A Couple’s Path to Their Dream Portland Home

Every home buying journey is unique, and Chris and Melissa’s path to finding their dream Portland home was no exception. I had the pleasure of working with Bridge to Portland Group Principal Broker, Sharon Bloudek on this adventure, and we’re excited to share how it all came together!

The Search Begins

Chris and Melissa were ready for a big change, selling their separate properties to move into their first Portland home together as a couple. They weren’t in a huge rush but were excited to find the right house that they could truly make their own. We kicked off the search in Milwaukie and were soon reminded that the real estate market can be unpredictable. Even though we weren’t in the frenzy of the pandemic market anymore, competition was still fierce for the most desirable homes and there were often multiple offers made on the homes Chris and Melissa were most interested in. But after only a few showings, we found a house that sparked excitement! 

So Close

We came across a beautifully remodeled 1900s home that felt like the one. We crafted a very competitive offer that still protected our clients, and they were thrilled when it was accepted! Unfortunately, not every sale comes together as planned. Inspections on this house revealed some big concerns, and despite our best efforts to negotiate repairs, the two sides weren’t able to reach an agreement. It was disappointing, but Sharon and I reassured Chris and Melissa that the right home was still out there.

A Short Pause

We went back to the drawing board exploring more interesting options, but nothing felt quite right. Recognizing that the home buying process can be exhausting, we encouraged Chris and Melissa to take a breather and gather their thoughts. And as it turned out, in this case, taking a moment to step back was exactly what was needed because the perfect Portland home soon appeared, almost out of nowhere.

The Right Home at the Right Time

Chris had run past a particularly amazing home many times over the years and had always admired the unique, modern exterior that stood out among the sea of older houses in his neighborhood. Since he lived in the area, he was one of the first to see the “For Sale” sign go up and his excitement peaked. It felt like fate! This house was right around the corner from where they were living at the time and the familiarity made it feel like home from the moment they stepped inside. The house had been rebuilt from the basement up, even adding a second level for additional living space. Everything felt new, beautiful, and sleek, plus, it was offered at a great price.

Making It Happen

Sharon and I knew this was the house and we moved quickly to write a competitive offer, as there were other offers coming in. The joy we all felt when our offer was accepted was truly something special! It felt like everything was finally falling into place. Of course, the inspections revealed a few repairs, as they almost always do, but Chris and Melissa were ready to work with what was found so Sharon and I negotiated some assistance for future repairs, ensuring everything was in place to move forward.

The Perfect Ending

Finally, key day arrived! It was a long journey, with its share of ups and downs, but seeing the joy on Chris and Melissa’s faces made it all worth it in the end. They had finally found their dream Portland home—a beautiful, modern house that they can now call their own together.

Congratulations, you two! Sharon and I couldn’t be more excited for you both. Here’s to many happy memories in your stunning new home!

Genmae Rianelli

Broker | OR

She/Her

Genmae has over five years of experience in the real estate industry. She earned recognition at Living Room Realty with the Brokers Advisory Group Award for Joy and, fittingly, she now serves as the Joy Chair for this group. Her outstanding performance was also acknowledged with the Rising Star Real Estate Award for 2023 and 2024. Genmae has an expert ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, understanding their unique needs in communication and in their real estate objectives. Her genuine approach has fostered numerous successful relationships, many of which have evolved into lasting friendships. Genmae has partnered with dozens of homeowners throughout her career and, as a valued member of the Bridge to Portland Group team, she frequently collaborates with colleagues to provide comprehensive support to their clients as well.

Genmae was raised in Southwest Portland and she maintains strong community ties, supporting local businesses in Multnomah Village. She has lived in four states and two countries, moving a total of six times, crafting her ability to communicate with people of different backgrounds and naturally create lasting relationships wherever she goes. Outside of work, Genmae enjoys exploring Portland's vibrant restaurant scene and cheering on the Portland Trail Blazers.

Learn more about Genmae and the Bridge to Portland Group here.

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• T: 503-867-5208
• genmae@bridgetoportland.com