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

🏡 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.

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

Northeast Portland Neighborhoods      🏡 Portland’s Fastest-Selling Neighborhoods in 2025: Buckman, Concordia & Sabin Homes in these Portland neighborhoods are going pending in under a week. Here’s what that means for buyers and sellers in today’s fast-moving market 📍 The Trend: Homes Selling in 5–

Curious about what’s really happening in Portland’s real estate market? 🏡 Get the latest market insights, a quick educational video, and local highlights—all in one place! Whether you're buying or selling, this monthly update is made just for you.   Click to stay informed and confident in your next

Homelessness is a growing concern in Portland , and its impact on the real estate market is multifaceted. For buyers and sellers, the presence of homelessness can significantly influence decision-making processes. Buyers may be hesitant to invest in properties located in neighborhoods with visible h