August 2025 Central Oregon Real Estate Update: Buyers, Sellers, and “Why Smart Agents Are Already Working on 2026” It’s August in Central Oregon—sunny, smoky (hopefully not too much), and a good time to check in on what’s happening in our residential real estate market. Whether you’re buying, selling, or working in the field, here’s what […]
August 2025 Central Oregon Real Estate Update: Buyers, Sellers, and “Why Smart Agents Are Already Working on 2026”
It’s August in Central Oregon—sunny, smoky (hopefully not too much), and a good time to check in on what’s happening in our residential real estate market. Whether you’re buying, selling, or working in the field, here’s what you need to know right now:
Buyers: Don’t Assume You Can’t Afford It—Talk to More Lenders
Rates and affordability are on everyone’s mind—but here’s the truth: no two lenders are alike, and if you’ve only talked to one, you probably don’t have the full picture.
Different lenders offer different loan products, fee structures, and rate packages. One might prequalify you for $425K, while another (with better terms or different underwriting criteria) says you can comfortably go to $475K.
Before you decide to sit the market out, talk to two or three lenders and explore your options. Ask questions, compare total costs (not just the monthly payment), and make sure you’re getting the best deal for your situation. You might be closer to buying than you think.
Sellers: Hope Is in the Air—But So Is Realism
No sugar-coating here: you’re probably going to get less for your home in 2025 than you would’ve in 2022 or 2023. But that doesn’t mean the bottom is falling out.
We’re seeing active, motivated buyers in every Central Oregon community we serve. The homes that are priced right and/or stand out in their presentation are selling—and often faster than you’d expect.
The key? Be strategic. Work with a professional who knows how to price accurately in this market, and invest in those pre-listing touch-ups that make your home shine. There’s movement out there, and you can still make a great deal happen.
Agents: The Q4 Seeds You Plant Will Define Your 2026
Let’s be real—2025 didn’t bounce back the way many of us hoped. But that doesn’t mean next year won’t. In fact, 2026 could be everything we wanted 2025 to be—if you start preparing now.
We can’t predict the market, but here’s what we do know for sure: having a strong Q4 2025 plan will directly impact your 2026 success.
Ask yourself:
What 3 things will you do in Q4 to set yourself up for a productive 2026?
Here are some proven levers you control:
- Make 20 calls a week to prospects or past clients
- Write 2–3 handwritten notes a day
- Host strategic open houses (even if they’re not your listings)
- Build or revamp your email newsletter
- Analyze your 2025 so far—what worked, what didn’t, and where you can double down
Don’t wait until January to get motivated. The seeds you plant in October, November, and December will bloom next spring.
Thanks for reading this month’s update! Whether you’re buying, selling, or hustling through your real estate career, I’m here to support you with grounded advice, up-to-date market insights, and plenty of local expertise. Stay cool out there—Central Oregon summer isn’t done with us yet.
