Kris O'Connell's Blog Posts

Why Work With a Real Estate Agent?In today’s real estate market, working with a professional agent is about more than convenience, it’s about having a proven expert with a clear strategy

Behind on Your Mortgage? Avoid Foreclosure with a Short SaleAre you struggling to make mortgage payments or owe more than your home is worth? A short sale may be the smart alternative to.

The Latest Trends in Real Estate Remodeling Real estate remodeling trends are continuing to evolve as homeowners and buyers place greater importance on comfort, efficiency, and long-term value.

Why the Best Week to Sell Your Home Is Almost HereAs spring arrives, so does one of the most important opportunities of the year for home sellers. If you’ve been thinking about making a move

Out with the Old: Refresh Your Home This SpringSpring is the perfect time to reset your home after months of daily wear, changing weather, and seasonal buildup. No matter where you live, whether you

Preparing to Buy a Home This Spring: What Smart Buyers Are Doing NowSpring is traditionally one of the busiest seasons in the real estate market, and it’s when many buyers begin seriously

The Complete Room-by-Room Checklist to Prepare Your Home for Sale When preparing your home to sell this spring, details matter. Buyers notice cleanliness, maintenance, lighting, layout,,

Before You List: What To Do (and Not Do) In The Next 30 DaysIf you’re planning to sell your home in the next 30 days, the goal isn’t perfection - it’s confidence. Buyers want a

Buying Your First Home Feels Hard - But There May Be a Smarter Way InBuying your first home can feel frustrating when the numbers don’t line up the way you expected. You might know you&rsquo

Why Buying a Home Now is Smarter Than Waiting for SpringAs a Real Estate Broker with eXp Realty, LLC, I've seen countless buyers hesitate during the colder months, only to face fierce competition

Don’t Wait Until Spring to Sell Your Home - The Time to Act Is NowMany homeowners believe spring is the best time to sell, but waiting until spring could mean missing out on real opportunities

How I Help Families Navigate a Short Sale with Confidence and CareSelling a home is stressful under the best circumstances. Selling a home through a short sale can feel overwhelming, emotional, and

What Is a Short Sale - Why We May See More in 2026 - and Why Experience MattersA short sale occurs when a homeowner sells their property for less than the amount owed on the mortgage, and the lender

Why Social Media Matters When Selling Your Home TodayWhen you list your home, timing matters. The first days on the market are critical, and the more exposure your home gets early on, the better

Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead to the 2026 Housing MarketAs 2025 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the housing market trends of the past year and prepare for what

Make 2026 the Year You Prepare to Buy a HomeIf buying a home is one of your 2026 goals, this is your sign to start now.You don’t need perfect timing, perfect credit, or a massive bank account

Wants vs. Needs: A Little Suze Orman Voice in My HeadIf you’ve ever listened to Suze Orman, you know she’s big on one simple question: “Is it a want or a need?” And honestly

10 Easy Ways to Brighten a Dark Room (Without a Major Renovation)Do you have a room in your home that always feels dim, even on bright days? Whether it’s due to small windows, low ceilings,

Where Today’s Smartest Buyers Are Finding the Best Home DealsIn a housing market where prices, interest rates, and buyer demand have been anything but predictable, many people assume that

Buying a Home That’s Perfect for Holiday EntertainingThanksgiving has just passed, and my heart is full. This time of year always reminds me how grateful I am for every single person who has

The Pros and Cons of a 50-Year Mortgage: Is It Worth It?As home prices continue to climb and affordability becomes a challenge for many buyers, alternative mortgage options are popping up, including

Why You Should Start Preparing Your Home Now If You Want to Sell in 2026If selling your home is part of your 2026 plans, the best time to start preparing is today. Homes that sell quickly, and for

Why the End of the Year Could Be a Great Time to Buy a Home in OregonThe end of the year brings both opportunity and reality for homebuyers in Oregon.It’s a season when the market naturally

Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Mortgage RateMortgage rates have been the monster under the bed for a while. Every time they tick up, people flinch and say, “Maybe I’ll

Smart Home Updates That Boost Your Home’s Value in 2025Thinking about selling your home, or simply investing in updates that pay off down the road? Not all home improvements are created equal.

🏡 Why October 2025 Is the Best Time To Buy a Home in OregonIf you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home in Oregon, the wait is over.According to Realtor.com, October 2025 is

💰 What Really Happens When You Overprice Your HomeWhen it’s time to sell your home, it’s easy to think, “Let’s start high. We can always come down later.”   It

Should You Wait Until Spring to Sell Your Home? Here’s the Truth.It’s one of the most common things I hear from homeowners: “We’ll just wait until spring. That’s when

The Hidden Cost of Letting Algorithms Play Realtor Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people ever make.And yet, too often, sellers put their trust in quick online

When to Know If You Should Lower the Listing Price on Your HomePricing your home is one of the most important steps in the selling process. The right price can generate strong buyer interest,

🍂 Fall Home Selling Checklist: How to Prepare Your Home for a Quick Sale 🍂With the summer market winding down, many homeowners start to wonder if they’ve missed their window to sell. The

Selling a Home in Oregon This Fall: What Homeowners Need to KnowWhen most people think about selling a home in Oregon, spring and summer usually come to mind. But the fall season, September through

How to Find the Perfect Real Estate Agent in Today’s MarketBuying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and having the right real estate agent by

What Is a Short Sale in Real Estate and Why Is It Necessary?When a homeowner faces financial hardship and owes more on their mortgage than the property is worth, a short sale can sometimes be the

🛡️ Oregon Wildfire Preparedness: A 2025 Guide for HomeownersWildfire season in Oregon is no longer just a concern for rural homeowners, urban fringes, suburban neighborhoods, and even

 You’ve Closed on Your New Home, Now What? Common Issues New Homeowners Face After Moving InCongratulations! You have officially closed on your new home! The paperwork is done, the keys

📉 How Inflation Has Affected the Housing MarketInflation impacts everything, from groceries to gas, and housing is no exception. Over the past couple of years, rising inflation has reshaped the

🏡 Your Ultimate Home Buying Checklist: Step-by-Step Guide for a Smooth PurchaseBuying a home is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) decisions you’ll make. Whether you're a

What Really Happens When You Cancel Your Home ListingSelling your home is a big decision and sometimes, halfway through the process, life changes, the market shifts, or motivation fades. If you are

What Every Homeowner Needs To Know In Today’s Shifting MarketHere is something you need to know. The US housing market is getting back to a healthier, more normal place. And even though it may

The Hidden Stigma of Overpriced Homes (and How to Avoid It)When selling your home, it’s natural to want top dollar, after all, your property is likely one of your largest investments. But

Why It’s Time to Rethink Your Price: A Smarter Strategy for Selling Your Home Faster🚦When you list your home for sale, 1 of 3 things will happen and all 3 sends a message about your list

Why Not Adjusting Your List Price is a Huge Mistake3 things sell a house: Condition, Location, and Price. When your home is not selling, but you know that your Condition and Location are good, then

What is a Stale Home Listing? A stale home listing refers to a property that has been on the market for an extended period without selling, typically 45 to 90 days or more, depending on the

Factors That Sell a House in Today’s MarketThe three most critical factors that determine how quickly and successfully a house sells are Condition, Location, and Price. Together, they create

How To Price Your Home To SellPricing a home properly is a mix of art and science. You want to maximize your return while staying competitive enough to attract serious buyers. Here's a step-by-step

 Worried About Home Maintenance Costs? Consider ThisIf one of the main reasons you’re hesitant to buy a home is because you’re worried about the upkeep, here’s some

What’s Next for Home Prices and Mortgage Rates?If you’re thinking of making a move this year, there are two housing market factors that are probably on your mind: home prices 

It’s Time To Prepare Your House for a Spring ListingIf you’re thinking of selling your house this spring, now is the perfect time to start getting it ready. With the

Homeowners Today Have Options To Avoid Foreclosure                          Even with the latest data coming in, the experts agree

Thinking About Using Your 401(k) To Buy a Home?Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a down payment? You're not alone. Some

How VA Loans Can Help Make Homeownership Dreams Come TrueFor more than 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone

The Homeowner's Guide to Home MaintenanceOctober 19, 2023As a homeowner, maintaining your home is an important responsibility. Timely maintenance, repairs and improvements help protect your home,

Mortgage Rates: Past, Present, and Possible FutureKrisSellsOregon.comIf you’re hoping to buy a home this year, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates.

Get Ready for Smaller, More Affordable HomesKrisSellsOregon.comHave you been trying to buy a home, but higher mortgage rates and home prices are limiting your options? If,

Beginning with Pre-ApprovalKrisSellsOregon.comIf you’re looking to buy a home this fall, there are a few things you need to know. Affordability is tight with today’s mortgage rates

Why Your House Didn’t SellKrisSellsOregon.comIf your listing expired and your house didn’t sell, you’re likely feeling a little frustrated. Not to mention, you're also

Key Skills You Need Your Listing Agent To HaveKrisSellsOregon.comSelling your house is a big decision. And that can make it feel both exciting and a little bit nerve-wracking. But the key to a

The Difference Between Renting and Buying a HomeKris O'ConnellKrisSellsOregon.comSome HighlightsWhen deciding between buying a home or renting, think about these three important factors

Why You Don’t Need To Fear the Return of Adjustable-Rate MortgagesIf you remember the housing crash back in 2008, you may recall just how popular adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) were back.

Why You Need a True Expert in Today’s Housing MarketThe housing market continues to shift and change, and in a fast-moving landscape like we’re in right now, it’s more

More Jobs and Better Pay Leads to More Buyer DemandThere’s been talk about a recession for quite a while now. But the economy has been remarkably resilient. Why? One reason is employment and

Today’s Housing Market Has Only Half the Usual InventorySome HighlightsThere are only about half the number of homes for sale compared to the last normal years in the.

Gen Z: The Next Generation Is Making Moves in the Housing MarketGeneration Z (Gen Z) is eager to put down their own roots and achieve financial independence. As a result, they’re turning to

Why You May Still Want To Sell Your House After AllEven though you may feel reluctant to sell your house because you don’t want to take on a mortgage rate that’s

Buyer Traffic Is Still Stronger than the NormAre you putting off selling your house because you’re worried no one’s buying because of where mortgage rates are? If so, know:

How Inflation Affects the Housing MarketHave you ever wondered how inflation impacts the housing market? Believe it or not, they’re connected. Whenever there are changes to one,

Homeowners Have a Lot of Equity Right NowSome HighlightsYour equity grows as you pay down your home loan and as home prices increase. With home prices rising again,

Home Prices Are Back on the RiseSome HighlightsLooking at monthly home price data from six expert sources shows the worst home price declines are behind us, and they’re;

About 11,000 Houses Will Sell TodaySome homeowners have been waiting for months to put their house on the market because they don’t think people are buying homes right now.

Where Are People Moving Today and Why?Plenty of people are still moving these days. And if you’re thinking of making a move yourself, you may be considering the inventory 

Equity Is a Game Changer for Homeowners Looking To SellIf you’re a homeowner, you might be torn on whether or not to sell your house right now. Maybe that’s because you don

People Want Less Expensive Homes – And Builders Are RespondingIn today’s housing market, there are two main affordability challenges impacting buyers: mortgage rates that are

Keys to Success for First-Time HomebuyersBuying your first home is an exciting decision and a major milestone that has the power to change your life for the better. As a first-time

The Main Reason Mortgage Rates Are So HighToday’s mortgage rates are top-of-mind for many homebuyers right now. As a result, if you’re thinking about buying for the first time

Your Needs Matter More Than Today’s Mortgage RatesIf you’re thinking about selling your house right now, chances are it’s because something in your life has changed. And,

Saving for a Down Payment? Here’s What You Need To Know.If you're planning to buy your first home, then you're probably focused on saving for all the costs involved in such a big.

What Homebuyers Need To Know About Credit ScoresIf you’re thinking about buying a home, you should know your credit score’s a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to

The True Cost of Selling Your House on Your OwnSelling your house is no simple task. While some homeowners opt to sell their homes on their own, known as a FSBO (For Sale by Owner), they often

Why Homeownership Wins in the Long RunToday’s higher mortgage rates, inflationary pressures, and concerns about a potential recession have some people questioning: 

Lending Standards Are Not Like They Were Leading Up to the CrashYou might be worried we’re heading for a housing crash, but there are many reasons why this housing market isn

Where Will You Go If You Sell? Newly Built Homes Might Be the Answer.Do you want to sell your house, but hesitate because you’re worried you won’t be able to find your next

Key Reasons To Use a Real Estate Agent When You SellSome HighlightsAn agent is a really important part of selling your home because they bring a lot of skill and expertise to the sales

Evaluating Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer Matters More TodayWhen it comes to buying a home, especially with today’s affordability challenges, you’ll want to be

Americans Still View Homeownership as the American DreamEveryone’s interpretation of the American Dream is unique and personal. But, for many people, it’s tied to a sense of success,

Two Questions To Ask Yourself if You’re Considering Buying a HomeIf you’re thinking of buying a home, chances are you’re paying attention to just about everything you hear

The Benefits of Downsizing for HomeownersSome HighlightsDownsizing is a popular choice for homeowners when they retire or when their needs change, but with inflation still high, it’s

Momentum Is Building for New Home ConstructionIf you’re in the process of looking for a home today, you know the supply of homes for sale is low because you’re feeling the

Reasons Your Home May Not Be SellingWhen it comes to selling your house, you want three things: to sell it for the most money you can, to do it in a certain amount of time, and to do all of that

Renting or Selling Your House: What's the Best Move?If you’re a homeowner ready to make a move, you may be thinking about using your current house as a short-term rental property instead of

Low Housing Inventory Is a Sweet Spot for SellersSome HighlightsToday’s housing inventory is still well below more normal years.This low inventory is why homes that are priced

Explaining Today’s Mortgage RatesIf you’re following mortgage rates because you know they impact your borrowing costs, you may be wondering what the future holds for them.

Owning Your Home Helps You Build WealthYou may have heard some people say it’s better to rent than buy a home right now. But, even today, there are lots of good reasons to

Don’t Fall for the Next Shocking Headlines About Home PricesIf you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, one of the biggest questions you have right now is probably:

Real Estate Continues To Be the Best InvestmentSome HighlightsAccording to a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for 11 years in a row,

Foreclosure Numbers Today Aren’t Like 2008If you've been keeping up with the news lately, you've probably come across headlines talking about the increase in foreclosures in today’s

Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a HomeWhile the wild ride that was the ‘unicorn’ years of housing is behind us, today’s market is still competitive in many areas

Homebuyers Are Still More Active Than UsualEven though the housing market is no longer experiencing the frenzy that was so characteristic of the last couple of years, it doesn’t mean today

Key Housing Market TrendsSome HighlightsIf you’re considering buying or selling a home, you’ll want to know what’s happening in the housing market.Housing 

Pricing Your House Right Still Matters TodayWhile this isn’t the frenzied market we saw during the ‘unicorn’ years, homes that are priced right are still selling quickly and

Sellers: Don’t Let These Two Things Hold You BackMany homeowners thinking about selling have two key things holding them back. That’s feeling locked in by today’s higher

How To Know If You’re Ready to Buy a HomeIf you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your

How Inflation Affects Mortgage RatesWhen you read about the housing market in the news, you might see something about a recent decision made by the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But how does

Housing Market Forecast for the Rest of 2023Some HighlightsWant to know what experts say will happen in the rest of 2023? Home prices are already appreciating again in many.

Four Ways You Can Use Your Home EquityIf you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years. Equity builds over time as home values

There's Only Half the Inventory of a Normal Housing Market TodayWondering if it still makes sense to sell your house right now? The short answer is, yes. Especially if you consider how few

The Value of an Agent When Buying Your New Construction HomeBuying a new construction home can be an exciting experience. From being the very first owner, to customizing your home’s

The Impact of Inflation on Mortgage RatesIf you’re reading headlines about inflation or mortgage rates, you may see something about the recent decision from the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But

We’re in a Sellers’ Market. What Does That Mean?Even though activity in the housing market has slowed from the frenzy we saw over a year ago, today’s low supply of homes for sale

How Changing Mortgage Rates Can Affect YouThe 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been bouncing between 6% and 7% this year. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to buy a home or not, it;

4 Key Tips for Selling Your House This SpringSpring has arrived, and that means more and more people are getting their homes ready to sell. But with recent shifts in real estate, this year’s

Buying a Home May Make More Sense Than RentingSome HighlightsIf you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, there are a few things you should consider

Experts Forecast a Turnaround in the Housing Market in 2023The housing market has gone through a lot of change recently, and much of that was a result of how quickly mortgage rates rose

You May Not Need as Much as You Think for Your Down PaymentSome HighlightsMany people believe you need to put down 20% of the purchase price when you buy a home. But recent homebuyers

Planning To Sell Your House? It’s Critical To Hire a Pro.With higher mortgage rates and moderating buyer demand, conditions in the housing market are different today. And if you’re

Wondering How Much You Need To Save for a Down Payment?If you’re getting ready to buy your first home, you’re likely focused on saving up for everything that purchase involves. One cost

Avoid the Rental Trap in 2023If you’re a renter, you likely face an important decision every year: renew your current lease, start a new one, or buy a home. This year is no different. But

3 Best Practices for Selling Your House This YearA new year brings with it the opportunity for new experiences. If that resonates with you because you’re considering making a move, you

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home soon, you probably want to know what you can expect from the housing market this year. In 2022, the market underwent a