Short answer: yes — if you're prepared. But "good time to buy" means something different depending on who's asking. Let me give you the full picture, because this decision deserves more than a headline. I've been working in Salem OR real estate long enough to know that the right time is personal, not just market-driven.
Salem's Economic Fundamentals Are Strong
Salem is Oregon's state capital, home to Salem Health — one of the region's largest healthcare employers — Chemeketa Community College, and a growing government and technology sector. Population growth in Marion County continues to outpace housing supply. These fundamentals don't support a price correction; they support long-term appreciation. Browse all Oregon listings by county to see how Marion County's activity compares to surrounding markets.
Inventory Is Better Than 2021 — Which Means Opportunity
Compared to the historic lows of 2021–2022, 2026 offers buyers meaningfully more selection. Sellers are more negotiable, inspection contingencies are being accepted more routinely, and the days of 15-offer bidding wars every weekend are behind us — though well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods still move fast. This creates a real window of relative buyer leverage for people who are prepared and pre-approved.
Oregon's Tax Environment Works in Your Favor
Oregon has no sales tax — which affects purchasing power in ways buyers moving from other states often don't anticipate. Oregon's property tax system, shaped by Measures 5 and 50, also keeps tax bills more predictable than in many Western states. The overall cost-of-living to quality-of-life ratio in Salem is one of the best in the Pacific Northwest. Wine country, outdoor recreation, mild climate, and genuine community — at a price point well below comparable West Coast markets.
What Ty Hildebrand Tells First-Time Buyers in 2026
Ty Hildebrand, REALTOR® at Realty One Group Salem OR with over 400 properties sold and 21 Google five-star reviews, puts it simply: "2026 is one of the most balanced Salem markets I've seen in years — not the frenzy of 2021, not the freeze of a downturn. Prepared buyers have real options and real negotiating power right now."
His standard advice: get pre-approved before you fall in love with a home, know your must-haves versus nice-to-haves, have your earnest money ready to move, and be decisive when the right property comes along. The buyers who struggle are the ones who aren't ready when the opportunity shows up.
Check out the complete Salem buyers guide and the early 2026 market snapshot for the latest data and context. Then connect with Ty Hildebrand at Realty One Group to find out whether 2026 is your year to buy in Salem.
Contact Ty Hildebrand at Realty One Group | 503-XXX-XXXX | ty@rogwv.com for a FREE 2026 Market Strategy Session
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Meta Description: Is 2026 a good time to buy a home in Salem, Oregon? REALTOR® Ty Hildebrand of Realty One Group explains why Salem's economic fundamentals, improving inventory, and balanced market conditions make 2026 a strong year for prepared buyers.