Mt. Hood Real Estate Blog

Price Cuts Get Bigger the Longer a House Sits Without Offers on Mt. Hood

Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Record High Mortgage Debt Sounds Scary. Here’s What the Headlines Leave Out.

Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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.

More Sellers Are Open to Negotiating Right Now

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Seller Pricing Expectations and Reality Gap

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The Secret To Selling Fast, No Matter the Market on Mt. Hood

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Stay or Sell? How To Make the Right Call as You Age

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Rates Are the Lowest They’ve Been in the Last 3 Spring Seasons

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Home Affordability on Mt. Hood

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

3 Things That Aren't Going to Happen In Today's Housing Market

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Firewood Season is Now Open on Mt. Hood National Forest

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Firewood season now open on Mt. Hood National Forest

Free personal use permit required to collect up to six cords

Release Date: April 13, 2026

SANDY, Ore. — Personal use firewood permits are now available for the season on Mt. Hood National Forest.

All woodcutters must obtain a firewood permit to cut and haul firewood from the Forest. Permits are available at a district office or by submitting a firewood permit application. Each household may collect a maximum of six cords annually with a free firewood permit for personal use only. Permits are valid through November 30.

Woodcutters who need more than six cords of firewood or intend to collect firewood for resale must purchase a commercial firewood permit, which is available upon request pending availability.

All woodcutters must carry their permit, firewood load tags, firewood map, and a current information sheet while harvesting. Woodcutters may only collect and cut downed wood. Felling standing trees, dead or alive, is illegal. Firewood cutting areas are described on the required firewood maps and information sheets, which are updated regularly and reflect the current Industrial Fire Precaution Level of each area.

More firewood information is available online: www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mthood/permits/firewood

Conditions across Mt. Hood National Forest vary and may change rapidly. Some Forest Service roads may be snow-covered, icy, or muddy. Several roads remain impassable due to downed trees, landslides, culvert blockages, and other damage caused by December’s significant storms. Vehicle access to some areas may be limited due to wildfire closures. Always know before you go: www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mthood/alerts

Contact a district office for information on current conditions: www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mthood/offices

Some community members who rely on firewood to heat their home may struggle to harvest firewood due to age or physical disabilities. Learn more about Mt. Hood National Forest’s firewood assistance program and how to apply: www.fs.usda.gov/media/158825

The Best February for New Listings in 4 Years

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Investors In Today's Housing Market

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This’ll Change What You Think About Investors in Today’s Housing Market

There’s a lot of noise out there right now about investors in the housing market.

Some headlines make it sound like big Wall Street firms are buying up everything in sight. And if you’re trying to purchase a home yourself, that can make it feel like the odds are stacked against you.

But when you take a closer look at the data, a very different picture starts to come into focus.

Most Investors Are Just Everyday Owners

For starters, when you hear the word investor, you probably picture big corporations. And that misconception is a large part of what’s feeding into the myth that they’re buying up all the homes.

Most investors aren’t big companies, at all.

They’re everyday people just like you.

They’re someone who owns a second home (like a vacation house at the river), a neighbor who has 1 or 2 rentals, or even a homeowner who tried to sell their home, didn’t get the price they wanted, and decided to rent it instead.

And when all of these groups are lumped together in the headlines, the number of investors sounds high – especially if you’re operating under the assumption all investors are big investors.

But here’s what the numbers really show when you drill down.

Institutional Investors Are a Small Slice of the Housing Market

Large institutional investors, those big companies buying homes, actually make up a very small share of the overall housing market.

According to BatchData, the largest investors (those with 1,000+ homes) own just 0.4% of the 86 million single-family homes in the country. And their share of the market is actually shrinking.

Data from Parcl Labs shows big investors are selling 4 homes for every 1 they’re buying right now (see visual below):

That means they’ve actually added almost 1.7k homes back into the market lately.

What This Means for You

The story is clear. Instead of aggressively buying up homes, most of these companies are stepping back, which means less competition from them than you might expect. If you were someone who thought they were dominating the market, let that give you some peace of mind.

Most of the competition you’ll face is from other everyday buyers – people just like you. And with most large investors stepping back, there may be more opportunity in the market than you think.

Bottom Line

It’s easy to assume big investors are taking over the housing market, but the data tells a different story. If you want an expert's opinion on what investor activity looks like in our area, let's talk.

Because odds are, it’s not as big a factor as you may think.

Mt. Hood Log Cabin Listed on Realtor.com's Most Unique Property List

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

$695,000

Still Creek Cabin

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

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The Number One Reason Buyers Back Out of Transactions on Mt. Hood

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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):

And 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.

Selling Your Mt. Hood House Isn’t About Luck. It’s About Strategy

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The #1 Reason Buyers Walk Away on Mt. Hood

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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

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):

And 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.

How Your Agent Can Help Give You the Edge

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.

The Benefits of a Pre-Listing Inspection

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

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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):

And 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):

Now, 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?

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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):

Home 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):

In 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.