Oregon Housing Markets Shift in Buyers’ Favor; OnPoint Community Credit Union Shares Guidance
OnPoint says financial preparation remains essential as homebuyers gain more negotiating power
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon’s housing market is giving buyers more opportunities than it has in recent years, with inventory up, asking prices moderating and homes taking longer to sell.
“The focal point of your mortgage journey should always be about the home; the loan is just a tool to achieve the home,” said Dustin Johnsen, Mortgage Loan Officer at OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Find a lender you can trust, that communicates thoroughly and is flexible and creative. Do what you can to get into your first home and build your life forward with that momentum.”
Oregon’s housing market is more balanced, but local trends vary
According to Realtor.com’s June housing data, active housing inventory across Oregon is up 47.59% from three years ago and 6.59% from a year ago. Homes now spend a median of 52 days on the market, giving buyers more time to compare properties and make informed decisions. While affordability remains a challenge as mortgage rates stay elevated, increased inventory and a slower pace of sales are giving buyers advantages and new opportunities.
Trends are playing out differently across Oregon’s housing markets. Bend continues to see strong inventory growth despite higher home prices. Portland’s listing prices have softened, making way for buyer opportunities and negotiating leverage, especially for first-time buyers. Eugene remains an active market, with homes selling quickly and buyers still benefiting from more inventory than they had just a few years ago.
Making the most of today’s housing market
Today’s market offers buyers more opportunities, but preparation remains key. OnPoint recommends the following strategies to help buyers make informed financial decisions and navigate their local housing market with confidence:
- Let your budget, not the market, guide your decision. While inventory has improved across much of Oregon, affordability remains a challenge. Before making an offer, look beyond the mortgage payment and consider property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, utilities, maintenance, and other ongoing costs to determine what comfortably fits within your monthly budget.
- Choose a mortgage lender early and get pre-approved. Connecting with a trusted mortgage lender before you begin your home search can help you understand your budget, compare loan options and secure a pre-approval. It also positions you to move quickly when you find the right home and gives you a knowledgeable resource to guide you through the process.
- Understand your local market. Housing conditions can vary significantly from one Oregon community to another. Understanding inventory levels, pricing trends and how quickly homes are selling in the neighborhoods you’re considering can help you set realistic expectations and identify opportunities to negotiate.
- Focus on your long-term goals, not short-term market movements. No one can predict exactly where mortgage rates or home prices will go next. Rather than trying to perfectly time the market, focus on purchasing a home you can comfortably afford that supports your long-term financial goals. If interest rates decline in the future, refinancing may become an option.
“Life is full of uncertainties, so focus on maximizing and controlling the present,” Johnsen said. “Being a homeowner gives you control over your daily living experiences and overall happiness, as well as financial security. And remember that you have the option to move money around later through a refinance if the rate market changes, or one’s personal situation changes.”
For more information about mortgage options, pre-approval tools and homebuying resources, visit www.onpointcu.com/home-loans or call 971.231.0090 to speak with an OnPoint mortgage loan officer.
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About OnPoint Community Credit Union
OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 656,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com.
Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.
