By Living Room Realty, July 5, 2019
One of the most common questions asked when beginning the home-buying process is “how soon after an offer is accepted will we be able to move in?” The standard response is 30 days. “That’s just how long a transaction takes” or “that’s the norm.” This is a good response. It’s accurate, conservative, and safe. However, what is normal is not the same thing as what is possible. Too often “the norm” becomes an excuse for subpar service. My clients deserve the absolute best and the absolute best is rarely the norm.
Exactly 46 days ago Jennie and James walked into the Living Room Northeast office and asked if anyone could help them buy a home. Over the next 20 days, we filtered through 59 properties, viewed 18 in person, and made 2 offers that were outbid. However, 25 days ago their offer was accepted on a truly wonderful home in North Portland. 25 days from acceptance to closing. 25 days for contract negotiations, 25 days for repairs, 25 days for financing and escrow and checking and double checking and everything else. The 30-day transaction is a myth.
That’s not to say it’s a myth that’s easy to subvert. Jennie and James were ready to buy a house and had all their finances and paperwork in order. I am an organized and capable Broker that worked diligently around the clock. The Listing Agent was a top-notch pro. She had her sellers do some of the basic inspections before going on the market and demonstrated she was willing to do what was necessary to sell the property. It takes everyone working together to make a transaction smooth, successful, and faster than average. But when everything is firing on all cylinders, what is normal is not the same thing as what is possible. At Living Room, we strive to provide exceptional service and always give our clients a myth-busting experience!
