By Sophie Ragsdale, December 30, 2023
In a world where financial advice often hinges on popular sentiment, the New York Times recently published an article – and released a corresponding podcast – suggesting that it may not be a good time to buy. While acknowledging the concerns raised by David Leonhardt in Rent or Buy, let’s consider the counterargument.
Market Dynamics
The New York Times points to various economic indicators and global uncertainties as reasons to exercise caution in the current market. However, it is crucial to recognize that market dynamics are complex and subject to change. Even this week, the Wall Street Journal wondered if a soft landing for the US economy in 2023 could usher in a mid-90s level boom in 2024. This week’s WSJ further published Housing Heats Back Up and Home Buyers are Ready to Buy, but Sellers aren’t Selling. Home buyers are best advised to look beyond the immediate challenges and assess the long-term potential of an investment.
Historical Trends
Throughout history, markets have weathered innumerable storms, from economic recessions to global pandemics. Despite short-term fluctuations, markets have demonstrated an inherent ability to recover and, in many cases, thrive over the long term. Time in the market, not timing the market.
Value Investing
Legendary investor Warren Buffett once said, “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.” This timeless advice emphasizes the importance of contrarian thinking, especially during periods of market pessimism. Right now could be an opportune time to buy: there is little competition and buyers have strong negotiating power. In contrast to 2020 when there were furious bidding wars and buyers often waived all contingencies in order to seal the deal. Buyers found themselves purchasing homes they didn’t want with unfavorable terms.
Conclusion
Current high-interest rates are a bitter pill to swallow. But refinancing down the line is always a possibility. Moreover, sometimes just being in the home you love is all the value you need.
Sophie Ragsdale
Broker | Earth Advantage | ADU Specialist | OR
She/Her
Sophie delivers thoughtful strategy and a deep knowledge of the Portland Metropolitan market.
If you are a first-time homebuyer, Sophie will be there every step of the way, educating you on the home buying process and, most importantly, crafting you a winning offer. If home buying and selling is old hat, she is an excellent collaborator, intrepid seeker of creative solutions, replete with information and resources, and constant calm in a given storm. Sophie uses both intuition and intelligence to skillfully negotiate any transaction to an effective end. She gets her clients what they need.
Born and raised in Portland, Sophie is a 5th generation Oregonian with a lifelong passion for real estate. She loves the unique challenge of every transaction and the relationships she makes along the way. After graduating from Vassar College in NY State, she found herself enjoying the hustle of life in Brooklyn where she lived and worked for over a decade.
In addition to real estate, Sophie has worked in journalism and as a social worker, specializing in assisting older adults in housing crisis.
Sophie’s experience in person-centered services prepared her to provide clients with a grounded space during the potentially wild ride of home buying and selling. She supports her clients in seeing the big picture while staying focused on the task at hand. Her ability to think creatively gives her an advantage, whether it be problem-solving during the negotiation process or marketing a property for sale. But she's no pushover. Her two years in Brooklyn and Manhattan real estate at the Corcoran Group were especially formative in honing her transaction skills.
Sophie is the perfect balance of East Coast determination and West Coast chill, with a huge appreciation for the significance of Home.
The time will come
when, with elation
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other's welcome
- Derek Walcott
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- sophie@livingroomre.com
