Price Cuts Get Bigger the Longer a House Sits Without Offers on Mt. Hood
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
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Mt. Hood Real Estate Blog
Liz Warren
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Displaying blog entries 11-20 of 1996
Record High Mortgage Debt Sounds Scary. Here’s What the Headlines Leave Out.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Record High Mortgage Debt Sounds Scary. Here’s What the Headlines Leave Out.
You may have seen the headlines lately about mortgage debt in America hitting a record high. And maybe your brother-in-law brought it up at the dinner table like he’s been waiting all week to spark a debate.
Here's the thing. He's not wrong. But he only has half the story. And the half he's missing? It changes everything.
Spoiler: homeowners are on stronger footing than the headlines suggest, and the housing market has more going for it than most people realize.
The Headline Number Is Real, But It’s Missing Context
Yes, according to the Federal Reserve, there is currently about $14 trillion in mortgage debt in the United States. That is an all-time high. And when you hear that alongside stories about people struggling to pay their bills, it's easy to assume the worst.
But here's what the data actually shows (see graph below):
This chart from the Federal Reserve tracks three things from 2000 to today: the total value of all U.S. homes (the green line), the equity homeowners hold in those homes (the blue line), and the total mortgage debt owed on them (the orange line).
Right now, home values sit at $47.9 trillion. Homeowner equity is at $34.1 trillion. And the mortgage debt everyone’s worried about? It’s $14.4 trillion.
Debt is at a record high, sure. But the equity homeowners have built up is more than double that number, and it’s also near a record high.
Here's the part worth pausing on. See the years between 2008 and 2013 where the orange line was higher than the blue one? That's when the housing market was in genuine trouble. When debt exceeds equity like it did back then, homeowners have no cushion.
So, when prices dropped in 2008, millions of people owed more than their homes were worth and had nowhere to go. That's what a housing crisis actually looks like. That's not what's happening today. Right now, it’s just the opposite.
The gap between what people owe and what they own has never been wider – in a good way. Today, they have far more equity than debt.
Most Homeowners Are in a Rock-Solid Position
So, we know equity is high nationally. But what does that actually look like at the individual homeowner level? This next chart uses data from ATTOM and the Census to put it in perspective:
Out of all owner-occupied homes in the country, 33.3 million are owned completely free and clear – no mortgage, no lender, no risk of foreclosure. Another 22.3 million homeowners have more than 50% equity in their homes.
Add those together, and you're looking at nearly two-thirds of all homeowners who have either paid off their mortgage entirely or have such a substantial equity stake that they're in an extremely stable position.
The remaining slice – 29.1 million homes with less than 50% equity – isn't a sign of distress, either. That includes plenty of people who recently bought, are building equity over time, and are doing just fine.
The point is this isn't a market teetering on the edge. It's a market built on an unusually strong foundation.
Bottom Line
Record mortgage debt makes for a scary headline. But context matters.
Equity is near an all-time high, home values have surged, and the vast majority of homeowners are in a position of real financial strength. The conditions that made 2008 a crisis simply don't exist right now.
If you're wondering what all of this means for your situation, whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or just trying to make sense of the market, reach out anytime. No pressure, just answers.
The Secret To Selling Fast, No Matter the Market on Mt. Hood
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
The Secret To Selling Fast, No Matter the Market
When you put your house on the market, you don’t just want it to sell. You want it to sell fast. But the thing is, nationally, it’s taking a little longer to sell lately. And that slowdown can feel frustrating if you want a fast process. Here’s what you need to realize.
In every market right now, there’s one clear exception:
Well-priced, well-presented homes are still selling, and it’s often faster than you’d expect.
If you can tap into that, you can still set yourself up to move quickly, too. Here’s how to get it done.
How Long It Takes To Sell Today
According to Realtor.com, homes are selling in about 52 days right now. That’s how long the process takes from the day it hits the market until closing day.
And while that may sound slow to you, it’s not slow. It’s normal.
That’s because it’s pretty much right in line with what it was during the last normal years in the market (see 2018-2019 in the graph below):
It just feels slow when you’re eager to move – or when you think back a few years to when homes seemed to sell almost instantly.
But here’s what matters most. The market is normalizing. Not at a standstill.
This is the norm for timing from start to finish. You may have an accepted offer in hand even faster than this.
Markets Where Homes Still Sell Quickly, Even Now
Zillow says the typical home will go “pending” or “under contract” in 19 days. Some homes even see it happen in as little as 7 days. It just depends on where you are – and how you prep your house.
So, don’t let the slowing pace of sales stress you out. Homes can still sell fast, if they’re positioned right.
Just to show you, here’s a quick look at some of the markets that are moving faster than the norm, according to Zillow (see map below). This’ll show you how different it can be based on where you live.
The key things you need to remember when looking at this visual:
- It varies a lot based on where you live. Within the same state, individual neighborhoods or pockets may sell much faster than the norm.
- Even in slower moving states, you can still sell quickly. As the map shows, in those places there are still homes that go under contract in as little as a week.
So don’t worry about if your state made either list. As Orphe Divounguy, Senior Economist at Zillow, says:
“The cream of the crop is still selling fast, even in markets that have slowed considerably. . .”
The Big Reasons Some Homes Sit, and Some Sell Fast
And here’s the big secret. While location can definitely play a role, it’s not just about location. It’s about strategy.
Today’s buyers are paying attention to condition. They’re comparing photos, upgrades, layout, location, and price. And they’re choosing homes that feel move-in ready and well worth the value.
The homes that check those boxes? They’re not sitting for long – no matter where they are.
As the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) explains:
“. . . some homes are still flying off the shelves. These houses are often in the Midwest or Northeast, where the lack of new construction keeps a lid on supply. Certain homes in other markets are selling quickly, too, often when a home is move-in ready.”
Because in any market – hot or not – if a home is overpriced, needs too much work, or just doesn’t meet current buyer expectations, it’s not going to sell.
In this market, the sellers who win are the ones who get real about their house. They’re honest about how their home compares to other listings, realistic about price, and they work with an agent who truly understands today’s market and what it takes to sell.
When your agent knows how to price strategically, spotlight the strengths of your home, and move quickly when the market gives clear signals, that’s when the results follow.
Bottom Line
Today's housing market rewards the right strategy. Because even in a slower area, the homes that are priced realistically and positioned well are still selling – sometimes faster than you may expect.
Let’s connect if you’re ready to make yours one of them.
Rates Are the Lowest They’ve Been in the Last 3 Spring Seasons
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Stay or Sell? How To Make the Right Call as You Age
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Stay or Sell? How To Make the Right Call as You Age
At some point, as you start thinking about the years ahead, this question tends to come up:
“Could I stay here long-term… or would it make more sense to move?”
It’s not always urgent. It often shows up in small moments, like going up and down the stairs, keeping up with the maintenance, or just thinking about what the next chapter of your life might look like in this home.
And for most people, the answer is simple. They want to stay.
The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology found about 90% of adults over 65 prefer to stay in their homes as they get older (see below):
But even if staying feels like the right answer, it’s still worth thinking ahead about what that might actually look like. That’s where the right agent can really help.
What You Need To Plan for If You’re Staying in Your Home
Aging in place is definitely possible. But it’s better if you have a plan. And here’s why. The home that once worked perfectly may need to change with you over the years. And it’s easier if you can anticipate those expenses.
- Sometimes that means small updates: like adding grab bars in the shower.
- Other times, you’ll have to make bigger decisions: like reworking layouts or moving key spaces to the first floor.
Some of those changes are going to be simple. Others can be a meaningful investment. And that’s why thinking about it early matters. Not because you need to decide anything right now, but because it gives you time.
- Time to understand what your home may need.
- Time to explore your options.
- Time to find the right contractors.
- Time to space out the expense of the upgrades.
According to ElderLife Financial, here's a rough baseline of what it could cost depending on what needs to be done (see below):
And don’t worry. If your heart is really set on staying, but the costs feel like a concern, it helps to know you have options. Depending on your situation, there may be financial assistance programs available, along with tools like home warranties to help manage unexpected costs.
Just remember, if you’re thinking about making updates, it’s always worth having a quick conversation before you start. A real estate agent can help you understand which changes tend to make sense for your situation and how they may impact your home’s value based on your local market.
When Moving Might Make More Sense
But staying isn’t always the best fit for every situation. According to Pegasus Senior Living:
“While most seniors hope to age in place, practical considerations sometimes make selling a home the wiser choice.”
Sometimes, it comes down to a simple shift: when the home that once made life easier, starts to make it harder.
That might look like:
- Maintenance or yardwork that's starting to feel overwhelming
- Stairs or layouts that are getting harder to manage day-to-day
- Or needing more support or care or being too far from loved ones
And sometimes, it’s not about necessity at all. It’s about lifestyle. Some homeowners just don’t want to live through major renovations. Others are ready to simplify, downsize, or move somewhere that better fits this next chapter, whether that’s a smaller home, a 55+ community, or a place closer to family.
For them, moving simply means making daily life easier.
Bottom Line
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.
Some people stay and make updates. Others move to simplify things. Either can be the right choice. The goal isn’t to pick one today. It’s to understand your options early, so when the time comes, you feel confident instead of rushed.
And if you ever want a sounding board to think through what the future could look like for you, let’s connect.
3 Things That Aren't Going to Happen In Today's Housing Market
Friday, April 24, 2026
3 Things That Are Not Going To Happen in Today's Housing Market
There’s a lot of uncertainty right now and that’s leading to some dramatic headlines. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, that can make you feel a little less sure about your decision.
A recent study by CNBC asked homebuyers what they’re most worried about, and three themes kept coming up again and again:
- Mortgage rates
- The number of homes for sale
- Home prices
But a lot of what you may be hearing on those is based more on misconceptions. Not facts. So, let’s break it down and separate fact from fiction.
Misconception #1: “I’ll Just Wait, Because Mortgage Rates Are Going To Fall Dramatically”
One idea doing its rounds on social is that mortgage rates are going to drop dramatically soon. So, it’s better to wait to buy.
But is that really what’s expected?
While mortgage rates have come down a bit in the last few weeks, forecasts don’t show a major drop ahead. The most likely scenario is that rates stay somewhere in the low 6% range this year.
And that’s not a big change from where rates are now (see graph below):
Of course, this depends on where inflation and the economy go from here. But, based on what we know today, waiting for a big drop in rates may not work out the way some people hope. As U.S. News explains:
“Mortgage rates aren't expected to change much over the next several quarters . . .”
Not to mention, even with rates where they are today, it’s already more affordable than a year ago. So, even if they don’t change much, it’s still better than it was.
Misconception #2: "There Are Too Many Homes for Sale Right Now”
You’ve probably heard inventory is up. And nationally, it is. The number of homes for sale is 8% higher than this time last year. But that's not a bad thing. In fact, it’s one of the reasons buyers have a bit more breathing room right now.
The problem is the headlines are making something good, sound bad. They’re focusing on how this is the most inventory we’ve had since 2019 or how many homes builders are building. And that can make it sound like the number of homes for sale is rising too far, too fast.
But that’s not what the bigger picture shows.
Data from Realtor.com proves that, even though inventory is up compared to last year, it’s still nearly 14% lower than it was during the last normal housing market (2017-2019):
While it can vary a lot based on where you live, only 9 states have more inventory than pre-pandemic today. That’s a key reason why there still aren’t enough homes for sale to trigger something like the crash back in 2008.
Misconception #3: “Home Prices Are About To Crash”
You’ve probably seen this one, too. The confusion is coming from the fact that some metros are experiencing slight price declines. And influencers are running with that and saying prices are crashing. But that’s not the reality.
Most areas are seeing prices rise, not fall. And that’s because:
- Many homeowners aren’t selling because they don’t want to give up the low mortgage rate they locked in a few years ago. And that’s keeping a lid on how much inventory can grow.
- Since inventory is still below pre-pandemic norms, there aren’t enough homes for sale to cause a price crash.
- And even in markets with more inventory, some sellers are choosing to pull their homes off the market instead of cutting prices.
And those are 3 big reasons prices aren’t headed for a crash.
And even in the markets experiencing mild declines, the drops aren’t enough to cancel out the big gains most homeowners have seen in the last 5 years (see graph below):
That’s not a crash. That’s just prices moderating after a few record-breaking years.
Bottom Line
Online posts are going to make things sound worse than they are. If you want a true, data-bound look at what’s really happening in today’s market, lean on a real estate agent.
Let’s connect so you have someone to separate fact from fiction today.
Rent or Buy on Mt. Hood
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Rent or Buy? The Real Tradeoff Most People Don’t Talk About
You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now? It’s a question a lot of people are asking.
With today’s home prices and mortgage rates, renting can feel like the easier path. In some cases, it might even seem like the only realistic option right now. And if that’s where you are, there’s nothing wrong with that.
But if you’re weighing the decision, there’s one part of the conversation that doesn’t get talked about enough.
It’s what each choice does for your future.
What Renting Really Gets You (And What It Doesn’t)
Depending on your situation, renting does have some advantages:
- Lower upfront costs.
- Less responsibility.
- More flexibility to move when you want.
But even with those benefits, a Bank of America survey found 70% of aspiring homeowners worry about what long-term renting means for their future. And that concern comes down to one thing: you’re not building anything for your future. As Yahoo Finance explains:
“Paying rent doesn't build equity. You get a place to live, but no ownership stake, no price appreciation, and no asset to leverage for future borrowing or investment.”
So, while renting may feel easier, the flexibility you get comes at a cost.
How Homeownership Builds Your Wealth Over Time
On the other hand, owning a home is one of the most consistent ways people build wealth over time. Why? When you’re a homeowner, you gain something called equity. That’s the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe.
That equity grows with every monthly payment you make. It also gets a boost as home values go up through the years – and it adds up quicker than you may think.
Today, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says the average homeowner’s net worth is 43X greater than that of a renter:
The dollars in the visual don’t lie. On average, here’s how net worth compares:
- Homeowners: $430k
- Renters: $10k
And it’s not because homeowners make wildly different decisions day to day. It’s because over time, one path builds something, and the other doesn’t.
So sure, buying comes with some upfront costs and more responsibility. But it’s basically a savings account you can live in.
The Gap Is Growing Over Time
And here’s something else interesting. That net worth gap between renters and homeowners has been widening over time, not shrinking.
If you look back at the reports on net worth through the years, you can see the gap is growing as homeowners gain wealth and renters stay stuck in the rental trap (see graph below):
Even in 2025, when home prices were moderating, homeowners still gained even more ground. And that tells you something important:
When you can afford it and you’re ready for the responsibility, history shows buying is usually worth it in the long run. Because either way, you’re paying for someone’s mortgage and building someone’s net worth.
When you rent, it’s your landlord’s mortgage – not yours. But when you buy? Your monthly payments help build equity.
The question is: whose do you want to pay? Yours or theirs?
So, Should You Buy a Home Now?
The short answer is, it depends on your situation.
While the long-term benefits of buying are clear, that doesn’t mean the timing is right for everyone right now. And that’s okay. You should only buy a home once you’re ready and the numbers work for you.
But whether you’re looking to buy now or planning for the future, the first step is the same. You should have a quick conversation with a local real estate agent about your goals, timeline, and budget.
They can help you run the numbers and see what’s realistic. You may find buying is closer than you thought. And if not, you’ll at least know exactly what it will take to get there.
Because the sooner you have a plan, the sooner you can decide when it makes sense, instead of wondering if it ever will.
Bottom Line
Renting may feel more do-able today. But over time, it could cost you.
If you want to ditch renting and start building something for your future, it starts with a simple conversation. Let’s connect, talk about your specific goals, and explore your options – so you’re ready when the time is right for you.
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