I get information every day about mortgage trends and the gloomy or more positive news about real estate. The truth is, as we Americans adjust our life styles and our aspirations regarding what Home looks like and feels like, we are very likely to see more people choosing to live closer to their own core values. Home buyers will shift toward living comfortably within their housing means, and less towards the bigger and better syle of real estate. My old friend from Germany used the phrase “small but fine” as she described what she wanted in a home.

We will see young parents choosing time with their children instead of relying on two wage earners to support a more expensive house in Portland. These families will live for longer than 5 years in their home, and will invest time and care into maintaining their real estate investment. While it may take a bit longer, I think this trend will balance our economy with a solid sustainable real estate market in Portland and Oregon as well as real estate in other great places to live.