Fall is in full swing here in Oregon. I know this because my lawn is green once again, and I am bombarded in the grocery store and in coffee shops by the options of pumpkin-spiced, well, everything. Some classic Portland autumn activities we can all enjoy: Apple picking and the corn maize at Sauvie Island. […]
Road to Home Ownership (an Infographic)
If you’re curious what the road to home ownership looks like, here it is in a nutshell. Note that this infographic does not depict the forks in the road, the roundabouts, the traffic signals, the radar vans, the sobriety check points, the speed bumps, or the road kill. But you needn’t worry about those things. […]
How to Survive and Win in a Seller’s Market
Oh look, another article hammering the fact that Portland is heavily enmeshed in a strong seller’s market. I am sorry. It is not for lack of things to write about, but offering advice to “stay strong” and “the right house will choose you” gets really old. Buyers are tired of hearing it, especially those buyers […]
Remote Home Tour: The Future is Here, Virtually
In a recent blog post, I provided my 12 tips for surviving the home tour experience. It contemplates the typical scenario wherein we drive around together tackling a list of properties in search of “the one.” It is exhausting and exhilarating and exactly the way to go when you are here and able to tour […]
Do Home Buyer Letters Make a Difference?
I was recently asked at an open house what I think about home buyer letters. Are they required? Do they make a difference? My answer: sometimes. It depends on the market, the seller, and how badly you want the house. In this current market, get to writing. Houses are moving quickly, and there are not […]
House Hunting Survival Guide
Congratulations. You have graduated from “just looking” online at houses for sale to actually stepping through the front door of one. Or two. Or fifteen. You have hopefully been pre-approved by a lender, and you are ready to start experiencing inventory in person with a Realtor® you know and trust. Hey, I know one of […]
Should I Rent or Should I Buy?
It is a common question posed to most real estate professionals, mortgage professionals, grocery store clerks, strangers occupying the seat next to you on the bus, or even your coffee barista. Usually the answer will vary depending on whose opinion you seek. Some people may even have a financial interest in whether or not you […]
8 Tips to Buying a Home in Portland’s Seller’s Market
In case you have missed the buzz around town, Portland is in a strong seller’s market. Really strong. Every broker I speak with has stories about clients who have made multiple offers that have all been rejected. How does a buyer compete in this low-inventory landscape? It is essential that buyers adjust their strategy when […]