Are You Still Pricing Like It’s 2021? What Portland Sellers Need to Know in 2025

In 2021, it felt like you could list your home on a Tuesday and have five offers by Friday—often above asking, with waived contingencies. Fast-forward to 2025, and that market is long gone. Yet many Portland homeowners are still pricing their homes as if they’re in that same frenzied market.

If your home isn’t selling, it may be time to ask: are you pricing for today’s market—or holding onto the past?

Let’s break down what’s changed, why it matters, and how you can still get top dollar by pricing smart and staying ahead of the curve.

🧠 “So What?” — Why This Blog Matters to You

Mispricing your home in today’s market isn’t just a small mistake—it can cost you thousands in price reductions, missed buyers, and wasted time. I help sellers navigate this shift using up-to-date market data, strategic pricing, and powerful marketing that reflects the current market—not 2021 headlines.

📉 Today’s Portland Market: A Different Landscape

• 🏘️ Inventory is up: Portland had 6,679 active listings in May 2025 (compared to 5,420 last year), giving buyers more choices.

• 🕒 Homes are sitting longer: The average days on market is 43–44, a big change from the 10–14 day averages of 2021.

• 💰 Concessions are common: 64% of Portland sellers are offering buyer incentives, like closing cost assistance, inspection credits, or interest rate buydowns.

• 📉 More than 1 in 4 homes have price reductions: 28.7% of homes statewide are seeing price drops after going live.

🚫 What Doesn’t Work Anymore

Many sellers still start too high, hoping to “test the market.” But here’s the problem:
Overpriced homes sit. And once a home lingers, buyers assume something’s wrong—or wait for a price drop.

“Some sellers are holding onto 2021 prices, but with 64% offering concessions, it’s time to price realistically.”
— Grok AI Market Update (via X)

✅ What Works Now: Price Strategically from the Start

This is not a doom-and-gloom market. Homes are selling—when they’re priced right.

Here’s how I help my clients succeed in today’s market:

📊 Real-Time Pricing Strategy

I use up-to-date RMLS data to identify exactly where your home sits in today’s market—not last year’s. Together, we’ll look at price per square foot, buyer activity, and current neighborhood trends so your list price attracts attention—not crickets.

🛋️ Thoughtful Presentation

Even light staging or decluttering can significantly boost your listing’s first impression. Buyers have options now—they’re choosing homes that show well online and in person.

💵 Strategic Concessions

Offering the right incentives—like rate buydowns or minor repairs—can help close the deal without a full price cut. I’ll guide you on what buyers in your price range are responding to.

🧠 Experience + Data

I combine expert negotiation with real Portland market insights. That means you’re not guessing—you’re making smart, confident decisions.

💬 Real-World Example

“A seller I recently worked with initially wanted to list at $750K based on a 2021 appraisal. After reviewing the comps, we listed at $719K, included a $5K rate buydown, and had an offer in 8 days. Pricing right doesn’t mean leaving money on the table—it means staying in the game.”

💡 “So What?” Takeaway

You can’t control interest rates or market cycles—but you can control how you position your home. In 2025, success is all about timing, data, and strategy—not wishful pricing.

📞 Let’s Price It Right, Together

Wondering what your home is really worth in 2025? Let’s chat. I’ll prepare a pricing strategy backed by local data, market psychology, and a plan to help you stand out.

📍 Serving Portland, Oregon buyers and sellers since 2006
📞 Call or text Lisa Mehlhoff at 503.490.4888

🌐 lisamehlhoffhomes-portlandrealtor.com