SkyBlue Portland Blog
How to Prepare for a Home Inspection
If you have owned the same home for 15 years or more, you know that regular maintenance is a necessary part of home ownership. In the long run, keeping your home in tip-top condition adds value to your property and saves you money on unexpected repairs. While we all…
The Impact of Presidential Elections on Home Sales
With the 2024 Presidential election on the horizon, you might be wondering how it will affect the housing market. Let’s dive in to explore the potential opportunities and trends. The Election Year Slowdown Home sales typically see a slight dip in the fall due to…
Understanding Mortgage Rates and Home Buying Power
By now, you’ve probably heard the news that the Federal Reserve recently cut interest rates for the first time in four years. But what does this mean for home buyers and sellers? You might be wondering how this impacts mortgage rates, home prices, or your ability to…
Understanding the NAR Settlement and Its Impact on Home Sellers and Buyers
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recently reached a settlement agreement that significantly changes the real estate transaction process. This NAR settlement ends litigation claims regarding broker commissions and introduces new rules that will affect how…
When Will the Sellers’ Market End?
When the pandemic hit in early 2020, the Fed dramatically reduced interest rates. These low rates, combined with historic low inventory levels, resulted in a three-year sellers’ market. When, in the summer of 2023 rates more than doubled, market volume dropped by…
What Savvy Home Buyers Know That You Should Learn
Whether you’re looking for your first home, stepping up to your dream home, or downsizing to a more manageable home – buying a home is a big step for all of us, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Many people shop for a home the same way they buy virtually everything…
2024 Mortgage Rate Projections: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Today, we’re diving into one of the hottest topics in real estate: 2024 mortgage rate projections. Before we go any further be advised — no one can accurately predict exactly where mortgage rates will be in the future. That said, whether you’re currently a homeowner…
The Art of Pricing a Luxury Home for Sale
Pricing a luxury home is more art than science. Here’s everything you need to know to get top dollar in Portland’s competitive real estate market. When it comes to luxury homes, no two are alike. That’s what makes pricing a luxury home more art than science. You can’t…
6 Foolproof Steps to Find Your Ideal Home for Retirement!
Feeling overwhelmed by the labyrinth of options for your golden years? Finding the perfect home for retirement can seem like hunting for a needle in a haystack, especially when you’re balancing the needs of today against the uncertainties of tomorrow. But here’s the…
Q4 2023 – Home Price Forecasts
Are you considering buying or selling a home? If so, you might be feeling a bit anxious due to the clickbait headlines about a potential crash in home prices. While no one has a crystal ball about what the future will bring, most experts who rely on data say…