Is this a good time to buy?

March, 2026

While inflation is approaching 3% and interest rates are climbing again, after hitting a recent new low only weeks ago, why do I remain optimistic?  It’s because price appreciation has been essentially stagnant over the past 12 months (0% appreciation, Median Sale Price for rolling 12 months in the Portland Metro area  or $545000 vs $545,000, RMLS Market Report 2-2026) and may continue this trend as we approach the end of the first quarter of 2026.  In my view, this makes it an opportune time to buy before the market heats up during the spring buying season.  And realistic sellers who understand the market challenges are also motivated to negotiate with well qualified buyers.   Thus, from my standpoint the water remains warm for well qualified buyers to jump in.

Here are the numbers for the Portland Metro Area for the month ending February, 2026 – comparing 2/2026 to 2/2025:

New Listings     2,260 (up )

Pending Sales   1,821   (up)

Closed Sales      1,405   (down)

Market Time        91 days (up)

Average Sale Price  – 4.4% (down) (607,800 to $581,100)

Median Sale Price     -3.5%   ($537,900 to 519,000)

Rolling 12 months Average -.05% (609,300 vs $612,400)

Rolling 12 months  Median 0% ($545,000 vs $545,000)