The Late-Summer Advantage: How to Win in Portland’s August Market

For decades, summer was considered the prime season for real estate. Warm weather, longer daylight hours, and blooming gardens made it the perfect backdrop for showings and open houses. But over the past 10 years, the traditional selling calendar has shifted. In the Portland metro area, the spring market has taken the lead — more than 60% of home sales now happen in the first two quarters of the year.

By mid-summer, the pace tends to slow. Families are on vacation, kids are enjoying summer break, and many people are spending weekends outdoors rather than touring open houses. Unless there’s a specific need to move, buyers tend to wait until fall or the new year to re-enter the market.

So, where does that leave August sellers and buyers? Let’s break down the pros and cons of making a move before fall.

Why August Can Be a Great Month to Buy

Even though buyer activity softens in August, this month holds unique advantages — especially for those who are ready to take action:

1. Inventory is at a seasonal high

After the busy spring season, many homes remain on the market, and more are listed in early summer. By August, buyers have a wider selection to choose from than in most months of the year.

2. Motivated sellers

Homeowners who listed in spring or early summer and haven’t yet sold are often eager to make a deal before the rainy season begins. This motivation can translate to more flexible negotiations, price reductions, or seller-paid incentives.

3. Homes look their best

Summer landscaping, outdoor living spaces, and abundant natural light make properties more appealing in August. Buyers can see a home at its most vibrant.

4. Opportunity for deals

Homes that have been on the market for a while — especially since spring — may have already had one or more price reductions. This gives buyers the chance to purchase at a better value.

What August Sellers Need to Know

If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market in late summer, success depends on strategy. The truth is, in a softer market where prices are adjusting downward, you can’t rely on last year’s pricing to bring in buyers.

Here are the keys to standing out in August:

1. Price ahead of the market

In today’s market, pricing your home competitively from day one is crucial. Pricing based on last month’s sales — or testing the market with a higher number — often results in your home sitting longer, followed by step-by-step price reductions. Extended days on market can lead to an eventual sale price well below expectations.

2. Optimize condition

With more homes to choose from, buyers can afford to be selective. Fresh paint, decluttering, professional staging, and taking care of deferred maintenance can make your home more memorable and move-in ready.

3. Create urgency

Well-priced, well-presented homes can still generate strong interest, even in August. High-quality photography, compelling listing descriptions, and strategic marketing help generate early momentum — ideally within the first two weeks on the market.

The Pros and Cons of Moving in August

Pros:

• More inventory for buyers to choose from
• Motivated sellers willing to negotiate
• Homes look their best in summer
• Less competition from other buyers

Cons:

• Fewer buyers actively shopping
• Slower showing activity due to vacations and seasonal distractions
• Sellers may need to be more aggressive on pricing to attract attention
• Potentially longer days on market if the home isn’t priced right

Bottom Line

August in Portland is a quieter time for real estate compared to the spring rush — but that can be an advantage for the right buyer or seller. Buyers can benefit from increased selection and motivated sellers, while sellers can still achieve great results if they approach pricing and presentation strategically.

If you’re considering buying or selling before fall, now is the time to prepare. The right timing, marketing plan, and pricing strategy can make all the difference in this seasonal shift.

Thinking about making a move this August? We’d be happy to walk you through your options and create a plan tailored to your goals. Contact us today to get started.