By Olivia Rush, June 6, 2021
Congratulations to Jewelie, Andy, and their sweet pup Odessa on the purchase of their new home in Woodstock!
Jewelie and Andy had been having a rough go of it in this Sellers’ market. Last summer, they sold their NE home of 30 years with a different agent. They were tired of living on a busy street, and were ready for their next house project. Purchasing a home proved to be a more difficult task than selling.
Jewelie and Andy worked with two realtors prior to reaching out to Living Room Realty. They had put offers on eight homes with no success, and felt that their agents were not advocating for them. When we were connected, I explained the realities of this market, but swore to them that I would do everything in my power to help them secure their next home.
Since they had sold their home last summer, Jewelie and Andy had been living in a rudimentary cabin out by Mt. Hood. Therefore, we had to be strategic about timing their trips into town to coordinate when most new inventory was hitting the market.
After seeing the first few homes with Jewelie, her love of older, classic Portland homes became apparent. She would gush about the details and in-tact finishes of historic homes. We saw several homes that would be considered “updated” or “turnkey,” but it was the rougher-around-the-edges homes needing a little love that really excited her.
Wary of more heartbreak, Jewelie and Andy held off on making any offers the first few times we toured. That is, until we toured the worn-down-but-well-loved bungalow on a quarter acre in Woodstock. Jewelie loved it so much that we toured it twice, and even brought Odessa to get her advice on the yard and neighborhood!
Revising our offer multiple times, Jewelie and Andy put forth their very highest and best. Unfortunately, out of six offers, there was one other buyer who was able to offer more attractive pricing and terms. With heads hung, we signed backup offer paperwork, but knew this ship had sailed. Who backs out of a transaction in this market?
Turns out, the first position buyer! After inspections, she was overwhelmed by the amount of work needed and bailed. Jewelie and Andy, having fixed up many older homes, were not afraid of the work, and we began gathering bids for the various repairs needed. The list was quite long, and in the end our concession ask totaled above $55,000. An insane amount, but also, necessary to make the repairs to bring the house to livable standards.
We held our breath as we sent over our ask. Lo and behold, with less than 24 hours left in our due diligence period, the Seller sent back a signed acceptance! Two weeks later, and not without some last minute closing- and wire- related snafus, I was able to finally hand Jewelie and Andy the keys to their new Portland home!
I am so proud of these two for their tenacity and creativity, and can’t wait to see the magic they work there. (I’ve already seen about a hundred wallpaper and tile samples, and let me tell you, this house is NOT going to be like every other white-walled home out there!) The work has just begun, but for Jewelie and Andy, it’s all downhill from here. Cheers to the new homeowners!
Olivia Rush
Broker | OR
She/Her
As your trusted guide through the buying or selling process, you can expect me to customize my services to your specific goals and preferences, much like I did for my students during my ten years as an educator.
My clients’ goals vary. A couple retiring to the Big City after 30 years on 22 acres. A woman purchasing her first home independently. A couple upsizing to support a growing family. Two friends pooling their resources to make their first investment possible. A couple navigating a divorce and the sale of their home. A refugee family with limited English setting down roots in this country. Deaf investors looking to maximize profit on their flip. A couple selling the home of their daughter who has lost her battle to cancer. A family relocating from across the country and buying sight-unseen.
These situations all require unique, dynamic, and holistic approaches. Everyone has different needs, and it is my top priority to meet my clients where they are. For me, real estate is not transactional. It is deeply personal and inevitably life-changing.
While each client requires a tailored strategy, my work ethic is unwavering. With me you can always expect organization, tenacity, responsiveness, dedication, and hustle. A gatherer of resources, a communicator of all options and possible outcomes. As your advocate, I will be brutally honest so you know what to expect. A skilled negotiator, I’ll consider every angle with your dreams and goals in mind.
My clients often end up feeling like family. I am honored they trust me enough to return to me as their needs change and refer me to their friends, family, and communities.
What are your real estate goals and dreams? Call or text me so we can meet to discuss your vision.
Curious about the home-buying process in Portland? Click here to sign up for one of my free The How To Buy A House Class™ classes!
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- T: 207-240-8837
- oliviarushpdx@gmail.com
