Why So Many People Are Thankful They Bought a Home This Year

Why So Many People Are Thankful They Bought a PNW Home This Year

Homebuyers in the Pacific Northwest are weighing their options right now. With shifting headlines about the economy and the usual rainy season hesitation, it’s easy to get stuck in "analysis paralysis."

Maybe you’re wondering if it really makes sense to buy a home in Vancouver or Portland right now.

But here’s what many of our recent clients—people who bought earlier this year—are telling us: They are incredibly thankful they went ahead and took the plunge.

Life doesn't wait for "perfect" market conditions. Real life happens now. Here is why savvy buyers in Washington and Oregon are celebrating their decision to move, and why you might want to join them.

The Real Reasons People Moved in 2025

According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the primary driver for moves this year wasn't interest rates or investment data—it was lifestyle.

In the PNW, we saw this play out in specific ways (see chart below):

• The "First Home" Freedom: For many renters in downtown Portland or Vancouver apartments, this year was about trading a landlord for a backyard. They are thankful to finally have a place where they can paint the walls, adopt that dog they’ve always wanted, and build equity instead of paying rent.

• Proximity to What Matters: For others, it was about closing the distance. Living near family in Camas or friends in Beaverton changes your everyday life. Sunday dinners, quick visits, and having grandparents nearby for help—that connection is priceless, and it’s worth more than waiting for a slightly lower rate.

• The "Right-Size" Peace of Mind: Many buyers found peace in a home that finally fits.

  • Upsizing: Finally having a dedicated home office so you aren't working from the kitchen table, or a garage for all the PNW outdoor gear.

  • Downsizing: moving to a low-maintenance home in Ridgefield or Lake Oswego to simplify life and travel more.

What You Miss Out on If You Try To Time the Market

No matter the reason, these buyers all share something in common: they stopped waiting for a "unicorn" market and focused on their actual life.

If you asked them today, they wouldn't talk about mortgage rate decimals. They would talk about:

• The relief of being settled before the holidays.

• The joy of hosting their first Thanksgiving in a dining room that fits the whole family.

• The financial security of locking in their housing costs while rents continue to rise.

While the headlines keep everyone else guessing, the people who made their move are sleeping better, living fuller, and enjoying homes that finally feel right.

Why Waiting in the PNW Can Be Risky

In our specific market of Oregon and Washington, waiting often comes with a hidden cost.

Inventory here is historically tight. When rates dip even slightly, competition tends to spike, driving prices up. By acting now, recent buyers avoided the potential bidding wars of next spring and secured a home on their own terms.

Bottom Line

The people who bought a home in 2025 didn’t wait for the stars to align perfectly. They acted on what they needed for their lives today. And they’re thankful they did.

If you’re feeling the pull toward something better—whether it’s a bigger yard in Washougal, a shorter commute to Portland, or just a place to call your own—let’s talk.

Your next home could bring you more space, more connection, and more happiness than you think.