By Erika George & Kari McGee, May 30, 2018
By Erika George & Kari McGee, May 30, 2018
When John and Johanna called to ask us about helping them with a move from St. Paul, Minnesota, we PRETENDED to be excited about the prospect of finding them the perfect Portland bungalow. But, if truth be told, the house hunt was just icing on the cake for us. Our REAL excitement was the prospect of, once again, being able to work with Minnesotan clients. Minnesotans can brag about more than just their Red Wing Shoes, Hockey Haircuts and Bundt Cakes; They are also, practically speaking, the nicest, most level-headed, down to earth people on the planet.
John and Jo had the formidable task of having to put an offer on a house “sight unseen.” Luckily, we have technology and a good system that works well for out-of-town buyers. They easily adapted to FaceTime tours and GoToMeeting chats. When repair negotiations with the seller got a little tense, they kept their cool and their “eyes on the prize.” They even thanked the sellers personally for their repair concessions when all was said and done. DON’T ROLL YOU EYES! Because John and Jo were so gracious, the seller returned the good will by making another concession right before closing — one that the seller wasn’t legally required to make.
It’s easy to be cynical in a real estate transaction. But if you can channel your inner “Minnesotan,” you will be rewarded! John and Jo are now the proud owners of this darling three bedroom/two bathroom Creston home — which is perfectly sized for their young family. It boasts a welcoming front porch, beautiful wood work in the open living and dining rooms, a nicely renovated kitchen, three bedrooms upstairs and a nice-sized private back yard with a deck. They are excited to explore the neighborhood — so close to great parks, shops and restaurants, and, even better, just down the block from Creston School.
Congrats John and Jo — Portland will be a better place because you are here. We’ll be knocking on your door with a hot dish soon, maybe with a side of VooDoo Doughnuts!
Are you a proud citizen of another state looking to call Portland home? Kari and Erika specialize in out-of town buyers! We have many tools in place to help you successfully search for and close on a home here in Portland, even if you’re NOT from Minnesota!