Eleanor Lee Martin, Realtor

06/04/2026

Lower Inventory May Drive Prices Up

The number of homes for sale just fell below last year’s levels, with fewer new listings hitting the market at a key time.

Buyers are still active, and when demand holds while supply drops, it creates upward pressure on prices.

Even small price moves matter, just a 5% increase can add over $20K to a $400,000 home.

Waiting doesn’t always mean better options, and this is not about rushing the process.

Being prepared with your loan officer and Realtor in this market allows you to make an offer right when the perfect home becomes available and puts you ahead of the competition.

05/27/2026

Check out my latest blog:

Eleanor Lee Martin

How to Determine How Much Mortgage You Can Actually Afford in Salem Today

05/25/2026

Remembering my family members that have served our great country on Memorial Day 🇺🇸

Eleanor Lee Martin

05/24/2026

Hey garden friends ☀️Happy Sunday. Can anyone tell me what kind of bug is this? Seems to be some kind of bee? 🐝
Also, look at the size of this cabbage 🥬 🤩. Update on the chicken salad bar- it’s growing along and my birds seem to be enjoying the fresh greens

Eleanor Lee Martin

05/22/2026

Silverton Hills Strawberry Festival coming June 16th🗓️

Since 1951, Silverton area folks have been enjoying this local tradition. Originally held at the Silverton Hills Grange Hall, the festival is now held at Coolidge-McClaine City Park.

Eleanor Lee Martin

This year marks the 73rd anniversary of the Silverton Hills Strawberry Festival. Since 1951, Silverton area folks have been enjoying this local tradition. Originally held at the Silverton Hills Grange Hall, the festival is now held at Coolidge-McClaine City Park.

05/22/2026

The house next door is for sale

The home has 2676 square feet that is fully renovated and includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms 3 acres with a shop, chicken coop and a greenhouse.

Beautiful sunsets 🌅 nearly every night

I'm taking interviews for new neighbors 😃 New neighbor applicants must like animals🦙🐐🐩 - Message me for more details
Eleanor Lee Martin
courtesy of Valeri Kofstad

Farm to table styling fit for a magazine...taken to the studs including a new roof line and completely updated and remodeled in 2019. Quartz counters in the kitchen, tile backsplash that is counter to ceiling height, large open space with eating bar. Main floor has open office design with a step dow...

05/22/2026

So peaceful
Eleanor Lee Martin

05/21/2026

The #1 question I am asked by homebuyers in Salem right now is:

“Is now a good time to buy, or should I wait for prices to drop?”

If you are a first-time homebuyer, a veteran utilizing your VA benefits, or a family relocating to Oregon, this is likely in the front of your mind. For the last few years, the market felt like a frantic sprint. Today, we are seeing a shift - and it is a shift that actually works in your favor.

Here is the reality of the Salem market: waiting for a dramatic price crash is not a reliable strategy. Home values in areas like Keizer, West Salem and SE Salem are holding steady.

However, what buyers do have right now is something we haven't seen in years: Leverage. Inventory has stabilized, meaning you no longer have to waive your inspection contingencies or make emotional, rushed decisions to win a bidding war. For our veterans, this means VA loans are highly competitive again. For first-time buyers and those relocating from out of state, it means you have the time and the breathing room to negotiate and truly understand the neighborhood you are buying into.

Control in real estate doesn't come from perfectly timing interest rates; it comes from being prepared.

If you are thinking about purchasing a home this year, let’s stop trying to time the market and start building a structured plan for your long-term security. Send me a message, and let's map out your strategy.

Proven strategies tailored to your unique story

Eleanor Lee Martin
Real Estate Advisor
Keller Williams Capital City

04/26/2026

The Three Big Takeaways for Homeowners:
1. Activity is Skyrocketing
We saw a massive 36.6% increase in New Listings and a 28.9% jump in Closed Sales last month.

The Reality: Buyers have been waiting on the sidelines, and they are pouncing on new inventory. If you’ve been worried that "no one is buying," these numbers prove otherwise. The "Spring Surge" isn't a theory; it’s happening right now.

Is your neighborhood seeing this surge? Comment "SURGE" below and I’ll send you the specific activity report for your hyper local neighborhood.

2. Speed is the New Currency
The Median Days on Market dropped nearly 17% to 74 days.

The Reality: Well-priced, well-presented homes are moving significantly faster than they were in January and February. The market is not "frenzied" like it was a few years ago, but it is decisive.

Curious about your home's "speed to sale" potential? Send me a DM - I can show you exactly what’s selling in under 30 days right now.

3. The Pricing "Flatline" is a Hidden Opportunity
The Median Sales Price dipped slightly (0.5%) to $440,000.

The Reality: While prices aren't skyrocketing, they are stabilizing. For homeowners looking to trade up, this is great news. Your current equity is holding steady, but you aren't chasing a "runaway" price on the home you want to buy next.

The Bottom Line:
The numbers are moving, which means your options are changing. Don't let your 2026 plans be driven by 2024 information.

Want a no-pressure look at the math? Text "VALUE" to 971-999-0878 and let’s get you the true data you need to make a confident decision.

Clear guidance. Confident decisions.
Eleanor Martin, Realtor
Keller Williams Capital City
Salem, OR
971-999-0878
EleanorMartinRealtor.kw.com

04/26/2026

🚨 Open House Alert 🏡
Sunday 12:00pm to 2:00pm

📍1438 Cathlamet Ct NW, Salem OR
3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,250 square feet

🏠 Be sure to check out the View of the Backyard!

My mortgage lender Beth Morey will be on duty - bring all your financing questions!

Tag a friend who’s been looking to move to West Salem! 👇

Comment "DETAILS" below for more info are schedule a private tour!

Listing courtesy The Brock Team