By Andy Meeks, May 3, 2018
Buying a home for the first time can be a challenging proposition.
I help my clients navigate the practical and logistical considerations of connecting with a lender, understanding their market, creating a realistic strategy for success, finding just the right place, assembling a winning offer, successfully negotiating repairs, and cruising to a smooth closing.
A few things about being a buyer in the Portland metro region right now:
There are still excellent opportunities for homes around the $300,000 mark.
Listings like these appear quite often, especially at this time of year, and working with a broker will allow you to see these homes quickly (and sometimes know about them before they’re listed). This allows you to be ready and act decisively.
There is anxiety, both locally and nationally, about entering the market as a buyer, due to limited supply, strong competition and the rise in mortgage rates.
While this anxiety is real, I believe that some of it is unfounded, and definitely counterproductive. The prospect of stiff competition shouldn’t deter the decision to try, and not all listings are getting multiple offers.
Buying a home, at any price point, is a balancing of interests and compromises.
Location, features, house size, lot size, quality of finishes…it’s a long list of things to consider. But, if you are prepared, have a clear sense of the most important things, and then are willing to consider different options and opportunities — like Becca and Chris did — you will be successful.
Choose a broker you can trust, set realistic goals and expectations, and have patience that the right place is out there for you.
As a licensed attorney, I’m a trained advocate and I lead with a sharp attention to detail. I’m also an eternal optimist who will remain supportive throughout the process, and be 100% committed to your success. Last fall, I became a HOWNW.com Certified Specialist and am committed to helping people realize the dream of homeownership.
Check out my client reviews HERE.
Let me know how if I can help you, or a friend or family member, get started down a successful path towards homeownership.
Andy Meeks
Principal Broker | OR
He/Him
My clients are always my top priority, and my singular focus is their success. This is the intention I set every day.
My training and background as a licensed attorney helps me lead with a sharp attention to detail, a keen ear and focused voice, and an unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency and discretion.
I’m a passionate advocate and I thrive when helping others succeed, and I’m always available to connect over a cup of coffee to learn how I can help make good things happen.
Read my client reviews here.
The choice to become a real estate broker was a joyful combination of two very different careers. Prior to moving to Portland in 2008, I was an environmental and title closing attorney in Massachustts. Since then, I've served as a program manager and fundraising professional for Portland-based non-profit organizations Friends of Trees, The Freshwater Trust and Ecotrust.
While not scouting homes and helping clients, you can find me riding bicycles, skiing, digging in the garden, experimenting in the kitchen, and exploring the stunning beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Please let me know how I can help you or someone you know. Thank you!
*I'm licensed as an attorney in Massachusetts and can't offer any sort of legal advice.
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- T: 971-400-0195
- andy@livingroomre.com
