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Mt. Hood Real Estate Blog

Liz Warren

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Displaying blog entries 161-170 of 1848

What Sellers Should Know about Mt. Hood Home Prices

by Liz Warren

What Every Seller Should Know About Mt. Hood Home Prices

Mt Hood property at Cooper Spur in Oregon
 

If you’re trying to decide whether or not to sell your house, recent headlines about home prices may be top of mind. And if those stories have you wondering what that means for your home’s value, here’s what you really need to know.

What’s Really Happening with Home Prices?

It’s possible you’ve seen news stories mentioning a drop in home values or home price depreciation, but it’s important to remember those headlines are designed to make a big impression in just a few words. But what headlines aren’t always great at is painting the full picture.

While home prices are down slightly month-over-month in some markets, it’s also true that home values are up nationally on a year-over-year basis. The graph below uses the latest data from S&P Case-Shiller to help tell the story of what’s actually happening in the housing market today:

What Every Seller Should Know About Home Prices | MyKCM

As the graph shows, it’s true home price growth has moderated in recent months (shown in green) as buyer demand has pulled back in response to higher mortgage rates. This is what the headlines are drawing attention to today.

But what’s important to notice is the bigger, longer-term picture. While home price growth is moderating month-over-month, the percent of appreciation year-over-year is still well above the home price change we saw during more normal years in the market.

The bars for January 2019 through mid-2020 show home price appreciation around 3-4% a year was more typical (see bars for January 2019 through mid-2020). But even the latest data for this year shows prices have still climbed by roughly 10% over last year.

What Does This Mean for Your Home’s Equity?

While you may not be able to capitalize on the 20% appreciation we saw in early 2022, in most markets your home’s value, on average, is up 10% over last year – and a 10% gain is still dramatic compared to a more normal level of appreciation (3-4%).

The big takeaway? Don’t let the headlines get in the way of your plans to sell. Over the past two years alone, you’ve likely gained a substantial amount of equity in your home as home prices climbed. Even though home price moderation will vary by market moving forward, you can still use the boost your equity got to help power your move.

As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First Americansays:

Potential home sellers gained significant amounts of equity over the pandemic, so even as affordability-constrained buyer demand spurs price declines in some markets, potential sellers are unlikely to lose all that they have gained.”

Bottom Line

If you have questions about home prices or how much equity you have in your current home, let’s connect so you have an expert’s advice.

What's Going on With Home Prices?

by Liz Warren

What’s Going on with Home Prices? Ask a Professional.

What’s Going on with Home Prices? Ask a Professional. | MyKCM
 

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home this year, you may have questions about what’s happening with home prices today as the market cools. In the simplest sense, nationally, experts don’t expect prices to come crashing down, but the level of home price moderation will depend on factors like supply and demand in each local market.

That means, moving forward, home price appreciation will continue to vary by location, with more significant changes happening in overheated areas. Here’s a quick snapshot of what the experts are saying:

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.comsays:

“The major question on the minds of homeowners and aspiring buyers alike is what will happen to home prices. . . Soaring prices were propelled by all-time low mortgage rates which are a thing of the past. As a result, home price growth is expected to continue slowing, dipping below its pre-pandemic average to 5.4% for 2023, as a whole.

Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First Americansays:

“House price appreciation has slowed in all 50 markets we track, but the deceleration is generally more dramatic in areas that experienced the strongest peak appreciation rates.”

Taylor Marr, Deputy Chief Economist at Redfin, says:

“For those bearish folks eagerly awaiting the home price crash, you'll have to keep waiting. As much as demand is pulling back supply is as well reducing downward pressure on prices in the short run.”

John Paulson, Founder of Paulson & Co., says:

“It’s true – housing may be a little frothy. So housing prices may come down or they may plateau . . .”

What Does This Mean for You?

The best way to get the answers you need is to lean on a local real estate advisor. They’ll be able to explain the latest trends in your specific market so you can make a confident and informed decision on your next step toward buying or selling a home.

Bottom Line

If you have questions about what’s happening with home prices today, let’s connect so you have the latest on our local market.

Government Camp Growth Article

by Liz Warren

Here is a link to Portland Monthly magazine's recent article on

Government Camp growth on Mt. Hood. It includes the challenges of traffic,

the Timberline gondola and housing issues on Mt. Hood.

 

 

                    Inside Government Camp’s Growth Spurt

 

Rental Rates Since 1988

by Liz Warren

If you're debating renting for another year or buying a home, consider this. Rental prices have been skyrocketing for years. Buying a home with a fixed-rate mortgage gives you the opportunity to stabilize your monthly housing costs. DM me today so we can discuss how home buying could be the alternative you’re looking for.

         Rental Rates Average on Mt. Hood since 1988

Five Reasons to Sell Your Mt. Hood Home or Cabin This Winter

by Liz Warren

         

What Buyers Need to Know About the Inventory

by Liz Warren

What Buyers Need To Know About the Inventory of Homes Available for Sale on Mt. Hood

What Buyers Need To Know About the Inventory of Homes Available for Sale | MyKCM
 

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’re likely trying to juggle your needs, current mortgage rates, home prices, your schedule, and more to try to decide if you want to jump into the market.

If this sounds like you, here’s one key factor that could help you with your decision: there are more homes for sale today than there were at this time last year. According to Calculated Risk, for the week ending in November 18th, there were 47.7% more homes available for sale than there were at the same time in 2021. And having more options for your home search may be exactly what you need to feel confident about making a move.

Here’s a look at where the increased housing supply is coming from so you can get a better sense of what’s happening in the market today and what it means for you.

What Caused the Growth in Housing Inventory This Year?

The increase we’ve seen in housing supply this year isn’t from the source you think it is. Rather than an influx of recent homeowners listing their houses for sale (known as new listings), the primary reason the supply has grown is because homes are staying on the market a bit longer (known as active listings).

That’s happening because higher mortgage rates and home prices have helped moderate the peak frenzy of buyer demand, which has slowed down the pace of sales. And, as the pace of sales has eased, inventory has grown as a result.

The graph below uses data from realtor.com to show that it’s active listings, not new listings, that have driven the growth we’ve seen over the past few months:

What Buyers Need To Know About the Inventory of Homes Available for Sale | MyKCM

And while overall inventory gains may slow down this winter due to typical housing market seasonality, you still have a chance to capitalize on the current supply.

What This Means for Your Home Search

Regardless of the source, the increase in available housing supply is good for buyers. More homes available for sale means you have more options to choose from as you search for your next home, and you may even have more time to consider them.

So, if you tried to buy a home last year and lost out in a bidding war or just couldn’t find something you liked, this may be the news you’ve been waiting for. If you start your search today, those additional options should make it less difficult to find a home you love, especially as some other buyers pause their search this holiday season.

Just remember, housing supply is still low overall, so it won’t suddenly be easy – it’ll just be less challenging than it was at this time last year. As a recent article from realtor.com says:

“Despite this improvement in the number of homes actively for sale, active listings still lag their pre-pandemic levels.”

The increase in housing supply helps put you in a great position to kick off the new year in your dream home. And who better to help you find it than a trusted, local real estate professional?

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to jump into the housing market and see what’s available in our local area, let’s connect.

Christmas Tree Cutting on Mt. Hood

by Liz Warren

From our good friends in the Mt. Hood National Forest

 

 
Christmas tree permits now available
on Mt. Hood National Forest
 
Create memories and explore the forest while hunting for a Christmas tree this holiday season! Christmas tree permits for the Mt. Hood National Forest are available online at Recreation.govand in person through Dec. 31. Permits are $5 per tree with a limit of five permits per household.
 
Christmas tree permits are available for purchase online at Recreation.gov and must be printed to be valid. Recreation.gov charges an additional $2.50 service fee per order.
 
Finding and cutting a Christmas tree is a long-standing tradition and a way to spend time with loved ones on your national forest. 
 
“There’s just something special about cutting your own Christmas tree,” said Cara Lewis, Forester for Mt. Hood National Forest. “The Christmas tree program helps other trees grow larger and can open areas to provide food for wildlife. Not only does the permit system improve forest health, but it’s a fun way to get families outdoors and exploring their public lands.”
 
Tree cutting is prohibited along Highways 26, 35, 216, and 224; in designated Wildernesses; in the Bull Run and The Dalles Watersheds; Camp Baldwin; and areas closed to public entry
 
Christmas tree permits are also available in person at the following local businesses:
  • Estacada Ace Hardware: 310 SE Main St., Estacada. 503-630-3769
  • Estacada Tackle Shop, 210 SE Hwy 224, Estacada. 503-630-7424
  • Hood River Tum-A-Lum Lumber, 408 Hwy 35, Hood River. 541-386-1001
  • Sportsman’s Warehouse, 9401 SE 82nd Ave., Portland. 503-777-8700
  • Mt. Hood Village Market, 73265 Hwy 26, Rhododendron. 503-622-4652
  • Sandy Ace Heritage Hardware, 39181 Pioneer Blvd. #417, Sandy. 503-668-8731
  • The Dalles Tum-A-Lum Lumber, 240 Terminal Ave., The Dalles. 541-296-5414
  • Tygh Valley General Store, 57723 Tygh Valley Road, Tygh Valley. 541-483-2324
  • Wamic Market and Supply, 57016 Wamic Market Road, Wamic. 541-544-2333
  • Hoodland Thriftway, 68280 Hwy 26, Welches. 503-622-3244
  • Welches Mountain Building Supply, 67250 Hwy 26, Welches. 503-622-3000
 
Permits are also available at forest offices.
 
Clackamas River Ranger District
Monday- Friday, 8:00- 4:00
Saturday from Nov. 26 to Dec. 17, 8:00- 2:00
 
Zigzag Ranger District
Monday- Friday, 8:00- 4:00
Saturday & Sunday from Dec. 3 to Dec. 18, 8:00- 2:00
 
Barlow Ranger District
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:00- 4:30
 
Hood River Ranger District
Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays, 9:00- 3:30
 
Do you have a 4th-grader at home? All 4th-graders can receive one free Christmas tree permit at forest offices as part of the national Every Kid Outdoors initiative. For students to receive their free tree permit, they must present a 4th-grade recreation pass or a valid paper voucher, which can be printed at the Every Kid Outdoors website.
 
Remember, winter weather in the forest can change rapidly. Most forest roads are not maintained for winter driving. Forest staff recommend bringing traction devices and a shovel, extra food, drinking water, winter clothing, blankets, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget a tool, such as a hand saw, for cutting the tree and a rope or cord to secure it to vehicles. Tree cutting and travel may take longer than anticipated, so let someone know where you’re going and leave the woods well before dark.
 
 
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
 

Downpayment Concerns?

by Liz Warren

             

Should You Update Your House Before You Sell?

by Liz Warren

 

Should You Update Your House Before You Sell? Ask a Real Estate Professional. [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM
 

Some Highlights

  • You may be wondering what needs to be renovated before you sell your house. In today’s shifting market, making your house appealing is more important than ever.
  • That’s why it’s essential to lean on a real estate professional who has in-depth knowledge of today’s housing market. They know what buyers are looking for and how to highlight any upgrades you make.
  • Let’s connect so you know where to focus your efforts so your house will stand out in a today’s market.

Mt. Hood Inventory Sits at Two Months! Still a Seller's Market

by Liz Warren

Top Questions About Selling Your Home This Winter

Top Questions About Selling Your Home This Winter | MyKCM
 

There’s no denying the housing market is undergoing a shift this season, and that may leave you with some questions about whether it still makes sense to sell your house. Here are three of the top questions you may be asking – and the data that helps answer them – so you can make a confident decision.

1. Should I Wait To Sell?

Even though the supply of homes for sale has increased in 2022, inventory is still low overall. That means it’s still a sellers’ market. The graph below helps put the inventory growth into perspective. Using data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), it shows just how far off we are from flipping to a buyers’ market:

Top Questions About Selling Your Home This Winter | MyKCM

While buyers have regained some negotiation power as inventory has grown, you haven’t missed your window to sell. Your house could still stand out since inventory is low, especially if you list now while other sellers hold off until after the holiday rush and the start of the new year.

Check out local numbers for Mt. Hood! Only twenty eight properties currently for sale and a two month supply of inventory. It's a great time to have your property for sale on Mt. Hood. 

Summary chart of Mt. Hood inventory

2. Are Buyers Still Out There?

If you’re thinking of selling your house but are hesitant because you’re worried buyer demand has disappeared in the face of higher mortgage rates, know that isn’t the case for everyone. While demand has eased this year, millennials are still looking for homes. As an article in Forbes explains:

At about 80 million strong, millennials currently make up the largest share of homebuyers (43%) in the U.S., according to a recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) report. Simply due to their numbers and eagerness to become homeowners, this cohort is quite literally shaping the next frontier of the homebuying process. Once known as the ‘rent generation,’ millennials have proven to be savvy buyers who are quite nimble in their quest to own real estate. In fact, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say they are the key to the overall health and stability of the current housing industry.”

While the millennial generation has been dubbed the renter generation, that namesake may not be appropriate anymore. Millennials, the largest generation, are actually a significant driving force for buyer demand in the housing market today. If you’re wondering if buyers are still out there, know that there are still people who are searching for a home to buy today. And your house may be exactly what they’re looking for.

3. Can I Afford To Buy My Next Home?

If current market conditions have you worried about how you’ll afford your next move, consider this: you may have more equity in your current home than you realize.

Homeowners have gained significant equity over the past few years and that equity can make a big difference in the affordability equation, especially with mortgage rates higher now than they were last year. According to Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American:

“. . . homeowners, in aggregate, have historically high levels of home equity. For some of those equity-rich homeowners, that means moving and taking on a higher mortgage rate isn’t a huge deal—especially if they are moving to a more affordable city.” 

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling your house this season, let’s connect so you have the expert insights you need to make the best possible move today.

Displaying blog entries 161-170 of 1848

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Liz Warren
Merit Properties Group - Keller Williams Realty PDX Central
Box 131
Welches OR 97067
Direct: 503-705-3090