Salem + Marion/Polk Market Update

September 10, 2026

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🌿 MARKET AT A GLANCE

As we move into the fall market, buyers across Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley have more homes to choose from, while home values continue to remain relatively stable.

The result? A more balanced market—one where buyers can be more selective and sellers need to be more strategic with pricing, presentation, and marketing.

🟢 LOCAL MARKET SNAPSHOT

📈 SALEM YEAR-OVER-YEAR

+4.65% Median Sold Price
+17.6% Active Inventory

What the numbers tell us:
More inventory does not necessarily mean declining home values. It does mean buyers have more choices—and sellers need to stand out from the competition.

🟩 FOR SELLERS

Today’s buyers are comparing more homes than they were a year ago.

Homes that begin the market too aggressively priced may take longer to sell and eventually require a price adjustment.

✅ What is working right now

Strategic Pricing
Price according to current competition—not yesterday’s market.

Strong Presentation
Condition and first impressions matter.

Professional Marketing
Your home needs to stand out online before buyers ever walk through the door.

Clear Value
Buyers need to understand why your home is worth choosing over the alternatives.

💡 SELLER INSIGHT

The first few weeks on the market remain especially important. That is typically when a property receives its greatest exposure to active buyers.

The encouraging news? Salem’s median sold price remains higher than it was one year ago.

🔑 FOR BUYERS

More inventory is creating opportunities buyers have not consistently enjoyed in recent years.

Buyers may have more opportunity to:

🟢 Compare multiple homes
🟢 Negotiate repairs
🟢 Request closing-cost assistance
🟢 Negotiate possession or other terms
🟢 Consider homes that have been on the market longer
🟢 Include contingencies sellers previously resisted

That said, attractive and correctly priced homes can still sell quickly.

The goal is not simply finding a house—it’s understanding what that house is worth before you write the offer.

💵 MORTGAGE RATE UPDATE

🟩 30-YEAR FIXED

6.71%

🟩 15-YEAR FIXED

6.04%

Mortgage rates remain one of the largest factors affecting affordability and monthly payments.

Even a relatively small change in rates can affect a buyer’s purchasing power.

Individual mortgage rates vary based on lender, credit, down payment, property type, and loan program.

📊 THE BIGGER PICTURE: OREGON

Oregon Housing Snapshot

$525,000
Median Sold Price

$569,250
Median Listing Price

61 Days
Median Time on Market

34,124
Approximate Active Listings

🟢 Inventory: UP approximately 7%

🟢 Median Sold Price: UP approximately 2%

Oregon continues to move toward a more traditional, balanced housing market.

What does that mean?

SELLERS: Pricing and presentation matter more.

BUYERS: Negotiating opportunities are increasing.

EVERYONE: Local market conditions matter far more than national headlines.

🟨 AROUND SALEM THIS WEEKEND

🎨 SALEM ART FAIR & FESTIVAL

September 11–13

Bush’s Pasture Park

One of Salem’s signature community events returns this weekend.

🎨 200+ juried artists
🎵 Live music
🍴 Food carts
🍷 Regional beer & wine
🖌️ Artist demonstrations
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family activities

Friday & Saturday
Artist booths 10 AM–7 PM

Sunday
10 AM–5 PM

Children 12 & Under: FREE

A great way to enjoy Salem as we begin the transition into fall.

🟩 THINKING ABOUT BUYING OR SELLING?

National headlines and online estimates can only tell part of the story.

Real estate remains extremely local.

Two homes just a few streets apart can perform very differently depending on:

Location • Condition • Competition • Price Range • Buyer Demand

Thinking about selling?
We’re happy to show you how your home compares with today’s competition and recent sales.

Thinking about buying?
We can help identify where opportunities are developing and provide a clear analysis of value before you make an offer.

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GREG & JUDY GYSIN

THE GYSIN GROUP

Premiere Property Group, LLC

📞 503-910-8619
✉️ gregandjudy@gysinrealty.com

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Market information is based on the latest available August 2026 housing data and current mortgage-rate information. Statistics may vary by source, location, and property type and are provided for general informational purposes.