By Lydia Hallay, February 1, 2025
Relocating to Portland is an exciting but complex process. The housing market in Portland is competitive, and navigating it from another afar requires a solid strategy and a supportive team. Here are four essential tips to help you successfully buy a home in Portland from out of state.
1. Hire with a Portland Realtor Who Specializes in Relocations
Your first step to relocation success is to find a realtor partner who is experienced in helping out of state buyers transition to Portland can make a huge difference. Look for a real estate agent who:
- Has experience assisting out-of-state buyers with virtual tours and remote transactions.
- Can provide insights on neighborhoods that align with your lifestyle and budget.
- Knows how to structure competitive offers that stand out in a multiple-bid market.
You will need to have a Buyer Broker Agreement in place prior to touring properties. The Buyer Broker Agreement (or BBA) is your tool to hire a realtor; it outlines your working relationship and allows your realtor to get to work on your behalf.
2. Get Pre-Approved and Identify Your Wants and Needs
Portland’s real estate market can be fast-paced and competitive; preparation is key:
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage with a lender familiar with Oregon’s financing options (unless you’re buying with cash). Without a clear plan for how to finance your purchase, you can’t shop in earnest. Before you can go out shopping with your realtor, you’ll need a pre-approval letter stating how much you can borrow- and, enough funds available to cover your earnest money, down-payment, and closing costs.
- Research property taxes and cost-of-living differences between your current state and Portland.
- Monitor market trends to understand pricing fluctuations and inventory levels. Your realtor should be your resident expert on this topic.
- Plan for additional costs, such as inspections, repairs, and relocation expenses.
3. Plan a Strategic Visit to Explore Homes and Neighborhoods
If at all possible, schedule a trip to tour homes in person. Photos and videos often don’t do properties justice. Your realtor can only convey so much about the “je ne sais quoi” of a property.
To make the most of your visit:
- Prepare for back-to-back showings to maximize your time viewing homes. Generally speaking, it takes 30-45 minutes to tour each property. With travel time between properties, that could mean a long day of visits! Your realtor will typically plan the day on your behalf, with properties you’ve either discussed in advance or that they think meet your criteria.
- Explore various neighborhoods and types of homes to find the right fit for your lifestyle and needs.
- Meet with your realtor prior to your visit to discuss your home-buying strategy. That will help you make the most of your time- and ensure you’re on the same page about what you’re looking for in a new home.
4. Be Ready to Act Quickly & Decisively
When relocating to Portland from out of state, it’s important that you and your realtor are aligned on your wants & needs. If your search parameters are too broad, it can be difficult to know when you’ve found “the one.” Your agent can tour on your behalf, answer questions you have about the property/neighborhood… but only you know whether a home is truly right for you.
If your search criteria is scattered and you find yourself drawn to properties across the entire metro area, in a wide range of styles or price points, or in all kinds of conditions (fixer, new, renovated, etc.)- it might be a sign that you need to visit in person to narrow your wants & needs.
In Portland’s highly competitive market, homes often go pending days. Decisive action might mean submitting an offer sight unseen, or getting on a flight so you can see a property in person.
Final Thoughts: Making a Smooth Transition to Portland
Relocating to Portland requires careful planning and the right real estate team. By working with an experienced relocation realtor, understanding the market, strategically exploring homes, and acting quickly and decisively, you can make a confident and successful purchase.
Ready to start your home-buying journey? As a 20-year resident of Portland, I love helping out of state buyers find their perfect place to land. I work with lots of relocation clients, and would love to hear more about your home hopes & dreams. Reach out today!
Schedule a next steps huddle here.
Lydia Hallay
Broker | OR
She/They
Buying or selling a home is often one of the biggest (and most stressful) decisions you'll ever make. I'm here to make your experience as seamless (and fun) as possible...
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- T: 503-807-0156
- lydiah@livingroomre.com
