Is $700k Still a Smart Buy in Salem This Year?

For a lot of buyers, $700,000 is a mental line in the sand. It’s where expectations jump, options widen, and decisions feel heavier. The question we hear most right now is simple. Does buying around $700k in Salem still make sense this year?

Short answer. Yes, for the right buyer and the right property. But strategy matters more than it did even a few years ago.

What $700k Gets You in Salem Right Now

At this price point, buyers are typically shopping in established neighborhoods with solid resale history. You’ll often see four-bedroom homes or spacious three-bedroom layouts, updated kitchens, better separation of living spaces, and usable yards. Many homes fall into the late 1990s through 2010s range, or older homes that have been thoughtfully maintained. If you want a side-by-side breakdown of how this range compares across Salem, What $600k–$800k Buys You in Salem Right Now walks through that in detail.

The Buyer Pool Has Shifted, Not Disappeared

Homes around $700k are still selling, but not just because they exist. Buyers are paying closer attention to layout, condition, and long-term livability. Deferred maintenance, awkward floorplans, or heavy updating needs matter more now than they did during ultra-competitive cycles. This slower pace lines up closely with what we’re seeing in How Long Homes Are Really Taking to Sell in Salem.

When $700k Makes Sense Financially

Buying at this level tends to make the most sense for buyers planning to stay put for a while. Homes in this range, when well-located and properly maintained, have historically held value better than entry-level homes during market shifts. Certain pockets, especially on the west side, have been more consistent over time, which we break down in West Salem Homes That Hold Value Long Term.

What to Watch Out For at This Price Point

Not every $700k home is priced correctly. Some listings are still anchored to peak pricing without offering the condition or features today’s buyers expect. Busy streets, compromised layouts, or deferred maintenance can limit long-term appeal, even if the home looks good online.

This is where buyers benefit from slowing down and being selective instead of stretching just to “win” a house.

How Buyer Behavior Has Changed Above $700k

Buyers in this range are doing more homework than they used to. They’re comparing neighborhoods more carefully, thinking about resale earlier, and asking whether a home truly fits their lifestyle. This mindset becomes even more pronounced as prices climb higher, which mirrors what we see in What Changes When You’re Selling Above $850k.

Bottom Line

Yes, $700k can still be a smart buy in Salem this year. The buyers who do best are patient, realistic, and focused on long-term fit rather than short-term market noise.

See Homes for Sale Around $700k in Salem and Keizer