Home Buyers Archives - SkyBlue Portland

Will Waiting to Buy a Home Cost Me?

Thinking about buying a home? But uncertain about market timing? You're not alone ... first-time buyers, step-up buyers, and downsizing buyers all face the same dilemma. Move now or wait a year? It's a challenge not to be paralyzed by the constant barrage of contradictory headlines about the real estate market. But remember -- headlines are written to capture readers attention and the easiest way to capture attention is to generate fear. If you take the time to read beyond the headlines, you'll find that real estate market conditions today are positive and the … Continue reading...

Are You Concerned About Housing Affordability?

As home prices continue to rise due to lack of inventory, home buyers are concerned about housing affordability. Just a few years ago, foreclosed properties sold at significantly reduced prices and the deluge of distressed homes for sale pulled all home values down. It was difficult to sell at any price. It was also difficult to buy -- lending guidelines were strict and buyer confidence was low. After the market absorbed the distressed properties, home values accelerated rapidly, and the market experienced multiple years of double-digit appreciation. Today, … Continue reading...

The Home Inspection: Do You Need It?

As an Accredited Buyers Representative, I always advise my clients to do their research and get a home inspection. A little caution goes a long way to ensure that you get the home you want, without any unwanted surprises later. Home inspections are typically paid for by the buyer and are usually completed within 10 days of mutual acceptance. The cost varies depending on the company and the inspector. But in general, you should be prepared to spend between $400-$800. There is an additional cost for radon testing and a sewer scope. Related: What’s a Buyer … Continue reading...

What’s the Difference Between Average Sale Price & Median Sale Price?

Here’s a question we get all the time in the real estate business. What’s the difference between average sale price and median sale price for a Portland Metro neighborhood? Good question—because it’s like comparing apples to oranges. Each one gives a very different taste of the market. Average Sale Price Let’s start with Average Sale Price. It’s determined largely by the numbers on the extreme ends of the price spectrum. To give a non-real estate example, if we have 5 people with ages of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 55, and we want a single number that represents the … Continue reading...

Tune Your Funky Monkey Credit Score in Five Easy Pieces

Does a flat credit score have you singing off key? Tune that score with these 5 easy pieces. Monitor your credit score. If you’re like a lot of folks, you don’t know your credit score. No worries, we’ve all been there. To orchestrate a credit score tune-up, you need to know your current score, credit history, and which accounts (if any) are negatively affecting your score. Check out this recent comparison of top credit monitoring services to see which services best fit your needs. Many of them provide a free credit report, as well as daily credit … Continue reading...

Buyer Planning Guide

Considering buying a home? Check out our FREE buyer’s guide. This guide is loaded with information that you can use to help you plan to purchase your dream home. You’ll discover: Four Reasons to buy this winter Buying is 37% cheaper than renting Home prices year over last year What to expect when buying a house Why you need a professional when buying a house Click the black pop-out box in the upper right corner of the guide to download, print or read the guide online. … Continue reading...

Free Buyer’s Guide

Considering buying a home? Check out our FREE buyer’s guide. This guide is loaded with information that you can use to help you plan to purchase your dream home. You’ll discover: 5 reasons homeownership is a good investment. 2 myths that can hold you back from buying. Home prices year over last year. Is your first home within your grasp? Why pre-approval should be your first step. Click the black pop-out box in the upper right corner of the guide to download, print or read the guide online. … Continue reading...

What’s a Buyer Consultation & Why Do You Need One?

Every home buyer needs a Buyer Consultation. Here's why. Ahhh… the dreaded Buyer Consultation. The event that some home buyers avoid like the plague. Because, you know, the buyer’s consultation is where some super-slick real estate agent corners you with high pressure tactics to maneuver you into signing a document that basically ties you to that agent from now to eternity, come hell or high-water. When all you want to do is get inside those dreamy homes you see on the web to take a closer look, to bring your vision into sharper focus. You’re just … Continue reading...

Do You Know Who’s Representing YOU?

Clients often ask me to explain the difference between a seller’s agent (listing broker) and a buyer’s agent. Some buyers even indicate that they might prefer to negotiate directly with the seller and listing broker. And forgo the buyer's agent altogether. Let me be clear: This is a very bad idea. There’s a huge difference between a seller’s agent and a buyer’s agent. Under only very rare (and legally disclosed) circumstances should a single agent represent both sides of a transaction The listing broker represents the seller and has a legal obligation to get the … Continue reading...

10 Steps to a Successful Relocation Move to Portland, Oregon

10 Steps to Relocating to Portland, Oregon | SkyBlue Portland

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 … Continue reading...