In this episode of the Deal Breakdown Podcast, hosts Westley Colebank and Phong Tran discuss the real estate market in the Portland Metro area, comparing statistics from 2024 to 2025. They share personal experiences, analyze market trends, and make predictions for 2026. The conversation covers the impact of interest rates, the rise of cash buyers, and the challenges faced by first-time home buyers. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding market dynamics and preparing for future opportunities in real estate.

In this episode of the Deal Breakdown Podcast, hosts Westley and Fong delve into various aspects of the real estate industry, including the dynamics of working with buyers and sellers, the importance of pre-listing inspections, and the impact of social media on real estate success. They also discuss the significance of mindset for new agents, the barriers to entry in the industry, and the need for more education and hands-on experience for aspiring real estate professionals. The conversation wraps up with reflections on personal growth and the importance of relationships in the business.

In this episode of the Deal Breakdown Podcast, hosts Westley and Phong discuss the evolving landscape of real estate, focusing on the impact of AI, the role of Zillow, and new regulations surrounding wholesaling in Oregon. They explore how AI is changing the way consumers interact with real estate agents, the advantages and disadvantages of Zillow as a platform, and the implications of new wholesaling laws aimed at protecting consumers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting to technological advancements while maintaining a personal touch in real estate transactions.

In this episode of the Deal Breakdown podcast, hosts Westley and Phong Tran discuss the mid-year real estate market update, reflecting on their predictions from the beginning of the year and analyzing current trends. They explore the impact of interest rates, market uncertainty due to global events, and local inventory dynamics, particularly comparing Clackamas and Multnomah counties. The conversation also delves into the challenges facing the condo market and shifts in buyer preferences, concluding with insights from a recent real estate conference and predictions for the future.

Sound Bites

"The boys are back in town!"

"Buying a house is a long-term investment."

"Buyers are extremely picky right now."

In this episode of the Deal Breakdown Podcast, hosts Phong Tran and Westley discuss significant changes in FHA loan eligibility affecting non-permanent residents, the implications of new regulations for real estate agents, and the rise of TikTok as a news source. They explore the economic impact of these changes and the evolving landscape of the real estate market. In this conversation, Westley and Phong discuss the rapid rise of BYD and China's electric vehicle sector, the influence of the Chinese government on business, and the historical context of economic booms in the U.S. They explore the implications of tariffs, the differences in real estate ownership between China and the U.S., and the potential future of the U.S. dollar in a changing global economy. The discussion culminates in reflections on the ongoing economic cold war between the U.S. and China and the long-term outlook for global economic trends.

In this episode of the Deal Breakdown Podcast, hosts Westley and Phong welcome mortgage lender James Sands to discuss the current state of the lending market. They explore the impact of fluctuating interest rates, the mass exodus of professionals from the industry, and the skills that set successful lenders apart. James shares his insights on the importance of grit and consistency in navigating the challenges of the market, as well as the differences between various types of lenders. The conversation emphasizes the value of communication and the growing trend towards mortgage brokers as a preferred option for clients. In this conversation, James Sands, a mortgage broker, discusses the intricacies of the mortgage process, emphasizing the importance of consulting with a mortgage broker early in the home buying journey. He explains the various costs associated with purchasing a home, including down payments and closing costs, and provides insights into current interest rate trends and their implications for buyers. The discussion also covers common financial mistakes that first-time buyers make, particularly regarding debt-to-income ratios and credit scores. James encourages potential buyers to assemble a strong team of professionals to guide them through the process and dispels the myth that homeownership is unattainable.

In today’s episode, we dive into a fascinating—and cautionary—tale of a failed real estate transaction. We shares the behind-the-scenes story of a deal that fell apart due to a crucial misstep on the buyer's side. In a world where high interest rates and fluctuating market conditions are the new norm, the buyer's agent failed to set clear expectations, leaving everyone frustrated and the deal in shambles. We explore how, in a market that's anything but predictable, clear communication and realistic expectations are paramount. The seller’s agent opens up about the importance of understanding the full scope of the buyer’s position and how overlooking this key detail led to a missed opportunity. Join us for an insightful discussion on the current state of real estate, the impact of interest rates on buyer behavior, and why agents—both buyers' and sellers'—need to be more proactive than ever in managing their clients’ expectations.

In this episode of the Deal Breakdown Podcast, Westley and Phong talk about how the tariffs are going to affect the real estate market and how the new squatter laws are a great new look on the landlord market in Oregon.