By Martin Cross, October 1, 2025
Most transactions come with challenges, and most condominiums come with extra challenges. But many require not only patience and problem-solving but a willingness to navigate previously uncharted paths and lessons. Recently, I represented a seller in a condo sale that became one of those.
From the start, the condo’s HOA was financially strained, and was reviewing a Reserve Study that suggested the likely need for a sizable assessment in the coming year. HOA’s alone make lenders uneasy, but low reserves and shaky financials often trigger red flags and rightfully so, scare buyers off.
After being on the market for four months with one sale falling through, my seller was getting nervous and weighing whether or not she should lower the price or convert her investment into a rental. About this time, a new set of buyers appeared, But, they came with their own challenges. They were allready in the midst of bankruptcy and they could only purchase with an FHA loan.
The additional challenges were that the condo complex wasn’t FHA approved, and the buyers were in the midst of bankruptcy. I learned that it was possible to get a single-unit FHA approval, something I hadn’t encountered in over ten years in real estate. Since this was our only option, I had a detailed call with the lender, who happened to be someone I trusted, who seemed quite positive about our prospects for getting across the finish line and then presented everything to the seller, outlining the potential pitfalls and reviewing the pros and cons.
This sale is a great example of what determined representation is all about. It’s not just putting up a sign and holding an open house or two. It’s being willing to learn something new, standing by our client through the hard and unknown stuff. It’s chasing down paperwork, tons of communication, and working to keep everyone calm when the waiting and the hurdles feel endless. In the end, after two months pending, we were able to close and both the buyers and sellers were able to start new chapters of their lives.
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
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- martincrossrealtor@gmail.com
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503-961-8224