Portland Metro Real Estate Blog

One of the questions I hear most often from buyers is:

Is now a good time to buy a home?

It sounds like a simple question, but the answer is rarely a simple yes or no.

When interest rates rise, buyers wonder if they should wait. When home prices rise, they worry they've missed their opportunity. And when the market slows down, they sometimes worry that buying may be a mistake.

There will always be a reason to hesitate.

The truth is, there isn't one perfect time to buy that works for everyone. The same market conditions can affect two buyers very differently.

The better question is:

Is now a good time for me to buy a home?

That answer depends less on the national headlines and more on your finances, your plans, and what is happening in the local market where you want to live.

Market conditions do matter. Interest rates affect your monthly payment. Home prices affect what you can afford. The number of homes for sale affects your choices, and buyer competition can influence how much negotiating power you have.

But those conditions don't move in only one direction.

A lower interest rate may bring more buyers into the market and create more competition. A higher-rate market may reduce your buying power, but it can also mean fewer competing offers and more room to negotiate with a seller.

More inventory can give you additional choices. Limited inventory can make the search take longer. Even then, conditions can vary significantly from one neighborhood or price range to another.

That's why broad statements like "it's a buyer's market" or "it's a bad time to buy" usually don't tell you enough.

Real estate is local, and your situation is personal.

You can't control home prices, mortgage rates, or how many other buyers are looking for a home.

You can control how prepared you are.

Before deciding whether to buy, look at the parts of the decision that are actually within your control:

• Your monthly budget

• Your savings and cash reserves

• Your credit and loan options

• The type of home you're willing to consider

• The neighborhoods that fit your needs

• How long you expect to own the home

• Whether the payment still leaves room for the rest of your life

Once you understand those pieces, it becomes much easier to decide whether buying now makes sense. If they aren't in place, waiting may be the right decision, not because the market is necessarily bad, but because a little more preparation could make buying easier and less stressful.

Sometimes waiting makes sense.

You may need time to improve your credit, reduce debt, build savings, or create more stability in your income. You may also know that a job change, move, or other major life event is coming soon.

Those are practical reasons to wait.

But waiting because you're trying to predict the perfect market is different.

If rates go down, prices or competition may rise. If prices soften, the homes you want may still be limited. If you wait for every condition to feel perfect, you may find that the market simply trades one challenge for another.

That doesn't mean you should rush into buying. It means the decision to wait should have a purpose.

If waiting gives you time to improve something specific, it can be a smart strategy. If you're waiting only because you're hoping someone will announce the perfect moment to buy, you may be waiting for an answer that never comes.

Buying usually makes more sense when you expect to stay in the home for several years.

There are costs involved in both buying and eventually selling a home. If you expect to relocate in the near future, renting may give you more flexibility. If you plan to stay for several years, homeownership may give you time to build equity and make the home your own.

Your timeline doesn't need to be exact. Life changes, and no one can predict every job opportunity, relationship, or family need.

But you should be able to picture the home fitting your life for more than just the next few months.

This is one reason I encourage buyers to think beyond whether they can qualify today. The home should fit your life today while still making sense for where you expect your life to go next.

Housing headlines describe the market as a whole. They don't describe your particular situation.

A national report can't tell you whether the right home is available in your neighborhood, whether the payment fits your budget, or whether a seller may be willing to help with closing costs or other terms.

It also can't tell you how your current housing situation compares with the homes and payments available to you today.

The headlines can give you context, but they shouldn't make the decision for you.

A better approach is to look at current local inventory, recent sales, your estimated payment, and your expected timeline. Once you have that information, the question becomes much easier to answer.

Before deciding whether now is the right time, ask yourself:

☐ Have I compared the cost of buying with the cost of staying where I am?

☐ Does the full monthly payment fit comfortably into my budget?

☐ Are there homes available that fit my needs and price range?

☐ Do current conditions give me any room to negotiate?

☐ Do I expect to own the home long enough for buying to make sense?

☐ If I decide to wait, do I know what I'm waiting to improve?

☐ Have I talked with a lender and Realtor about what is actually happening in my market?

You don't need every market condition to be perfect.

You do need the purchase to make sense for your life and your finances.

One thing I've learned is that buyers often spend so much time trying to predict the market that they lose sight of whether buying makes sense for them right now.

No one can consistently predict exactly what home prices or interest rates will do next. But I have seen buyers make good decisions in many different markets because they understood their budget, knew why they wanted to buy, and chose a home they could comfortably afford.

Sometimes the right answer is to buy now.

Sometimes the right answer is to wait six months and strengthen your position.

The important thing is knowing why you're making that choice.

The best time to buy isn't when the market is perfect. It's when buying makes sense for you.

For many buyers, the biggest reason they consider waiting is the interest rate.

That leads to the next question:

Will mortgage interest rates go down?

In the next article, we’ll look at what influences mortgage rates, why predicting them is so difficult, and how to make a good decision without trying to time the market perfectly.

I understand why buyers want a clear answer about timing. Buying a home is a major decision, and no one wants to feel like they bought too early, paid too much, or missed a better opportunity.

Market headlines can provide useful information, but they can’t tell you whether buying makes sense for your particular situation. My goal with the Portland Metro Buyer’s Academy is to help you understand the factors that matter so you can make that decision with confidence.

If you're wondering whether now is the right time for you, I'm always happy to look at the full picture with you. We can talk about your goals, your budget, and what is happening in the areas you're considering.

There's no pressure to buy before you're ready. Sometimes the best outcome is finding the right home now. Sometimes it's building a plan for later.

Either way, the goal is the same: make a decision you understand, feel comfortable with, and can move forward with confidence.

View the complete Portland Metro Buyer’s Academy

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One of the questions I often hear from buyers is:

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

A lot of people assume there is one magic number. They believe that if their score isn't high enough, buying a home won't be an option.

The reality is a little more encouraging.

You don't need perfect credit to buy a home, and there isn't one credit score that works for every buyer or every loan program.

Your credit score matters. It can affect which loans are available to you, the interest rate you're offered, and ultimately what your monthly payment looks like. But it's only one part of the picture.

The better question is:

What does my credit profile allow me to do today, and what could improve if I strengthen it?

A credit score is essentially a way for lenders to evaluate how you’ve handled borrowing money in the past. But when you apply for a mortgage, your lender isn’t looking at that number by itself.

They will also consider:

- Your income

- Your monthly debts

- Your payment history

- How much money you’re putting down

- Your cash reserves

- The type of loan you’re using

- Your overall credit history

That’s why two buyers with the same credit score can have very different loan options.

It’s also why I think it’s important not to decide on your own that you aren’t ready to buy based on a number you saw in a credit app. Your score matters, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

This is where the answer depends on the loan.

Different mortgage programs have different guidelines, and lenders can have their own requirements on top of those guidelines.

Conventional financing is a good example of why one number does not tell the whole story. Fannie Mae’s automated underwriting system no longer uses its former 620 minimum credit-score requirement for new loan casefiles. That does not mean credit scores no longer matter, or that every conventional loan is available at any score. Your overall credit profile still affects the underwriting decision, and lenders and other loan programs may apply their own requirements.

FHA loans can offer a little more flexibility. A score of 580 or higher can qualify for the maximum FHA financing, while buyers with scores between 500 and 579 may still have options, typically with at least 10% down.

VA loans work a little differently. The VA itself doesn’t set a minimum credit score, although the lender you work with may have its own requirements.

USDA loans are another example of why you shouldn’t assume a credit score tells the whole story. A score below 640 doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but it may mean your lender needs to take a closer look at your credit history. Income, the location of the home, and other requirements also play a role.

The important thing to remember is that these numbers are starting points, not necessarily yes-or-no answers. Your credit score matters, but it’s only one part of the bigger picture.

These are general guidelines, and your lender may have additional requirements based on your overall financial situation.

So don’t worry about memorizing four different credit-score rules. The real takeaway is simple: a less-than-perfect credit score doesn’t necessarily end the conversation. It may just change the options available to you.

Qualifying for a mortgage and getting the best loan available to you are two different things.

Even if your current score is high enough to qualify, improving it may help you get a better interest rate or open up more loan options. A lower rate can reduce your monthly payment and the amount of interest you pay over time.

That means improving your credit isn't only about getting a yes or no from a lender.

Sometimes it's about putting yourself in a stronger position before you buy.

But that doesn't automatically mean you should delay a purchase for a year just to chase a higher score. The benefit of waiting depends on how much your credit may improve, what happens with home prices and interest rates, and your personal goals.

This is another reason it's helpful to look at the whole picture before making a decision.

One of the easiest mistakes to make is trying to improve your credit without first understanding what's affecting it.

A good place to start is by simply reviewing your credit reports and seeing what’s actually there. Look for things like late or missed payments, high credit-card balances, collections, or accounts you don’t recognize. It’s also worth checking that the balances and other information being reported are accurate.

Reviewing your credit reports won’t hurt your credit score, and if you find something that isn’t correct, you have the right to dispute it with the credit reporting companies.

If everything is accurate, don’t panic and don’t feel like you need to fix everything at once. The goal is to understand what’s affecting your credit and focus on the changes that could actually make a difference.

Sometimes a few targeted steps can put you in a much better position than you might think.

Improving your credit usually isn’t about finding some secret trick. More often, it’s about consistently doing a few things well.

That means paying your bills on time, working on reducing credit-card balances, and being careful about opening new credit accounts while you’re preparing to buy. You also want to keep your overall finances as stable as possible and make sure any legitimate errors on your credit reports are corrected.

Once you’ve started the mortgage process, stability becomes even more important. A new car, furniture financing, or even a new credit card might seem completely separate from buying a home, but taking on new debt can affect both your credit and your debt-to-income ratio before closing.

That doesn’t mean you need to put your entire financial life on hold. It just means that if you’re considering a major purchase or financial change while buying a home, talk with your lender first. A quick conversation beforehand can help you avoid an unnecessary surprise later.

Before you begin house hunting, ask yourself:

☐ Do I know roughly where my credit stands?

☐ Have I reviewed my credit reports for errors?

☐ Am I making all of my payments on time?

☐ Are my credit-card balances manageable?

☐ Am I planning any large purchases or new loans?

☐ Have I talked with a lender about which loan options fit my situation?

You don't need to answer every question perfectly.

The purpose of this exercise is simply to identify where you are today and whether there are a few things you can do to put yourself in a stronger position.

One thing I've learned is that buyers are often much harder on themselves about credit than they need to be.

They see a score that isn't where they want it to be and assume they need to spend the next year fixing everything before they can even talk to someone about buying a home.

Sometimes waiting and improving your credit is absolutely the right move.

But sometimes the buyer is closer than they think.

That's why I believe the first step isn't trying to reach a perfect credit score. It's finding out where you actually stand.

A good lender can help you understand what your score means, which options may be available today, and which specific changes could make the biggest difference if you're not quite ready.

Good decisions come from good information, not assumptions.

Once you understand your budget, down payment, and credit, another big question usually comes next:

Is now a good time to buy a home?

It's a question that gets asked in every kind of market.

In the next article, we'll look beyond the headlines and talk about how to decide whether now is the right time for you, based on your finances, your plans, and what is actually happening in your local market.

Credit can feel personal, especially if you've had a difficult financial period in the past. But your credit score isn't a judgment about you, and it doesn't have to define what happens next.

The reason I created the Portland Metro Buyer's Academy is to give buyers straightforward information they can use to make better decisions without feeling pressured to buy before they're ready.

If you're thinking about buying but aren't sure whether your credit is where it needs to be, I'm always happy to help you figure out the right next step. Sometimes that means buying sooner than you expected. Sometimes it means building a plan and giving yourself a little more time.

Either way, the goal is the same: understand your options, make a decision that fits your situation, and move forward with confidence.

View the complete Portland Metro Buyer’s Academy

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Once you have a sense of how much home fits comfortably into your budget, the next question is usually about cash:

How much money do I actually need before I can buy a home?

For many first-time buyers, this is where the process can start to feel overwhelming. They have heard they need a 20% down payment, so they assume buying is years away.

The good news is that 20% isn't the only option.

For some buyers, putting 20% down is the right choice. It can lower the monthly payment and may eliminate private mortgage insurance. But many buyers purchase a home with less money down, and sometimes keeping more savings after closing is the better financial decision.

The goal isn't simply to put down the largest amount possible. It's to buy comfortably while still having savings left after closing.

Your down payment is the portion of the purchase price that you pay upfront. The rest is generally financed through your mortgage.

The amount you need depends on the loan program, your qualifications, the price of the home, and the financial plan that makes the most sense for you.

A conventional loan may allow qualified buyers to put down as little as 3%, although many buyers put down 5% or more. A 20% down payment is often discussed because it can eliminate private mortgage insurance, but it isn't a universal requirement.

FHA loans can allow qualified buyers to put down as little as 3.5%. They are often helpful for buyers who need more flexibility with their down payment or credit profile.

Eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses may be able to use a VA loan with no down payment, depending on their eligibility, entitlement, lender requirements, and the property's appraised value. USDA loans may also offer no-down-payment options for eligible buyers and properties in qualifying areas.

Each program has its own rules, costs, and requirements. The important thing isn't to memorize every loan program. It's to understand that you may have more options than you think.

A larger down payment can reduce the amount you borrow, lower your monthly payment, and in some cases eliminate mortgage insurance.

But there's another side to the decision.

If putting 20% down leaves you with almost nothing in savings, you may be creating unnecessary financial stress. Homeownership comes with moving costs, maintenance, repairs, furniture, utility deposits, and the things you discover you need after you get the keys.

A buyer who puts less down but still has a healthy emergency fund may be in a stronger position than a buyer who puts every available dollar into the purchase.

There isn't one right answer for everyone. The right down payment is the one that helps you buy responsibly without leaving you unprepared for the realities of owning a home.

The down payment gets most of the attention, but it is not the only money you may need before closing.

Earnest money is a deposit you provide after your offer is accepted. It shows the seller that you intend to move forward under the terms of the agreement. If the transaction closes, it's generally credited toward the amount you owe at closing. It isn't simply an extra fee, but it can be at risk if a buyer doesn't follow the contract terms and deadlines.

You'll also have closing costs. These may include lender charges, title and escrow services, prepaid property taxes and insurance, and other costs connected to the purchase. The exact amount depends on the loan, property, timing, and negotiated terms.

Depending on the situation, you may also need money for inspections, an appraisal, moving expenses, immediate repairs, or cash reserves. Some loan programs require reserves in certain situations, and even when they aren't required, having savings left after closing is usually a wise goal.

That's why it's important to look at your complete cash-to-close estimate instead of focusing only on the down payment.

Some buyers may qualify for down-payment assistance, closing-cost assistance, grants, or loan programs designed to reduce the upfront cash needed to buy.

These programs can be valuable, but they aren't all the same. Some have income limits, location requirements, homebuyer education requirements, repayment terms, or restrictions on the type of property you can buy.

Assistance can make homeownership more accessible, but it should still fit your full financial plan. A good lender can help you understand which programs may be available and how they affect your payment, closing costs, and long-term obligations.

Before you start touring homes, take a few minutes to write down:

☐ The amount currently available for a down payment

☐ The amount you want to keep in emergency savings

☐ An estimated amount for closing costs

☐ Potential inspection, appraisal, moving, and immediate repair costs

☐ Whether you may qualify for a low-down-payment or assistance program

☐ A monthly payment that still leaves room for the rest of your life

This doesn't need to be perfect. The purpose is to replace assumptions with a starting plan.

One thing I've learned is that many buyers wait longer than they need to because they're focused on one number.

They've heard they need 20% down, so they never explore their options.

Sometimes a quick conversation with a trusted lender changes their timeline completely. Other times, it confirms that waiting and building more savings is the right move.

Either result is useful.

The point isn't to buy before you're ready. It's to understand what's actually possible before deciding that homeownership is out of reach.

Good decisions come from good information, not assumptions.

Now that you understand how down payments, closing costs, and savings fit together, the next question is one many buyers worry about:

What credit score do you need to buy a home?

In the next article, we will explain how credit affects your loan options, why there is no single magic number, and what you can do now to strengthen your buying position, even if your credit is not perfect.

Every buyer's financial situation is different, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to a down payment.

The Portland Metro Buyer's Academy is meant to give you honest, straightforward information without pressuring you to make a decision before you're ready.

If you'd like to talk through your options or simply find out where you stand, I'm always happy to have that conversation. Whether you're planning to buy in a few months or a few years, I'd be glad to help you build a plan that fits your goals.

View the complete Portland Metro Buyer’s Academy

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One of the first questions almost every buyer asks me is:

How much house can I afford?

It's a good question. But after helping buyers through this process, I've found there's an even better one:

How much home fits comfortably into my life?

Those questions may sound similar, but they can lead to very different answers.

A lender can help you understand how much you may qualify to borrow. My job is to help you decide what makes sense for your life.

Just because you qualify for a certain amount doesn't automatically mean that's how much you should spend. Buying a home should bring peace of mind, and the goal is to do that without creating financial stress every month.

When buyers first start looking at homes, it's easy to focus on the principal-and-interest payment shown by a mortgage calculator. That number matters, but it isn't the complete cost of owning the home.

Your monthly housing costs and ongoing ownership expenses may include:

·         Principal and interest

·         Property taxes and homeowners insurance

·         Mortgage insurance, if required

·         HOA dues, if applicable

·         Utilities

·         Routine maintenance and repairs

·         Lawn care or other property expenses

·         Savings for larger repairs and replacements

None of these costs should scare you. They're simply part of homeownership. Planning for them before you buy makes them much easier to handle later.

When you talk with a lender, one number you'll probably hear is your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI. It compares your required monthly debt payments with your gross monthly income before taxes.

Lenders use DTI along with your credit, down payment, loan program, cash reserves, and the rest of your financial picture. The amount allowed can vary, so there isn't one debt ratio that applies to every buyer or every loan.

You may also hear people refer to the traditional 28/36 guideline. It suggests using about 28% of gross monthly income for housing and about 36% for housing plus other monthly debts.

That can be a useful budgeting starting point, but it isn't a universal mortgage rule. Some buyers may qualify above those percentages, while others may decide they feel more comfortable spending less.

A lender's approval tells you what may be possible. It doesn't tell you how much room you want left for savings, travel, family expenses, or the rest of your life.

Let's say two households each earn $120,000 per year, or $10,000 in gross monthly income. Using the traditional guideline only as a simple planning example, 28% of that income would equal a $2,800 housing payment. The 36% total-debt figure would equal $3,600 per month.

Buyer A has a $450 car payment and a $250 student-loan payment, for $700 in existing monthly debt. Subtracting that from the $3,600 total-debt guideline leaves $2,900. In this example, the lower $2,800 housing figure would become the starting point.

Buyer B earns the same income but has an $850 car payment, $500 in student loans, and $350 in credit-card payments. That adds up to $1,700 in existing monthly debt. Subtracting it from $3,600 leaves $1,900 for housing.

Both buyers have the same income, but their existing debt creates a very different picture.

This is only an illustration, not a loan approval calculation. Actual underwriting depends on the loan program and the buyer's complete qualifications. But it shows why income alone doesn't determine how much home you can afford.

It's also why comparing your budget with a friend or family member usually isn't helpful. Their debts, credit, down payment, loan terms, and priorities may be completely different from yours.

One of the best things you can do is talk with a lender before you start touring homes. Even if you're months away from buying, that conversation can show you where you stand and what options may be available.

Sometimes paying off a smaller debt can improve your buying position. Other times, keeping that money in savings is the better choice. Don't make a major financial move simply because you assume it will help. Ask the lender to compare the options first.

The purpose of getting information early isn't to pressure you into buying. It's to replace assumptions with real numbers and give you time to build a plan.

First-time buyers often focus so much on getting to closing that they forget to think about what happens after they receive the keys.

Some years, a home may need very little. In another year, an appliance may fail, the water heater may need to be replaced, or the roof may need attention. Having money set aside can turn those moments into manageable expenses instead of emergencies.

You may hear the suggestion to budget 1% to 2% of a home's value each year for maintenance and repairs. That can be a useful planning estimate, but it isn't a prediction. A newer, well-maintained home may need less for a while, while an older home with aging systems may need considerably more.

The better approach is to consider the home's age, condition, major systems, and likely upcoming repairs, and make sure your budget leaves room to keep saving after closing.

This may be the most important part of this guide.

Buying a home shouldn't force you to give up everything else you enjoy. Your payment should still leave room to save money, handle an unexpected expense, take a vacation, or make choices without feeling that every dollar already belongs to the house.

A mortgage calculator can't tell you what that balance looks like. Only you can.

Before choosing a price range, think about how the payment would feel during an ordinary month, not just whether you could technically make it. Then think about whether it would still feel manageable if your priorities changed or an unexpected expense came up.

Before you start touring homes, take a few minutes to write down:

☐ My annual household income

☐ My required monthly debt payments

☐ My estimated complete housing payment

☐ My expected utilities and HOA dues, if applicable

☐ An amount for maintenance and future repairs

☐ The emergency savings I want to keep after closing

☐ My monthly savings and other financial goals

☐ The payment that lets me enjoy my home, not just afford it

This exercise doesn't need to produce a perfect number. Its purpose is to help you identify a payment range that fits your real life before the excitement of house hunting begins.

One thing I've learned is that most buyers don't regret purchasing a home that's comfortably within their budget. What they appreciate is the peace of mind that comes from knowing they still have room for everything else that's important in life.

Life happens. Cars need repairs, priorities change, and homeowners eventually face expenses they didn't schedule.

That's why I encourage my buyers to think beyond what they can qualify for and focus on what they'll be comfortable living with month after month.

The happiest homeowners aren't always the ones who bought the biggest house. They're often the ones who bought a home that fit both their budget and their lifestyle.

Your budget should support your lifestyle, not define it.

Once you have a realistic monthly budget, the next question is how much money you'll need before you can buy.

In the next article, How Much Do You Need for a Down Payment?, we'll look at down payments, closing costs, earnest money, cash reserves, and programs that may reduce the amount you need upfront.

Many buyers are surprised to learn that they may not need as much cash as they expected.

Every buyer's situation is different. No two families have exactly the same goals, priorities, or financial picture.

This guide is meant to give you a solid foundation, but it can't replace a conversation about your specific situation.

Whether you're planning to buy in the next few months or you're just beginning to explore the idea, I'm always happy to answer your questions and help you build a plan that makes sense for you.

There's no pressure and no obligation, just honest advice to help you move forward with confidence.

View the complete Portland Metro Buyer’s Academy

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Buying a home isn't simply about qualifying for a mortgage. It's about deciding whether homeownership makes sense for your financial situation, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.

For some people, buying now is the right decision. For others, waiting six months to improve their savings or credit can make the experience much easier.

There isn't one answer that works for everyone. What matters is understanding where you stand before you begin your search.

Before you start looking at homes or talking about loan amounts, it helps to take an honest look at what buying a home would mean for you.

Homeownership can be a great long-term decision, but it also comes with a monthly payment, maintenance responsibilities, and less flexibility to make a quick move. That doesn't mean you need to have every detail figured out before you start. It simply means you should understand what you're working toward.

Ask yourself a few questions:

·         Do I expect to stay in the area for at least the next three to five years?

·         Is my income stable?

·         Have I started saving for a down payment and closing costs?

·         Am I comfortable taking on the responsibilities of owning and maintaining a home?

·         Does buying a home fit with my other financial goals?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, you're probably ready to begin planning your purchase. That doesn't mean every detail has to be in place before you begin. It means you have a solid foundation to start learning about your options.

If not, don't be discouraged. Many successful buyers spend several months preparing before they ever tour a home. That preparation often makes the buying process smoother and helps avoid expensive surprises later.

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that you need to have everything figured out before talking to a Realtor.

You don't.

Some of the best conversations I have are with people who are still six months, or even a year, away from buying. We talk about where you are today, what you'll need to do before you're ready, and how to create a plan that makes sense for your situation.

When the time comes to buy, you'll be prepared instead of rushed.

Talking with a Realtor early shouldn't feel like pressure to buy. It should help you understand your options, where you stand today, and what you may need to do before you're ready.

☐ I plan to stay in the area for at least the next three to five years.

☐ My income is stable.

☐ I have started saving for a down payment and closing costs.

☐ I am comfortable with the responsibilities of homeownership.

☐ Buying a home fits my long-term financial and personal goals.

If you checked yes to most of these, you're probably ready to start planning your home purchase. If not, that's still useful information. It simply shows you what to work on next.

Once you have a sense of whether buying fits your life, the next question is usually about affordability.

How much home can you comfortably afford?

In the next article, How Much House Can You Really Afford?, we will look beyond the loan amount a lender may approve and focus on the full monthly cost of owning a home. That includes taxes, insurance, debt, maintenance, and the room you still want in your budget for the rest of your life.

Your budget should support your lifestyle, not define it.

Everything in the Portland Metro Buyer's Academy is meant to help you make better decisions, whether you eventually work with me or not.

Every buyer's situation is different. An online guide can explain the general process, but it can't fully account for your finances, your goals, or the neighborhoods you're considering.

If you're wondering whether now is the right time to start planning, I'm always happy to have that conversation. Whether you're hoping to buy next month or next year, I'd be glad to help you build a plan that fits your goals. When you're ready, I'll be here to help.

View the complete Portland Metro Buyer’s Academy

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