Spring Summary: What’s Popping in Portland
Hi! We’re headed into the prime season for selling and buying, and naturally, I want to talk about the market with you.
For those following along, you may have noticed that things were picking up. Buyers were coming off the sidelines when rates dipped…then that chaotic, monstrous moron threw it all into a tailspin again. And I think you all know who I’m talking about. Let me just say that stability isn’t being fostered in the world, right now.
That said, the rates currently are in an okay spot, hovering in the 6’s, against all odds. So we have that going for us at least. PHEW.
This pent-up demand and still-low inventory has made all “good” (ie: well-priced and presented) listings receive multiple offers. And yet it still feels like the right time to buy when glancing in the rear view of retrospect. After all, buyers have more leverage to negotiate repairs, and prices did recalibrate a bit.
My take? With so much uncertainty in the world, there is one thing that won’t ever change: people need a place to live, to gain that stability and to establish a community. That’s where it feels safe. And right now, I think we’re all seeking safety in one way or another.
So real estate not only continues to be a profitable long term investment, it’s also something that you can enjoy in real time, something that meets a real need and purpose in your life. Unlike a stock or investment account that you have less control over, and that lately feels more volatile and vulnerable.
Of course, diversifying your assets is always a sound idea if you ask the financial experts, but all I’m saying is don’t sleep on the real estate part. I still believe wholeheartedly that real estate is the most reliable, solid, stable investment you can make, and one of the few accessible ways the every-person can build some wealth. Invest in your home, maintain it, and upgrade it in ways – practical and cosmetic – that have a cost/return value, while also providing value in your life as you live in it. Win win.
If real estate and its many nuances and complications aren’t in your blood and you find all of this a bit overwhelming, no worries. I’ve got you. Chatting about the market – and your “should I do this or that” home upgrade decisions – are absolutely worth getting my two cents if you want them! I’ll always make time for your questions, even if you’re just in the exploratory stages.
Speaking of exploratory, did anyone else get completely geeked out over Artemis and their huge achievements in space?! It felt so reassuring to receive some positive news that wasn’t war or corruption or genocide – which are critical to engage with, but also, very overwhelming – and focus on how incredible humankind can be when we’re at our very best, working together.
Their perspective from space was such a refreshment. We all have one thing in common that nobody can deny…EARTH is our ultimate home, and is responsible for every comfort we have. And our individual HOMES on Earth are so deeply important to our feelings of safety, stability, and our sense of belonging. This is what drives me at the core of what I do, and how I represent my people. Sure, we’re all minuscule and just specks of dust in this vast universe, but also, we’re connected, and all need the same things to thrive.
Pretty cool stuff.
Urban Nest knows that life can get busy, and you might not be as on top of what’s going on in your city as you’d like to be. Never fear, we love putting together a smart list of events and happenings in your neighborhood and beyond. Check out our Monthly Picks for an easy guide, and never miss out on fun times again!
Spring Home ‘n’ Gardening
Well here we are…it’s Spring in Portland, and it’s our time to shine! Portlanders typically take a lot of pride in their homes and gardens, and it’s sometimes difficult to contain our excitement for what the growing season can bring. There are many ways to prep your surrounds for everyone’s best lives in the coming months. Here’s some easy, useful ideas to get started:
* While you might be tempted to bust out the rake now that we’re getting some rays of sun, maybe hold off for a little bit longer. Environmentally crucial bugs live in the mulch over winter, and won’t emerge to do their good work until it gets consistently warmer. This one is hard for me, won’t lie.
* “Spring Cleaning” is a trope for a reason. What better way to get a fresh start on the year than going through your pantry to remove near-expired and unwanted items, or cull your wardrobe with clothes that don’t work for you any more. Donating these items to people in need is an environmentally-forward and socially-responsible way to reduce waste, and it feels really good to help people as well.
* Got Central Air? Lucky. Deep clean all your filters so that your mechanics function to the peak of their capacity, saving energy and creating a cleaner environment to exist in.
* Scrub your outdoor furniture in preparation for countless hours reading in the sunshine. Us Portlanders need to soak up as much of that as we can.
* If you’re outdoorsy and a hiker, kayaker, or overall adventurer with a furry companion, keep your antennae up for reports on ticks and dangerous algae in the waterways. Living in a wild space comes with risk, and we always want to be smart and prepared when it comes to the health and safety of our pets.
* It’s also a great time to get your bike serviced, if you don’t do this yourself. Portland has so many incredible bike repair shops, but a friend of mine recommends Kenton Cycle Repair for fast and friendly service by lovely locals who are invested in community.
* Refresh your soil in raised beds in preparation for your veggie garden. Hot tip: if you plant sugar snap peas soon, you’ll have bounty throughout Spring and well into the Summer. They taste great straight off the vine, add vibrancy, sweetness, and crunch to any salad or stir fry, and are so good for you, too!
* Do a perimeter check of your house to keep an eye out for rotting window ledges and other over-winter damage. Ensure your drainage is directed far from your home’s foundations. Something relatively minor could cause major water intrusion issues in the future, so best to catch it early.
* Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and switch out the batteries if needed. You can also check that any fire extinguishers are still current and viable.
* IS IT TIME TO PLANT MY TOMATOES YET!!?!? No. Please continue to wait.
After a lovely snoozy winter, it’s been a solid first quarter. I’ve been working with loads more buyers this year -vs- having more listings last year (although I do have many upcoming listings on the near horizon, as well). Like so many families, we’ve been dealing with a bit of instability and the unpredictability of life. Especially in these ~super tumultuous times~ it feels more important than ever to get my head on straight before I even exit the bed in the morning. I’ve made a long standing practice of waking up each morning and intentionally looking for things to be grateful for BEFORE I pick up a device. Try it, there are no wrong ways to focus your mind on the good before you stick your phone in your face and discover what new horrors have unfolded for the day. It helps, A LOT, because your brain is already focused on the good and gratitude of your life before you’re bombarded with current events.
I’m literally giddy getting outside during these increasingly sunny days, and excited to start tending the garden. 2026 Stephanie is way more focused on flowers, but I’m still plotting my two veg beds as well. This past weekend I deep cleaned my Catio (which is honestly just a very large covered patio with cat access), and WOW, if you could see how much pollen I removed from there you’d go straight back inside. While we have national record highs for pollen (and yes, I am very allergic), it’s kind of worth it for how beautiful our city is in Spring. Our own little cherry blossom displays – especially at the Waterfront and Japanese Gardens – make me feel like a little pinch of the magic of Japan has graced us here in Portland. So I guess I’ll happily suffer for the beauty of it all.
Hope you’re all enjoying the seasonal shift, too. Things are kinda heavy for us all right now, no doubt, but breathing in some fresh air and re-exploring your neighborhood might remind you that it’s not all bad. We have our crew (each other), and our very precious and special home base we call Earth, after all.
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