Relocating to Portland, Oregon? SkyBlue Portland Real Estate Group is here to help.
1. ENLIST AN ACCREDITED BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE (ABR®). Working with a stellar agent is the most critical aspect of a successful home purchase. Key qualities to look for are experience, in-depth local market knowledge, and solid communication and negotiation skills. Our Lead Buyers Agent, Rachel Bradley, earned the real estate broker’s ABR® designation and has in-depth training in representing buyers. Years of experience, commitment to her clients, love for Portland neighborhoods, and dedication to the job make her a top professional in the field.
Check out Rachel’s glowing referrals from happy clients.
2. GET PRE-APPROVED FOR YOUR MORTGAGE. Pre-approval means your application has already been processed and final approval is contingent only upon an appraisal and a few other issues. Mortgage pre-approval puts you in a more favorable negotiating position with sellers and allows you to make faster decisions. In today’s competitive Portland market, an offer without a pre-approval letter holds no weight. Our Lead Buyers Agent, Rachel Bradley, has a list of local, qualified lenders with whom she can connect you.
3. SEPARATE NEEDS FROM WANTS. The difference between needs and wants may seem subtle, but itemizing your absolute needs makes it easier to quickly narrow available options and find the best home for your lifestyle and budget. Your buyer consultation is a great time to discuss your list.
4. TAKE COPIOUS NOTES. When you’re ready to take the plunge, you’ll see many homes in a short period of time. Detailed notes, photos, and listing sheets can help you recall each property after each whirlwind “home shopping” trip.
5. CONSIDER SELLING WHILE BUYING. Job transferees often face future relocations, so it’s important to consider a home’s resale value. You want an agent who can point out a home’s flaws from a future buyer’s perspective and help ensure that you make a solid purchase.
6. KNOW THE MARKET. You can gather an amazing amount of information online about the neighborhoods you’re considering for your new home. However, being an experienced Portland buyer’s agent, Rachel Bradley has a stronger pulse on local market conditions and prices than any individual website. Do your homework and rely on your buyer’s agent to add key perspectives.
7. GET PREPARED FOR FAST DECISIONS. The Portland real estate market favors sellers right now, and we don’t expect that to change anytime soon . That’s why we favor multiple fast-and-furious tours of available homes in your desired neighborhoods and price range–so you have enough market insight when you finally encounter the perfect home to make a good decision, fast.
8. REQUEST A QUICK CMA. Before you make an offer on a home, ask Rachel for a comparable market analysis–to help ensure that you don’t overpay for your home. This is where an agent with local market expertise is a huge plus.
9. EXPECT EMOTIONAL UPS AND DOWNS. Negotiating an offer can be an emotional experience. Try to remain calm and maintain perspective as offers and counter offers are exchanged. Rachel will be there for you during the entire process and is always available for questions and concerns. Her knowledge of the process, steady demeanor and excellent negotiation and communication skill repeatedly save transactions for our clients.
10. LEARN FROM HOME INSPECTORS. The level of detail in home inspections has improved dramatically. If at all possible, attend your new home inspection in person. You’ll gain many valuable tips about maintaining your home in the written report. As far as renegotiating on repair items, remember that in strong markets, sellers may be unwilling to make concessions based on the inspector’s report. With that being said, we always recommend a full home inspection, sewer scope, and radon testing. Rachel will provide you with a list of local inspectors.
Wow, what a lot of information. We know it’s daunting to get started, especially from out-of-state. Give yourself a jump start with a no obligation buyer consultation with our Lead Buyer Broker and Accredited Buyer’s Representative, Rachel Bradley. This highly informative, 1-hour meeting will save you time and money, and give you the game plan you need to turn dreams into reality.
There’s More
- Portland Neighborhoods by the Numbers 2016: The City | Portland Monthly
- True Housing Affordability in Portland: Beyond the Rent | Oregon Metro
- You Are Here: How We’re Growing | Oregon Metro
- Moving to Oregon – Tips for Relocating to the Country’s Top Moving Destination | Chipman Relocation & Logistics
- What You Need to Know Before Moving to Portland, Oregon | Mac’s List
Schools
- Portland School District Data | The Oregonian
- Ranking Portland’s Best Schools | Portland Monthly
Just for Fun
- 23 Things You Need to Know About Oregon Before You Move There | Movoto
- 9 Things to Know Before Moving to Portland | Portlandia
- The 7 Stages of Living in Portland | Thrillist
Copyright Susan S. Bradley. All rights reserved.