2025 homebuyers have made one thing clear: they want move-in-ready properties. According to a recent Bright MLS survey, more than 56% of prospective buyers say that move-in-ready condition is their top priority.  If selling is in your plan this year, here’s what you need to know about buyer priorities and how to prepare for them. What Makes Move-In-Ready Homes So Appealing? With high home prices, limited (yet rising) inventory, and elevated mortgage rates shaping the housing market in 2025, buyers are looking to avoid additional costs and hassles after closing.  A move-in-ready home means: No immediate repairs or renovations: Buyers want to focus on settling in rather than dealing with contractors or DIY projects. Predictable expenses: With fewer surprise repairs, buyers can better manage their budgets. A seamless transition: Move-in-ready homes allow buyers to enjoy their new space right away. What Buyers Are Willing to Compromise On While a move-in ready home is a top priority, the Bright MLS survey reveals that buyers are willing to make compromises.  Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains, "Our survey found that while prospective buyers realize that trade-offs are often necessary, they are more likely to compromise on the size of the home and location before giving up on their dream of finding a home in move-in-ready condition." Nearly 75% of buyers are open to purchasing a smaller home if it aligns with their budget or preferred location. Downsizing not only reduces costs but also lowers maintenance requirements without sacrificing quality.  Additionally, about 64% of buyers are willing to consider homes outside their ideal location, prioritizing affordability and move-in-ready condition over proximity to work, schools, or other amenities.  When it comes to upfront costs, 38.8% of buyers are prepared to stretch their budget for the right property, especially if it checks off their must-have features.  Understanding this strong preference for move-in-ready homes provides an opportunity for sellers to meet market demand. Let’s take a look at how you can get your home ready for motivated buyers. How Sellers Can Capitalize on the Move-In-Ready Trend If you’re planning to sell your home, prioritizing a move-in-ready presentation can help attract buyers and maximize your sale price.  This doesn’t mean you need to do a full renovation—but taking the time to do the following will help get your home market-ready: 1. Complete Essential Repairs Start by fixing any obvious issues like leaky faucets, chipped paint, or squeaky doors. Small repairs can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home. 2. Invest in Cosmetic Upgrades Consider updates like fresh paint, new light fixtures, or modern hardware in the kitchen and bathrooms. These small changes can make your home feel updated without breaking the bank. 3. Stage Your Home for Success Staging helps potential buyers envision themselves living in your home. Declutter, depersonalize, and arrange furniture to highlight the space's best features. 4. Highlight Energy Efficiency With 32% of buyers prioritizing energy-efficient features, upgrading insulation or installing a smart thermostat can make your home stand out. What if your home isn’t move-in ready? Don’t worry—plenty of buyers are still eager to consider properties with a little room for improvement. Focus on showcasing your home’s strengths, like its solid structure, desirable location, or unique architectural details. These qualities can make it stand out, even if it needs some TLC. To sweeten the deal, consider offering repair credits or a home warranty to give buyers peace of mind about tackling any updates. You can also explore innovative options like Zoodealio’s Cash+ Offer, which lets you make improvements and sell for top dollar—all without upfront costs. (Want to learn more? Contact me and I’ll share all my secrets!) Whether your home is move-in ready or not, emphasizing its potential can attract motivated buyers in any market. Looking to sell in Canby, Aurora, Molalla, Wilsonville, Woodburn, Oregon City, Clackamas County, or the North Willamette Valley? I'm here to help!

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If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve watched your home’s value rise over the past few years. Thanks to record-high equity levels, many homeowners are sitting on what feels like a financial jackpot. But with the housing market shifting and 2025 on the horizon, you might be wondering:  Should I sell my home and cash in on my equity, or stay put and make the most of what I have? Here’s how to use your home equity to make the smartest decision for your situation. What Is Home Equity, and Why Does It Matter? Home equity is the difference between your home’s current market value and what you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your home is worth $400,000 and you owe $200,000, you have $200,000 in equity. According to CoreLogic’s Q3 2024 Homeowner Equity Insights Report, U.S. homeowners with mortgages saw their collective equity increase by $425 billion over the past year—a 2.5% year-over-year gain. This brings total homeowner equity to a staggering $17.5 trillion.  While the pace of equity growth is expected to slow in 2025, homeowners still stand to benefit from historically high levels of equity. This brings us to an important decision point for homeowners: understanding how your equity position can guide your next move. Should You Sell? Selling your home can be a great option if you want to: Cash In on Your Equity Gains Median home prices climbed 50% from September 2019 ($272,100) to September 2024 ($409,000). By selling now, you can turn your equity into cash to fund a down payment on a new home, pay off debt, or invest elsewhere. Downsize or Relocate If your current home no longer fits your needs, equity can help you afford a smaller home or move to a new area. Whether it’s downsizing to reduce costs or relocating to a new area for better opportunities, your home’s value can be a key resource in making your next move. Avoid Future Market Shifts While home prices are expected to grow modestly (CoreLogic projects a 2.3% increase in 2025), rising inventory levels and regional affordability challenges could impact equity gains in the coming years. Selling now could help you maximize your profits. Or Should You Stay? Staying in your home might make more sense if you: Want to Build More Equity With home prices still rising, although at a slower pace than years past, you can continue building equity through regular mortgage payments and appreciation. By steadily reducing your mortgage balance and benefiting from even modest home price growth, you’re consistently increasing your financial stability. This slow but steady equity growth ensures your home remains a valuable long-term investment. Plan to Access Your Equity Strategically As a homeowner, you have the option to tap into your equity through a home equity loan or HELOC to fund renovations or consolidate debt. These options often come with lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards. Just be sure to use the funds for productive purposes. Prefer Stability If you’re happy with your home and don’t want to navigate the current housing market, staying put and focusing on maintaining your property might be the best choice. By staying, you can enjoy the stability of familiar surroundings while continuing to build equity through regular mortgage payments and property appreciation.  Key Factors to Consider When deciding whether to sell or stay, ask yourself: What are my financial goals? Do you need a lump sum of cash now, or do you prefer to continue building long-term wealth through equity? What is the market like in my area? CoreLogic and CBS highlight significant regional differences in equity growth. Research your local market or consult a real estate agent to understand your home’s value. What are the costs of moving? Factor in expenses like closing costs, moving fees, and potential higher mortgage rates if you’re buying a new home. Whether you decide to sell or stay, your home equity is a powerful financial tool. Selling can provide immediate financial benefits, while staying allows you to continue building wealth over time. Interested in learning how much equity you’ve gained over the past year? Contact me, and I’ll send over a personalized report! 

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For the first time in over three years, existing home sales increased year over year, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.96 million in October. So, what exactly does this mean? So glad you asked! Even though 2024 is shaping up to have the fewest home sales on record, the rise in sales this October could be a sign that the housing market is starting to recover. After a long stretch of slowing home sales, data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows three main trends that are worth paying attention to: More homes are selling, and prices are still rising. Homeowners are seeing their equity grow as prices climb. There’s more inventory to choose from. For buyers, the market is offering a bit more breathing room as the number of available homes rises. Buyers are starting to come back. The year-over-year sales increase shows that demand is picking up, even with mortgage rates higher than in years past. For homeowners, this means rising equity and an opportunity to sell at peak prices. For buyers, the growing inventory could finally offer a wider selection of homes to choose from. Below, we’ll break down what’s behind the numbers, explore how rising prices and inventory are shaping the market, and share actionable insights for homeowners looking to take advantage of these trends.  1. More Homes Are Selling, and Prices Are Still Rising Homeowners, this one’s for you: the value of your home is likely continuing to grow. In October, the median existing-home price rose to $407,200—a 4% increase compared to last year. That’s the 16th straight month of year-over-year price growth. Here in the greater Portland, Oregon metro area, the median home price was $535,000 in November of 2024, a 1.4% increase year over year. While inventory remains low and time on market is also going up (we're at 64 days from 55 days in November 2023), prices remain stable. Here in the Portland metro area, you would assume that prices may go down given how long it's taking for homes to sell. We're just not seeing that. For many sellers, this means a chance to cash in on rising equity. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors, summed it up perfectly: “The ongoing price gains mean increasing wealth for homeowners nationwide.”  Yun also expects home prices to continue rising over the next two years, predicting a 9% YoY increase in 2025 and a 13% YoY increase in 2026.  2. There’s More Inventory to Choose From For the past few years, buyers have faced limited options in the housing market. But that’s starting to change. The inventory of unsold homes rose 19% nationwide compared to last year, giving buyers more options than they’ve had in a while. Locally, the Portland, Oregon metro area saw a 0.5% decrease in housing inventory in November 2024 over November 2023.  This growing inventory means two things:  For sellers: More competition. Preparing your home to stand out—through staging, pricing it competitively, and marketing—will be key. For buyers: A bit more choice and less pressure to bid on the first home you see. If you’ve been waiting for the market to offer more balance, this could be the sign you’ve been waiting for. 3. Buyers Are Starting to Come Back NAR’s report shows that home sales are up year over year—the first time we’ve seen this since July 2021. Even with elevated mortgage rates, buyers are finding ways to re-enter the market, driven by job stability and growing economic confidence. While mortgage rates are still hovering around 6.78% for a 30-year fixed-rate loan, they’ve stabilized. And Yun predicts they could dip into the lower 6% range in 2025.  This demand is creating a sweet spot for motivated sellers: buyers are ready, inventory is growing, and prices are holding steady. Final Thoughts If you’ve been considering selling, now may be a great time to act. With prices still rising and demand picking up, listing your home soon could help you attract serious buyers and secure a strong return. Just keep in mind that more inventory means your home needs to shine. Staging, high-quality photos, and competitive pricing are more important than ever. For buyers, the good news is that you have more choices. The rising inventory is making it easier to find homes that fit your needs and budget. While mortgage rates are still higher than a few years ago, they’re stabilizing. If you’re ready to buy, the best strategy is to get pre-approved, understand your budget, and stay patient while exploring your options. For those looking for more personalized insights, I’m happy to help. Connect with me here for a discovery call, and we can start exploring your options. 

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Homeownership is amazing—but it’s also a total lifestyle shift from the rental days. From surprise plumbing issues to finally being able to pick paint colors, there’s a whole lot that changes.  If you’re considering making the leap, understanding these shifts can prepare you for what lies ahead and ensure a smoother transition to homeownership. 1. Wealth-Building Equity Owning a home means transitioning from monthly rent payments that don’t contribute to your future to mortgage payments that build equity over time. Equity—the portion of your home that you truly own—can grow as you pay down your mortgage and as your property value appreciates. Fact: According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, homeowners, on average, have 40 times the net worth of renters due to equity and property appreciation. “Homeowners’ wealth steadily rises while renters’ wealth does not,” Yun said. “If you don’t enter the housing market, you are in the renter class where wealth is not being accumulated. If you want to participate in the housing market, the sooner you get in, the sooner you accumulate wealth.” Tip: Think of your mortgage payment as a long-term investment in your future. Even though owning comes with costs, it also provides the opportunity to grow your wealth. 2. Maintenance: The Buck Stops with You One of the most immediate changes when moving from renting to owning is taking full responsibility for property maintenance and repairs. As a renter, calling your landlord to fix a leaky faucet or broken appliance was likely part of your routine. As a homeowner, you become both tenant and landlord, responsible for everything from HVAC repairs to lawn care. Tip: Start building an emergency fund dedicated to home repairs. Experts recommend setting aside 1-3% of your home’s value annually for maintenance costs. According to a 2023 survey by HomeAdvisor, homeowners spend an average of $3,192 on annual home maintenance and repairs. (source: HomeAdvisor) 3. Customization: Your Space, Your Rules One of the most rewarding shifts from renting to owning is the freedom to customize your space without seeking permission. No more restrictions on painting walls or changing light fixtures; your home is truly yours to personalize. This freedom allows you to create a living space that reflects your taste and needs. Tip: Before diving into major renovations, live in your home for a while to understand how you use the space. This way, any updates you make will be more practical and aligned with your lifestyle. 4. Community Involvement: Becoming a Stakeholder As a homeowner, you may find yourself more invested in your neighborhood. Many new homeowners take an interest in local community boards, homeowner association meetings, and neighborhood events. Unlike renters, homeowners have a vested interest in the property values of their community, so staying involved is beneficial. Tip: Join local community groups or attend neighborhood meetings to stay informed about changes in your area and network with your neighbors. 5. Predictable Payments (Mostly) While property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs can fluctuate, one of the advantages of owning a home with a fixed-rate mortgage is knowing that your monthly mortgage payment will remain consistent. This stability can be a relief compared to potential rent hikes that come with lease renewals. Stat: A report from CoreLogic found that average year-over-year rent prices increased by 2.4% in October. While rent growth has slowed in 2024, it comes after two years of steep increases.  Tip: Keep in mind that while your mortgage payment is fixed, property taxes and insurance premiums can change, so factor this into your budget. Embracing Your New Lifestyle Making the jump from renting to owning is more than just a change in living arrangements; it’s a transformation in how you approach your financial planning, home maintenance, and community involvement. While the responsibilities can be more significant, the benefits of equity, personalization, and stability make homeownership a rewarding journey. Understanding these lifestyle changes before you purchase can help you prepare for what’s to come and make your transition to homeowner status as smooth as possible. With the right mindset and resources, moving from renter to owner is a change worth making.  If you're thinking about making a move in the Portland Oregon suburbs, Canby, Aurora, Oregon City, Molalla, Woodburn, or the north Willamette Valley, I hope you'll reach out.

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The holidays are almost here, and your home is about to be center stage for festive gatherings and cozy reunions.  Whether you’re looking forward to hosting or dreading it, the good news is that you don’t have to empty your wallet while prepping your home. As a real estate agent, I’ve seen firsthand how a few strategic staging tweaks can completely transform a home—and I’m sharing my insider tips for getting your space guest-ready on a budget. These ideas will help you create a memorable holiday experience while keeping things unique, personal, and hassle-free. 1. Declutter Like a Pro You know a clean home makes a great first impression, and the best part? It doesn’t cost a dime (just a little elbow grease). But here’s the real game-changer, whether you’re hosting guests or prepping your home for sale: strategic decluttering. The less visual noise, the more inviting your space feels.  Bonus tip: Create “holiday zones”—a cozy corner for conversations, a dessert table nook, and a space for kids to play. Guests will love the intentionality, and you’ll love the manageable cleanup later. 2. Rearrange Your Furniture for Better Flow Imagine your home as a space designed to host: Does your living room encourage conversation? Are there places for drinks to rest? Shift furniture to open up pathways and create cozy groupings. For a pro touch, borrow or rent small accent tables or stools for extra functionality without adding clutter. 3. Add Festive Decor Without Overspending Skip the overdone decorations found in every store this time of year. Instead, lean into fresh, local or meaningful pieces. Head outside to forage for branches, pinecones, or even citrus fruits for table decor (this also makes a great family activity!).  If the outdoors isn’t your thing, try vintage shops. You’ll be surprised at how many unique items you find at a fraction of the cost of big stores—think quirky ornaments or retro candlesticks that spark conversation.  4. Transform Your Guest Bedroom into a Mini Hotel Suite Treat your guest room like an Airbnb listing: Add a few thoughtful extras, like a printed Wi-Fi password, a stack of local magazines, or a bedside carafe of water. You can also place a basket with essentials like towels, toiletries, and snacks for a thoughtful touch that won’t cost a lot. Feeling fancy? Leave a handwritten holiday note welcoming your guests. These tiny gestures create a boutique experience without a boutique price tag. 5. Focus on the Bathroom Your bathroom will get a lot of traffic, so make sure it’s guest-ready. Replace the hand soap with a seasonal scent, add fresh towels, and place a small bouquet of flowers or greenery on the counter. Want a wow factor? A $5 investment in a eucalyptus bundle for the showerhead creates an instant spa vibe. 6. Create a Warm Welcome at the Front Door Your entryway is the first thing guests see, so make it count. Sweep the porch, add a festive wreath, and place a mat for wet shoes. If you have outdoor space, string lights or lanterns can create a warm, inviting atmosphere without requiring major investments. 7. Light It Up for the Season Lighting plays a huge role in creating a cozy ambiance. Use lamps or string lights to add warmth and reduce the need for harsh overhead lighting. Candles (real or battery-operated) can add a touch of elegance and are an affordable way to elevate your space. 8. Set Up a Self-Serve Drink Station Ease the stress of serving by creating a self-serve drink station. Use a bar cart or a side table to set up coffee, hot chocolate, or a festive punch, complete with cups, spoons, and garnishes. Guests will appreciate the gesture, and it keeps the kitchen clear for meal prep. 9. Offer Practical Storage for Coats and Bags With holiday gatherings, storage can quickly become an issue. Clear out your entryway closet or designate a specific area for coats, bags, and shoes. Use hooks, a sturdy rack, or baskets to keep everything organized and easily accessible. 10. Add Personalized Holiday Touches Small personal touches go a long way in making guests feel special. Write a quick welcome note or create place cards for a sit-down meal. And don’t forget a holiday playlist to set the tone! Personalized touches show thoughtfulness and care without requiring a big budget. Preparing your home for holiday guests doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can create a warm, welcoming space your guests will rave about.

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The 2025 housing market is shaping up to be an interesting one—steady growth, more inventory, and a bit of breathing room for buyers. But let’s be real: behind every steady forecast lies a handful of wild cards that could shift the game. From unexpected mortgage rate swings to federal policies that could either boost supply or throw a wrench in the system, there’s plenty to keep an eye on this year. Let’s break it all down—what the experts predict and what could really shake things up. The Big Picture: What Experts Are Saying About 2025 Before diving into the wild cards, let’s take a look at what the forecasts say about home prices, sales, inventory, and mortgage rates. 1. Home Prices: Modest Increases Ahead Analysts forecast modest home price growth in 2025, with projections ranging from 2% to nearly 5% increase. While home prices are still climbing, the pace is slower compared to recent years. This is good news for buyers facing affordability challenges, although slight increases still favor sellers who can expect equity gains. 2. Home Sales: Slight Rebound in Activity After a sluggish 2023 and 2024, existing home sales are projected to recover slightly in 2025. Higher sales activity signals a healthier market, but the pace will depend on mortgage rates and inventory growth. Sellers may benefit from increased demand, while buyers will appreciate slightly more options. 3. Inventory: A Step Toward Balance Economists agree—we can expect an increase in national housing inventory in the double digits: Inventory is finally improving, giving buyers more options and a bit more negotiating power. However, we’re still not back to pre-pandemic levels, so don’t expect the competition to disappear completely. 4. Mortgage Rates: A Wild Ride Ahead Mortgage rates are the biggest question mark. Most analysts predict rates hovering around 6%, but fluctuations throughout the year could create opportunities for those who act quickly. Buyers can be on the lookout for rate dips to lock in better terms. For sellers, rates might limit what buyers can afford, so pricing smartly will be key. The Wild Cards That Could Shake Things Up Now for unpredictable factors that could throw the market forecasts into disarray. Here’s what you need to keep an eye on, according to Realtor.com. 1. Mortgage Rate Surprises While forecasts suggest mortgage rates will hover around 6%, unexpected factors could lead to volatility. Economic growth, inflationary pressures, and Federal Reserve policy decisions will all play a role in determining where rates go. The Trump administration’s fiscal policies—including deficit-funded tax cuts and increased spending—could drive inflation higher, keeping mortgage rates elevated. Conversely, successful efforts to curb inflation might stabilize rates or lead to a gradual decline. What It Means for You: Buyers: Stay flexible and prepared to lock in a rate during any dips. Sellers: Be ready to adjust your pricing strategy if rates rise and buyer budgets shrink. 2. Federal Housing Policies With a Republican sweep of the presidency and Congress, new policies could either bolster the housing market or add to its challenges. President-elect Trump has proposed initiatives to decrease building costs and increase supply, including opening federal land for homebuilding and reducing regulatory costs.  However, other policies—such as stricter immigration laws and increased tariffs—could raise construction costs and slow the progress of new home development. What It Means for You: If supply increases, buyers may see more affordable options, easing competition. However, higher construction costs could offset these benefits, keeping affordability out of reach for many. Real estate is always full of surprises, but that’s what makes it exciting. Want to know how these trends could impact you in the Portland Oregon metro area, Clackamas County, Canby, or your neighborhood? Let’s connect! Schedule a phone call or quick Zoom with me and let's strategize for your 2025 goals.

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