This is hands-down the most common question I get as a realtor:<\/p>\n
\u201cSo\u2026 how\u2019s the market?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n It usually comes up during small talk at a backyard BBQ, in the checkout line, or really anytime someone finds out I\u2019m in real estate. It\u2019s almost always the second question after \u201cWhat do you do for a living?\u201d And honestly\u2014I get it. It\u2019s such a fair question.<\/p>\n But the real answer? It\u2019s never<\/em> as simple as \u201cit\u2019s hot\u201d or \u201cit\u2019s slow.\u201d So, I thought I\u2019d take a moment to share what I actually<\/em> think when you ask me how the market is. Because the truth is\u2014it depends. The market shifts based on who you are, what your goals are, and where you are in life.<\/p>\n Remember the 2020\u20132021 market frenzy? Buyers were submitting offer after offer, competing against 15+ others. It wasn\u2019t uncommon to see inspections waived, offers coming in $100K over asking, and buyers covering $25K+ appraisal gaps.<\/p>\n Sure\u2014buyers who locked in at those low interest rates are sitting on gold when it comes to financing. But I\u2019ve also worked with some who\u2019ve had to sell just a year or two later due to life changes. And they\u2019ve definitely felt the sting of what it took to get their foot in the door back then.<\/p>\n Think of the market like a farmer\u2019s market (stick with me here):<\/p>\n Some people are shopping for produce.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Some are selling candles.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Others are just strolling to see what\u2019s out there.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n So if you ask someone, \u201cHow\u2019s the market?\u201d at a farmer\u2019s market, the answer depends\u2014are you buying? Selling? Browsing?<\/p>\n It\u2019s the same in real estate. The market feels totally different depending on your role. That\u2019s why we hear terms like \u201cbuyer\u2019s market\u201d or \u201cseller\u2019s market\u201d\u2014because no market is inherently good<\/em> or bad<\/em>. It just depends on the opportunities available and who\u2019s stepping into them.<\/p>\n Even within the same category, experiences can vary widely. A first-time buyer using their savings for a down payment is playing a very different game than an empty-nester selling their long-time home and downsizing. Same market, totally different approach.<\/p>\n When someone asks me how the market is, here\u2019s what I really<\/em> look at:<\/p>\n Inventory<\/strong> \u2013 How many homes are actually available that fit your needs?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Days on Market<\/strong> \u2013 Are homes flying off the shelf or sitting for weeks?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Buyer Demand<\/strong> \u2013 Are people showing up to open houses? Making offers?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Interest Rates<\/strong> \u2013 What impact are they having on affordability and decision-making?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n But more than numbers, I think about the real conversations I\u2019m having every day.<\/p>\n Like the couple who didn\u2019t think they could buy this year\u2014until we got creative and made it happen. Or the seller who was nervous their home wasn\u2019t competitive, but with the right prep and pricing, it sold quickly and for a strong price.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what I\u2019ll say:<\/p>\n As of early 2025, the market in Portland (and surrounding areas) is shifting\u2014but not stalling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Well-priced, turn-key homes in desirable locations are still moving quickly\u2014often with multiple offers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Buyers are more intentional and strategic now. (No more wild, FOMO-fueled offers.)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Homes that are sitting? Usually those priced with 2021 expectations, where sellers haven\u2019t yet adjusted to today\u2019s more balanced market.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Sellers who are prepared, willing to put in a little work to present their home well, and patient with the process\u2014are still winning<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n There\u2019s real opportunity right now, especially if you\u2019re willing to think creatively about homes that have been sitting a little longer.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n But again\u2014it all depends. On your timing. Your budget. Your risk tolerance. Your goals. And what\u2019s happening in your<\/em> life.<\/p>\n When someone asks, \u201cHow\u2019s the market?\u201d Because I don\u2019t just want to toss out stats and blanket statements. I want to help you understand what the market means for you<\/em>. And give you real information that actually supports your decision-making.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re even thinking<\/em> about a move this year\u2014or just curious what your options might look like\u2014let\u2019s talk. No pressure. I\u2019m always happy to be a sounding board, a resource, or a second opinion.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s make the market make sense for you<\/em>.<\/p>\n Your friend & Realtor,<\/p>\n Sofi<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Broker | OR & WA<\/p>\n SOFIA GALLAMORE<\/strong><\/p>\n Licensed Broker in Oregon & Washington<\/strong><\/p>\n Buyers Agent<\/strong>
Jessica LeDoux | Lead Buyers Agent | Broker, Licensed in OR |<\/a> jessica@livingroomre.com<\/p>\n Jenessa VanZutphen | Buyer Operations Manager | Broker, Licensed in OR | jenessa@livingroomre.com<\/p>\n
(Warning: if someone gives you a one-liner answer, you might want to pause and dig deeper\u2026)<\/p>\nLet\u2019s Look Back for a Second\u2026<\/h3>\n
The Real Estate Market Isn\u2019t Just One Thing<\/h3>\n
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What I Pay Attention to (Beyond Just Price)<\/h3>\n
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So\u2026 How Is<\/em> the Market Right Now?<\/h3>\n
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My Real Answer?<\/h3>\n
I\u2019ll usually respond with: \u201cIt depends\u2014what\u2019s got you curious?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.livingroomre.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG_8358-scaled.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nSofia Gallamore<\/h2>\n
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\nAs someone who loves community, good food, and time spent outdoors, I\u2019m proud to help others find their place here in the Pacific Northwest. I specialize in working with first-time home buyers, those looking to navigate purchasing a home while needing to sell their current, and folks exploring creative real estate investment avenues\u2014like rentals and other income-generating properties. For my clients, I bring a deep understanding of the Portland market, and click particularly well with those who may appreciate a patient, data-driven, low-pressure approach.
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\nI attended Milwaukie High School (Mustang bred!) and stayed local to attend Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University\u2019s School of Public Health. There, I attended the Honors College and obtained my B.S. in Applied Health and Fitness. I loved my studies at university (and still incredibly passionate about all things health & wellness), but my part-time job as a leasing agent opened my eyes to the world of Property Management and Real Estate \u2014 and I was hooked. From there, I spent a few years in property management and then obtained my real estate license. Having grown up in Milwaukie, Oregon, and now living in Portland, I bring local expertise and a love for this area to every interaction.
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\nWith a blend of real estate know-how, Airbnb\/Property Management experience, and a genuine passion for helping others, I\u2019m excited to guide you through your Portland real estate journey. When I’m not meeting with clients, you\u2019ll find me exploring the outdoors, caring over my houseplants, or at the gym (my primary outlet for stress!!).
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\nAt Living Room Realty, I\u2019m fortunate to work alongside a team of quality agents who reflect the best the industry has to offer. With the support of decades of committed experience, the clients we represent feel supported, educated, and advocated for. We are here to listen, answer questions, and provide honest, thoughtful guidance\u2014whether you’re buying your first home, making a smart investment, or simply exploring your options.
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\nKarim Alaeddine | Operations | Principal Broker, Licensed in OR |<\/a> karim@livingroomre.com<\/p>\n