Each month, our RMLS releases statistics for the previous month, along with a year-over-year comparison. And each month, I find myself struggling to make the numbers work. Please note, I went to a high school where I spent most of my time bass fishing, or building bows in our ag shop… struggling to make numbers work isn’t necessarily new to me. But unlike school, the answers to these equations cannot be found in my teacher’s desk. As someone who strives to be a true expert in their market, I find it frustrating when I cannot connect the dots. And while sipping an americano, reading the latest report, I felt a little like Ricky Bobby, unsure of my thoughts and what to do with my hands. 

First, you hear that the sky is falling. We are at war with Iran, gas is worth more than your mother’s ashes, and a house hasn’t sold since Reagan’s second term. Then you observe the data, and the story becomes much more nuanced. Here are a few statistics to be aware of:

• Pending sales increased 3.5% in May over April, and 6.1% year-over-year. 
• Average sales price increased 3.6% in May, and is up 2.1% since May 2025.
• Total time on the market decreased by 6 days.
• There were 4.4% fewer new listings in May, and 11.1% less than May 2025.

Please remember, “Figures never lie, but liars figure.” and statistics often don’t tell the entire story. However, this is the third month of positive numbers being reported by the most accurate data source in Oregon real estate; thus, there must be some truth to them. 

What am I observing daily? Older folks are the most active in our market, and they purchase single-level homes. Therefore, newer single-level homes with large garages often sell at their asking price within a week. Cookie-cutter two-level homes on tight lots aren’t, and that inventory level is building as that product sits longer. Small-acreage homes have been more resilient than other property types, but sales of vacant land have slowed due to rising building costs. The Willamette Valley is being supported by a steady influx of people from Idaho, California, Washington, Central Oregon, and the Portland Metro area. The main drivers of people to our area appear to be family and our livability. Turns out people don’t care much about taxes when you can ski and visit the beach on the same day. Plus, when you’re coming from California or Washington, it’s only up from there. 

This environment makes it even more crucial that you have a practiced professional on your side, not your cousin who sold two homes last year. It can be a great time to buy, and you can also sell for a strong price if you have the right property. I believe your first week on the market is the most important, and pricing appropriately is crucial, particularly as we head toward August, when the market will begin to slow. 

Don’t listen to doomsdayers who say the market is poor and that is why your home isn't selling. There are people transacting daily, and a fair number of them. Your home isn’t selling because you painted your kitchen green, your four dogs haven’t seen daylight in a month, and you’re priced $50,000 over where you should be. 

That’s all!