When people ask me, “Lisa, what really drives someone’s decision to buy or sell in Portland right now?” my answer always comes back to three interlinked forces: property taxes, cost of living, and local quality of life. Here’s how each factor is shifting behavior — and what that means for buyers, se

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting milestones, and if you’re gearing up to close on a property in 2025, you might be wondering what’s changed—and what’s stayed the same—about the home closing process. Let’s walk through what you can expect, step by step, so you can approach your big day wi

Buying a home is a thrilling adventure, but it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and overlook the details that matter most. That’s where a thorough home inspection comes in! Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, knowing what to look for during a home inspection can save y

When you’re ready to start your home buying journey, you’ll likely hear two terms tossed around: pre-qualification and pre-approval. While they sound similar, they play very different roles in the process—and knowing the difference can give you an edge in today’s competitive market. What is Pre-Qual

When you picture buying a home, what’s the first number that pops into your head for a down payment? If you’re like many people, you might think of the classic “20% rule.” But in today’s ever-changing real estate market, that number isn’t set in stone—and it might surprise you how flexible things ca

  Timing the real estate market is one of the most common questions I hear: “Should I buy or sell now, or wait for seasonal advantages?” The truth is, the answer depends on your goals, your property type, and your timeline. Here’s how the Portland real estate market typically flows and what it means

If you’re buying or selling a home in Portland, Oregon, you’ve probably heard about the August 2024 NAR settlementand how it affects Realtor fees. The changes are designed to increase transparency, clarify compensation, and give both buyers and sellers more control. But what does this really mean fo

Is It a Good Time to Invest in Portland Real Estate? Portland continues to attract buyers for its strong job market, universities, and quality of life. But is now the right time to invest? Why Investors Are Saying Yes: Steady rental demand – Students, young professionals, and families keep vacancy r

What Are the Closing Costs in Oregon, and Who Pays Them? Closing costs are one of the most common surprises in a real estate transaction. In Oregon, buyers typically pay 2–4% of the purchase price in closing costs, while sellers pay agent commissions and some title fees. Buyer Closing Costs May Incl

Portland’s real estate market continues to shift with interest rates, demand, and neighborhood growth. As of 2025, the median home price in Portland sits around $500,000–$525,000 (exact numbers change monthly depending on RMLS reports). For Buyers:The median price matters because it helps set expect

What Is the Median Sale Price in Portland? As of July 2025, the median sale price for all home types in Portland, Oregon, was approximately $545,000, marking a 4.8% increase year‑over‑year. Realtor+9Redfin+9Realtor+9 To provide additional perspective using other trusted sources: Zillow reports a med

Is it Currently a Good Time to Invest in Real Estate in Portland, Given Market Conditions? Portland’s real estate market continues to attract attention from investors—whether they’re seasoned buyers or first-timers looking to diversify their portfolio. But the big question remains: is now a good tim

What is a Stratified Market? In real estate, we often hear the term “stratified market”—but what does it really mean, and why should Portland buyers and sellers care? A stratified market describes conditions where the real estate market behaves differently depending on the price point, property type

How Many Homes Should I View Before Buying One? One of the most common questions buyers ask when starting their home search is, “How many homes should I see before making an offer?” The truth is, there’s no magic number. Every buyer’s journey is different, but there are a few guidelines that can hel

What If My Offer Is Rejected? Making an offer on a home in Portland can be exciting—and a little nerve-wracking. You’ve found a place that feels like “the one,” submitted a competitive offer, and then… it’s rejected. Now what? First, don’t panic. Rejection is common in today’s real estate market, es

Should I Order a Home Inspection? If you’re buying a home in Portland, one of the most important questions you’ll face is: Should I order a home inspection? The short answer is yes—and here’s why. A home inspection is like a full health check-up for the property. It provides you with an unbiased, pr

Do I Need to Do a Final Walk-Through Before Closing? If you’re buying a home in Portland—or anywhere in Oregon—you might be wondering: Do I really need to do a final walk-through? The short answer is yes. The final walk-through isn’t just a formality; it’s your last chance to make sure the home you’

How Would You Market My House for Sale? One of the first questions sellers in Portland ask me is, “How will you market my home?” It’s a smart question—because in today’s housing market, simply putting a property on the MLS isn’t enough. A strong, strategic marketing plan ensures your home stands out

What Are Closing Costs and Who Pays Them? When buying or selling a home in Portland, the purchase price isn’t the only financial factor to consider. Closing costs play a big role in the transaction, and understanding them upfront helps avoid surprises on closing day. What Are Closing Costs?Closing c

How Do I Choose the Right Real Estate Agent? Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make—and the right Realtor can make all the difference. But with so many agents in Portland, how do you know who’s the best fit for you? Here are the key things to consider when cho