Moving from Out of State

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.

The Runner Up, Irvington

The One I Didn’t Get

In the summer of 2010, I had been working as an internal consultant for sales and marketing at a major pharmaceutical company. The next role for me within the company was to be a District Sales Manager. It had been a goal of mine for several years. I had taken on roles and jobs within that company over the course of five years in order to prepare myself for that sales manager job.

That summer I applied to five different sales manager positions within the company that would have moved me from the middle of the country back to one of many great cities on a coast, which I desperately wanted. Two of the positions, I was able to get a live interview for, which was a big deal. I thought one of my strengths was actually in face to face communication. It turns out, when you work for a great company in their sales and marketing department, there are many other people who share that same great strength. I did not get offered any of those positions that summer, although I heard I was the second choice for one of them. Which turns out, really doesn’t matter.

I was coming to the end of my 3 year assignment in the consultant role, and wasn’t willing to take on another role within the company. So I left. My #1 job didn’t pan out, so I went for my #2. I left the company, and the middle of the country, and started up my runner-up career. That was in real estate in Portland, Oregon.

The Runner Up House

Sometime getting your #1 house is a little like that. Your #1 doesn’t pan out, so you’re going for the runner up. That’s happening quite a bit right now. Many houses are getting multiple offers, and there’s only one person or family that’s getting that house. Often that means there are more disappointed than delighted buyers.

Or sometimes the #1 house isn’t what you thought it would be when you actually walk through it. There is only so much pictures, and even a video tour can convey. I have had several clients buy a property sight-unseen, and it’s worked out very well. In a competitive real estate market, sometimes that’s going to be the best option for getting a house that checks all of the boxes. And there are ways and strategies to mitigate that risk. But there is no replacing being inside the house and seeing it for yourself.

For my most recent out-of state buyers, their runner up house became their #1 house. Fortunately, on their trip to Portland to see the one they thought they wanted, we saw a couple others. This Irvington house was one of them, and is now the place they call home. Unsurprisingly, this house was the right choice for them, and I think this career was the right one for me too.

This restored beauty in Laurelhurst commanded multiple offers well over $1M. Check it out here.

Downsizing Texas to Portland

Everything is bigger in Texas, right?

Well that definitely includes beautiful big homes! Making the move from TX to PDX, Gary is downsizing his home and “up-sizing” his time with family.

This month, I had the pleasure of working with Gary from Texas and his kids. Together we found a beautiful home for him here in Gresham. Relocating from Houston, he was ready to make a move and the Portland area was an easy choice. In his sweet 50’s ranch with mature trees and landscaping, Gary will be close to friends and family. Zack, Sarah, and Jeremy, his son, daughter and her husband, all live less than 25 minutes from his new home. He also has ties to Tualatin, Lake Oswego, and more cities with friends and relatives throughout the PNW!

Buying a home sight unseen is a big deal.

Gary had his family here to be his “eyes on the ground” who knew what he’d like. I toured homes with them, and took lots of detailed video tours before we found this house. I knew it was the right one when I learned that the Gary had been referring to it as the house with the “happy tile”.

Gary was not in a hurry to buy and move. He was able to offer a 3 week rent-back to the seller so she could stay after closing. While we offered under-asking, this was a key term that helped us seal the deal. The seller of Gary’s new home was waiting for the owners of her new home to move as she had given them a rent-back period as well. With all of us making accomodations for the next person, we found terms and a price that worked. Even though he was out of state, we had a smooth and pleasant transaction. I took care of the details of the sale, logistics of a sewer line replacement, and attended all inspections with his kids. Then Gary, provided with detailed inspection reports, videos, and family input, made all the decisions. It worked great and he got a good deal on a great home.

I am so thrilled to hand over keys in a few weeks!

It will not only be the first time he sees his new home, but it will be the first time we meet in person! I know we’ll get along great though. Gary is a fellow foodie, and I’m looking forward to celebrating over dinner with the family at one of Portland’s amazing restaurants. Congrats Gary!

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I always love helping out of state buyers and sellers. It’s a joy knowing I can help provide some calm and extra insight to clients who are far away. It is also very gratifying to close a deal for an out of state client. I know how much trust they have placed in me to handle the in-person logistics for them and to work closely with their family or friends in the area if they have them. If you are out of state too, or have family or friends who need real estate help here in Portland, please reach out. I am always happy to just answer questions or help you get started on your move if you’re ready!

Buying or Selling from Afar

I find myself closing on another deal for clients that have purchased a home when they don’t live in Portland yet. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last time, that I Ā help a client buy or sell a home from out of town. I want to be an ambassador to this great city I call home. I welcome fine folks from all over to become home owners and get down with the good times here in Portland and sometimes, sadly, life takes you away from this beautiful city.

The relationships I develop with my clients are so important to me and I think the trust created in that relationship helps people feel comfortable with making decisions from afar.

What do I do to build that trust with a client?
1. I’m brutally honest: If there is a concern, I’ll voice it.
2. I don’t try to sell anyone a home they don’t want, it doesn’t work so I just don’t even try.
3. Service is job one, if you want to Skype or FaceTime through a home or a meeting let’s get it scheduled.
4. One of my core values is getting good value for my clients. Knowing neighborhoods and tracking sale prices is a must for me.

Here is a recent review from a client who sold their Portland home after they had moved back to the Bay Area:

“Sean sold our house while we were out of town!!! Because we hired him. He’s the most professional friendly person you could ask for. And he went beyond the call of duty getting our house ready to sell. We got over the asking price and could not be happier.”

David and Faith

Give me a call if you’re looking through the screen and want to find out more about buying or selling in the Portland area!