What Are the Best Upgrades to Boost Home Value? If you’re thinking about selling your Portland home, you’ve probably wondered which upgrades will give you the best return on investment. Not all renovations are created equal—some add real value, while others may just drain your budget. Kitchen Update

How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment? One of the first questions Portland homebuyers ask is: “How much do I really need for a down payment?” The answer depends on your loan type, financial situation, and long-term goals. Traditional 20% Down PaymentFor years, buyers believed they had to put 20% dow

What Is the Difference Between Pre-Approval and Pre-Qualification? When you’re starting the home buying process in Portland, you’ll often hear the terms pre-qualification and pre-approval. While they sound similar, they carry very different weight when it comes to making an offer on a home. Pre-Qual

How Frequently and by Which Methods Do You Communicate with Your Real Estate Clients? Clear, consistent communication is the backbone of a successful real estate relationship—especially in Portland’s fast-moving housing market. When working with Lisa Mehlhoff Homes, Portland Realtor, you can expect

Home Prices Are Going Down. Should I Wait to Buy? When you hear that home prices are dropping in Portland, it’s natural to wonder if you should wait to buy. After all, no one wants to purchase a home only to see its value dip shortly after. But timing the real estate market is tricky—and waiting cou

What If I Sell My Home but I’m Not Able to Find a New One to Buy? Selling your Portland home can be exciting, but what happens if your property sells faster than you can find your next home? In today’s market, where desirable properties can move quickly, this is a common concern for sellers—especial

What’s the Initial Step in Purchasing a Home? The very first step in purchasing a home—especially in Portland’s competitive housing market—is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. While it might be tempting to start browsing homes online or touring open houses, knowing exactly how much you can afford

What Are My Options if My Offer Is Turned Down? Having your home offer turned down can feel disappointing, but in Portland’s competitive real estate market, it’s not uncommon—especially when multiple buyers are bidding on the same property. The good news is, you still have several options to move fo

Should I Sell My Current Home Before Buying a New One in Portland? By Lisa Mehlhoff Homes, Portland Realtor In Portland’s dynamic housing market, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is:“Should I sell my current home before buying my next one?” The answer depends on your financial comfort

How Do I Improve My Credit Score for a Mortgage? If you’re thinking about buying a home in Portland, Oregon, your credit score is one of the most important factors in securing a mortgage with favorable terms. A higher credit score can open the door to lower interest rates, better loan options, and p

What Are the Closing Costs Associated With Buying a Home in Portland? If you’re buying a home in Portland, Oregon, you’ve likely already budgeted for your down payment. But there’s another key piece of the puzzle that catches many buyers off guard—closing costs. These fees can add up to thousands of

What Is a Seller’s Market vs. a Buyer’s Market in Portland, Oregon? If you’re following the Portland real estate market, you’ve likely heard the terms seller’s market and buyer’s market. They sound simple — but understanding the difference can mean thousands of dollars in your pocket whether you’re

Should I Buy During a Seller’s Market in Portland, Oregon? If you’ve been following Portland’s housing updates, you’ve probably heard we’re in a seller’s market — where homes sell fast, often with multiple offers, and sometimes above asking price. For buyers, this can feel intimidating. The question

What Is a Buyer’s Market? And What It Means for Portland, Oregon Real Estate In real estate, market conditions shape everything — from how quickly homes sell to how much negotiating power you have. If you’ve been hearing the term “buyer’s market” and wondering what it means for you, you’re not alone

What Is a Seller’s Market? And Why It Matters If You’re Selling in Portland, Oregon If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Portland real estate market, you’ve probably heard the term “seller’s market.” But what does it actually mean — and, more importantly, why should you care if you’re thinking about

🏡 Are Mortgage Rates Dropping? What Portland Homebuyers Need to Know – August 2025 Update By Lisa Mehlhoff Homes, Portland Realtor If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home in Portland—or wondering whether interest rates are finally falling—this is the update you’ve been looking for.

🏡 Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home in Portland? Let’s Talk Affordability & Market Timing Let’s break down what’s really happening in the Portland market and what it means for you. ✅ Affordability Isn’t Just About the Price Tag Buying a home isn’t just about sticker price—it’s about your monthly pay

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

If you’ve been hearing whispers about new HOA laws shaking up the Portland condo market, you’re not imagining things. Recent changes—and some still in the works—are affecting how condos are bought, sold, and maintained across Oregon. As your trusted Portland real estate advisor, I’m here to break it

    If you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting for a better time to buy in Portland, this might be your moment. With rising inventory, more flexible sellers, and price stability, the Portland housing market in mid-2025 is looking more buyer-friendly than it has in years. But what does that real