Tariffs going into affect, advice on how the market will do?

Question

Does anyone think the market will see a hard decline, should I start looking into potential properties that may decline in price?

Aaron Ameen · Answer

Hey Gavin, great question.

Tariffs can certainly impact the economy, but real estate markets tend to respond in more nuanced ways depending on location, supply-demand dynamics, and investor sentiment rather than broad, immediate declines.

A few things to consider:

• Local Market Fundamentals – Instead of assuming a market-wide drop, look at how tariffs might specifically affect your market in Beaverton, OR. Is there a strong job market? Any industries there that could be hit hard by increased costs? Areas with diverse economies tend to be more resilient.
• 
• Interest Rates & Lending – If tariffs contribute to inflation, the Fed might adjust interest rates, impacting borrowing power. If rates go up, affordability decreases, which could soften demand and slow price growth—but not necessarily cause a crash.
• 
• Supply Chain & Construction Costs – If tariffs drive up material costs, new construction could slow down, keeping existing home prices more stable than expected. Fewer new builds can limit supply, preventing dramatic price drops.
• 
• Finding Opportunities – Rather than assuming prices will decline across the board, look for motivated sellers, properties that need work, or areas where short-term uncertainty creates long-term opportunity. Staying liquid and ready to move on a deal when the right one comes along is always a good approach.

If you're looking at buying, I'd focus more on long-term fundamentals over short-term speculation.

What kind of properties are you considering?

Gavin Riley · Answer

I've been looking into rental properties. But I do not have a lot of funds yet, so I have just been trying to get more knowledgeable about the market as a whole.