By Beth Benner, March 12, 2025
When Chris and Emily came to us, they were ready for a big transition—buying their first home together while also selling Chris’ current one. They had already merged households but were finding that they needed more space and a fresh setting, with the Beaverton and NW Portland areas catching their eye. I worked alongside my Bridge to Portland Group teammate Genmae Rianelli on their purchase while also planning ahead for the sale of their existing home to ensure a smooth process from start to finish.
Strategically Searching in a Competitive Market
We jumped right in on their home search, touring properties to learn what they loved (charming ranches were a favorite!) and what didn’t quite hit the mark. In a competitive market, Chris and Emily were proactive, quick to tour new listings, and ready to make strategic offers when the right home appeared.
It didn’t take long! A home popped up that immediately felt like the one, and we didn’t waste a second, touring it together the very night it was listed, even in the dark. Walking through the house, we discussed how they’d live in the space, their commute, and all the little details that matter. They left that first showing and couldn’t stop thinking about the home, so we went back the next day in the daylight just to make sure. That second visit sealed the deal and they were ready to go for it!
Making a Winning Offer and Navigating Inspections
We put together a strong offer and stayed in close contact with the listing agent. When competition came into play, we adjusted the purchase price and a few key terms, ultimately securing the home for Chris and Emily. Their excitement only grew from there! This was our team’s first inspection of 2025 and it couldn’t have gone more smoothly. After receiving a glowing review from the inspector and estimates from a couple of contractors, they felt confident about moving forward without asking for any repairs. The sellers had been incredibly transparent about their home’s history, which made all the difference. Chris even met one of the sellers on-site for a maintenance walkthrough—such a great moment of connection! From there, it was smooth sailing to closing day.
Preparing Their Home for the Market
With their purchase complete, it was time to sell their previous home. Since we had already done a walkthrough early on in the process, Chris and Emily were prepped and ready to go. Their home hit the market and quickly attracted interest, which led to three offers. The final offer was exactly what they needed, and after a smooth negotiation, everything was set for closing. Incredibly, they were all moved into their new home and had closed on the old one just 99 days after we first met them!
Working with Chris and Emily through this journey was such a joy. Getting to know them along the way and helping them transition into this exciting new chapter has been incredibly rewarding. Genmae and I are wishing them all the best as they settle into their beautiful new home!
Beth Benner
Broker | OR & WA
She/Her
Beth has collaborated on over 500 transactions in her career as a Licensed Broker in Oregon and Washington. In 2023, she earned a spot among the REAL Producers Top 100 producing agents in Portland out of more than 8,000 licensed brokers and she has also maintained her status in the top 5% of all Oregon brokers for eight consecutive years.
Beth is proud to have cultivated her client base on the referrals of the many happy homeowners she’s worked with over the years and through professional relationships with lawyers, conservators, and fiduciaries. She deeply cares about each of her clients and approaches her job as a long-term commitment, aiming to help them make the best investment. Beth is also a local real estate investor, leveraging her expertise and knowledge of the market to make sound investment decisions.
She is a lifelong Portlander and has volunteered with Make-A-Wish, Meals on Wheels delivery, SW Portland Little League, and serves as an elementary school classroom volunteer. Beth is a devoted mom to three active kids and in her free time, she loves hiking, reading, traveling, wine tasting, and cheering for the Portland Thorns.
Real Estate Background:
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- Licensed Broker in Oregon since 2004 and Washington since 2006
- 47 total personal transactions in 2024
- Multiple investor and repeat/referral clients
- #1 Individual broker at LRR in 2020
- Top 100 of all OR brokers since 2020
- Top 5% of all OR brokers for 8 years
- PMAR Circle of Excellence Diamond Platinum Member 2016-2025
- Licensed in OR & WA
- T: 503-819-2885
- bethbenner@livingroomre.com
