WHY WAITING TO BUY A HOME IN PORTLAND, OR & VANCOUVER, WA COULD COST YOU THOUSANDS
Did you know that home prices in the Portland Metro area are on track to increase by 3.1% by the end of March? If you’re considering buying a home but waiting for the “right time,” that delay could cost you thousands. The reality is that real estate remains one of the most powerful tools for building asset wealth, and in today’s shifting market, strategic action is key.
As a real estate negotiation expert and accredited luxury market specialist, I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I partner with my clients to ensure they get the best guidance, strategy, and connections needed to make smart financial investments for their future.
THE COST OF WAITING
Real estate in Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, is continuously appreciating. By simply waiting, you may find yourself in a market where home values have risen, making it more expensive to buy the same home a few months from now.
Here’s what the data is showing:
* Home prices are projected to increase by an average of 3.1% by March.
* 27% of homes sold today are purchased with cash. Buyers paying in cash create more competition, making having your financing in place even more crucial.
* Portland’s affordability challenges aren’t going away. Acting now can protect you from rising prices and help you secure your future.
THREE STEPS TO TAKE RIGHT NOW
If you’re on the fence, you can take three critical steps today to position yourself for success.
1. GET PRE-APPROVED
Most buyers aren’t paying cash, which means securing financing is your first step. A pre-approval ensures you understand:
✅ What you can afford
✅ Your monthly payments
✅ The strongest offer you can make
Working with the right lender makes all the difference. The market constantly evolves, and having a creative and strategic mortgage professional on your side ensures you’ll make the most informed decisions.
2. KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
Many buyers assume they need a massive down payment or perfect credit to buy a home. But real estate isn’t just black or white—it’s full of possibilities.
Options that may be available to you:
✔ Down payment assistance programs
✔ First-time homebuyer programs
✔ Homebuyer education classes to help you navigate financing
The right partnerships—from lenders specializing in creative solutions to expert negotiators like myself—will allow you to move forward confidently. Don’t let misinformation about affordability hold you back. There are more opportunities out there than you may realize.
3. EXPAND YOUR THINKING
Many buyers think they need to find their “forever home” immediately. But real estate is a journey, and many successful homeowners take strategic steps to achieve their goals.
Consider:
🔹 Expanding your home search to new neighborhoods
🔹 Looking at properties you may not have originally considered
🔹 Viewing homeownership as a stepping stone to financial security
I recently had this conversation with a client who initially thought their dream home was impossible. By adjusting their approach and considering alternative paths, they gained ownership faster than they had ever thought possible. The long-term rewards of equity growth and financial security far outweighed the idea of waiting for a perfect scenario.
FAST FORWARD: WHAT IF YOU BUY NOW?
A year from now, you could still be waiting, watching home prices increase while your purchasing power stays the same—or even decreases. Or, you could be settled in your new home, building wealth, and enjoying financial security.
I’ve had so many clients over the years tell me they’re grateful they took action when they did. Waiting may seem like the safe choice, but with the right guidance, expertise, and strategy, buying now can help secure your future, grow your net worth, and provide stability for your family.
So, what’s your next step? DM me or comment “READY” below, and let’s make your homeownership goals a reality.
