The Truth About Today’s Willamette Valley Market

A Seller’s Story: Joe & Lisa

Let me tell you about Joe and Lisa.

They live in Junction City, in the same home they’ve raised their kids in for 20 years. When they decided to downsize this summer, they looked around at what homes had sold for during the COVID boom. A neighbor down the street sold for almost $100,000 more than they ever thought possible—and Joe figured, “If they got that, we can too.”

So they listed their house high, convinced buyers would line up.

Except… they didn’t.

At first, Joe and Lisa were patient. They thought, “It just takes the right buyer.” But as weeks stretched into months, their listing started to feel invisible.

Meanwhile, in Albany, Harrisburg, Dallas, and even Stayton, homes priced right were moving. In fact, most homes that went pending within the first 7 days in Lane County sold for more than asking—while the ones that lingered 30+ days sold for much less.

Joe and Lisa eventually dropped their price. Twice. And when an offer finally came in, it was $20,000 below where they started—leaving them wishing they had priced more realistically from the beginning.

Here’s the truth:

• The COVID boom was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Rock-bottom interest rates and a supply crunch made for skyrocketing values.

• Today, the Eugene-to-Salem corridor is normalizing. In towns like Lebanon, Silverton, and Keizer, buyers have more homes to choose from.

• Overpricing = sitting. In McMinnville and Dallas, nearly half of listings have had price cuts this year.

It’s not that homes aren’t selling. They are. But buyers aren’t chasing inflated numbers anymore.

Here’s the takeaway:

• Price right, and you’ll sell.

• Price high, and you’ll sit.

Every market in the Valley tells the same story. Junction City. Harrisburg. Albany. Dallas. Salem outskirts. When sellers anchor their expectations to the “COVID peak,” they set themselves up for frustration.

But when sellers take a realistic look at today’s numbers? Their homes move. They negotiate from strength. And they walk away feeling relieved instead of disappointed.

Joe and Lisa’s story isn’t unique—it’s happening all over the Willamette Valley.

And here’s where it gets important: if you’re in a town like Junction City, Harrisburg, Silverton, or Keizer, you don’t need to fear the market—you just need to meet it where it’s at. That’s where working with someone who knows the Eugene–Salem corridor makes all the difference.

Because the right price at the right time doesn’t just get your home listed—it gets it sold.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Home in the Willamette Valley

Q: Why aren’t homes selling in the Willamette Valley in 2025?
A: Many homeowners are still pricing their properties based on the COVID-era boom, when demand and low mortgage rates pushed values to all-time highs. In today’s market—especially in towns between Eugene and Salem like Junction City, Albany, Silverton, and Keizer—buyers have more options, and overpriced homes often sit for weeks or even months. Homes priced competitively based on current market conditions are still selling quickly.

Q: How long are homes staying on the market in the Eugene–Salem area?
A: In 2025, most homes in Eugene are selling in about 2–3 weeks if priced right, while homes in Salem and the surrounding small towns often take closer to 30–45 days. Overpriced homes can sit much longer and usually require price cuts before they move.

Q: How should I price my home in the Willamette Valley?
A: The key is to look at recent local comps—what similar homes in your exact town have sold for in the last 60–90 days. A Realtor® who knows the Valley (Eugene to Salem and the outlying towns) can help you set a price that attracts buyers right away and avoids costly time on the market.

If you’re wondering “how much is my home worth in the Willamette Valley right now?”—let’s talk. Whether you’re in Eugene, Salem, or one of the small towns in between, I’ll help you price your home correctly for today’s market and get it sold, not just listed.