FALL(ing)

Cooler temperatures are upon us. I’m not sure I’m ready - I’ve been loving this warm, sunny summer - but instagram is doing it’s best to lure me to new sweaters, football games and pumpkin spice lattes. :) Funny how the transition just happens, and eventually you can’t help but embrace it. 

Also falling - interest rates! Economists are predicting a drop in the federal funds rate in the next few days. But we are already experiencing a drop in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate, which is currently at its lowest since February 2023. Great news for both buyers (from an affordability standpoint - see more on that below) and sellers (who are seeing more buyers entering the market). 

Home price growth is slowing, but prices aren’t falling on a national level. In other words, home prices are still going up, but they’re not rising as quickly as they were in recent years. So while you might notice more of those “price drops” happening in our local market, it’s just a reflection of the more balanced market than we have been experiencing over the last few years.

Your Home Equity

There are a number of reasons you might be thinking about selling your house. And as you weigh your options, you may find you’re unsure how you’re going to deal with one thing that remains an issue today’s housing market – and that’s affordability. If that’s your biggest concern, understanding how much equity you have in your house could help make your decision that much easier. Click below to read about two key factors that have a big impact on your equity.

“Transitional”. In this case, a traditional, brick-faced, Lake Oswego home with classic details that needed a modern refresh. We spent many months over the last year working on this beauty and I’m super happy with how it turned out. It was almost completely cosmetic, but we touched every surface. New floors, all new paint, brand new kitchen and bathrooms, lighting, redone stairway, windows (in this kitchen/greatroom), new furniture…the list goes on. One of my favorite updates was the fact that we created a large opening between the (previously isolated) living room and kitchen (it’s on your right in the photo above, but hard to see). We also added a built-in bar under the stairs right next to it. It adds such a nice flow and makes the home a great place to entertain. Click the link below to see all the pics!

The 13 Most Beautiful College Quads in America

The U.S. has some stunning college campuses, and their “quads” are often the highlight. Many of us have college on our minds this month, so there’s no better time to take a peek at these beauties. I am, of course, partial to The University of Washington (pictured above), as an alumni and the mom of a current student. But I also love seeing the ones I’ve never visited (and wondering why some others didn’t make this list!). 

Could Your Favorite TV and Movie Characters Afford Their Homes Today?

From “Friends” to “Breaking Bad” to “Twilight”, a study looked at current rents and home prices to see who could still live in the homes viewers know and love. 

Listings that caught my eye…

I hope you had a fantastic summer!

If you or a loved one are considering a move, let’s meet to discuss how I can help. With over 15 years in the design industry, 6 years as a real estate agent at Oregon’s top-producing brokerage, and as a real estate investor myself, I bring a unique skill set to my clients. Your continued referrals mean the world to me.