Blog Buyer From Housewarming Party to Homeownership: Will & Mac's First-Time Buyer Journey

From Housewarming Party to Homeownership: Will & Mac’s First-Time Buyer Journey

By Genmae Rianelli, July 18, 2024

I met Will and Mac briefly at a housewarming party a few years ago and just recently, our mutual friend reached out to me saying that the couple had found a house they loved and wanted to talk about next steps! They were first-time homebuyers and had been keeping an eye on the market for the perfect house to come along. When this sweet little Victorian popped up, they knew in their hearts that it was the one!

The situation was time-sensitive so we connected late on a Wednesday night and toured the home early the following morning. It was everything they were hoping for and more! A cheery period home built in 1900 that had been on the market for nearly a month with no bites.

We were able to quickly write up an offer and it was accepted in no time; Will and Mac were in contract on their first home!

This was just the start of our journey and inspections were up next. The inspections all came back good overall but no house is perfect and we still had some important things to work through. Negotiations were tough but at the last minute before our deadline, we were able to come to an agreement and keep the sale moving forward.

Next up was the appraisal and the appraiser had some great news for us: the house appraised for over our accepted sale price! From there, we just had to wait patiently for closing day to come. With the help of our incredible lender, Olivia Paulson and our wonderful escrow officer, we all worked together to ensure a smooth closing for Will and Mac.

Handing the keys over to these buyers was a huge moment for me. It was such an honor to represent Will and Mac and work with them throughout this home buying journey!

Genmae Rianelli

Broker | OR

She/Her

Genmae brings over seven years of real estate experience and a deep love for Portland to her work at Living Room Realty.

Raised in Southwest Portland, Genmae knows the city inside and out. She’s lived in a variety of neighborhoods throughout Portland and its surrounding areas, giving her a deep understanding of communities from Portland’s East and West sides to Milwaukie, Beaverton, Tigard, and beyond. Her local expertise is complemented by her experiences living in four states and two countries, which have shaped her ability to connect naturally with people from all walks of life. This local insight, paired with her genuine approach, helps clients find homes that truly fit their lifestyles and goals. Her clients value her warmth, authenticity, and the way she makes the buying and selling process feel both seamless and personal.

Recognized for her positivity and professionalism, Genmae received the Brokers Advisory Group Award for Joy and proudly served as the Joy Chair for the group (2023-2025). She’s also a two-time Rising Star Real Estate Award recipient (2023 & 2024), celebrating her standout performance and dedication to her clients.

When she’s not helping clients find their perfect home, you’ll find Genmae exploring Portland’s restaurant scene, listening to podcasts, supporting local businesses, or cheering on the Trail Blazers with friends.

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  • T: 503-867-5208
  • genmae@livingroomre.com

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