Should We Wait for the Market to Drop?

It’s the question we hear almost weekly:
“Do you think prices will go down soon?”
“Should we wait for rates to drop before we buy?”

It’s a completely fair hesitation—especially in a city like Portland where affordability feels tighter and headlines don’t always help.

Just last week, we sat down with a young couple looking in the Alberta Arts District. They had saved diligently, got pre-approved, and were ready to buy—but they were frozen. “What if rates drop right after we buy?” they asked.

Here’s what we told them: real estate isn’t about timing the market. It’s about timing your life.

Could rates drop in six months? Possibly. Could prices rise while you wait? Also yes. Could a home that really fits your life now be worth stretching a little for today? Absolutely.

We always run scenarios with our clients—monthly payment comparisons, historical data, and the cost of waiting. But more than that, we talk about their actual lives. Are you growing your family? Are you tired of renting? Are you ready to settle in a neighborhood you love? Those are the real decision drivers.

In the end, that couple made an offer on a thoughtfully updated craftsman in 97211—and they’re thrilled. They didn’t buy because the market told them to. They bought because their lives did.

That’s the heart of how we approach Portland real estate. We guide with strategy, yes—but also with empathy, honesty, and a clear focus on you.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the Portland area, we’d love to be part of your story.