By Martin Cross, June 25, 2021
Like most first time buyers, Kate and Katy were nervous. Not just about the process of finding a home amidst the competition that’s driving the Portland market right now, but nervous that they’d make a poor choice and end up with a lemon.
I work hard with my clients to make sure they understand the home buying process, especially where inspections are concerned. We talk in detail about the different inspections that can be done and the benefits and limitations of each.
After viewing numerous homes, writing several offers and getting defeated, we finally found a sweet little bungalow in Southeast Portland that they LOVED and were prepared to fight for. It appeared to be a flip which at first always concerns me because some of those flippers don’t put the time and attention into the details, especially the inner workings of a home. But after our initial walkthrough I had the distinct impression that this house was better finished than most. The attention to detail far exceeded the quality of a normal flip.
We crafted a very strong offer and we lucky enough to be able to talk the listing agent and seller into accepting it before the offer deadline. So we were off to the races!!
Once our offer was accepted we did a wide array of inspections, all of which passed with only minor, easily correctable concerns. Our home inspector even said this was the best flip he’s ever seen. But, one of the contingencies we had that helped us to win the offer on this home included a promise not to ask for any single repair under a certain dollar amount. As such, there was nothing we could technically request on the repair addendum.
But in a rare move, the seller requested to see the inspection report even though we were not requesting any repairs. In an even rarer move, a few days before we were closing I got a note from the sellers agent telling us that’s a seller had gone back through and made numerous fixes to the minor repairs needed. Amazing, unnecessary and unprecedented care from a seller. What a nice cherry on top of an already smooth transaction!
I couldn’t be happier for Kate and Katy.
Martin Cross
Broker | OR & WA
He/Him
I've lived in the Portland-Vancouver area my entire life, so I'm very familiar with its many neighborhoods—both in the heart of the city and throughout the suburbs. A few years ago, I made the move to Vancouver to be closer to my grandkids and even closer to nature. I love how easy it is to get outdoors here, whether it’s a walk through the Salmon Creek or Burnt Bridge greenways, or a stroll along Vancouver's fantastic waterfront.
After nearly 25 years of filling homes with beautiful art and design as the owner of vintage furnishings and art galleries, I transitioned my passion for finding great pieces for great people into a career in real estate. My eye for quality and attention to detail benefit both buyers and sellers alike.
Having owned and operated businesses for most of my life, I bring with me a strong background in problem-solving, collaboration, and hard work.
I always say, “Great things rarely come from a 40-hour work week.” If you're looking for a dedicated, responsive, and compassionate Northwest native to help you buy or sell, I’d love to connect. Whether you're searching for a Craftsman, a Midcentury Modern home, a new build, a fixer-upper, or an investment property—from single-family rentals to duplexes or small apartment buildings—I'm here to help you make it happen.
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- T: 503-781-2950
- F: 503-961-8224
- martincrossrealtor@gmail.com
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503-961-8224