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Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 1994

$695,000

Still Creek Cabin

Mt. Hood Log Home on Still Creek

      Mt Hood Lodge on Still Creek     Still Creek in the Mt. Hood National Forest

                                                 Here's the link 

This turnkey Mt. Hood National Forest cedar log sided cabin on Still Creek comes along once in a blue moon. The mountain’s most popular waterfront location is a rare find. It comes fully furnished and completely updated to balance lodge like charm with modern amenities. Knotty cedar walls, vaulted ceilings, and wood beams in the great room highlight the river rock fireplace and walls of windows that showcase Still Creek views!The charming getaway has been remodeled and upgraded to perfection from the new metal roof, new flooring, new lighting, new windows, new electrical service and panels, new leather furniture, and new septic. Turn key and ready to go for summer and winter fun. Spread out and bring your friends. Plenty of parking too with two driveway entrances and half circular graveled driveway. There’s spacious room with three bedrooms, a hideaway kids loft plus two and a half baths. Bedrooms feature log beds with matching nightstands and new window treatments throughout. A huge deck off the great room is perfection for summer barbecues and stunning views of Still Creek and the forest. One big bonus is the easy access to the water for kid and dog friendly wading and swimming. The clearest waterway on the mountain makes watching the salmon spawn in the fall a treat. Comfort is guaranteed year-round with forced-air electric heat and a toe warming wood stove. Gas generator included in case the power happens to go out!Your Mt. Hood basecamp is the perfect spot to enjoy hiking, skiing and mountain biking. Only 15 minutes to the slopes. Mountain bike to Trillium Lake out your front door along with hiking trails too. Keep your mountain toys in the log sided outbuilding for easy storage. This super convenient location has two access roads off Highway 26 and is close to stores, coffee shops and restaurants. It’s a quick hour from Portland yet you feel a million miles away.

Many Mt. Hood Owners Delisted and Are Now Re-Listing

by Liz Warren

The #1 Reason Buyers Walk Away (And How To Get Ahead of It)



 

You may have seen headlines on social saying the number of buyers backing out of their contracts is on the rise – and has recently reached a high not seen since 2017. That can sound intimidating. But it varies a lot by market.

And here’s the key thing to understand if you want to sell. A lot of the time, there’s one common cause. And it’s something you can actually control.

Here’s what you can do to get ahead of the biggest dealbreaker before it ever becomes a problem.

The Top Dealbreaker: Issues That Pop Up During the Inspection

A Redfin survey shows over 70% of recently cancelled contracts happened because of issues during the home inspection (see graph below): 

a screenshot of a surveyAnd that makes sense. Because today’s buyers have something they didn’t have a couple of years ago: options.

Why Fixing Things Before You List Matters More Today

A few years back, when buyers felt rushed or boxed in due to the limited number of homes for sale, they were more willing to overlook issues.

But in today’s market, skipping essential repairs is one of the fastest ways to lose a deal.

Now that there are more homes to choose from, buyers can be more selective. If a house feels risky, outdated, or like it’s hiding expensive surprises, they’re a lot more likely to walk away. So, what do you have to fix? Just ask an agent.

How Your Agent Can Help Give You the Edge

A local agent will be able to walk through your house and offer advice on what to tackle based on your specific home, your market, and what buyers are prioritizing in your area. They'll also have first-hand knowledge about some of the biggest turnoffs for buyers today. And you can use that expertise to prevent future headaches.

For example, according to Zillow, these are some of the issues buyers will care the most about:

  • Roof leaks or damage: sagging, leaking, etc.
  • Plumbing problems: standing water, leaks, water damage, etc.
  • Electrical concerns: outdated or exposed wiring, missing GFCI outlets, etc.
  • HVAC issues: non-functioning units
  • Pest or insect damage: termite colonies, etc.
  • Hazardous materials: lead, mold, asbestos, etc.
  • Safety/code violations: missing smoke detectors, windows stuck closed, etc.
  • Structural problems: cracks in the foundation, sagging floors, etc.

 

Odds are not all of this even applies to your house. Maybe only 1-2 things do. Or maybe none of them do. It just depends. But an agent will have the tools and resources to help you figure it out and stay one step ahead.

The Benefits of a Pre-Listing Inspection

To buyers, these aren’t cosmetic issues. They’re trust issues. And that’s what you need to watch out for today. Once buyers start wondering “what else might be wrong,” it’s hard to recover momentum.

That’s why some agents are even recommending a pre-listing inspection as a sneak peek into what buyers will see on their own inspection. With that insight, you can:

  • Fix concerns before you list, or disclose issues upfront
  • Avoid having to respond or negotiate under pressure
  • Stop scrambling to find contractors with availability before your closing date

But remember, you don't have to fix everything. You just have to be strategic about what you do tackle, so you and your buyer aren’t caught off guard.

And that’s why you need an agent who can:

  • Decide if a pre-listing inspection is worth it where you live
  • Recommend a trusted inspector (if you decide to get one)
  • Look at the results with you to identify true dealbreakers in your market
  • Help you decide what to fix or what to credit
  • Make sure you avoid over-spending or under-preparing

Bottom Line

One of the biggest dealbreakers for buyers today is inspection issues – and that’s something you can control. You just need to be proactive about high-impact repairs before you list.

If you want help figuring out where to focus, let's connect so we can keep your sale on track from day one.

       

The #1 Reason Buyers Walk Away on Mt. Hood

by Liz Warren

The #1 Reason Buyers Walk Away (And How To Get Ahead of It)



 

You may have seen headlines on social saying the number of buyers backing out of their contracts is on the rise – and has recently reached a high not seen since 2017. That can sound intimidating. But it varies a lot by market.

And here’s the key thing to understand if you want to sell. A lot of the time, there’s one common cause. And it’s something you can actually control.

Here’s what you can do to get ahead of the biggest dealbreaker before it ever becomes a problem.

The Top Dealbreaker: Issues That Pop Up During the Inspection

A Redfin survey shows over 70% of recently cancelled contracts happened because of issues during the home inspection (see graph below): 

a screenshot of a surveyAnd that makes sense. Because today’s buyers have something they didn’t have a couple of years ago: options.

Why Fixing Things Before You List Matters More Today

A few years back, when buyers felt rushed or boxed in due to the limited number of homes for sale, they were more willing to overlook issues.

But in today’s market, skipping essential repairs is one of the fastest ways to lose a deal.

Now that there are more homes to choose from, buyers can be more selective. If a house feels risky, outdated, or like it’s hiding expensive surprises, they’re a lot more likely to walk away. So, what do you have to fix? Just ask an agent.

How Your Agent Can Help Give You the Edge

A local agent will be able to walk through your house and offer advice on what to tackle based on your specific home, your market, and what buyers are prioritizing in your area. They'll also have first-hand knowledge about some of the biggest turnoffs for buyers today. And you can use that expertise to prevent future headaches.

For example, according to Zillow, these are some of the issues buyers will care the most about:

  • Roof leaks or damage: sagging, leaking, etc.
  • Plumbing problems: standing water, leaks, water damage, etc.
  • Electrical concerns: outdated or exposed wiring, missing GFCI outlets, etc.
  • HVAC issues: non-functioning units
  • Pest or insect damage: termite colonies, etc.
  • Hazardous materials: lead, mold, asbestos, etc.
  • Safety/code violations: missing smoke detectors, windows stuck closed, etc.
  • Structural problems: cracks in the foundation, sagging floors, etc.

 

Odds are not all of this even applies to your house. Maybe only 1-2 things do. Or maybe none of them do. It just depends. But an agent will have the tools and resources to help you figure it out and stay one step ahead.

The Benefits of a Pre-Listing Inspection

To buyers, these aren’t cosmetic issues. They’re trust issues. And that’s what you need to watch out for today. Once buyers start wondering “what else might be wrong,” it’s hard to recover momentum.

That’s why some agents are even recommending a pre-listing inspection as a sneak peek into what buyers will see on their own inspection. With that insight, you can:

  • Fix concerns before you list, or disclose issues upfront
  • Avoid having to respond or negotiate under pressure
  • Stop scrambling to find contractors with availability before your closing date

But remember, you don't have to fix everything. You just have to be strategic about what you do tackle, so you and your buyer aren’t caught off guard.

And that’s why you need an agent who can:

  • Decide if a pre-listing inspection is worth it where you live
  • Recommend a trusted inspector (if you decide to get one)
  • Look at the results with you to identify true dealbreakers in your market
  • Help you decide what to fix or what to credit
  • Make sure you avoid over-spending or under-preparing

Bottom Line

One of the biggest dealbreakers for buyers today is inspection issues – and that’s something you can control. You just need to be proactive about high-impact repairs before you list.

If you want help figuring out where to focus, let's connect so we can keep your sale on track from day one.

Spring Sellers on Mt. Hood Have an Edge

by Liz Warren

Spring Sellers Have an Edge. Here’s Why.



 

Homeowners looking to sell usually want three things: plenty of interested buyers, strong offers, and a short timeline. Spring is the season that most often delivers all three.

So, if a move has been on your mind this year, this is the window where momentum tends to work in your favor. Here’s what makes this season so powerful for sellers.

1. More Buyers Will Be Looking

Typically speaking, in the housing market, there’s no more popular time to move than the Spring. Historically, data coming out of ShowingTime proves that’s when buyer activity peaks each year. Take a look for yourself (see graph below):

a graph of numbers and a number of monthsAnd this year, there’s more than just the seasonal trend working in your favor. Mortgage rates are also sitting near 3-year lows – and that combination matters.

More buyers + improving affordability = more eyes on your house.

That doesn’t mean the market will return to the frenzy of the pandemic – far from it. But it does mean more buyers will be ready to re-enter the market. And that’s good for you. As Redfin says:

“Homebuying demand is improving . . . and mortgage-purchase applications are sitting near their highest level in three years. . ."

You should make sure your house is listed so you can take advantage of the uptick in demand. Because more activity means one thing: more opportunity to get a deal done.

2. You May Get More Offers

With more buyer demand, it makes sense that you may get more offers on your house. And history shows that’s usually true.

If we look at the data for the last three years from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and take the averages for each month, it’s clear sellers in the Spring get more offers (see graph below):

a graph of salesNow, don’t expect the excessive bidding wars that were so famous in 2020 and 2021. But it does mean, seasonality could help you out this Spring. As Realtor.com explains:

“Spring typically brings out more buyers who are ready to make a move before summer. Listings see more views, showings, and offers during this season.”

And that could be really good for your bottom line.

3. Homes Usually Sell Faster

There’s one more predictable pattern that happens pretty much every Spring based on research from Realtor.com. Homes sell faster (see graph below):

On average, homes sell 20 days faster in the Spring compared to the Winter. That’s almost 3 weeks shaved off your timeline. And that's a difference you can feel.

Since homes have been taking longer to sell lately, listing your house during what’s usually the most active time of the year means you’re setting yourself up to move as quickly as possible. And isn’t that what sellers really want?

The faster your home sells, the earlier you can move on to what’s next for you.

If you’re eager to go on to your next chapter, need to downsize, or you’ve run out of space, Spring may be your best time to sell.  

Bottom Line

Spring doesn’t guarantee a sale. Strategy still matters. But this season gives you something valuable: momentum.

More buyers. More activity. More opportunity.

The real question is: if you’re going to sell this year, why not do it when the odds are in your favor?

Let’s talk about what selling this season could mean for your house and your timeline.

Are Home Prices Dropping?

by Liz Warren

Are Home Prices Dropping? Here’s the Real Story.



 

You’ve probably seen posts on social media talking about how “home prices are falling.” And when you see something like that, it’s normal to wonder:

Is this the start of a crash?

What does this mean for my house?

Let’s clear this up right away. This is not a crash. And your home is not suddenly losing a lot of value.

The National Story – Prices Are Still Going Up

Here’s what often gets left out of what you’re seeing online. While some markets are experiencing slight declines, they’re the minority. Most places are still seeing prices rise or at the very least, hold steady.

That’s why, at the national level, home prices are still rising, just at a slower pace. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Home prices continued to rise in the fourth quarter of 2025. National median prices rose 1.2% year over year to $414,900.”

That’s not the rapid growth of a few years ago, but it’s not a downturn either. And just to really drive this home, here’s a look at the data from NAR at a regional level, so you can see that the negative narrative spun up online isn’t the whole truth (see graph below):

a graph of a number of housesHome prices are up (or at least holding steady) in the Northeast, Midwest, and South. The West has seen some small declines in certain markets, but “small” is the key word.

There is no wave of falling prices across the country. Instead, there are just a few pockets adjusting after several years of what’s typically considered unsustainable or exponential growth.

Yes, Some Markets Have Come Down, But Look at the Bigger Picture.

Okay, but what about the places where prices have declined? According to ResiClub and Zillow, that’s not a cause for major concern. When you zoom out and look at those same markets over the past five years, the story changes (see graph below):

a graph of a number of percentIn the areas with recent declines, home values are still significantly higher than they were just five years ago. That’s a direct reflection of how much home values have gone up.

Online chatter tends to shine a spotlight on the few areas that are down. But the bigger picture shows most homeowners are still in a very strong position.

Of course, every market, and every home, is different. But broadly speaking, home values are holding steady. And this isn’t a sign of widespread trouble in the market.

Bottom Line

Despite what you may be seeing online, home prices are rising or holding steady in most parts of the country.

If you’re curious what your home is worth today, let’s take a look at the numbers together. Because context, and local expertise, matter more than what you’re seeing online.

Pitfalls for Online Home Value Tools for Mt. Hood Properties

by Liz Warren

There’s one number that decides how your sale goes before buyers ever step inside your home – and that’s your asking price.

Set it too high, and your house sits while buyers scroll past it.
But set it too low and you’ll leave real money on the table. 

Here’s the problem. A lot of homeowners are basing their number on an online home value tool. And that’s where things can go sideways.

 

Online Evaluations for Mt. Hood Values 

The Price You Set Can Make (or Break) Your Sale on Mt. Hood

by Liz Warren

The Price You Set Can Make (or Break) Your Sale



 

There’s one decision you're going to make when you sell that determines whether your house sells quickly, or it sits. Whether buyers make an offer, or scroll past it. Whether you walk away with the maximum return, or you end up cutting the price later.

And that’s your asking price.

The #1 Mistake Sellers Make Today: Trusting the Wrong Number

If you’re thinking of moving and trying to figure out what your house may sell for, it’s tempting to start with an online home value tool. They’re fast, free, and easy. And you don’t have to talk to anyone. But here’s the problem: they don’t know your house.

And that can be a bigger drawback than you realize.

Where Online Estimates Fall Short 

Online tools often lag behind the market. They look in the rearview mirror, relying on closed sales and delayed information. And in that sense, they’re using incomplete data.

That’s not a miss in how these systems are built. Some information just isn’t available online. Bankrate explains:

While these tools can be a useful starting point, keep in mind that they typically do not provide the most accurate pricing. Algorithms can only rely on the information available; they can’t account for things like a home’s condition or renovations made since the last public information was updated.”

They can’t see:

  • The unique features that make your house special
  • All the work you’ve put in to keep it in good condition
  • Or, how in-demand your specific neighborhood is right now

So, while they may do a good job in some cases, they can’t be as accurate as a local agent who has boots on the ground day in and day out.

In a market where buyers have more options, a seemingly small margin of error can cost you thousands if you price too low, or weeks of lost momentum and time if you price too high.

If you want to sell for the most money and in the least amount of time, you don’t want the fast answer on how to price your house. You want the right one.

That’s why the savviest homeowners today don’t rely on algorithms when it actually matters. They rely on people, specifically trusted local agents.

What an Expert Agent Brings to the Table

According to 1000WATT, sellers overwhelmingly believe real estate agents have the best sense of a home’s true value, far more than any automated tools.

a pie chart with text on itThat confidence isn’t accidental. As Bankrate puts it:

“A professional appraiser or real estate agent can visit the home in person, assess the neighborhood as a whole as well as the individual property, perform more thorough market research, and consider subjective details.”

And those details matter. A skilled local agent doesn’t just pull reports. They know what’s happening right now:

  • What buyers are paying this month, not last month, or even last year
  • How your home compares to the current competition in your neighborhood
  • Which features add value based on what buyers are willing to pay for today
  • How to price your house to create urgency in this market

And once an agent steps foot in your house, they may even find your online estimate undershot your value. So, if you stuck with the estimate you got online, you’d actually be leaving money on the table. And no one wants that.

Bottom Line

While online tools can give you a rough starting point, only a local expert can give you a price that actually works.

If you want to know the right number for your house, not just the easiest one to find, let’s talk.

Do You Know What Your House Is Worth Today on Mt. Hood?

by Liz Warren

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 1994

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