Is Buyer Demand Picking Back Up? What Vancouver & Portland Sellers Should Know

by Ken And Susan Rosengren

Is Buyer Demand Picking Back Up? What Vancouver & Portland Sellers Should Know

Yes, buyer demand is surging. In the Portland-Vancouver metro, October 2025 showing traffic reached over 63,000 showings—the highest in three years. With mortgage rates stabilizing in the low 6% range, the "sidelined" buyer is officially back, creating a strategic window for sellers to list before the spring inventory rush.

Why are buyers returning to the Portland and Vancouver markets?

Buyer demand in the PNW is currently "rate-sensitive." As mortgage rates dropped nearly a full percentage point in 2025, mortgage applications hit a 3-year high.

The Momentum Drivers for 2026

Lower Borrowing Costs: Every 0.5% drop in rates brings thousands of local buyers back into the "affordability zone."
Pent-Up Demand: Many Clark and Multnomah County families have waited 2+ years to move. These "serious" buyers are now acting to beat the projected 2026 price increases.
Stable Market Index: The Pending Home Sales Index is at its highest point of the year, signaling that buyer activity is translating into signed contracts.

What does "Warming" buyer traffic mean for my home sale?

Is Buyer Demand Picking Back Up? What Vancouver & Portland Sellers Should Know According to local SentriLock data, Portland and Vancouver are currently in a "Warming" phase of buyer activity.

Showings are Up: Total showings in late 2025 are outpacing 2024 and 2023 by nearly 10%.
Negotiation Leverage: While demand is higher, inventory has also increased. This means buyers are active but "picky"—homes that are staged and priced correctly are seeing multiple offers, while others are seeing price reductions.
Leading Indicator: Pending sales are a "leading indicator." Because more homes are going under contract now, experts project that 2026 will see a significant rebound in total closed sales.

Should I wait until Spring 2026 to sell my house?

Waiting for spring is the "traditional" move, but listing in early 2026 gives you a distinct advantage.

Beat the Competition: In the spring, your neighbor’s house will also be on the market. Listing now means your home stands out when buyer traffic is high but inventory is still seasonally lower.
Capture Eager Buyers: Buyers re-engaging right now feel like they have "already waited too long." They are often more motivated to close quickly.
Predictable Pricing: Forecasts suggest local prices will stay flat or rise modestly by 1–3% in 2026. Selling now allows you to capture current demand without the risk of increased competition later in the year.

Bottom Line: The "Wait and See" Period is Over

The data is clear: the market is ending 2025 on a high note. If you took your house off the market previously or were waiting for "better timing," that time is now. As a Top 20% team that has helped over 1,000 local families, we know how to translate this market momentum into a successful sale for you.

Ready to see how many buyers are looking for a home like yours? Let’s connect for a custom market analysis.

Lucido Global Team Portland / Vancouver Phone:360.609.0226 Email: KenRosengren@LucidoGlobal.com

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