REAL ESTATE NEWS

Earnest money sounds pretty straightforward: a buyer makes an offer and puts some money down to show the seller they're serious. But once you get into an actual transaction, the questions start. Who holds the money? Can the buyer get it back? Does the seller ever get to keep it? What happens to it at closing? Here's the simple version. What Is Earnest Money? Earnest money is money a buyer agrees to deposit as part of the purchase contract. It helps demonstrate to the seller t

Updated August 5, 2026 The 2026 NW Natural Street of Dreams is underway, celebrating its 50th anniversary with luxury custom homes, new construction and design ideas throughout the Portland area. This year’s event combines a traditional featured neighborhood in Oregon City with additional homes located throughout the region. Visitors can explore custom luxury homes, production homes, semi-custom construction and alternative housing concepts. The Street of Dreams is also a use

You accepted a great offer on your home, made it through inspections, and everything appears to be moving toward closing. Then the appraisal comes back lower than the buyer’s offer. What happens now? A low appraisal does not automatically mean the sale is over, but it can create an appraisal gap that the buyer and seller must work through before closing. What Is an Appraisal Gap? An appraisal gap is the difference between the buyer’s agreed purchase price and the value determ

The Portland real estate market is more active than it may seem, but that does not mean every home is selling quickly--or for the price the seller originally expected. Buyer activity has improved compared with last year, and more homes are successfully going under contract. At the same time, more than one--third of Portland-area listings have experienced a price reduction. Recent market tracking placed the percentage of reduced listings at approximately 37.5%. So, how can sal

Buying a home that needs work can sometimes be a great way to get into a neighborhood you otherwise could not afford or to buy a home with good bones and make it your own. The challenge is that many buyers do not have the cash available to purchase a home and then immediately pay for a new roof, kitchen remodel, electrical upgrades, flooring, or other major improvements. That is where an FHA 203(k) renovation loan can come into play. FHA has made several changes to the progra

Buyers usually form an opinion about a home pretty quickly. Before they start thinking deeply about the roof, sewer line, square footage, or offer terms, they are reacting to how the home feels when they walk in. That first impression matters because it can either make a buyer feel comfortable and interested, or it can make them start looking for reasons to move on. This does not mean every home needs to be fully remodeled or professionally staged. But it does mean sellers sh

There is no shortage of home-selling advice online. Much of it focuses on small details like baking cookies before a showing, buying trendy decorations or choosing the “perfect” day to list. Those things are not what determine whether a home sells successfully. In the real world, most home sales come down to a handful of major decisions. The right price, the condition of the property, how it is presented, how buyers experience it and how the offers are handled all have a much

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with important financial steps that begin well before closing day. One of the most helpful ways to prepare as a buyer is to understand which costs may come up early in the process, when those funds are typically due, and how they fit into your overall purchase. While every transaction is different, most buyers should be prepared for two general categories of funds: costs that may be needed shortly after offer acceptanc

When preparing to sell, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: What sells better, a vacant home or an occupied home? The answer depends on the property, the price point, the local market, and how well the home is presented. But in most cases, the homes that perform best are the ones that help buyers quickly understand the space and imagine themselves living there. That is where home staging before listing can make a major difference. According to the National Ass

Investing in real estate can seem like a daunting task, especially when you do not have a large amount of capital to start with. However, the good news is that you do not need a fortune to begin building wealth through property. With the right strategies and knowledge, you can enter the real estate market even with limited funds. This post will guide you through practical steps and real estate investing tips to help you get started confidently. Understanding Real Estate Inves

In 2026, many well-priced homes in the Portland metro and Vancouver, WA markets are still selling relatively quickly -- but the full timeline depends on location, price point, condition, preparation, and buyer demand. As a general rule, sellers should think about the process in three stages: Pre-listing preparation: 1 to 4 weeks Time on market before accepting an offer: about 2 to 8 weeks on average Pending to closing: usually 30 to 45 days That means many sellers should plan

If your home is sitting on the market longer than expected, you’re not alone. The Portland metro real estate market has shifted quite a bit over the past couple of years. What used to sell in a weekend with multiple offers can now take weeks--or even longer. So what’s going on? More importantly… what can you actually do about it? Let’s break down the most common reasons homes aren’t selling right now in the Portland area--and what to pay atention to if you’re in this situatio

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Portland , one of the first questions that comes up is: “What should I do to increase my home’s value before selling?” Most sellers assume the answer is major renovations--but in reality, value comes from making the right improvements, not the most expensive ones. In today’s Portland market, buyers are very aware of condition , presentation, and location details. The homes that perform best are the ones that align with what buy

Selling a home in the Portland Metro area involves many decisions, and one of the most important is whether to stage your home before listing it. Staging can influence how quickly your property sells and the price you receive. But is it always necessary? Lets guide you through the benefits and considerations of home staging, practical tips, and how it can impact your sale. Understanding Home Staging Advice for Portland Sellers Home staging is the process of preparing your hom

How to get a home value in Portland

If you’re thinking about selling your home in The Portland Metro, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Should I get a home inspection done before I list?” It sounds like a smart, proactive move… but in most cases, it’s actually not the best strategy . Let’s break down why. The Hidden Downside: Disclosure Becomes a Bigger Deal In Oregon, sellers are required to disclose known issues with the property. When you get a pre-listing inspection, you’re essentially creating a detailed

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Oregon, one of the first questions that usually comes up is, “How long am I locked into a listing agreement?” It’s a fair question—and honestly, one that more people should be asking upfront. In this updated 2026 guide, I’ll walk through what’s typical in Oregon, what’s negotiable (spoiler: more than you think), and how both sellers and buyers should think about contract timelines. What Is a Listing Agreement? A listing agreemen

Spring is often the busiest season for real estate in Portland, and 2026 is no exception. As the market shifts with the new season, sellers need a clear picture of what to expect. The latest data from March 13 to 19 reveals important trends shaping the Portland Metro housing market. Understanding these trends can help sellers make smart decisions about pricing, timing, and presentation to attract buyers and close sales efficiently. Inventory Remains Tight but Shows Slight Cha

Selling a home in Portland in 2026 requires a clear plan, up-to-date market knowledge, and practical steps to ensure a smooth transaction. Whether you are a first-time seller or have experience, this guide will walk you through the essential stages of selling your property effectively. By following these steps, you can maximize your home's value and minimize stress throughout the process. Understanding the Portland Real Estate Market in 2026 Before listing your home, it is cr

Myths in real estate. What buyer and sellers should know.