In the Pacific NW, we are always battling water when it comes to keeping our homes from intrusion, rot, and mold. As soon as water hits our roof, it has to go somewhere. Keeping your gutters clean to allow water to easily flow into the downspout is crucial. Ensure water either goes into the sewer drain or is whisked 6 feet away from the building. Overflowing gutters can lead to water pooling up around the base of your home.
Check the your grade of your yard. It should slope away from the house, and consider a dry well or bioswale. In the meantime, do you need your gutters cleaned? Here are a few companies that have worked well for our clients.
Have you voted yet? You still have time to get your ballot in! And this year’s ballot looks different. Be sure to take some time to read your voter guide which includes information about candidates and measures to consider and vote for. Need some more info? Check out these resources to get you fired up to VOTE!
In the world of real estate, the term “contingent” can sometimes leave buyers and sellers scratching their heads. Whether you’re navigating the buying process or preparing to list your home, understanding contingent offers is crucial. In this post, we’ll break down what it means to be “contingent” in real estate, how it affects you as a buyer or seller, and what potential scenarios you could face.
What Is a Contingent Offer?
A contingent offer on a house means the buyer has included a protective clause in their contract. This contingency gives the buyer an option to back out of the purchase if certain conditions are not met. Typically, a contingent offer involves the buyer needing to sell their current home before they can finalize the purchase of a new one. Think of it as a step in between “active” and “pending”—the property is not quite under contract yet, and there’s still an opportunity for other buyers to step in.
If you’ve heard the term “bumpable buyer,” it means that the current buyer’s offer is contingent on selling their home, and another buyer could potentially “bump” them out of the contract. Essentially, it’s a state of uncertainty, and another buyer might have a chance to swoop in.
What Does Being Contingent Mean for Buyers?
For buyers, there are two key scenarios involving contingent offers:
You Are the Contingent Buyer: You want to buy a home, but you need to sell your current property first. This makes your offer contingent on that sale, which can sometimes be a hurdle. If another buyer who is not contingent decides to make an offer, you will usually have 48 to 72 hours to either remove your contingency or lose the property.
You Are a Competing Buyer: You want to buy a property that already has a contingent offer. In this case, you can put in an offer, which then triggers the “bump clause.” The original buyer (who is contingent) will have a set amount of time to remove their contingency—if they can, they go from “contingent” to “pending,” solidifying their contract. If they cannot, the seller is free to accept your offer, and the contingent buyer is out.
What Does Being Contingent Mean for Sellers?
If you’re selling your home and receive a contingent offer, it’s important to understand the potential risks. If the buyer needs to sell their current home, this could delay your closing timeline. For instance, if their home takes longer to sell than expected, you might need to extend the closing date, which can be problematic depending on your plans.
It’s also essential to assess the buyer’s preparedness to sell their current property. Are they already on the market? Are they prepped and ready, or are they just starting? The more ready they are, the less risk you’ll face. Given the additional uncertainty, contingent buyers often need to make a stronger offer to compensate for the risk you are taking.
Key Takeaways
Contingent Offers: Buyers need to meet specific conditions, often involving selling their current home.
Bump Clauses: If you are the contingent buyer, be prepared to act quickly if a competing offer comes in.
For Sellers: Contingent offers can mean more risk and longer timelines, but they might come with a higher price to compensate for that risk.
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.
It hasn’t been the easiest time to be a buyer. Buyers have been facing high rates, low inventory, new commission structures, and houses that need lots of repairs. In the end, it all adds up to $$$! What buyers need is a bit of relief. And when a brave buyer takes the plunge with a house, the hardest day of the transaction is often the home inspection day. This is often the day when the $$$ needed to move forward on a home seems insurmountable. Having a great buyer’s agent on your side to walk you through negotiating with the Seller is critical. Agents can end up saving you thousands of dollars in the end with great professionalism and negotiation strategies. And really what is it that a Buyer wants? A new place to call home. If you are ready to take the plunge and buy a house, contact us today.
Embarking on the journey of selling your home presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. In the bustling real estate market of Portland, standing out in a sea of listings is crucial to not just selling, but selling well. A strategic tool in your arsenal? Staging. Let’s unpack the art of staging, its pros and cons, and how you can leverage it to benefit your sale. You can checkout the video below as well!
What Is Staging?
Staging is more than just tidying up; it’s a deliberate process designed to showcase your home’s best features. It involves strategically arranging furniture, decor, and accessories to appeal to potential buyers. Whether you hire professionals or tackle it yourself, the goal is universal: to make your home irresistible.
Why Consider Staging?
Quick Sale: Staged homes often sell faster. By presenting a polished, ready-to-move-in environment, you reduce the time your property lingers on the market, allowing you to move forward with your plans sooner.
Higher Offers: A well-staged home can spark bidding wars. When buyers are emotionally invested, they’re willing to pay a premium. This competitive edge can significantly increase your home’s selling price, making staging a worthwhile investment.
The Drawbacks:
Cost: Professional staging isn’t cheap, especially if you’re filling a vacant property. Prices can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month, depending on the extent of staging needed.
Inconvenience: If you’re residing in the home during the sale, staging can disrupt your daily life, requiring constant upkeep to maintain the staged look for showings and open houses.
Virtual Staging: A Cost-Effective Alternative
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, virtual staging is worth considering. This technique digitally inserts furniture and decor into your property’s photos. While less impactful than physical staging, it offers a glimpse into the potential of your space at a fraction of the cost.
Determining Staging Costs
The investment in staging varies widely based on your home’s size and the number of rooms you decide to stage. Discussing with your real estate agent will help tailor a strategy that maximizes return without unnecessary expenditure. Sometimes, focusing on key areas like the kitchen and primary bedroom offers the best value.
To Stage or Not to Stage?
Deciding whether to stage your home is a personal choice, influenced by budget, timing, and market conditions. Gathering as much information and advice as possible will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals.
Your Thoughts on Staging
I’d love to hear from you. What are your perspectives on staging? Have you experienced the benefits first-hand, or do you have reservations? Share your thoughts below.
Staging can dramatically transform the selling experience, potentially leading to a quicker sale and higher selling price. As with any strategy, it comes with its pros and cons. By evaluating your unique situation and consulting with your real estate agent, you can determine if staging is your ticket to a successful sale.
Thank you for tuning in, and remember, whether you decide to stage your home or not, I’m here to support you every step of the way in your selling journey. If you’re pondering your next move in the Portland real estate market, feel free to reach out. Let’s make your home sale a success together.
Stay Connected: For more insights and tips on navigating the Portland real estate market, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow me on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Looking for a Personalized Real Estate Strategy? Schedule your strategy session today at stan.store/thewilliamsing, and let’s get started on achieving your real estate goals.
If you are considering adding a separate living space to our property, The Portland ADU TOUR is for you! Come see several ways to add an ADU to your property whether attached, detached, custom, pre-fab, big, or small. Stop by and say hi to our favorite realtors and ADU specialists from team Aryne + Dulcinea, a.k.a the Property Mavens!
Have a detached garage and want to convert it into a living or guest space? There are many questions to answer before you proceed, but you may have the makings for a second living space on your property.
Portland teems with farmer’s markets! Surrounded by amazing farm country, the Willamette Valley and beyond grows beautiful food, and just as great as beautiful food is supporting the dedicated folks who tend and grow food. Shopping at farmer’s markets, signing up for CSAs, and supporting local coops are great ways to support local farmers. And summertime is the best time to start shopping!
Pride celebrations are kicking off all over the country. At Living Room, we kicked off Pride with a celebration including rainbow-inspired, plant-based food, a jazz trio, and lots of merriment! And this was all before 9:30 in the morning! We also had an impactful presentation from local lender, Percy Wise about the experiences of LGBTQIA+ buyers, sellers, and homeowners.
PORTLAND PRIDE2023 UPDATE
In case you are wondering when Portland’s big PRIDE festival takes place this year, it’s in JULY! July 15-16 to be exact. Read more about events HERE.
We could not be more excited to get back outside in our yards and gardens and plant, dig, beautify and breathe it all in. If you are interested in installing some new beds, but don’t want them to be ground level or just want to design spaces with garden boxes, CLICK THROUGH the images to see some of our favorite beds + boxes for your new project!
You may not know it, but as a homeowner in parts of this city, you may have racist language in your deed and title documents. House Bill 3294 moves to help homeowners remove this language and other restrictions from their titles entirely.
We’ve been adding color to our front doors, and painting accent walls in our home, but an interior accent door? We LOVE it! A great way to refresh a room, hallway, entryway, or foyer.
HOT GINGERY DRINKS TO SIP WHILE WE WAIT FOR SPRING
HOT GINGER APPLE CIDER, HOT LEMON GINGER TODDY, AND GINGER-SPICE HOT COCOA are three amazing drinks to keep you warm while we wait for Spring. These healthy and simple drinks all start with ginger and water… see the directions below:
HOT LEMON-GINGER TODDY:
Slice up a hunk of ginger and cover and simmer in 2 cups water for 20 minutes, strain, add freshly squeezed lemon juice or lemon slices to taste, and add honey for a bit of sweetness – serves two.
GINGER-SPICE HOT COCOA:
Slice up a hunk of ginger and cover and simmer in 2 cups water for 20 minutes, strain, add one cup of plant-based milk, whisk in cocoa powder, and sweeten with maple syrup and cinnamon – serves two.
HOT GINGER-APPLE CIDER:
Slice up a hunk of ginger and cover and simmer in 1 cup of water for 20 minutes, add one or two cups of apple juice and a cinnamon stick to taste, and simmer for another 10 minutes – serves two.
Add a little style and color to your bathroom by adding a colored faucet or showerhead! Take a look at these great options on our BATHROOM OASIS Pinterest board.
HHHMMM… it’s hard to fight back the multitude of questions that come up when you think about AI-generated anything, but because we were curious, we thought… let’s give it a whirrrlll.
We checked out Shutter stock’s AI-generated image program, looking up things like: “retro kitchen,” “baroque living room,” “space-aged bedroom,” and even a simple one – “bathroom,” and here is what we got!
For some more artful inspired AI-generated imagery, check out @planet_fantastique on Instagram!
Check out the amazing light installations in our city from the Willamette Light Brigade. Now through the 11th you can be dazzled by these artistic light installation. Thank you for shining light on our dark winter days-check it out HERE!
We totally get how scary it can be to make the leap to buy a house, or how much emotional work it takes to be ready to part with your home when you want to sell. We are here to guide you. We don’t just broker deals and research the market daily, we do much more than that, we help you through the biggest transaction of your life. If you or anyone you know is ready to make a move. We are here to help.
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.
It isn’t cheap to own a home, and maintaining it can be expensive. So yeah, it can come across as a pesky expense periodically. But silently and lovingly, your house is building you wealth. It is an asset that, if taken care of, can pay dividends.
Here are a few ways your home can bring you some needed financial relief:
1. Sell it, cash out on your investment and use the money you make to purchase a new property.
2. Get a HELOC, a home equity line of credit is a great way to finance fixing up your home, adding to it’s value.
3. Consider a cash-out refinance, this is a great way to consolidate debt, and pay some or all of it off.
Once you have owned your home for a while, it starts to pay you back. Want to know more? We are happy to help you determine your home’s value or put you in touch with a fantastic lender.
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.
Updated bungalow with the classic white picket fence. Main floor has a fireplace, dining room with cedar accent walls, bed/bath and updated eat-in kitchen. Upstairs is a wonderful large bedroom with bonus space for desk/crafts/nursery etc. Basement has a fully finished living space, bedroom and workshop/laundry room. Slider in dining room provides great light and easy access to enjoy the hot tub. In summer you will love the mature landscaping and deck. Ample detached garage for cars or projects.
3 bed | 1 bath | 2128 sq. ft. MLS# 21597782 | Taxes: $4166.33 | Lot Size: .11 Acre
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.
Today I talked with Kara from Afternoon Live about multifamily houses in Portland. To see the full 7 minute video, click here
Multifamily Duplex In Portland
Here’s an example of a duplex that was for sale in Portland that I thought was a great long term investment.
1950s side by side 2 BR/1 BA multifamily (duplex) with Tuck-under garages.
It was already vacant and in extreme disrepair when we bought it.
NE Portland- Alberta Arts area.
Current 2 Bedroom rentals are roughly $1600-$2200
Current 3 Bedroom rentals are roughly $2500-$3000/month.
We decided to finish the lower level, adding additional bath, bedroom, and bonus living space. Each unit will now be 3 BR/ 2 BA.
Better use of space (more people can live in the property)
By adding this additional finished space, it will bring in more rental income to cover the cost of the renovation work
That extra monthly income will pay for the additional renovation work over 8-10 years.
By updating everything, there will be few if any large maintenance expenses within the first 7 years. This makes profit and loss a little more predictable.
Not in the buying market or interested in multifamily, but thinking of selling your home? Check out my tips here.
Distinguished Laurelhurst Dutch Colonial with grand spaces and period charm on a double lot. This brilliant 2017 renovation by Remodeler of the Year was thoughtfully remastered with entertaining and the entire family in mind.
Laurelhurst Home
Laurelhurst Backyard Patio
Main Floor
1,917 SF of main floor living. Magazine worthy chef’s kitchen with honed marble island, custom cabinets, wet bar and walk-out to the private backyard. Living room with woodburning fireplace, family media room and office with built-ins and formal dining room with hardwood floors.
Laurelhurst Dine in Kitchen
Laurelhurst Kitchen Island
Upper & Lower Floor
South wing Master-suite with sitting room and dreamy masterbath. North wing with 3 additional bedrooms with double closets and full bath. Mother-in-law suite on the lower level with kitchenette, full bath & separate washer & dryer. Undeniably an exceptional home in Laurelhurst.
5 bed | 3.1 bath | 4504 sq. ft. | 2 Car Garage MLS# 20399469 | Taxes: $14,632 | Lot Size: .21 Acre
Professional House Flipper and Real Estate Agent, Bobby Curtis gave tips on how to sell your house faster in this “neutral” market. See tips below or click here to see the full interview on KATU’s Afternoon Live with Tra’Renee.
Price it Right- Sell Your Home Quickly
1.Price it right- don’t hold out waiting for your buyer. It may work on occasion if you have a very unique property- but let someone in the real estate business be the judge of that.
Effective Staging- Sell Your Home Quickly
2.Effective staging. Of the homes that sell within the first week on the market with multiple offers, most of them are staged or appear staged.
Stay In Contract- Sell Your Home Quickly
3.Once in contract to sell your house, stay in contract. Negotiate after they do their inspections.
Hire a Great Agent- Sell Your Home Quickly
4.All of this will be made easier if you are working with a great real estate agent.
For more from Bobby, and some great contractor tips for your next home remodel, click here
Mary Ann came to me as a referral from one of my favorite clients to date, I already knew I would love her based on that. As we toured her home for the pre-listing walk through, I began to jot down my regular notes: take down posters, narrow down decorations, put away unnecessary kitchen counter top appliances, yadda yadda. She was clearly making mental notes as well, and I could see she was up for the challenge. We cruised through her (incredible!) theatre toward her master bedroom, her sweet pup- Phinn, trailing close behind. Mary Ann watched me closely as I peeked into each closet accessing its future. As I reached the master bedroom I saw her grin and mumble “uhhh open that one slowly… I have kind of a shoe thing…”. You guys. I’ve never seen so many shoes in all of my life! Nordstrom has nothing on Mary Ann! She had neatly lined each pair up row after row after row, after row… after row. I closed my gaping mouth, gave her my punch list and prayed to all of the listening shoe Gods. I returned a week later to finalize the listing and almost fell over dead, SHE DID IT! Mary Ann did every single thing I asked! Talk about dream client!! All of the hard work paid off 7 days later when she got her offer and we sailed into a smooth closing. Congratulations Mary Ann! Thank you for trusting me and letting me participate in your move to the next chapter!
I’ve shared with my clients over the years that there are three ways to price a home. One, the highest price possible. Two, at market value. Three, just below market value. Every agent has their own pricing strategies. These have worked for me, and I’ve found pricing at a sweet spot below market value can bear a final price higher than both market value or the highest price possible. Once we’ve reviewed the recent sales of the neighborhood, we decide which strategy to use based on the home specifics, most importantly the condition and location. Its important to understand the state of the market and know pricing your home in the “old” real estate market is not the same now in the “new” real estate market. It’s also important to understand how buyers shop in the “new” market. Buyers are smart! Buyers have been researching homes, neighborhoods, and determining the value of your home before they’ve hired an agent to represent them.
I’ve found that many homeowners cannot grasp the idea that pricing their home competitively(slightly below market value) will create more interest and yield a higher sold price. If a homeowner has not sold/purchased a home in many years, their expectation is to receive an offer under their listed price, then to further negotiate. Their idea is that they’ll have to negotiate lower than their listed price to begin with, finally settling on a price below the “highest price possible”. With the examples I’ve copied below, you’ll see that the majority of homes that sold below the listed price, were also on the market for a longer period of time. Time is money. Time is an extra mortgage payment, utility costs, and may also deter a buyer from choosing your home over a hot new listing priced competitvely. Your real estate broker will know when the home is an exception to this situation. When a listing enters the market at a competitive price(with all things considered-price, location, and condition), you open the door for multiple offers, escalating price, and attractive terms for the seller.
If you’re thinking about selling and need some guidance, contact your broker or give me a call. I’d love to review the selling process with you and help you determine what you can list and sell your home for in today’s real estate market. -Julia
Julia Robertson | Broker licensed in Oregon & Washington
It isn’t cheap to own a home, and maintaining it can be expensive. So yeah, it can come across as a pesky expense periodically. But silently and lovingly, your house is building you wealth. It is an asset that, if taken care of, can pay dividends.
