Attitude is THE difference.

There is no doubt that buying a home can be a grind, especially in the midst of the all-time sellers market that we’ve been experiencing this year, BUT — like one of my favorite sayings goes — attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.

My clients Tristan and Ian, first-time homebuyer clients who close on their first home today, are perfect examples of this approach. Over the course of a nearly year-long search process, they stayed positive and focused, kept a healthy and balanced perspective, laughed often, and kept it fun. And I truly believe these attributes are the intangibles that transform a stressful, big-deal process into an adventure that can be enjoyed. And when you’re enjoying something, and not stuck in a negative mindset, obstacles are easily overcome, unexpected wrinkles get smoothed out easily, and you can reach your goals more efficiently and effectively.

I couldn’t ask for better clients in this regard, and I’m so happy for these two to set down roots in their dream home. Throughout the process, we shared plenty of laughs, plenty of earnest moments of inquiry and consideration, and maintained mutual respect for one another. Keeping a positive attitude may seem overly simplistic for such a complicated and emotional process, but it truly can make the difference. And working with clients who share a positive attitude is what makes my job so enjoyable and gratifying.

Their home search began when a close friend passed along my name to her coworker Tristan who was just starting down the homebuying road. Tristan and I had a few email exchanges in July 2020, followed by an initial phone call in August. He immediately struck me as someone who does his research, who asks great questions, who is thoughtful and intentional, and who is motivated to get shit done. All of these traits played out in this home search, during an unprecedented global pandemic and surrounded with economic uncertainty, but which ended — finally, victoriously! — nearly 11 months later.

Beyond the couple dozen home tours and six offers submitted, these are some other key moments in the early history of this house search: a wildfire and smoke apocalypse in September, a gut-wrenching national election cycle in October and November, and a fractured kneecap on the first day of ski season in December that effectively sidelined my client for nearly four months. Rested, healed, reinvigorated and motivated, we restarted the search process again in earnest in early April. After another raft of tours and not-quite-there offers, we were finally under contract by early June. And now, just after surviving Heat Dome 2021, they will officially become homeowners (of a home with air conditioning)!

And while it may sound too perfect, the house they bought is the best house they saw throughout the entire search. It truly was a marathon effort, in the midst of so many other stressful life events, but their attitude was a huge difference maker. After a short rent-back period for the sellers, they will turn the key on their front door exactly 361 days after it all began, and I’m so very pleased for Tristan and Ian to finally enjoy their new home!

Andy Meeks

Principal Broker | OR

He/Him

My clients are always my top priority, and my singular focus is their success. This is the intention I set every day. My training and background as a licensed attorney helps me lead with a sharp attention to detail, a keen ear and focused voice, and an unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency and discretion. I’m a passionate advocate and I thrive when helping others succeed, and I’m always available to connect over a cup of coffee to learn how I can help make good things happen. Read my client reviews here. The choice to become a real estate broker was a joyful combination of two very different careers. Prior to moving to Portland in 2008, I was an environmental and title closing attorney in Massachustts. Since then, I've served as a program manager and fundraising professional for Portland-based non-profit organizations Friends of Trees, The Freshwater Trust and Ecotrust. While not scouting homes and helping clients, you can find me riding bicycles, skiing, digging in the garden, experimenting in the kitchen, and exploring the stunning beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Please let me know how I can help you or someone you know. Thank you! *I'm licensed as an attorney in Massachusetts and can't offer any sort of legal advice.

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