The Portland Real Estate Podcast

We're diving into the real reasons the Portland real estate market feels stuck, and spoiler alert, it's not just interest rates or a lack of buyers. In this episode, Steve Nassar and Joe Fistolo of the Portland Real Estate Podcast tackle the state of the market as of May 21st, 2025, revealing the hidden forces at play and what it means for you. Steve and Joe break down why certain segments are struggling more than others (we're looking at you, downtown condos!), and the surprising factors driving high-income earners out of Multnomah County. From the impact of "cash for keys" and tax burdens to the complexities of HOA issues and insurance woes, they share practical insights on why the market has been a story of "fits and starts" for the past three years.  You'll hear about the SDC moratorium and why it's not enough to solve the core housing crisis, and how subtle shifts in buyer behavior are creating a nervous, indecisive environment. This episode is about clarity, strategy, and understanding the nuances of a challenging market.  If you're serious about navigating Portland's real estate landscape, this conversation is your next move. Listen in for a real, relatable, and energizing discussion on what it takes to thrive in today's unpredictable market.   Key Takeaways The Q1 and early Q2 real estate market was weak due to economic volatility, 7% interest rates, and increased inventory. The detached home market saw brief improvement, but condos and townhomes continue to struggle with high HOA fees and insurance issues. The market has experienced "fits and starts" for the past three years, with a particularly slow spring season. Buyers are nervous, making and quickly retracting offers due to economic uncertainty and news. Multnomah County's high-end market has lower appreciation due to high property and other taxes. A three-year SDC moratorium in Multnomah County is seen as insufficient to address core housing development issues. Multnomah County's "cash for keys" tenant rights make it unattractive for rental property investors. Realtors should strongly recommend buyers hire an HOA consultant to review HOA documents. Insurance companies are scrutinizing homeownership details, leading to denied coverage for certain piping types. NAR commission changes have had little negative impact on agents, but have reduced buyer spontaneity. In the current market, price reductions are more effective than concessions for attracting buyers. AI tools like ChatGPT can help tighten listing remarks but aren't a magical solution for poor performance.   Connect with Joe Soldera Properties Joe on LinkedIn   Connect with Steve Steve’s Team at Premiere Property Group Steve on LinkedIn   Listen to The Portland Real Estate Podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  

We’re diving into the real reason you’re not hitting that next level, and spoiler alert, it’s not your marketing plan or your CRM. In this episode, Steve and Joe sit down with nationally renowned coach and speaker Steve Scanlon, founder of Rewire, to explore the real driver behind success in today’s market. Forget the usual "just make the calls" advice. Scanlon breaks down why how you think determines what you do, and whether those changes actually stick. From emotional intelligence to the science of how your brain works, he shares practical insight on why top performers in sales, sports, and leadership focus on mindset first and skillset second. You’ll hear why learning to deal with discomfort is the key to real growth, and how your thought patterns might be holding you back without you even realizing it. He also digs into the danger of a scarcity mindset and the power of being present and self-aware in high-stress environments. This episode isn’t about hype. It’s about clarity, strategy, and the kind of self-leadership that can change your business and your life. If you're serious about leveling up, this conversation is your next move. Listen in for a real, relatable, and energizing discussion on what it takes to rewire your results.   Key Takeaways Mindset, not skillset, is the key driver of long-term success in real estate and business.   Real change requires shifting the way you think before changing what you do.   Sustainable growth comes from understanding how the brain works, including neuroplasticity.   Embracing discomfort is essential for reaching new goals and breaking old patterns.   Scanlon emphasizes the importance of practicing presence in high-pressure situations.   Coaching focused on behavior alone often fails without addressing mindset first.   Scarcity mindset limits growth, while abundance thinking creates new possibilities.   Rewire uses neuroscience and emotional intelligence to help clients create real change.   The brain resists change by default, requiring effort and repetition to rewire habits.   Realtors often waste energy worrying about things they can’t control.   Identifying what you can control, influence, or not control is key to managing energy.   Success often involves some level of suffering, especially when developing new habits.   Short-term motivation fades without a deeper mindset shift to support new behaviors.   Rewire’s coaching approach is individualized and holistic, focusing on personal clarity.   Connect with Joe Soldera Properties Joe on LinkedIn   Connect with Steve Steve’s Team at Premiere Property Group Steve on LinkedIn   Connect with Steve Scanlon Rewire Steve Scanlon on LinkedIn Still the Lizard: Transformation Is Closer Than You Think Reality and Hope: Reflections From a Coach's Chair The Insight Interviews info@rewireinc.com   Listen to The Portland Real Estate Podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  

Buckle up real estate pros! The industry is changing and we’ve got the inside scoop from someone who knows.  In this episode Steve and Joe sit down with Colin Mullane, the candidate for first vice president of NAR, to get the real scoop on what’s going on in the real estate world. From the recent lawsuit settlement to the future of Clear Cooperation, Colin shares what NAR is doing to protect realtors and shape the future of the industry.  You’ll hear how these changes aren’t just challenges but opportunities for growth and professionalism. Find out why decoupling of commissions might be the best thing to happen to your business and how to navigate buyer representation agreements with confidence and avoid pitfalls. This episode goes deep into the often misunderstood world of open houses, E&O insurance and the importance of adhering to settlement terms.  You’ll leave with a better understanding of your risks and responsibilities in this new world of real estate. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode has game changing information that will change the way you do business.  Colin’s perspective as both a successful realtor and incoming NAR leader gives you a behind the scenes look at the industry. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get informed and get ahead of the curve. Listen in for a candid, fun and sometimes surprising look at the future of real estate!   Key Takeaways NAR settled a class action lawsuit for $418 million, including major industry changes. The settlement protects NAR members from further lawsuits if they follow new rules. Key changes include removing buyer broker compensation from MLS listings and requiring buyer broker agreements. Colin Mullane is the incoming candidate for first vice president of NAR. NAR fought hard to protect members' interests during the lawsuit. Decoupling commissions has given realtors more control over their business. Clear Cooperation policy, requiring quick MLS listing of public marketed properties, is under scrutiny. NAR continues to defend realtor and consumer interests, emphasizing cooperation. The settlement's practice changes are terms that must be followed to maintain coverage. Open houses held by agents from different companies may violate settlement terms. Some larger companies are challenging Clear Cooperation, potentially for their own benefit. NAR is waiting for a Supreme Court decision before addressing Clear Cooperation concerns. The US real estate industry is unique globally, with NAR protecting its cooperative model. Recent changes have raised professional standards, potentially benefiting experienced agents. NAR's role in lobbying since 1908 has been crucial in shaping the current real estate landscape.   Connect with Joe Soldera Properties Joe on LinkedIn   Connect with Steve Steve’s Team at Premiere Property Group Steve on LinkedIn   Connect with Colin Colin Mullane - National Association of Realtors Colin Mullane on LinkedIn   Listen to The Portland Real Estate Podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  

Change is here, and it’s reshaping the way we do real estate. In this episode, Steve and Joe dive headfirst into the most talked-about changes shaking up the real estate world.  From NAR commission updates to buyer rep agreements, they’re unpacking how the last three months have tested—and strengthened—the industry.   You’ll hear why these changes haven’t just maintained stability—they’ve opened new doors for growth. Steve and Joe share real-world insights, surprising trends, and proven strategies to navigate the evolving landscape.   Discover how decoupled commissions, smarter negotiations, and a fresh approach to buyer representation are giving realtors more control than ever before.  Plus, the hosts offer practical tips on setting client expectations, protecting your commissions, and building better, more sustainable relationships in the field.  If you’ve been wondering what the future holds for real estate, this conversation is a must-listen. Packed with honest stories, actionable advice, and a healthy dose of humor, this episode is all about turning challenges into opportunities.   Don’t miss Steve and Joe’s deep dive into how real estate professionals can not only survive but thrive in this exciting new chapter for the industry!     Key Takeaways Buyer-side and listing-side commissions have not decreased significantly. In many cases, they’ve risen slightly due to the new flexibility and transparency in negotiations. The decoupling of buyer-agent commissions from the overall seller’s commission has allowed for more precise and strategic negotiations, benefiting both agents and clients. Formal agreements between buyers and agents protect agents’ time and ensure compensation, while offering buyers a clearer understanding of the services provided. Real estate professionals must communicate early and effectively with sellers about commission expectations, especially in scenarios involving buyer-agent compensation demands. The real estate market has remained strong, with data showing increased pending sales year over year. Open and honest discussions with clients about commissions and contract terms build trust and set realistic expectations, reducing friction during the offer process. The changes brought by NAR and MLS updates have been challenging but have ultimately empowered agents to control their value and negotiate more effectively. Sellers are encouraged not to cut buyer-agent commissions unnecessarily, as doing so can hinder negotiations and reduce the chances of achieving the desired sale price. Agents are advised to approach counteroffers strategically, avoiding tactics that alienate buyer agents (e.g., cutting commissions while demanding higher offers). The shift towards treating real estate as a structured business—with formal agreements and clear compensation frameworks—has enhanced the professionalism of the industry.   Connect with Joe Soldera Properties Joe on LinkedIn   Connect with Steve Steve’s Team at Premiere Property Group Steve on LinkedIn   Listen to The Portland Real Estate Podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify