while both pending and closed sales decreased slightly.

So for buyers, this means you likely have more choices. Both in homes to consider and in how you choose to structure your offers.

For sellers, this means you’ll want to consider taking extra steps to prepare your home ahead of listing so that it stands out to home shoppers in this slightly more balanced market.


Looking Ahead

Adding to this, many signs are pointing to a mortgage rate decrease in the months ahead, so it’ll be interesting to see if we have a typical, slightly sleepy fall, or if we see a rush of buyers entering the market due to the increased affordability of loans.  

My prediction is that we’ll see more buyers enter the market, but not a noticeable change in listing inventory, resulting in more competition amongst buyers.

So if you’re on the fence on whether you should jump into the home-buying pool now or later, it may benefit you to go ahead and start taking steps now, as it will take some time to get your ducks in a row. 

For all you potential sellers out there, similarly keep in mind that preparing your home to list takes time – sometimes as much as a few months depending on your to-do list. Start a conversation with a trusted broker early in your process and get expert advice on where your time and money will be best spent.

 

Make A Move

If you’re ready to make a move, call us today, we would love to help you find your next Living Room. 

Portland Market Update Mid-June 2024

Posted on by Jessica Ward

Find out what’s happening in the Portland real estate market for Mid-June 2024.

 

Hi, I’m Jessica Ward, licensed real estate agent in Oregon and Washington with Living Room Realty, here to tell you what you need to know about the market for mid-June 2024.

With summer fast approaching, kids enjoying their break from school, and temperatures on the rise, it’s the perfect time to explore the latest trends and changes in the housing market. Let’s dive into what’s happening in the real estate market this season.

 

Let’s Look At The Numbers

As of this week, the median list price in Portland sits at $695,000, which is pretty spot on with this time last year which was $699.000.

The market action index, which we use as a snapshot of supply, demand, and overall market competitiveness currently indicates a balanced market at 49. This figure closely mirrors last year’s market action index of 55, showing that the market is becoming MORE balanced for both buyers AND sellers.

In the last few weeks the market has achieved a relative stasis point in terms of sales to inventory. However, inventory is low enough to keep us in the Seller’s Market zone so watch for changes in the MAI. If the market heats up, prices are likely to resume an upward climb.

 

What About Interest Rates?

If you have been waiting for rates to fall, here’s what you need to know… the feds latest forecast, which came out this week, is for one rate cut before the end of the year. Which is down from a previous forecast of three. Inflation, despite having cooled in the past two months, remains persistently elevated. The officials’ rate-cut forecast reflects the individual estimates of 19 policymakers. The Fed said eight of the officials projected two rate cuts. Seven projected one cut. Four of the policymakers envisioned no cuts at all this year. So it will be interesting to see where we actually land by the end of 2024.

 

Make A Move

Living Room Realty is committed to connecting you with as much information to help you make an informed decision. If you’re ready to make a move, give us a call today. We’d love to help YOU find your next Living Room.

 

Navigating the February 2024 Portland Real Estate Market: Insights and Opportunities

Posted on by Will Sing

Understanding Interest Rates and Economic Trends

Interest rates have captured everyone’s attention. As we step into February 2024, they have found some stability in the low seven percent range after a recent dip. This situation mirrors strong economic signs, particularly impressive job reports surpassing expectations. The Federal Reserve is closely monitoring inflation, maintaining core inflation around 3.9% and overall inflation at 3.1%. They plan to keep rates high to gently push inflation down, anticipating significant rate reductions in the next six to nine months.

Exploring Portland’s Housing Dynamics

In Portland, a significant 41.8% of homes sell within two weeks of listing, signaling a market rebound. Yet, the time homes stay on the market can vary widely by neighborhood, from 35 to 109 days. This variation points to a divided market where in-demand properties sell fast, while others linger longer. Currently, the market is becoming more balanced, with about 3.2 months of inventory available. For a shift to a buyer’s market, inventory levels would need to increase to about 6 months. Expected price growth should align with the historical average of 3-5% per year.

Advice for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors

For Buyers: Look into properties needing some TLC or those on the market for over 30 days to find potential bargains and appreciation opportunities. If you’re eyeing move-in-ready homes, brace for competition and ensure your financing is solid.

For Sellers: Preparing your home and having all documents ready can significantly impact your sale. Condo and townhouse sellers might face longer selling times, requiring adjusted expectations and pricing strategies.

For Investors and House Hackers: The competition for multifamily properties has intensified, with fewer listings and deals last year. Hone your deal analysis skills to spot and capitalize on the sparse opportunities, including negotiating better terms or considering seller financing.

Looking Forward

Portland’s real estate market remains robust, offering diverse opportunities. Success will depend on strategic planning and adaptability. Whether you’re evaluating your options or navigating market challenges, building a strong financial base and exploring various strategies can guide you.

If you’re planning your next move in Portland’s real estate scene, I’m ready to offer insights and tailored advice. For a comprehensive analysis of current trends or to discuss your specific needs, watch my detailed update here. Together, we can identify the best strategies for your real estate ambitions.

Thank you for tuning into this market update. Your real estate journey is personal, and I’m committed to supporting you at every step. For a personalized consultation, schedule a meeting with me here.