The Market May Be “Over the Hill,” But It’s Not Out of Gas
Earlier this year, I turned 40. And let’s just say being 40 and remembering what I thought 40 meant as a teenager are two very different experiences. Back then, turning 40 came with two guarantees: jokes about being “over the hill” and the start of mysterious aches and pains that show up quicker and stick around longer.
Interestingly, when I look at the local housing market through the lens of 2025 so far, it feels like it’s in a similar phase of its annual life cycle. If we were going to say the market was “over the hill,” that peak happened back in May. New listings have declined since then, and buyer activity—especially in Jefferson and Crook counties—has also slowed noticeably since late spring. The aches and pains are showing up in the form of longer days on market, more price reductions, and quiet pockets in certain areas or price points. Deschutes County is on track to see a 40 percent increase in cancelled listings compared to two years ago.
But just like turning 40 doesn’t mean things are winding down, neither does this stage of the market. August might just be the new June.
And the good news is, this shift doesn’t require any medication with unfortunate side effects like sudden kidney failure. Just a little perspective and a willingness to stretch with the market.
The key is knowing how to adjust. Sellers need to plan ahead. Pricing, preparation, and presentation matter more than ever. Buyers need to understand what affordability looks like today, and how it can still be within reach with the right strategy.
For me, 40 came and went without much fuss. I look around and see people older than me still thriving. My mom just turned 72 and regularly rides her bike more than 20 miles. If I want to feel young in my 40s, I just need to follow the lead of those who are doing it right.
The same goes for this market. Even if it’s in its “August” years, it can still perform like it’s June. It just takes a little more intention and the right approach.
