Apparently cats approach buying a farm very differently.

Buying or selling a home in normal conditions is one of the most stressful things a person can do. Right up there with getting married or moving across the country. Selling one home while trying to buy another one contingent upon the sale of the first takes the stress level up 10 notches. If you run into any friction along the way such as complicated repairs or negotiations, stress levels go through the roof!!

But with experienced, cooperative agents on both sides, level heads on the part of both buyers and sellers and holding onto the idea that everyone wants the same thing, which is to close the deal, we can usually make it to the finish line!

This is exactly what happened to Zippy & Spark. They were selling their North Portland home while also in contract to buy a farm in Washington when extensive and complicated repairs were discovered in the inspection process. Getting bids from contractors and finding one with the available time to start the work quickly raises the level of stress and possibly increases the time it can take to close the deal. Thus, possibly putting at risk their ability to close on the farm purchase.

But with my extensive list of contractors to call, cooperation from the other broker who kept her buyers hopes up and especially with encouragement, expert advice and consultation from mine and my sellers friend and Realtor Dale Schiff, along with tenacity on the part of my sellers who dug in and contributed time and effort to get the job done, we were able to get the repairs negotiated and completed in less than two weeks so we could close of the sale on their home and the purchase of their new home could be completed.

Apparently, cats approach buying a farm very differently.

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