gay Archives - Living Room Realty

Bikable, in Need of TLC

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Bobby Curtis

Josh and Kevin closed on this quaint Victorian in need of some TLC just before Thanksgiving. When they originally reached out, they came prepared. They had a list of questions and expectations. I like that. While they had a broad list of houses they were willing to consider, a close-in Portland location was not something they would compromise on. I also like that. It’s important to know what you need, compared to what you want. And quite honestly, sometimes that changes in the course of looking for the right one. It didn’t for them, and it actually helped us narrow in on this one in Northeast Portland.

This Victorian had all the right elements for them, and just the right amount of work for them to make it their own.

Moving from out of state? These guys left their jobs and lives back in Chicago, and did that too. Read more here

Moving from Out of State

Posted on March 15, 2021March 21, 2021 by Bobby Curtis

2020 flipped most of us upside-down, and in doing that, we got a different perspective. That was the case for Dylan and Steven. Like many of us over this past year, they took the new perspective and used it as opportunity to reassess where they want to live. That brought them to Portland.

Admittedly, when they first reached out to talk about moving here, they were unsure if they would make that move. Not to mention, the idea of buying a house across the country in a busy real estate market was a tad overwhelming. We talked through the ins and outs of the Portland real estate market, the neighborhoods that might be a good fit for them, and what the process would be like looking at houses from 2000 miles away.

Not surprising to me, it didn’t take long for them to become confident in their decision to move to Portland. After that, working together to find a great house was actually pretty easy. I work with many people who move to Portland from out of state. I did that at one point too, so I know what it’s like. And once we start talking about considerations, and why the move here, it seems to become clear. I don’t talk people into moving to Portland. I let them decide that on their own. But I do talk with them about what it has to offer, and what they can expect. If they decide against the move, I at least feel helpful in giving them some additional information to make a great decision for themselves. These guys just arrived, and are off on a new adventure.

5 Mistakes to Avoid Before Flipping a House

Posted on February 4, 2019August 17, 2019 by Bobby Curtis

I shared the 5 mistakes to avoid before flipping a house with Tra’Renee from Afternoon Live on Friday. Whether you’re a seasoned house flipper or you’re getting ready to restore your first one, you could probably get a good nugget or two from watching my short interview. Check it out here.

Putting in materials and finishes that don’t work
1. Find out what finishes are being used for houses selling quickly in the area. Use those.
2. Consider working with a designer or an experience REALTOR® in this area.
Buying a house to flip with no good comparable houses
1. Flipping a house shouldn’t feel like a guessing game.
2. Work with a REALTOR® who can show you there are other houses like the one you want to buy that other buyers have bought for the price you need to sell yours for.
3. Look for evidence of houses selling for a lot more that are in much better condition. Take surrounding houses into consideration
Putting the house up for sale before it’s 100% complete. One chance to make a good first impression.
1. There are many houses I have walked into with evidence of work not being complete, door knobs falling off. No matter if that is the only doorknob loose in the house, it will BE the representation of that house.
All DIY
1. Hire professionals to do the professional work.
Taking too long
1. You had good intentions to flip the house in 2-3 months, and pretty soon that turned into more work than you thought. 9-12 months later you are ready to list.
2. A market can shift dramatically in 9-12 months. I like to buy a house, restore it, and sell it in the same market
3. Taking too long also kills personal morale. Keep that moment going.

Interested in more? Learn whether a house makes a good candidate to flip or not to flip here