For years, open concept living dominated home design.

Walls came down, kitchens blended into living rooms, and homes were designed to feel larger, brighter, and more connected.

And while open layouts are still very popular, today’s buyers are starting to look at floor plans a little differently.

As lifestyles have changed, especially with more people working, studying, and spending time at home, buyers are placing greater importance on flexibility, functionality, and privacy.

So what do buyers really want today?

The answer is often a balance of both.

Why Open Concept...

Thinking of Relocating to Clackamas or Multnomah County? Here’s How to Choose the Right Area for Your Needs

Relocating to a new area is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming.

One of the biggest challenges isn’t just finding a home…it’s figuring out exactly where to live.

Different areas throughout Clackamas County and Multnomah County can offer completely different lifestyles. Here’s how to narrow it down and find the right fit for you.

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Priorities

Before looking at homes, define what matters most:

• Lifestyle (quiet vs. active)

The Hidden Costs No One Talks About When Buying or Selling a Home

Buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial decisions most people will ever make. Naturally, the focus tends to be on the purchase price or the final sale price—but that’s only part of the picture.

What often gets overlooked are the additional costs that can quietly add up along the way. Understanding these upfront can help you plan more effectively, avoid surprises, and move forward with confidence.

Hidden Costs for Buyers

1. Closing Costs

Many buyers are surprised to learn that closing costs...

 What Happens If You Cancel a Purchase Contract as a Buyer?

Buying a home is a significant financial and emotional decision. It’s not uncommon for buyers to move forward with a purchase, then realize along the way that it may not be the right fit.

Whether it’s due to inspections, financing concerns, or a change in circumstances, canceling a purchase contract can be the right decision—but it’s important to understand how and when it can be done.

Here’s what every buyer should know.

Can You Cancel a Purchase Contract?

The short answer is yes—but typically only under...

Can’t Find a Home in the Community You Want? Here’s What to Do

You’ve done everything right. You’re pre-approved, you know exactly where you want to live, and you’ve been watching the market closely.

The schools are right. The commute works. The neighborhood just feels like home.

But the listings?

Nothing.

Weeks or even months go by, and the same few overpriced homes sit on the market while the good ones disappear before you even have a chance to schedule a showing.

It’s frustrating—but it’s not a dead end.

Buyers who successfully find homes in low-inventory...

Many homeowners quietly wonder if it’s time to make a move. The question isn’t just about the market, it’s about whether selling aligns with your finances, lifestyle, and future plans.

The most confident sellers don’t wait for perfect certainty. They gather information early, understand their options, and make thoughtful decisions from a position of clarity.

Here are five signs it may be time to explore selling.

1. Your Equity Has Increased

If you’ve owned your home for several years, there’s a good chance your equity has grown. Between market appreciation and principal...

After several years of rising rates and stretched budgets, early 2026 data is showing something encouraging: affordability is improving.

Not because home prices are crashing — but because several key economic factors are finally moving in buyers’ favor at the same time.

National trends currently show:

• Mortgage rates easing into the low-6% range, down from 2025 highs above 7%

• Monthly mortgage payments decreasing approximately 8% year over year

• Wage growth beginning to outpace home price growth

• Housing affordability...

After a slower period in many markets, one of the most common question homeowners are asking is: Are buyers coming back?

In many areas, the answer is yes. More importantly, understanding why buyer activity is improving can help sellers make strategic decisions and position their homes for the best possible outcome.

Here’s what’s driving renewed buyer demand—and what it means if you’re considering selling.

1. Buyers Are Adjusting to Today’s Market

While interest rates are higher than historic lows, many buyers have accepted this as the “new normal.” Instead of waiting on the...

One of the most common mistakes buyers make is assuming that if a lender approves them for a certain amount, that’s what they should spend. In reality, smart homeownership isn’t about stretching to the maximum—it’s about buying in a way that protects your lifestyle, cash flow, and long-term financial health.

That’s where the 30–30–3 rule comes in.

This simple guideline helps buyers avoid overspending, reduce financial stress, and feel confident about their purchase from day one.

Here’s how it works.

1. Keep Housing Costs at 30% of Your Income

Your total monthly...