🏡 Understanding Housing Affordability: What It Really Means for Buyers & Sellers in Douglas County

🏡 Understanding Housing Affordability: What It Really Means for Buyers & Sellers in Douglas County

By Mary Gilbert, The Mary Gilbert Group Powered by PLACE at Keller Williams Southern Oregon

If you’ve followed real estate headlines lately, you’ve probably seen the phrase “housing affordability” everywhere. But what does that really mean — and how does it impact you here in Douglas County?

📊 What Is the Housing Affordability Index?

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) uses something called the Housing Affordability Index (HAI) to measure how affordable the typical home is for the typical buyer.

Here’s how it works:

• A value of 100 means a median-income household earns just enough to qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced home.

• Numbers above 100 indicate greater affordability — households have more than enough income.

• Numbers below 100 signal that affordability is tight — homes are harder to purchase for the average family.

It’s a simple formula, but it gives us an important snapshot of how local incomes, home prices, and mortgage rates interact.

💵 What’s Happening Nationally

Over the past few years, affordability has declined nationwide as home prices surged and interest rates climbed. However, 2025 is showing signs of improvement. Mortgage rates have eased slightly from last year’s highs, and wage growth has started to catch up.

The result? Many families are finding themselves closer to qualifying for homeownership again — especially in regions where home prices remain moderate.

🏠 The Douglas County Difference

Here’s the good news: Douglas County remains one of Oregon’s most affordable housing markets.
Even though our median home price has climbed over the past year, it’s still well below state and national averages. Combine that with our strong sense of community, open spaces, and quality of life — and you’ve got an incredible value proposition for homebuyers.

Buyers relocating from larger metro areas often tell us that what they can afford here would be out of reach elsewhere. Whether it’s a new construction home in Sutherlin, a riverfront retreat in Glide, or acreage living in Melrose, Douglas County offers attainable options without sacrificing lifestyle.

💡 What It Means for Buyers

If you’re thinking about buying, affordability isn’t just about the purchase price. It’s about your monthly comfort zone — and that depends on interest rates, insurance, property taxes, and even utility costs.
The good news? There are creative solutions available:

• Rate buy-down programs

• Seller credits toward closing costs

• Local lender incentives for first-time or in-state buyers

Working with an experienced REALTOR® and lender team can help you uncover programs that make homeownership more attainable right now.

📈 What It Means for Sellers

For sellers, understanding affordability helps set realistic expectations. As buyers become more data-driven, pricing strategy and presentation matter more than ever.
Homes that are well-prepared, well-marketed, and priced correctly continue to attract strong offers — even in a more selective market.

🌟 The Bottom Line

The Housing Affordability Index may sound like just another number, but it’s really about access — the ability for families to put down roots and build stability.
And in Douglas County, that dream is still within reach.

📲 Thinking of selling in Sutherlin or the surrounding Umpqua Valley? Reach out to The Mary Gilbert Group today to learn how we can help you make the most of Oregon’s 5-Day Market. 📞 For personalized guidance, reach out to our team at 541-229-8114 or visit us at www.marygilbert.com. We’d be honored to guide you home.