By Lydia Hallay, January 1, 2024
As we bid farewell to 2023 and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, many are considering significant life changes. For some, this includes buying or selling a home. Whether you’re a prospective buyer or seller, setting New Year’s resolutions can help guide you toward a successful real estate journey in 2024. Here are three resolutions that can pave the way for your real estate dreams to become a reality.
Resolution 1: Define Your Dream Home Criteria
Embarking on a real estate journey without a clear vision of your dream home can be overwhelming. This year, make it a priority to define your criteria. Consider factors such as location, size, style, and amenities that matter most to you and your family.
Reflect on your lifestyle, future plans, and any specific needs or preferences. Are you looking for a midcentury ranch with space for entertaining? A charming bungalow with coffee shops nearby? By identifying your priorities, you’ll streamline your search, making the entire process more efficient and enjoyable.
Research neighborhoods, visit open houses, and explore different property types to gain insights into what resonates with you. As you refine your vision, you’ll be better equipped to communicate your preferences and narrow down options that align with your dream home.
Resolution 2: Set Clear Financial Goals and Budgets
Financial planning is a key aspect of any real estate endeavor. Whether you’re saving for a down payment, assessing your affordability, or planning for home improvement projects, setting clear financial goals should be a top priority.
Start by creating a realistic budget that considers not only the property’s purchase price but also additional costs such as closing fees, moving expenses, and potential renovation costs. If you’re selling, determine your ideal selling price and calculate potential profits or losses. Being financially prepared will not only streamline the process but also alleviate stress during the buying or selling journey.
If you’re not sure where to begin, talking with a financial planner and a lender is a great first step. I’m always happy to recommend resources. Don’t hesitate to send me a message.
Resolution 3: Connect with a Real Estate Agent
Having a knowledgeable and experienced professional by your side can make a world of difference. Make it a resolution to find and collaborate with a reputable broker who understands the local market intricacies, has a proven track record, and can guide you through the complexities of a transaction.
A skilled agent can help you navigate negotiations, provide valuable market insights, and ensure a smooth process from start to finish. Their expertise can be particularly beneficial for first-time buyers or sellers, making your real estate journey more efficient and less stressful.
Interested in chatting more? Whether virtually or over a cup of coffee/tea, I’d love to talk more about how I can best serve your needs as a buyer/seller.
Embarking on a real estate journey in the new year is an exciting opportunity for growth and change. By setting these three New Year’s resolutions—defining your dream home criteria, setting clear financial goals, and working with a professional real estate agent—you’ll position yourself for success in achieving your homeownership or selling goals in 2024.
Here’s to a year filled with exciting real estate opportunities and the fulfillment of your housing dreams!
Lydia Hallay
Principal Broker | OR
She/They
Calm, prepared, and people-first—Lydia brings a steady presence to what can be a high-stress process.
As a licensed Principal Broker, she leads Ello, a collaborative team within Living Room Realty known for its neighborly approach to real estate. Ello works with buyers and sellers who value thoughtful strategy, good design, and clear communication.
Lydia is consistently top-rated and ranked among the top 150 agents in the city, and is known for listings that sell faster than average (often with multiple offers), with distinctive, design-forward marketing that stops buyers in their scroll.Before real estate, Lydia spent 17 years as a union organizer and negotiator, advocating for worker rights, leading large-scale strategic leverage campaigns, and navigating complex contracts. That background shows up in her work today: calm under pressure, sharp in negotiations, and deeply attuned to the human side of big decisions.
With roots in the Sonoran Desert (she owns a vacation rental in Tucson), Lydia is an avid gardener, a devoted fan of Portland's food & small business scene, and loves hunting for secondhand/vintage gems. Lydia & her spouse (a longtime restauranteur & golf nerd) enjoy taking their vintage camper (named Puff the Magic Eurovan) for mini adventures. They live in a midcentury home in SE Portland with their dog (Maybelle) and two cats (Kenny & Caroline).
A lifelong advocate for social, economic, and housing justice, Lydia supports organizations doing on-the-ground work in the community. A portion of every paycheck she earns is donated to Taking Ownership PDX, which helps Black homeowners age in place and build wealth.
- T: 503-807-0156
- lydiah@livingroomre.com
