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The decision to buy a house can be a tough one, especially when you’re trying to time it right. Should you buy a home in Portland now, or wait until later in 2022 to make a move?
We’re only early on in the year, but a lot of home buyers in the Portland, Oregon metro area are considering when to make their move to get into the local housing market. Many of them have the same question:
Does it make sense to buy a house in Portland right now, or would I be better off waiting until later in 2022?
Answering this kind of question requires equal parts soul-searching and market research. To help you with the market aspects, we’ve compiled some recent stats and trends. The following information will help you weigh the pros and cons of buying a home in Portland now, versus waiting until later on in the year.
Related: Free Home Buyer Guide
The first thing you should know is that home values across the Portland, Oregon metro area are still much higher than the national average. While the national average home price is $320,662, the median price in Portland is currently $559,883.
Home prices in Portland have risen quite a bit over the past year, and are expected to do much of the same over the next 12 months. According to Zillow, home prices have risen 12.4% over the past 12 months.
That said, no one can predict future home-price trends with complete accuracy. So it’s difficult to say. It’s still possible for prices to rise further into 2022, as real estate increases in value over time, despite some fluctuations along the way.
Right now, the real estate market in Portland, OR is strong right now. Prices have soared over the past 12 months, as already mentioned, and are much higher than they were 12 months ago. And things will continue on this same trajectory over the course of 2022, with healthy price increases expected through the year.
There is still a high level of demand and competition within the Portland real estate market. And the trend right now is a function of housing affordability rather than buyer demand.
Home prices in the area have risen much faster than wages and incomes in recent years, and this kind of trend is generally unsustainable over the long term. So it appears that the real estate market has “self-corrected” in the form of slower price growth.
There is still something of an inventory and shortage in the area, and this will affect those buying a home in Portland now and later on in 2022.
A “balanced” real estate market is considered to be one with around six months worth of supply. When supply falls well below that level, you have a sellers’ market situation. This is what we are seeing in the Portland area at present.
In January 2022, when this article was published, the city had just over a 1-month supply of available housing. That’s far lower than what a balanced market is supposed to look like.
Home buyers who purchase a house in Portland now or later on in 2021 may still encounter stiff competition from other buyers.
The city is attracting new residents from all over the country, particularly those who are fleeing the exorbitant home prices in California. The resulting population growth has boosted demand for housing, putting upward pressure on house values.
Related: Best Neighborhoods in Portland
Mortgage rates are another big consideration for those who are considering buying a home in Portland in 2022. The question on everyone’s mind is, will mortgage rates rise or fall between now and the end of 2022?
Interest rates are even harder to predict than home prices. But that doesn’t stop people from trying.
Each month, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) publishes a finance forecast that includes a variety of economic indicators.
According to Freddie Mac, interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with conforming loan balances currently sits at 3.55% as of January 31, 2022. Rates continue to inch up as they have been over the past 12 months.
If rates continue along this path, people buying a home in Portland in 2022 can face higher borrowing costs. According to industry experts, rates are supposed to continue inching up throughout the year and finish the year near the 4.0% mark.
Here’s the bottom line to all of this: Nobody can predict future mortgage rates or home prices with total accuracy. But current market conditions suggest that home prices in Portland, Oregon will likely rise over the coming months. So a case could be made for buying a home now versus later on in 2022 — at least where costs are concerned.
Disclaimer: This article includes various forecasts and projections relating to the Portland housing market in 2022. These reports were produced by third parties not associated with our company. We have compiled and presented them here as an educational service to our readers.
Related: Why Now Maybe Great Time to Buy
If you have questions about Portland, Oregon mortgage loan eligibility requirements, or other aspects of the program, we have the answers. Want to get pre-approved for a home loan, or request a mortgage rate quote? We can help. Sammamish Mortgage is a local, family-owned company that has been providing mortgage programs to borrowers in Portland and the surrounding Pacific Northwest since 1992. We serve borrowers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado. Please contact us if you have mortgage-related questions.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.