Big Win for Buyers in a Shifting Market!

Congratulations to my good friends Carley and Russ on the purchase of their first home!

Carley and Russ – like so many of us – used the COVID lockdown as time to reflect and redefine what they wanted their next chapter to look like. Over the course of the pandemic, it became clearer that Portland would be their next home base.

They began their search from afar about a year ago, and watched the market from afar. They put in an offer last fall, and got a dose of reality when they learned they were one offer of twenty-four. A couple of stops and starts (job changes, road trips, securing a Portland rental) meant they continued to look, but for research purposes only.

By June, they were ready to start again. Russ is a metal fabricator who also likes to work on cars, so a large garage or shop was a priority. Having lived in large cities like NYC and SF, proximity to shops, restaurants, and bars was also key. And naturally – the place had to have some historical or architectural charm. Nothing newer than 1980.

Carley and Russ reached out about a gorgeous farmhouse on a quarter acre in Foster-Powell, and we scheduled a showing. We assumed with the huge detached garage, immaculate condition it was in, and the ample space – inside and out – there would be competition.

After speaking with the listing agent, however, it seemed there was only one other interested party. We had prepped a very competitive offer – over asking price with lots of bells and whistles – but toned it down. We figured we could amend our offer if we got word that a second offer had transpired.

Lo and behold – after a nail-biting 24 hour wait – we learned that we had been the only offer. Carley and Russ had secured this beautiful home at list price?! After over a year of increasingly lower inventory and higher prices – it seemed too good to be true.

The rest of the transaction felt like a fairy tale dream. The current owner had been there for 41 years. From the inspection report (mind you – this house was built in 1913) it seemed like he had made it his life’s work to painstakingly update and care for this home. There wasn’t anything we needed to ask for in repairs…what?!

And then…the appraisal. Carley and Russ had been prepared to offer $50K over asking if it came to that. With our offer at asking price, the appraisal came in $40K higher. Instant equity…what every buyer likes to hear, especially in a Sellers market!

I am so happy for Russ and Carley – and extra happy to have them a mere 12 blocks away from me 🙂 Looking forward to seeing how this next chapter – homeownership – unfolds for you. Cheers to the new homeowners!

Olivia Rush

Broker | OR

She/Her

As your trusted guide through the buying or selling process, you can expect me to customize my services to your specific goals and preferences, much like I did for my students during my ten years as an educator. My clients’ goals vary. A couple retiring to the Big City after 30 years on 22 acres. A woman purchasing her first home independently. A couple upsizing to support a growing family. Two friends pooling their resources to make their first investment possible. A couple navigating a divorce and the sale of their home. A refugee family with limited English setting down roots in this country. Deaf investors looking to maximize profit on their flip.  A couple selling the home of their daughter who has lost her battle to cancer. A family relocating from across the country and buying sight-unseen.  These situations all require unique, dynamic, and holistic approaches. Everyone has different needs, and it is my top priority to meet my clients where they are. For me, real estate is not transactional. It is deeply personal and inevitably life-changing. While each client requires a tailored strategy, my work ethic is unwavering. With me you can always expect organization, tenacity, responsiveness, dedication, and hustle. A gatherer of resources, a communicator of all options and possible outcomes. As your advocate, I will be brutally honest so you know what to expect. A skilled negotiator, I’ll consider every angle with your dreams and goals in mind. My clients often end up feeling like family. I am honored they trust me enough to return to me as their needs change and refer me to their friends, family, and communities. What are your real estate goals and dreams? Call or text me so we can meet to discuss your vision.   Curious about the home-buying process in Portland? Click here to sign up for one of my free The How To Buy A House Class™ classes!

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• T: 207-240-8837
• oliviarushpdx@gmail.com