Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home in Oregon? The 2026 Housing Market Explained
By Shannon Mason, REALTOR® | Hybrid Real Estate | Eugene, Oregon
If you've been asking yourself, "Should I buy a home now or wait until interest rates come down?" you're not alone. It's easily the most common question I hear from buyers today.
The good news? The Oregon real estate market has shifted.
While the frenzy of multiple offers and homes selling in hours has slowed, today's market still offers opportunities many buyers haven't seen in years.
Mortgage Rates Aren't the Only Thing That Matters
Many buyers have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for mortgage rates to fall.
While rates remain higher than many homeowners became accustomed to during 2020–2022, they have stabilized enough that buyers can plan with greater confidence. Experts expect rates to fluctuate rather than crash dramatically, making today's market much more about timing your personal goals than about predicting the perfect interest rate.
Here's something many buyers overlook:
You can refinance an interest rate. You cannot go back in time and buy today's home at today's price.
Buyers Finally Have More Choices
Inventory has improved across much of Oregon.
That means buyers can:
- Take more time viewing homes
- Negotiate repairs
- Ask for closing cost assistance
- Compare neighborhoods without feeling rushed
- Include important contingencies
For many families, that's a refreshing change from the highly competitive markets of previous years.
What Sellers Need to Know
If you're thinking about selling your home in Eugene, Springfield, Creswell, Junction City, Cottage Grove, or surrounding Lane County communities, pricing correctly has never been more important.
Today's buyers are informed.
They compare listings online, monitor price reductions, and know when a home is overpriced.
Homes that are professionally marketed and accurately priced continue to attract strong interest.
Oregon Continues to Be a Great Place to Live
Oregon remains one of the most desirable places in the Pacific Northwest thanks to its incredible outdoor lifestyle, strong communities, excellent universities, and easy access to mountains, rivers, forests, and the coast.
Communities throughout Lane County continue to attract buyers looking for a better quality of life.
Whether you're purchasing your first home, relocating, downsizing, or investing, understanding your local market is far more valuable than relying on national headlines.
Every Real Estate Decision Is Personal
The "perfect time" to buy or sell isn't determined by a headline.
It's determined by your goals.
Whether you're relocating, upsizing, downsizing, or purchasing your very first home, having an experienced REALTOR® on your side can help you make confident decisions.
With more than 25 years of real estate experience, I'm committed to helping my clients understand today's market—not just react to it.
If you're wondering what your home is worth, how much buying power you have, or whether now is the right time to make a move, I'd be happy to help.
Let's have a conversation about your real estate goals.
Shannon Mason
REALTOR® | Hybrid Real Estate
Serving Eugene, Springfield, Lane County, Douglas County, Coos County & More
