2025 Updates

Happy New Year! 

As always, it seems there's a lot to be both grateful and concerned about these days. But as far as the real estate market goes, fear not! While currently interest rates have remained high, some buyers who paused last fall are eager to start the new year and get back into the market. I don't expect record-breaking sales this year, but I do anticipate steady and slow growth. 

Here are a few things I wanted to note:

**Oregon First Time Home Buyers Savings Account** This program allows you to create a savings account and deduct contributions (up to $12,245 per year for married couples filing jointly with a max income of $149,000 or less) which you can later use for a down payment on a home. I think this is an excellent savings program for folks & I want everyone to know about it! Please let me know if you'd like to learn more or share this information with anyone who might be interested

**New Buyer Agency Agreements** As most of you know, last year brought some changes to the real estate industry, including buyer's agent fees now being set by the buyer and their agent. While these felt like massive changes at the time, in practice, we're not experiencing much change as buyers are continuing to include the agent fees as part of their offer to the seller.

**2025 Goals** Despite last year being tough for some realtors, you helped me have my best year EVER since I started in 2017. Thank you!!! My business is only possible with your help, so if you know anyone who would like to chat about real estate, I'd love to connect with them! Don't forget, anyone who sends their friend my way gets a gift card!! 

And lastly, to show my appreciation for all you wonderful folks, I'd like to host another theatre night! Please join me at Portland Center Stage to see "Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf" on Saturday, March 15th, at 2:00 pm. Lauren and I have tickets, so get yours early, and I'll make a reservation for us after the show to grab a drink – first one's on me! 

Thank you again for being such an important part of my world! I'm always here if you need anything! 

Cheers,

Maggie