The Portland Real Estate Podcast

Steve Nassar of Premiere Property Group and Joe Fustolo of Soldera

The only source for Portland Oregon real estate news, forecasts, interviews and entertainment. Steve Nassar and Joe Fustolo cover the latest happenings in the Portland real estate market in this podcast.

  1. 4d ago

    PDX Real Estate EP173: Current State of the Local Housing Market with Patrick Palmer and Carolyn Hoty

    Something changed in the local real estate market around Labor Day, and it wasn't just the usual seasonal slowdown. Mortgage rates shot up, buyers who seemed ready to make offers suddenly disappeared, and homes that might have sold quickly a few years ago were sitting on the market with little activity. In this special episode, Steve Nassar and Joe Fustolo bring in two industry veterans for a closer look at what's happening and what might come next. Patrick Palmer of CrossCountry Mortgage shares the lending perspective, while Carolyn Hoty of Keller Williams offers a firsthand look at what buyers and sellers are doing in the local market. Carolyn describes going an entire September without closing a single transaction, something she hadn't experienced in nearly 20 years. Patrick explains how quickly rising mortgage rates can derail a deal, sometimes leaving buyers facing hundreds of dollars more in monthly payments practically overnight. There's also another side to this market that deserves more attention. Buyers have more negotiating power than they've had in years, and sellers have options beyond simply slashing their asking prices. Learn why mortgage rate buydowns are one of the most useful tools available right now, and why offering money toward a buyer's interest rate could make a much bigger difference than reducing the sales price.  We share comparisons to 2008 and why this is familiar but different. Including how today's market is different with the enormous amount of equity homeowners have accumulated. We also talk about unexpected challenges such as sellers being able to afford to wait and buyers not being willing to pay asking prices.  Will the market turn around this year? We look at some encouraging historical patterns, the economic forces keeping mortgage rates elevated, and why rates might not need to fall as far as you think to get things moving again. Patrick and Carolyn share what they are watching, and why they're cautiously optimistic about the year ahead. A slow market doesn't mean every listing is destined to sit. Carolyn shares how she helped attract competing offers on a property after roughly 100 days on the market, without a major price reduction.  We share what sellers can learn from her approach and more! We also talk about why pricing a home correctly has become more important than ever, and how to handle difficult conversations with sellers.  The relationship between real estate agents and mortgage lenders can make or break a transaction in this market. Join us for a lively discussion about where the local housing market stands, where it might be headed, and how to make the most of the market we have right now. Key Takeaways The local real estate market experienced another sharp slowdown around Labor Day, as rapidly rising mortgage rates caused buyers to pull back and promising transactions to fall apart. Transaction volume has remained unusually low for several years, but the latest downturn has been especially difficult for agents and lenders already operating in a challenging market. Carolyn Hoty's team went through September without closing a single transaction after a slow summer, although activity improved somewhat in October. Rapid changes in mortgage rates can increase a buyer's projected monthly payment by hundreds of dollars in just a few days, causing otherwise qualified buyers to reconsider purchasing a home. Some buyers can financially qualify for a mortgage but are uncomfortable committing to today's higher payments, making affordability as much a matter of confidence as qualification. Seller-funded mortgage rate buydowns can provide significantly greater short-term payment relief than equivalent reductions in a home's purchase price. Temporary 2-1 and 3-2-1 rate buydowns allow buyers to make lower mortgage payments during the first several years of ownership, but buyers must be prepared for the full payment when the subsidy expires. Seven of the last ten purchase contracts handled by Patrick Palmer's Portland mortgage office included temporary rate buydowns, demonstrating how important these financing arrangements have become. Current RMLS listing restrictions make it difficult to advertise specific seller-funded financing incentives, creating challenges for agents trying to reach buyers focused on monthly payments. The current housing slowdown differs significantly from the 2008 financial crisis because most homeowners have substantial equity rather than facing foreclosure, short sales, or mortgages exceeding their property's value. Homeowners with exceptionally low mortgage rates often have little financial incentive to move, creating a lock-in effect that continues to limit housing transactions. The middle segment of the housing market, particularly homes priced around $800,000 to $950,000, has been especially challenging as higher monthly payments reduce the number of interested buyers. The panel sees potential for a stronger housing market in 2027, based partly on historical sales cycles and the possibility that mortgage rates could decline into the mid-to-high 6% range. Inflation, energy prices, the conflict with Iran, Federal Reserve policy, and broader economic uncertainty could all influence how quickly mortgage rates improve. Consumer confidence remains a major obstacle, as buyers hesitate to commit to expensive purchases while sellers struggle to determine whether accepting a lower offer is the right decision. Unlike during the 2008 downturn, many sellers today can afford to wait for better conditions, rent their properties, or withdraw their listings rather than accept an unfavorable offer. Buyers currently have considerable negotiating power, particularly when properties have been on the market for extended periods or sellers are willing to offer financing concessions. Homes must be priced to compete with other available properties rather than simply participate in the market, especially when buyers have more choices and fewer reasons to act quickly. Carolyn attracted competing offers on a property after approximately 100 days on the market by maintaining a competitive price and focusing her marketing on relocation buyers from California. Every seller's circumstances are different, and successful strategies depend on financial flexibility, motivation, property characteristics, buyer demand, and the reasons behind a move. Direct communication between agents, lenders, and clients can uncover financing opportunities, address objections, and help buyers and sellers make more confident decisions. Real estate professionals can use slower periods to strengthen client relationships, develop expertise in complicated financing scenarios, and improve their marketing, technology, and business systems. Helping people buy and sell real estate involves more than responding to market conditions because major life events, family changes, and long-term financial goals continue regardless of interest rates. The housing market will continue to experience cycles, but agents and lenders who remain engaged, communicate effectively, and prepare for changing conditions will be better positioned when demand returns. Connect with Joe Soldera Properties Joe on LinkedIn Connect with Steve Steve's Team at Premiere Property Group Steve on LinkedIn Connect with Patrick Patrick at Cross Country Mortgage Patrick on LinkedIn Connect with Carolyn  The Carolyn Hoty Team Carolyn on LinkedIn Listen to The Portland Real Estate Podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

  2. Oct 5

    PDX Real Estate EP172: State of the Market Special: Critical Updates & Master Strategies

    Something changed in the Portland real estate market around Labor Day, and Steve Nassar and Joe Fustolo say it was hard to miss. Mortgage rates climbed quickly, buyers pulled back, listings that might normally have gone pending started sitting, and an already challenging market suddenly felt even more uncertain.  In this special edition, Steve and Joe break down what they're seeing firsthand and why this latest shift feels different from the slow market agents have already been navigating for the past several years. Steve shares just how dramatically activity dropped across his own listings, while Joe looks at the bigger forces squeezing affordability, from interest rates and housing inventory to employment concerns, rising living costs, and the broader economy. They also dig into one of the toughest questions in real estate right now: how do you price a home when the market is changing faster than the comparable sales can keep up? Looking backward at recent sales is no longer enough. Sellers and their agents have to think about where the market is headed. That makes affordability part of the strategy, not just the problem.  Steve and Joe explore creative ways sellers can make a home more attractive without simply taking a huge price cut, including permanent rate buydowns, temporary 2-1 buydowns, and seller-carried financing.  They walk through the numbers and explain why money spent lowering a buyer's monthly payment can sometimes accomplish far more than the same amount taken off the purchase price. They also tackle the inevitable comparisons to the sky-high mortgage rates of the 1980s.  While plenty of buyers are sitting on the sidelines, that doesn't mean nothing is selling. Steve and Joe explain why a standout property that is priced correctly can still attract multiple offers, even while the house down the street struggles to get attention. A slower market isn't the time to coast. Joe returns to his mantra to "master your craft," while Steve encourages agents to use the quieter stretch to sharpen their skills, improve their businesses, and prepare for whatever comes next. From nervous buyers and frustrated sellers to lenders, inspectors, and agents all feeling the slowdown. This is a look at a housing market that seems to be shifting beneath everyone's feet, what we can do about it. Key Takeaways The Portland real estate market shifted noticeably around Labor Day, as rapidly rising mortgage rates caused buyer activity to slow and left more listings sitting on the market. The speed of the mortgage-rate increase is creating as much uncertainty as the rates themselves, making it difficult for buyers to know what their payment or purchasing power will look like even a few days later. Affordability remains one of the market's biggest challenges because home prices rose sharply during the low-rate years and have not fallen enough to offset today's much higher borrowing costs. Accurate pricing is more important than ever, and agents can no longer rely entirely on recent comparable sales when the market may be moving faster than historical data can reflect. A seller's purchase price, renovation costs, or desired profit do not determine market value; buyers ultimately compare a property with the other homes available to them right now. Overpricing can lead to months of chasing the market downward, while a well-priced, well-presented home can still attract strong interest and even multiple offers in a slower market. Sellers may be able to improve affordability more effectively by contributing toward a buyer's mortgage rate than by making an equivalent reduction in the purchase price. A temporary 2-1 rate buydown can significantly lower a buyer's monthly payment during the first two years of ownership while allowing the seller to preserve more of the home's sales price. Permanent rate buydowns and seller-carried financing can also create opportunities, particularly when sellers have substantial equity and traditional mortgage rates are limiting buyer demand. Today's market cannot be meaningfully compared with the high-interest-rate environment of the 1980s without also considering the enormous differences in home prices, incomes, and overall affordability. Some sellers who have the option to rent their homes may choose to leave the sales market rather than accept lower prices, further changing the balance of available inventory. Economic uncertainty, higher everyday expenses, employment concerns, and rising borrowing costs are giving buyers additional reasons to delay major financial decisions. The current slowdown extends beyond Portland, with agents, lenders, inspectors, and other real estate professionals in multiple markets reporting similar declines in activity. Real estate professionals cannot control the market, but they can use slower periods to improve their knowledge, technology, marketing, and business systems rather than waiting for conditions to improve. The market will become easier to assess once mortgage rates stabilize, even if they do not immediately decline, because buyers and sellers will have a clearer environment in which to make decisions. Connect with Joe Soldera Properties Joe on LinkedIn Connect with Steve Steve's Team at Premiere Property Group Steve on LinkedIn Listen to The Portland Real Estate Podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

  3. Aug 24

    PDX Real Estate EP171: AI, Staging & Portland's Multiple-Personality Real Estate Market

    The Portland real estate market is keeping everyone guessing, and AI is giving buyers, sellers, and agents a whole new set of things to figure out. In this episode, Steve Nassar and Joe Fustolo are back with a wide-ranging conversation about what they're seeing on the ground, what's changing online, and why some of the old rules of real estate don't seem to work quite the way they used to. They start with this year's Street of Dreams, including the homes that took some real design risks, the return to a more traditional neighborhood-style layout, and why Steve thinks this year's event feels a little more like the Street of Dreams of years past. Then it's straight into a market Steve and Joe describe as having "multiple personalities." Some homes that look like obvious winners are sitting through price reductions, while others unexpectedly attract multiple offers.  They discuss frustrated sellers, low transaction volume, soft spots in Portland's higher-end market, and why getting the price right from the beginning matters more than ever. AI also takes center stage, but not always in the way you might expect. Steve and Joe get into the unmistakably AI-written listing descriptions filled with words like "nestled" and "boasts," why they think agents should bring their own voice to the process first, and where AI can actually be useful.  They also tackle a much bigger question: how far is too far when AI-enhanced listing photos start showing renovations, landscaping, and architectural features that don't actually exist? You'll also hear a spirited debate over physical versus virtual staging, including why Joe likes the speed and flexibility of virtual staging, why Steve believes real furniture can create a stronger emotional connection with buyers, and the hybrid strategy that might offer the best of both worlds. They also dig into RMLS bots flagging innocent words and photos, the importance of professionalism when Realtors sell their own properties, and how Zillow and other real estate portals have made a property's pricing and listing history nearly impossible to hide.  Hear practical insight for agents trying to stay sharp while the business keeps evolving and the market keeps shifting. Key Takeaways This year's Street of Dreams feels more like the event's traditional format, with most homes grouped together and several builders taking bigger design risks. Portland's current real estate market is highly unpredictable, with some well-positioned homes sitting for months while less obvious listings attract multiple offers. Sellers are becoming increasingly frustrated in the slower market, making accurate pricing, strong marketing, and consistent agent performance especially important. Low transaction volume remains one of the industry's biggest challenges, with many homeowners reluctant to give up favorable existing mortgage rates unless they have a compelling reason to move. Portland's higher-end market is particularly soft, especially in Multnomah County, where some homes require very aggressive pricing to attract buyers. Overpricing a home to win a listing can backfire, leading to repeated price reductions, longer market time, and potentially a lower final sales price. AI works best as a tool for refining an agent's own writing rather than generating listing descriptions from scratch, which can produce generic language that immediately sounds artificial. Listing descriptions should stay concise and focused on meaningful property details instead of filling every available MLS character with unnecessary promotional language. AI-enhanced listing photos can help buyers visualize a property's potential, but any nonexistent improvements should be clearly disclosed and used sparingly to avoid misleading buyers. Agents should be cautious about entering confidential seller information into AI platforms because privacy and legal questions surrounding AI are still evolving. Physical staging can create a stronger emotional connection when buyers tour a home, while virtual staging offers speed, flexibility, and lower costs. A hybrid staging approach may offer the best balance by physically staging the main living areas and virtually staging secondary rooms. RMLS automated review tools can create false positives by flagging ordinary words and photos, adding another layer of frustration for agents trying to market properties accurately. Realtors selling their own properties still reflect on the profession, making professionalism, communication, and cooperation important even when negotiations become difficult. Zillow and other real estate portals have made a property's sales, rental, pricing, and listing history much more transparent, giving buyers more information to challenge unrealistic asking prices. What a seller originally paid, or how much they spent improving the property, does not determine current market value; today's competition and buyer demand ultimately set the price. Connect with Joe Soldera Properties Joe on LinkedIn Connect with Steve Steve's Team at Premiere Property Group Steve on LinkedIn Listen to The Portland Real Estate Podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

  4. May 11

    PDX Real Estate EP170: Who Controls the Real Estate Market? Private Listings, Mega-Mergers, and a Spring Market Heating Up

    Real estate is getting louder, messier, and more complicated, but underneath all the noise, the Portland market is showing real momentum. In this episode of the Portland Real Estate Podcast, Steve Nassar and Joe Fustolo break down a spring season that showed up early, with buyers writing offers, listings getting renewed attention, and agents feeling a level of activity that has been harder to find over the past few years. Mortgage rates, cash buyers, low-rate "golden handcuffs," and plain old life events all come into play as the conversation gets into what is actually moving buyers and sellers right now. One of the biggest debates in real estate also takes center stage: private listings. Is restricted inventory really better for sellers, or does it give big companies more control over buyers, agents, and market visibility? With Real Brokerage buying RE/MAX and Compass buying Anywhere Real Estate, mega-mergers raise another question. Do bigger brokerages mean better service, or just more culture clashes, debt pressure, and disruption? Steve and Joe also share practical advice for working agents, including unauthorized showings, strong day-one offers, open house scheduling, key transfers, and video instructions for complicated listings. The bigger picture is hard to miss. The market is gaining traction, the industry is consolidating, and the rules around access, inventory, and professionalism are getting more important than ever. This episode brings a real-world look at Portland's spring momentum, the fight over listing control, and what agents are dealing with on the ground.   Key Takeaways Spring activity arrived early, with buyers writing offers, listings getting renewed attention, and agents feeling busier than they have in years. Mortgage rates near 6% appear to be the psychological threshold that could bring more buyers and sellers back into motion. Economic headlines can slow some people down, but buyers and sellers with real housing needs are still moving forward. Low-rate "golden handcuffs" are still a factor, but some homeowners are beginning to adjust to today's rate environment. Inventory is up, giving buyers more negotiating room and putting more pressure on sellers to price correctly. Overpriced listings are sitting longer, especially when sellers fail to adjust to current buyer expectations. Mega-mergers are reshaping the industry, with Real Brokerage buying RE/MAX and Compass buying Anywhere Real Estate. Bigger brokerages may gain influence, but large acquisitions can also create culture clashes, debt pressure, and agent uncertainty. Private listings and coming-soon inventory are becoming one of the biggest fights in real estate. Restricted inventory may benefit big brokerages more than buyers or sellers by keeping more business inside their own ecosystem. Private listing strategies can fragment the market and make it harder for buyers and agents to see all available inventory. Limited exposure can hurt sellers if a home is not seen by the full pool of potential buyers. Unauthorized showings are a serious professionalism issue because they damage seller trust. Even vacant homes require proper showing procedures because there may be alarms, repairs, tests, occupants, pets, or other access concerns. Strong day-one offers can work, but they need to give the seller a real reason to stop showings. Being the first offer can help because sellers often give that first serious offer the most attention. Video showing instructions could help agents understand complicated listings, especially acreage, luxury homes, shops, gates, alarms, and hidden features. Key transfers should be simple, secure, and convenient, with the key ideally available at the property after recording. Open house scheduling can create confusion when private showings overlap with public open houses. MLS and listing mistakes can spread quickly to third-party sites, making careful proofreading more important than ever.   Connect with Joe Soldera Properties Joe on LinkedIn   Connect with Steve Steve's Team at Premiere Property Group Steve on LinkedIn   Listen to The Portland Real Estate Podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

  5. Feb 2

    PDX Real Estate EP169: Why Portland's Housing Market Is Starting to Move Again

    The Portland real estate market is waking up, and it doesn't feel like a typical January. In this episode of the Portland Real Estate Podcast, Steve Nassar and Joe Fustolo break down why buyer and seller activity is already showing spring-like momentum, even as closings lag behind the buzz. You'll hear why mortgage rates hovering in the low sixes are quietly restoring buying power, how a one-percent rate drop can feel like a double-digit price cut, and why optimism for March, April, and May is building beneath the surface. Steve and Joe unpack what a "slow and steady" recovery really looks like after three historically weak years for transaction volume and why consistency, not a sudden surge, may define 2026. They also dive into industry stats showing that over 70 percent of licensed agents closed zero deals, what that means for consumers, and why experience matters more than ever in a tightening field. Expect candid talk about the growing divide between healthy residential homes and the ongoing struggles of condos and HOAs, especially in downtown Portland, where high fees, special assessments, and stalled projects continue to reshape buyer behavior. From cash buyers returning to financing, to homeowners loosening their golden handcuffs, to life events that force movement regardless of the market, this conversation connects the data to what people are actually doing right now. If you want a grounded, insider look at where the Portland market truly stands and where it's quietly heading next, this episode delivers the context, clarity, and real-world insight you won't get from headlines alone.   Key Takeaways Early 2026 activity feels unusually strong for January, with listing appointments, buyer interest, and open houses resembling spring conditions even as escrows lag. Mortgage rates in the low sixes are restoring buying power, with a one-percent drop functioning like a 10–12% price reduction from a buyer's perspective. After three historically weak years for transaction volume, 2026 is shaping up as a year of gradual improvement rather than a dramatic rebound. Sellers have largely adjusted expectations following the 2023–2025 correction, helping the market move toward a more balanced absorption rate. Cash buyers dominated recent years, but financing is returning as the gap between ultra-low legacy rates and today's rates narrows. Homeowners once held back by "golden handcuff" rates are beginning to move again due to life changes, downsizing, and mobility needs. Real estate decisions are increasingly driven by necessity rather than speculation, making timing life more important than timing the market. Over 70% of licensed Realtors closed zero transactions, highlighting a widening gap between full-time professionals and part-time or inactive agents. Condos and HOA-driven properties remain high-risk, particularly in downtown Portland, due to rising dues, insurance challenges, special assessments, and urban conditions. Single-family residential homes continue to outperform condos, especially outside the downtown core. The Ritz-Carlton condo project illustrates how pricing, timing, and market sentiment can dramatically affect luxury developments. Oregon Senate Bill 426 raises new concerns by making homeowners jointly liable for unpaid contractor wages, increasing the importance of contractor due diligence. The hosts expect steady improvement through 2026, with consistency, experience, and ethical practices rewarded as the market stabilizes.   Connect with Joe Soldera Properties Joe on LinkedIn   Connect with Steve Steve's Team at Premiere Property Group Steve on LinkedIn   Listen to The Portland Real Estate Podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

  6. 11/03/2025

    PDX Real Estate EP168: What the Fed's Rate Cut Really Means for Real Estate

    The Fed just lowered rates and the ripple effects are already hitting the housing market.  In this episode of the Portland Real Estate Podcast, Steve Nassar and Joe Fistolo unpack what the latest rate cut really means for buyers, sellers, and everyone trying to read the tea leaves in a shifting economy. You'll hear why the 0.25% drop in the federal funds rate may not directly move mortgage rates, but could still ignite momentum through 2026 as affordability slowly improves and inventory levels find long-awaited balance.  We break down how absorption rates in the Portland metro area hit their highest level since 2014, what a "slow-motion rebound" might look like, and why many economists now see rates dipping into the high-5s next year. We also trace how lessons from 2008 and quantitative easing could once again reshape real estate from behind the scenes.  With Powell's exit and a potential Trump appointee on deck, the Fed's next play might be less about cutting rates and more about taking its foot off the brake entirely. From the "golden handcuffs" keeping homeowners stuck to the subtle pain points pushing families to finally make a move, Steve and Joe explore how real-world behavior shifts when the market begins to thaw.  Expect real talk about why more past clients are starting to buy and sell again, how remodels are replacing relocations, and why a balanced four-month absorption rate may be exactly what the industry needs. We also discuss scams and cybersecurity threats now plaguing real estate from fake roofers and phishing attempts to overseas buyer frauds that can upend transactions overnight. We close with a candid look at what's next for professionals navigating the tightening field of brokers and lenders. With fewer players, higher standards, and a market finally stabilizing, the next two years could reward those who've stayed sharp, ethical, and ready for what's coming. If you want a clear, insider's perspective on the Fed, the market, and the future of real estate in the Northwest, this is one episode you don't want to miss.   Key Takeaways The Fed's quarter-point rate cut sparked optimism but also confusion about what it really means for mortgage rates. Mortgage rates have reached their lowest average in over a year, hovering near 6.1%, with predictions to dip into the high 5s by 2026. Portland's absorption rate hit 3.8%, the highest since 2014, signaling a more balanced market between buyers and sellers. Homeowners with ultra-low "golden handcuff" rates are slowly re-entering the market as the rate gap narrows. Remodeling and home additions are rising as families adapt instead of moving in a high-rate environment. Economists expect a steady, gradual market recovery through 2026, with slow appreciation around 1.5% annually. Discussions of quantitative easing suggest the Fed may begin stimulating housing again without aggressive rate cuts. The upcoming Fed leadership change could accelerate policy shifts that further lower borrowing costs. Real estate scams from fake roofing contractors to overseas buyer fraud are escalating, hitting both consumers and agents. WFG Title reports over 80,000 hacking attempts a month, underscoring the growing need for cybersecurity in transactions. The "rent trap" continues to hold younger buyers back as lifestyle spending delays homeownership. Veteran agents and lenders who remain active through the downturn are positioned to thrive as professionalism rises. The hosts predict 2025–2026 will reward experienced, ethical professionals ready to seize the next wave of opportunity.   Connect with Joe Soldera Properties Joe on LinkedIn   Connect with Steve Steve's Team at Premiere Property Group Steve on LinkedIn   Listen to The Portland Real Estate Podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

  7. 08/12/2025

    PDX Real Estate EP167: How to Future Proof Your Business with Justin Tucker

    We're pulling back the curtain on the tech, trends, and title industry shifts that are quietly reshaping the real estate transaction from the inside out. In this episode, Steve Nassar and Joe Fistolo welcome Justin Tucker of Fidelity National Financial for a conversation that's part reunion, part reset. It's all about what comes next. We'll unpack how COVID sparked a digital transformation in title and escrow, from Zoom closings to remote online notaries, and why that momentum still faces resistance across county lines and lender requirements. You'll hear why January 2025 saw a 20% spike in closed sales over the prior year, why May fell nearly 15%, and why a recent surge in new escrow orders could point to a long-awaited market rebound or just a short-lived summer pop. Justin shares why consumer protection is now a core part of the customer experience, and how wire fraud threats are forcing title companies to rethink their entire communication strategy. With interest rates settling in the low 6% range, buyers and sellers are getting creative through strategies like co-buying with friends or holding onto golden-handcuff rentals, which is quietly reshaping the market behind the scenes. This episode offers timely perspective, real data, and forward-looking insights for anyone serious about staying ahead in today's unpredictable real estate climate.   Key Takeaways Justin Tucker returns to Fidelity National Financial after years with a competing title company, marking a significant shift in local industry dynamics. COVID acted as the catalyst for tech adoption in title and escrow, normalizing Zoom closings and remote online notarization. Title companies now face the challenge of offering both high-tech and traditional in-person services to meet diverse client preferences. Wire fraud is increasing, making client protection a top priority, even if it adds friction to the customer experience. Real estate professionals should educate clients that title companies will never send wire instructions via email. The title industry has seen a significant drop in refinance volume since COVID, with overall production remaining flat or slightly down in 2025. January and February 2025 showed strong year-over-year closed sales growth, but March and May declined, and June was flat. A recent surge in new escrow openings may signal renewed activity, though it's unclear if this is a short-term summer spike or a longer trend. The "golden handcuffs" of sub-3% mortgage rates are discouraging homeowners from selling, leading to fewer transactions. Cash deals and creative financing strategies like co-buying and renting out low-rate properties are becoming more common. Interest rates in the low 6% range have reignited buyer urgency after three years of market stagnation. Perceptions of future Fed rate cuts and political shifts may influence buyer behavior more than actual policy changes.   Connect with Justin Fidelity National Financial Justin on LinkedIn   Connect with Joe Soldera Properties Joe on LinkedIn   Connect with Steve Steve's Team at Premiere Property Group Steve on LinkedIn   Listen to The Portland Real Estate Podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

  8. 05/26/2025

    PDX Real Estate EP166: Market Insights: What Every Portland Real Estate Pro Needs to Know Now

    We're diving into the real reasons the Portland real estate market feels stuck, and spoiler alert, it's not just interest rates or a lack of buyers. In this episode, Steve Nassar and Joe Fistolo of the Portland Real Estate Podcast tackle the state of the market as of May 21st, 2025, revealing the hidden forces at play and what it means for you. Steve and Joe break down why certain segments are struggling more than others (we're looking at you, downtown condos!), and the surprising factors driving high-income earners out of Multnomah County. From the impact of "cash for keys" and tax burdens to the complexities of HOA issues and insurance woes, they share practical insights on why the market has been a story of "fits and starts" for the past three years.  You'll hear about the SDC moratorium and why it's not enough to solve the core housing crisis, and how subtle shifts in buyer behavior are creating a nervous, indecisive environment. This episode is about clarity, strategy, and understanding the nuances of a challenging market.  If you're serious about navigating Portland's real estate landscape, this conversation is your next move. Listen in for a real, relatable, and energizing discussion on what it takes to thrive in today's unpredictable market.   Key Takeaways The Q1 and early Q2 real estate market was weak due to economic volatility, 7% interest rates, and increased inventory. The detached home market saw brief improvement, but condos and townhomes continue to struggle with high HOA fees and insurance issues. The market has experienced "fits and starts" for the past three years, with a particularly slow spring season. Buyers are nervous, making and quickly retracting offers due to economic uncertainty and news. Multnomah County's high-end market has lower appreciation due to high property and other taxes. A three-year SDC moratorium in Multnomah County is seen as insufficient to address core housing development issues. Multnomah County's "cash for keys" tenant rights make it unattractive for rental property investors. Realtors should strongly recommend buyers hire an HOA consultant to review HOA documents. Insurance companies are scrutinizing homeownership details, leading to denied coverage for certain piping types. NAR commission changes have had little negative impact on agents, but have reduced buyer spontaneity. In the current market, price reductions are more effective than concessions for attracting buyers. AI tools like ChatGPT can help tighten listing remarks but aren't a magical solution for poor performance.   Connect with Joe Soldera Properties Joe on LinkedIn   Connect with Steve Steve's Team at Premiere Property Group Steve on LinkedIn   Listen to The Portland Real Estate Podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

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4.2
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

The only source for Portland Oregon real estate news, forecasts, interviews and entertainment. Steve Nassar and Joe Fustolo cover the latest happenings in the Portland real estate market in this podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Nassar of Premiere Property Group and Joe Fustolo of Soldera
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    172
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Portland Real Estate Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Portland Real Estate Podcast

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