Tag: #LGBTQIA

First-Time Homebuyer Tips

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Howdy y’all! Queer realtor Río Palomares here with some tips on how to get into the real estate market as first-time homebuyers. First-time homebuyers make up for the majority of my clientele (fellow queer community as well, hello!). Go ahead and take a gander, will ya?

 

Hot Tips for Homebuying

 

  • Find a realtor

Working with a realtor who will dedicate their time by advocating for you is key. Not all relationships are a good match; the same applies to working with a realtor. Take your time in finding someone that will help guide you in one of the biggest steps of your life! It’s never too early to get the ball rolling; creating a housing plan with your realtor will only prepare you that much more.

  • Saving money for a down payment and other expenses

Savings? Who is she? Saving any money you can towards a down payment will help substantially in the long run. Beyond a down payment, you can expect to pay closing costs (a percentage of what you are financing) and for any inspections conducted in your housing process (such as a general home inspector). So, how can you save? This is a personal big one for me; I know how hard it is to not order takeout or delivery but try to cut down on any excess spending and you will be amazed at how much you can save in just a matter of weeks.

  • Find a lender to get pre-approved

Chat with a few lenders to shop for the best rate. While you’re doing this, it is great to ask any questions you may have in regards to the financial aspects of this journey (they are the experts after all!). If you’re looking for lender recommendations, your realtor will typically have a few local lenders to refer you to.

  • Credit score

Yeah, that one number that just won’t seem to go away is indeed a key factor in this process as well. If you suspect you have any credit score issues or need to raise your score, working with a lender sooner than later is vital. A lender can help advise you towards the right path for success.

  • Ask all the questions. Seriously.

Please, ask away! Whether it’s your realtor, lender or vendor, we would much rather you ask any questions to ensure you have a complete grasp of this process. It is your potential new home and we want you to feel good about this moving forward! Makes sense, right?

These are just some base steps to take as you gear up for getting into the homebuying journey. Homebuying is much more thorough and dialed in to your specific needs once you’re fully invested in it. If you’re feeling ready to dive in, connect with a realtor (like me!) sooner than later. Best of luck y’all, you’ve GOT this!

Gifting to Trans Youth in Need

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Howdy y’all! Please consider donating or gifting to trans youth this holiday season through Transanta! Transanta is a community organization who delivers gifts to trans youth both safely and anonymously. Queer & trans people have been at the center of hate in more ways than one — whether that be direct tragic attacks or anti-trans legislation being proposed across the country. It isn’t difficult to see or understand how this negatively impacts our community deeply, especially BIPOC trans youth. While there is a plethora of work to do and many conversations to have; focusing on giving to trans youth is more important than ever. If you have the means to donate, please do and help bring some joy to trans youth. Being queer and trans is beautiful; let’s do our best to support trans youth and that notion. Happy holidays to you and yours! Wishing you all warmth and safety.

You can donate on the Transanta website or if you’re looking to gift directly, check out the wishlists on their Instagram.

Queer Representation and Why it Matters

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Queer Representation and Why it Matters

A multitude of identities exist in this world; I should know — being a queer, non-binary, & transmasculine person of color myself. I am so grateful to live in a city like Portland where these attributes tend to be typically embraced and honored. Partaking in queer commerce comes naturally to me in both my personal and work life. As a licensed broker, I aspire to represent individuals of any and all marginalized communities; especially those that identify on the queer spectrum.

This is why queer representation matters. Being able to guide those who live similar lives and ultimately being in community with one another. We see each other in more ways than one; a deep understanding that transcends words even. I cannot begin to describe the deep bond my queer clients and I share in their homebuying journeys. Knowing I have their trust as not only their real estate agent but as their queer confidant means the world to me. I am grateful to have had many recent experiences with fellow queer people who saw a bit of themselves in me. How harmonious it is to not only guide them in one of the biggest investments of their lives but to also contribute to creating a safe sanctuary; especially in a system that wasn’t initially meant for us to succeed in.

My name is Río Palomares. I am your proud, queer realtor. Let’s make community together!

Downsizing During A Pandemic. It must be LOVE. 

Posted on by Jamis Minnis
A congrats to my sweet clients Andrés and Reed for scoring this precious NE cute as a button craftsman.
We met just a week prior and bada bing bada boom closed 23 days later.
Can you imagine!
What a whirlwind. 
It was a one and done. 
A rarity in this intense sellers market. 
I don’t often see folks downsizing during a year long pandemic. 
The general request these days is space, bigger, better, more. 
It must be love and I’m so glad they shared it with me.