Hi, I’m Jessica Ward, licensed real estate agent in Oregon and Washington with Living Room Realty. Here to tell you what you need to know about the market for early Spring 2025.

Right now, the Portland metro market continues to favor sellers—although only slightly. That means if you’re selling, you may have a bit of an edge, but it’s crucial to work with an agent who can coach you on proper listing preparation. A well-prepared home with smart staging, strategic pricing, and strong marketing can attract multiple offers quickly. On the other hand, an overpriced or not turnkey property may sit on the market, risking price reductions and losing valuable momentum.

Pricing

In our office this week, we noticed the average list price has increased about 4% compared to the same time last year, reflecting steady buyer demand. Still, we’re seeing around 37% of current listings in the market take a price reduction—highlighting that even in a slightly advantageous seller’s market, buyers still have positive options.

Lenders are still offering rate buy-down programs or down payment assistance, making it easier for first-time home buyers to enter the market. Savvy buyers can target properties that have been listed longer, potentially securing better terms on repairs or closing cost credits.

When it comes to the rate of sales versus inventory, the Altos report shows around 1,193 active listings in the region. Many single family homes—especially those priced under five hundred thousand dollars—are going pending in under 28 days while listings above a million dollars are going pending in about 49 days. This illustrates a tale of two markets, with intense competition in certain neighborhoods and at certain price points while there are opportunities elsewhere for patient buyers.

According to the Market Action Index, condos in Portland take about 127 days to sell, compared to 100 days last year, while single-family homes typically take 95 days compared to 109 days on average. 

Looking Ahead

I anticipate modest price growth this spring, though well-informed buyers could find leverage in pockets where listings are lingering. If interest rates drop further, expect heightened competition, higher prices, lower average days on market and narrow buyer negotiating power.

Living Room Realty provides as much information as possible to help you make an informed decision. If you’re ready to make a move, give us a call today. We’d love to help you find your next Living Room.

Jessica Ward

Broker | ADU Specialist | OR & WA

She/Her

My life is fueled by a profound passion for serving others and making a positive impact on my community.

https://youtu.be/x1kSQm5UdQo?si=Wam5-ZRcj3VTRn_g I’m a Great NW native and— five years into this industry—a broker known for delivering results while making people feel genuinely taken care of. I grew up in Portland and Southwest Washington, and I know this market—its neighborhoods, culture, pricing nuances, and opportunities. That lived understanding informs every recommendation I make. I’m inclusive of all people, price points and committed to creating a space where clients feel safe, respected, and fully themselves. I’m a mother to my daughter, Wynter Katie, and a dog mom to a very cute Yorkshire terrier, which keeps me grounded in real life and real perspective.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking in the Gorge, wine tasting in the Willamette Valley, dining at local restaurants, hosting social gatherings, perusing an art gallery, flowing through hot yoga, drinking a good hazy IPA at a brewery, listening to an audiobook or podcast, attending a networking event, chaperoning my daughters field trips. boating on the river, or unwinding at local spas and bathhouses.

I stay deeply connected to my community through volunteering and board participation. I’m especially passionate about children’s needs—particularly those involved in the foster care system—climate impact and sustainability, justice and equity for people of color, and mental health advocacy.

My clients consistently rate their experience with me five stars, whether they are buying selling or simply attending one of the first time home buying classes I host for free to educate and empower the community. I’ve been called the “queen of resources and connections,” and I take that seriously. I’m known for navigating down payment assistance programs, grants, ADUs, seller financing, and non-traditional paths to ownership with ease and clarity. Think polished expertise with a side of “I got you.” Access is power. Education is leverage. And I believe everyone deserves both. I’m also a real estate investor who manages my own properties, including an ADU, so my guidance is grounded in lived experience. I understand long-term value, cash flow, development potential, and creative strategy—not just on paper, but in practice. As a black woman in real estate, I lead with excellence and purpose in an industry where representation is still very rare. I’m honored to be the first African American broker in Oregon state history to close a transaction with a Black-owned title and escrow company, but my greatest accomplishment is impact—helping clients secure stability, build wealth, and step confidently into ownership. I run a tight ship—transparent, strategic, and supportive—but don’t get it twisted, we’ll laugh too. I bring luxury-level service without the stiffness. Professional polish with real and genuine personality. To me, real estate isn’t just about property—it’s about security, freedom, and community. And when you work with me, you’re not just closing a deal… you’re building something bigger. Follow along: @Jessica_TheHomeGirl

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What Clients Are Saying:

Clients consistently share that working with me feels:

• Supportive and steady, even in high-pressure moments

• Clear and transparent, with no unanswered questions

• Strategic and informed, particularly during negotiations

• Personal, never transactional

First-time buyers say they felt educated and empowered. Sellers value my pricing insight and communication. Investors trust my numbers, perspective, and long-term thinking. Five stars—because the experience is intentional!

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Affiliations and Accolades:

• ADU Specialist
• Earth Advantage Certified
• Portland NAACP (Member)
• LRR Diversity Chair Award Winner
• Lents Neighborhood Association (Former President)
• Youth Rights and Justice (Board Member & Sponsor)
• Asian Real Estate Association of America (Member)
• National Association of Real Estate Brokers (Member)
• Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors (Member)
• Broker Advisory Group at Living Room Realty (2024-2026)

 

Read More

• T: 971-230-8164
• jessicaw@livingroomre.com