Tag: Portland Real Estate Agent

Exploring Houseboat Living in Portland, Oregon: Benefits and Drawbacks

Posted on by Will Sing

Houseboat Living in Portland, Oregon: Is It Right for You?

Are you considering houseboat living in Portland, Oregon? If you love the water and crave a unique living experience, houseboat living might be the perfect fit. In this guide, we’ll explore what houseboat living entails, the pros and cons, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. Let’s dive in!

What is a Houseboat?

A houseboat is a boat designed or modified to serve as a home. While many houseboats are stationary, some are mobile, allowing for the freedom to move to different docks as desired.

Pros of Houseboat Living

  • Waterfront Living: Enjoy wonderful waterfront views and easy access to water activities.
  • Affordability: Typically, houseboat living can be more affordable than traditional waterfront properties.
  • Mobility: If you don’t like your current location, you can move your houseboat to a different dock.

Cons of Houseboat Living

  • Depreciating Asset: Similar to mobile homes, houseboats usually depreciate over time.
  • Limited Financing Options: Few lenders offer loans for houseboats, and the associated fees can be higher.
  • Maintenance: Houseboats often require more maintenance and upkeep.
  • Ongoing Fees: Expect to pay higher fees, including HOA or mooring fees, since you don’t own the water or land beneath your houseboat.

Is Houseboat Living Right for You?

Only you can decide if houseboat living is the right fit. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Lifestyle: If you seek a flexible, water-centric lifestyle, a houseboat could be perfect for you.
  • Cost Considerations: While upfront costs and ongoing fees can be higher, houseboats can be more affordable than traditional homes.
  • Long-Term Goals: If you’re looking for an appreciating asset, consider condos or townhouses instead.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Houseboat

  • Five to Ten-Year Plan: Think about your long-term goals and whether houseboat living aligns with them.
  • Maintenance Needs: Be prepared for ongoing maintenance and higher costs associated with houseboat living.
  • Financing and Fees: Understand the financing options and the various fees involved in houseboat ownership.

Houseboat living offers a unique and flexible lifestyle, but it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. If you value mobility and waterfront living, it might be a great option. However, if you’re looking for a traditional home that appreciates over time, you might want to explore other options like condos or townhouses.

If you currently live on a houseboat or have experience with this lifestyle, I’d love to hear your feedback!

Watch the Full Video: Houseboat Living in Portland, Oregon | Real Estate Guide

If you have any questions about buying a home or need more personalized advice, feel free to reach out to me. Connect with me on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook.

For a more detailed consultation or to get started on your home buying journey, schedule a free strategy session here. You can also access my Free Buyer’s Guide to help you through every step of the process here.

Just Listed! Move-In Ready Ranchalow with Retro Kitchen

Posted on by Erin Middleton

4844 NE 86th Ave

Portland, Oregon, 97220

This two bed, one bath cozy cutie is compact with style, ease, affordability, and options! Enter and enjoy original hardwoods throughout, a tiny galley kitchen is packed with retro charm, and updated tile in bathroom perfectly blend 1940s character with modern touches. A detached garage with electric and water can be whatever you want: studio, shed, car parking, potential ADU?! The possibilities are endless! And did we mention, location location location!! Just minutes from PDX airport, I-205 multi-use path, Parkrose MAX station, and the shops/restaurants at Cascade Station not to mention NE Sandy’s newest and coolest bar My-O-My! That’s what you’ll be saying after stopping through an open house this weekend: My-O-My what a deal.

Make this one yours today!

LISTED AT $297,500

2 BED| 1 BATH | MAIN: 768 SQFT | 1-CAR DET GARAGE

MLS# 23178571 | TAXES: $2852

Navigating the Portland Real Estate Market: September 2023 Update

Posted on by Will Sing

Hello, fellow Portlandians and prospective home buyers and sellers! It’s Will here, bringing you the latest scoop on the Portland real estate market as we step into September 2023. Buckle up as we dive deep into the current trends, predictions, and some golden advice for both buyers and sellers in the vibrant Portland market. Don’t forget to hit that like and subscribe button for more real estate insights!

Current Market Dynamics

First things first, let’s talk numbers. The interest rates have been hovering around the mid to low-sevens, and while core inflation has ticked down slightly, the overall inflation has seen an uptick. The median sales price has decreased by about 2.7% compared to last year, and we are witnessing a competitive market in the $300,000 to $700,000 price range.

Predicting the Market’s Path

As we venture further into 2023, there are a few scenarios we might see unfolding in the Portland market:

  1. Interest Rates Decreasing: This would be a boon for buyers, potentially bringing about 5 million new buyers nationally. However, it could spur a demand-supply imbalance, pushing the prices up.
  2. Steady Interest Rates: If the rates remain unchanged, we might be looking at a stable market for the next 12 to 18 months, albeit with a persistent demand in the affordable first-time homebuyer range. This is the most likely scenario of the three.
  3. Interest Rates Increasing: Not the best news for buyers as affordability would take a hit. Sellers might have to get creative with offers to attract buyers. We may also see a slight decrease in pricing but not 20-30% drops.

Golden Advice for Buyers

If you are a first-time homebuyer eyeing properties in the $300,000 to $600,000 range, brace yourself for some competition. But hey, don’t lose heart; you might just snag some cool concessions from the sellers, including a 2-1 rate buy down or additional closing costs assistance.

Seller’s Corner

Sellers, it’s time to put on your aggressive hats when it comes to pricing. With fewer buyers in the market, you might want to keep a close eye on comparable listings to price your property competitively. And if you are selling a condo, patience is key as the days on the market have increased.

Let’s Connect

Got questions or need personalized advice? Feel free to reach out; I am here to guide you in your real estate journey in Portland. And before you go, do hit that like and subscribe button to stay updated with the latest in the Portland real estate world.

This SE Portland Park Has it All!

Posted on by David Columbus

Mt. Scott Park is a true Portland gem. Established in 1922, it boasts 11.2 acres of greenspace and outdoor fun. The park was named for Harvey W. Scott, editor of The Oregonian newspaper in the late 1800s.

Located at SE 72nd Avenue and Harold Street, this park has all the amenities you could want including:

  • Accessible Picnic Area
  • Accessible Play Area
  • Accessible Restroom
  • Horseshoe Pit
  • Picnic Table
  • Playground
  • Paths (paved & unpaved)
  • Softball Field

To reserve a sports field or picnic area, call 503-823-2525. Picnic Sites and Info.

Mt. Scott Park is also home to the Mt. Scott Community Center. The center has an amazing pool with a Spiral Water Slide and also offers:

  • Fitness Room
  • Gymnasium
  • Preschool Program
  • Roller Skating
  • Weight Room
  • Wireless Internet Access (WiFi)
  • Stage (Indoor)
  • Basketball Court (Indoor)

The Mt. Scott Community Center is scheduled for and expansion and upgrades. Read about the project details and timeline. It will be great to see the project completed to keep this community resource thriving. See you at the Park!

As an Earth Advantage Principal Broker, David serves buyers and sellers alike with his 20+ years of experience as a broker and investor.

His experience includes residential, commercial, investment property, and multi-family housing. He is a consistent multi-million dollar producer for whom smart, personalized client service is key. Over 90 percent of his ongoing business is referred from satisfied clients.

Block Parties + Street Murals!

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

The Portland bureau of Transportation (PBOT) recently unveiled two new permit programs. The first program, call Healthy Blocks, allows Portlanders to apply for free permits to provide more space for neighbors to walk, roll, bike, play, and socialize physically distanced. Additionally, the Bureau is reintroducing street painting permits which allow Portlanders to paint large, decorative murals directly on the street to beautify neighborhoods and build community. Applications for both programs are now open! For more information visit portland.gov/transportation and click Safe Streets Healthy Blocks.

 

About Us: Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped hundreds of clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

feature photo by Taylor Nehrling 

The Runner Up, Irvington

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

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.

A Thanksgiving Toast

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

Looking back on this year through a gracious lens, I have a big, fat appreciative heart. First, my family and I are healthy. It’s been a ridiculous year…and it feels strange that I can confidently acknowledge most people feel that way too. Some of us have faced health problems, personally. And most of us at least know people who have gotten ill or passed this year.

Nineteen years ago my dad passed away, and one of the things he always reminded me was “Son, your health is numero uno. You can’t do anything without it.” So when I look back on this year, and I recognize the good health my family and I have had, I’m grateful. And while I recognize this, in the same beat, I painfully see (and not fully know) the struggle some are facing right now.

Thanksgiving is my favorite day of the year. Favorite because I usually spend it with a great group of family and friends. On this day there are few obligations, no work to be done, and food and drink to be had. And sometimes forgotten, but always the most important, there are blessings to be counted. Every year, whoever I’m with, I read aloud an editorial that was written in the New York Times in 2009. It’s called “A Thanksgiving Toast”. And every year, I pull myself together to read it strongly, boldly, and proudly. But by the end, I am falling apart, vulnerable, and open.

Nobody could have predicted the year we have had this year, privately as individuals, but also collectively. And if we look for it, maybe there are some sweet, new blessings we get to experience because of the unexpected year we have had.

2009, November 25 “A Thanksgiving Toast”, New York Times

Vintage Daylight Range

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

7305 SW 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97223

Garden Home Vintage Retreat  $499,000

Escape to this well loved daylight ranch ready for your personal cosmetic updates. Protected hardwood floors, large windows, wood burning fireplace & fully finished lower level with bedroom, walk in closet, bath and original cabinets and minifridge. Covered patio just off the family room, and lush backyard with great trees and a garden. Enjoy the newer furnace, water heater, electric service and panel. Quiet, friendly street that ends half a block down at the Fanno Creek Trail.

3 bed | 2 bath | 1872 sq. ft.
MLS# 20591911 | Taxes: $3820 | Lot Size: .29 Acre

My client, Tasa’s home remodel

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

In 2018, Tasa, reached out to me because she wanted to flip a house. I didn’t know it would lead to this, but since then, we have spent many hours talking about house remodeling, key improvements, and how to ensure a profitable investment. Just finishing up her third successful home remodel, I wanted to share some of her work with Kara Mack on Afternoon Live. Below are a few before and after photos. For the full 8 minute segment, and more of the work she did to the house, check out the link below.

My Client, Tasa’s, Third House Flip

Renovated NE Portland Duplex

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

Unique 1927 tudor home converted to turnkey duplex and freshly renovated. Spacious main level with 2 bed / 1 bath and separate savvy upper level with 1 bed / 1 bath (or use living room as 2nd bdrm). Live in one and rent the other or rent both units for an estimated $3-3.5k/mo (Buyer to do due diligence). Updated plumbing and electrical. New custom bamboo cabinetry. Quartz counters. New and refinished hardwoods. Private yard with new cedar fencing.

$499,000 4 bd | 2 / 0 ba | 2596 sqft
8408 NE PRESCOTT ST Portland, OR 97220

 

 

Grant Park Investment Property

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

Recent transplants from Brooklyn, Sha and Matt are loving their new neighborhood of Grant Park. So much so that 6 months in they started looking for another property. With their eyes on several neighborhoods through out Portland, they landed on this solid Cape Cod just across from Grant High School. Conveniently in’t also a few blocks from their house.

With 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and an unfinished basement, there is plenty of room here. The hardwood floors were recently finished, along with interior paint. It has bonus improvements like newer, fully owned solar panels on the roof of the garage, and seismic earthquakes straps. As an investment property, it is solid enough to be rented out as is right around $3,000/month, but also has room to make improvement over the years…cut to the kitchen and bath. 🙂  And at a pricepoint under $700k, there will be some upside if they make smart improvements over the years.

$690,000 4 bd | 2 / 0 ba | 2604 sqft
2404 NE 36TH AVE Portland, OR 97212
Grant Park

Grant Park Fixer with All the Potential.

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

Desirable 1920’s Grant Park bungalow with 1476 SF of main floor living. Great living in this home with a 450 SF living room which opens to the bright formal dining. Original glass doorknobs, protected hardwood floors, built-ins and intact fir moulding + picture rails. Walk and bike score of 91 & 98.

Adjacent kitchen with partician wall to eat-in area, ready for a redesign and demanding to be opened up. Original bath with classic built-ins, cast-iron tub, and hex tiles.

Finished stairway leads to a spacious 700+ SF unfinished attic with workable 10+ foot ceilings. Room to add 3 beds + additional bath up. Don’t miss the lower level. Enough space for a separate living quarters.

2 bed | 1 bath | 3346 sq. ft.
MLS# 20689267  | Taxes: $5766 | Lot Size: .11 Acre

 

 

When you decide to buy a house together

Posted on by Living Room Realty

 

Sometimes buying a house together is just a breeze.  This was one of those times.  Kara and Nicole are one of those couples that works well together and were on the same page while shopping.  Looking to move out a little further for some more space, inside and outside, these two were open to a lot of options.  They settled on outer lents in a delightful little pocket neighborhood.

Kara was my very first client in 2013 and it has been great to watch her grow both personally and professionally and continue developing our friendship along the way.  These two caring, giving nurses brought masks to us and special treats specifically for me as I dealt with some health concerns.  It’s great to see them settle in a house that will allow for them to build their future family together.  It has been very rewarding to be part of that process. I can’t to see what the future holds for them!

Just Listed | Lake Forest Luxury

Posted on by Julia Robertson

10818 SW Brown St, Tualatin

Lake Forest Neighborhood

3D Matterport Video

Gorgeous Legend built home with spacious light filled Fairleigh floorpan. One owner home, meticulously cared for, several upgrades, expanded kitchen with french doors walk out to lovely vaulted covered patio space to enjoy all year round. Master suite with vaulted ceilings, huge bathroom, soaking tub, dual side fireplace, walk-in closet, and second bonus room for exercise or leisure.

Special features include new carpet, tiled floors, circulating hot water, 8×12 shed with power and skylight, artificial turf, raised garden beds, BBQ gas hookup, wireless smoke/Co2, Nest doorbell, Bio bidet, touchless kitchen faucet, wired for surround sound on main floor and bonus room.

Tandem garage with high ceilings, built in storage on ceiling and walls, all interior walls are insulated, huge bonus room and laundry upstairs. Perfectly located in quiet and serene Lake Forest neighborhood, near parks, shopping and quick commute to I5.

To schedule a showing contact Julia Robertson, 541-505-1111 or julia@rebyjulia.com

MLS  20540410 

$658,900

5 bedroom, 2.1 Bathroom, 2 Bonus rooms, 3188 sqft

Julia Robertson |Licensed Broker in Oregon & Washington

Living Room Realty

Classic Belmont Bungalow

Posted on by Erika George & Kari McGee

NEW BELMONT LISTING!

727 SE 48th Ave., Portland, OR 97215

You’ll love this classic PDX bungalow in the heart of SE Belmont! Versatile floor plan with three floors of gracious living space. Delightful front rooms with warm fir floors and unpainted woodwork. Master options on main and second floors, full bath on each floor, and lots of closet space and built-ins. Great ADU/Rental potential in the modern, bright basement; plumbed for kitchen or wet bar, with separate side entrance.

Private side yard perfect for pets and green thumbs. Short distances to Laurelhurst and Mt. Tabor parks, and the restaurants and shops of Belmont!

Don’t miss our kitchen remodel design package and 3-D tour!

OPEN SATURDAY February 8, from 1 – 3 p.m.
OFFERED AT: $565,000

3 bed | 3 baths | 2,248 SF

MLS# 19031823 | Taxes: $6,408

Sold! Beautiful Historic Victorian in Lair Hill

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Thoughtfully restored historic Victorian featured in Portland Magazine. The entire Lair Hill neighborhood was built around The Frazier House in 1893 because of its prime location and views of Mt. Hood and the Willamette River. This quiet property is set back from the street, making the private wrap around porch perfect for warm summer gatherings. Dramatic 12 foot ceilings and original Fir floors on both first and second floors provide wow factor. Stay cozy in the winter with the original wood-burning fireplace. Top to bottom renovation included new foundation, electrical, windows, AC, half basement, energy efficient thermostat and much more! The kitchen was extensively updated, including magnificent custom-made cherry and glass cabinets. Includes three spacious bedrooms to retreat to at the end of a long day. The second-floor bathroom was also upgraded with skylight, heated floors and clawfoot tub. The downstairs bathroom has a new custom-built marble shower. Artists will love the staircase leading to a clean unfinished attic that could be a dream creative loft space. Ideal location just minutes from South Waterfront, downtown Portland, OHSU, and the Ross Island Bridge!

3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom / 2854 sq.ft. / Sold for $649,000

Contemporary South Waterfront Loft

Posted on by Erika George & Kari McGee

NEW PRICE FOR SOUTH WATERFRONT LOFT!

3601 SW River Pkwy. #1404, Portland, OR 97239 

Light and modern one bedroom loft in the desirable John Ross. Wood floors, large floor-to-ceiling windows, stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer, and deeded parking space. Covered balcony with gorgeous river and mountain views. 24/7 concierge, and wonderful indoor and outdoor amenities and common spaces. Fantastic investment/rental opportunity. Minutes to OHSU, streetcar, MAX, fitness studios, restaurants, river, bike paths, parks and downtown!

OPEN SUNDAY November 24, from 1 – 3 p.m.

OFFERED AT $340,000

1 bed | 1 bath | 782 SF

MLS# 19131821 | Taxes: $4059

From Reno to Portland in 33 days.

Posted on by Martin Cross

From Reno to Portland in 33 days.

Matt and Eliese found out in mid-September that due to the wonders of digital communication, they could move anywhere they want and keep their jobs, working mostly remotely. Of course, being connoisseurs of our beloved Portland, they chose to move back here where I originally met them over 12 years ago.

They had already done a lot of online research and had identified neighborhoods they hope to live in. On October 8th they came to town and we begin our search. 7 houses, 20,912 ft.², 25 bedrooms and 21 baths later, we we’re back to the one that was their original favorite. A lovely five bedroom, four bath Old Portland Craftsmen in the Creston Kenilworth neighborhood.

We made the offer on October 9, closed on November 6th and they move in this weekend. And the bonus round? Not only will they be back in Portland, they will be less than 25 blocks from me. Welcome home Matt, Eliese & Gemma!

Home Town Proud

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Small town kids grow up together, and stick together like family; we trust each other and have a bond that lasts a lifetime. David and his family had decided to move back to the Portland/Vancouver area for his his wife’s job and be closer to David’s mother. I am always honored to be chosen as someone’s REALTOR®, it’s an additional bonus when we’ve grown up together. We went back and forth about the difference of Oregon and Washington, the schools each area had to offer their three beautiful boys and the congested commutes to avoid. We looked at many homes, and I do mean many! Soon they had their mind set on Camas, though they knew how competitive the homes were because of location and highly ranked schools. It wasn’t long before I could see them starting to compromise with other areas in Washington. After viewing 6 homes outside of town, I eagerly pushed them back into Camas for our last showing of the day. I knew they were tired, and this home was out of the way.. after all, we had seen this house before so why was I pushing them so hard to go back? The first time we viewed the home, we had already fallen in love with another one that just wasn’t meant to be (thanks a lot bidding war). I had a feeling in my gut to view it again when I was out touring on my own, and decided to put it back on our list. As we all walked in, the feeling of “home” rushed over us. The layout is what David wanted, the master bath and closet were what Sam wanted, and the fenced backyard that peeked over to the friendly neighbors was perfect for the kids. As I handed over the keys on closing day, I glanced over with a nostalgic smile realizing some things never change.. Class clown, David was still at it! Congrats my fellow Pirate! I have no doubt you’ve chosen the perfect home.

 

Make a Low-Ball Offer

Posted on by Julia Robertson

“What price should we offer?” Is the burning question.

When the time comes to prepare an offer package, among the other important details such as pre-approval letter, terms, possession, closing, and personal property included in the sale; there is price. Price is determined by the condition, location, and demand of homes like the one your interested in. With all these things considered, your REALTOR® helps you choose an offer price. Often your REALTOR® will prepare a comparative market analysis(CMA) and review with you. Your REALTOR® will also contact the listing agent to “get the scoop”, see how competitive other offers are, and when your offer is due by.

Now you have all the details in order for your offer. You want to offer below the asking price, but you really want this house! If this is your dream house, do not write a low ball offer if there are other competitive offers in a high demand area. I will say this again, do not write a low ball offer if you find out there are other competitive offers and the house is in a high demand area. If you really want the house and you are up against 1-20+ other offers, put your best foot forward and go all in. That doesn’t mean offer an outrageous amount over the listing price. Your experienced REALTOR® will provide all the tools to write a competitive offer and get you the house you want. Or you will learn rejected offer by rejected offer, that it takes just a little something else to win in a competitive offer situation. Ok… but this is supposed to be about writing a low-ball offer, right? Yes. It is also important to know when NOT to write a low ball offer.

“How do I find a house that I can get a deal on and write a low-ball offer?”

So glad you asked. Now I can tell you about a recent success story of offering $25,000 less than the listed price, and buyer got the house they wanted. The home was originally listed for $625k. After 30 days it was reduced to $594k, then about 20 days after that reduced to $575k. The series of price reductions are a story of a motivated seller and its possible the house was overpriced to begin with. After communicating with the listing agent that my client wanted to offer $550k(when it was listed at $594k), the seller wanted to see if they would get more traction at $575k. When the house did not get an offer that weekend, we submitted the $550k offer, waiving any repairs or price reductions. Buyer would still do their inspections and due diligence. That is exactly what happened. The offer was accepted, inspections completed, additional inspections were completed by structural engineers, roofers, and siding experts. Any repairs found seemed doable over time and we moved forward to close. Done deal. Some times you have to give up something to get something. In this case, buyer was willing to take on minor repairs as long as he completed a thorough inspection of the house.

Here are a few things to consider when looking for a house to get a deal on:

  • Days on the market. After 30 days, a seller may have to pay a mortgage. Every month the house is on the market, there are expenses. Especially if it is vacant.
  • Is it in pre-foreclosure? You can find “potential listings” on Zillow. These are homes in pre-foreclosure. They may have missed a few payments and need to sell. Ask your REALTOR® to research the property.
  • Several price reductions. Sign of a motivated seller.
  • The “bones” are good, but it may need some work. If the work looks doable over time, research the costs to repair.
  • Ask your REALTOR® to “get the scoop”. Your REALTOR® will ask all the right questions.
  • Off market properties. Ask your REALTOR® to ask around. Sometimes a seller may be thinking about selling, and told their agent to keep them as a “pocket listing”.
  • Time of year. Consider house shopping after the spring/early summer boom is over.

Here are a few things to consider when writing a lower than asking price offer:

  • Ask your REALTOR® to prepare a CMA. Understand the neighborhood pricing.
  • Consider waiving repairs and or additional price reductions. This is huge advantage to seller, but also a huge advantage for you to buy at a lower price. Win-win. Protect yourself by competing your inspections.
  • Only waive an inspection if you have done a pre-inspect. Your REALTOR® may have you sign an acknowledgement that inspections were recommended and you declined.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a house- contact me! I’d love to guide you through the process.

Julia Robertson, Broker | Living Room Realty

Licensed in Oregon & Washington

541-505-1111 | julia@rebyjulia.com

 

Photo Credit…Michael Waraksa, New York Times

 

 

From SE to NE Portland -They found the one!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

After doing long distance for 18 long months, Michael and Shelby have found their first home in North Tabor! While planning a wedding they handled this process like pros.

The journey was not one without bumps along the way. After multiple bidding wars and back-up offers, they did not lose hope in finding the right home. With the focus being in SE neighborhoods, I was surprised to have a NE home come up as a home of interest.

We scheduled the appointment and within moments of walking through the doors, they were planning how they would decorate. This was the one.

Though they loved the home, the price wasn’t quite right. After some negotiating, we presented a strong offer with ideal terms.  We had an accepted offer for lower than asking (yay!). Before we could have our inspector go out, we were notified that our back-up offer for the previous home was accepted. Since it was a backup offer, they were not obligated to move forward. This left them with a choice to make.

Having the choice solidified their confidence in their move-in-ready NE home. We were moving forward. The inspection revealed that the sewer line had issues, however after three professional opinions, the sellers took on the cost of replacing the entire sewer. Happy buyers to say the least.

They are looking forward to enjoying their first years of married life in their beautiful home with a backyard made for entertaining. Congratulations to my good friends Michael and Shelby!