Tag: firsttimehomebuyer

Meet up for the first time.

See 4 homes.

See a great home, that’s a really sweet deal, that just had a price reduction.

Sent in an offer the same night.

Boom, offer accepted!

What a whirlwind!

Congrats to my clients on finding a wonderful first home with upgrades galore.

Talk about on it, responsive, well planned, good communicators, with the most combined skills amongst a couple I have seen!

Can’t wait to see what they do with this wonderful place.

Congrats to my clients that just scored a pretty sweet abode. The process was swift, but not without some of the best wit that I have encountered in quite some time. I hope this home treats them with cozy sweetness for years to come. They have some many great ideas about how they envision this home, including Zero energy. Can’t wait to see how it turns out! I’m just so thrilled that could be apart of the journey!!! Have I ever told you how much I love my clients?!

Pizza.

The meal that never seems to disappoint imma right?

I bring to you.

Top 5 Pizza places in Portland in no particular order.

Life of Pie

Papa John’s

Dove Viva

Baby Doll

Virtuous Pie

I’m still in need of trying Ranch PDX Woodlawn!

Ironically Sizzle Pie did not make the slice.

There you have it!
Change my mind

Who did this? Because I want to Thank them. Some days, I take an afternoon stroll with my partner. We take several routes, depending on our mood. We walk slowly.  And my partner can be found, well, smelling the flowers. My partner really appreciates things like that. And I, in turn, really appreciate that about her. I, on the other hand can be found gazing at roofs, siding, and paint color choices.

But there is one house, a very very very fine house that we pass often. The flowers can’t be overlooked. They stand radiantly bright and center. They seem to kindly extend their petals like open arms and say “Have yourself a beautiful day, ya here.”  Every time I pass this house, I feel gratitude and wonder what simple thing I can do to make this subtle impact on strangers in my day to day.

Another one and done! This market is brutal, yes! But it doesn’t always have to be. It’s all about a little cheer called: Be Strategic. B.E. Strategic! And that’s exactly what my clients did! And I’m so incredibly proud of them. They scored a beautiful home, in a beautiful location, with beautiful views. I scored an amazing homemade pear pie! WIN WIN! It was wonderful working with these two. They compliment each other so well. Together, can’t imagine another they can’t do. I can’t wait to see what they do with the place! There style of dress leads me to think this home will be SO COOL!

Congrats to my clients that were able to score a 4 bedroom 2 bath home!
We were on the search, both high and low for an opportunity to get them a home that fit their needs and boy did we ever!
Sometimes luck and perseverance comes into play. And sometimes it’s just sure karma that lifts you up and gives you blessings that you would have never imagined possible. No matter how it came about, I’m happy that my client was on the receiving end. I can’t wait to see how they grow into this beautiful space! It was amazing to be apart of their journey!

I’ll tell you the things that I’m really good at.

Real estate.

Resourceful and practical thinking.

Quick puns.

Being reliable.

Taking care of kiddos.

You wanna know what I’m not good at?

Gardening and plants.

Here’s what I want to know:

How do folks acquire their green thumbs?

What types of jobs do avid gardeners tend to have?

How does one learn to move so slowly in the world to actually garden?

I can remember house sitting for folks.

Folks with beautiful gardens.

And I’d ask the specifics.

You know, to get it right.

How much water and how often?

To which they would reply, you know just make sure that they are watered.

Like, what does this mean?

The same folks that would be able to tell me if the windows in the home are south facing,

what time of day the sun hits the strawberries, and exact time, day, and location that you should plant your starters.

But they can never quite answer the specifics of how much water it takes to keep the garden green.  You know it’s true!

It’s all a mystery to the rest of us.

Deep down inside, we all want to be a secret gardener!

I want to become a houseplant parent so badly.

As soon as this reno is done, it’s going to be house plant city baby!

Send me your favorite, easy to take care of house plant list!

3 months.

That’s how long it took to get our new stove delivered.

3 whole months.

Is it the one we ordered?

We don’t know, but I’ll tell you what else, we don’t even care.

We’re not returning a single thing.

No way will we enter that cue again.

Due to Covid, many factories that assemble appliances shut down.

(And I’m happy that they weren’t forced to continue work!!!)

Never-the-less, there is a shortage of supply and high demand.

Which creates a rather timely delay.

Pro-tip: Order all of your home appliances early.

And know that delays may occur.

Good luck to everyone out there.

So far, the verdict is still out!

Recently, I came across a home in a wonderful neighborhood that was listed for cash or rehab only. It sat for more than 2 weeks and I was so curious of why each time it popped up in my search. So, I decided to investigate more of what’s behind the mysterious rehab loan or alternatively known as a 203k. Once reading more about it, the Aries in me yelled out “Challenge Accepted” and two days later, my partner and I had an offer accepted! Dang ok! I guess we’re doing this.

The most surprising things that I have learned thus far.

1. You actually only need $5k in repairs to qualify it as a rehab loan. Sweet! That’s paint and refinishing the floors alone.
2. You need to have a contractor that you are hoping to work with identified IMMEDIATELY. This contractor should be SOLID and flexible. There is a pile of docs that the contractor needs to fill out. They are also required to have been in the industry for several years. So far our contractor is on it. I have promised him several 6 packs of beer once this rat race is over.
3. You get two appraisals. An initial appraisal and then another once repairs are completed.
4. You need more time to close than a traditional Conv or FHA loan. In addition to underwriting, you have a project team managing the construction part of the deal.
5. You need to be quick on your vision of repairs. We had about one week to have a concrete plan on what repairs where going to be completed, costs, and timeline.

I’m still in the process of it all………

I’ll let you know how it turns out!

The last concert I went to was well, Sarah McLachlan. Ok. Don’t judge me, that concert was lit. I miss live music SO much. I had a inkling of how much I needed music. But this last year, I think about when we’ll see it again. I’ve got Alanis Morrisette tickets burning a hole in my pocket for July. That’s right, you outta know. But will we know? Will we go? Sending so much love and respect to artists of the world. They provide so much escape, so much healing, joy, sadness, you name it. It’s always been my free therapy. I can remember coming home after school, locking my bedroom door, and then Boom! Dance Fever. Nobody couldn’t tell me nothing. I use to have MOVES. You hear me. Here’s to hoping we can get past these Covid times quickly. Yes, I know there are so many more immediate needs than music. But, I do know that the world could use a little joy right now in the form of it.

Looks dreamy right?

This place is tucked away in Coos Bay. A relatively cheap option to stay on the Oregon Coast.

It’s pretty beautiful out there. Rivers, tides, calm, fresh air.

I was excited about some downtown and shared meals with my partner.

But

REAL ESTATE.

I think I wrote 4 offers on that vacation, that which is not a vacation.

I’ll be the first to say that I LOVE my job.

I enjoy it day in and day out.

I work really hard and I will figure out a way to make something happen. And quick.

But boy o’ boy, I can’t remember the last time that I have had a day off.

I ask around often, to see if any colleagues out there have figured out a good work life balance.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

So far, I’m not sure that anyone has.

I’m not missing too much (other than real quality time) with my partner.  Since we’re in a panini (pandemic) it doesn’t feel like

there’s no too much to miss.

But as soon as/whenever things return to “normal” I’m taking a real vacation!

It just may or may not look like a working one. hahaha.

#RealEstateLife

It’s been really interesting to think about how to market myself.

Congrats to my clients who not only found a home, but found a home that came with an additional lot, but not only did that home come with an additional lot, it came with a treehouse, an artist studio, and a PLAYGROUND on it! Now that’s a deal! Sure, everyone deserves housing. I agree. But let’s take it up a notch for 2021. I think everyone deserves a playground too! I mean think about it. Do you remember the wind against your face on the tire swing? Rolling down the slide in shorts, only to find that the sun has cooked it. The insta blisters on your finger from the monkey bars? Have you tried monkey bars as an adult? WOOO It’s not for the weak!

Congrats to my recent clients on their closing!
This couple had all the tenacity and charm one could ask for!
Cooperatively, we snagged a beautiful 1927 Craftsman in Arbor Lodge!
There is plenty to love about this home. It’s cozy and spacious at the same time.
Boosting AMAZING WALLPAPER!
This place is quirky, cute, and well suited for these two!
I’m excited for them to share plenty of great meals, lots of laughter, and live their best lives within!

You want it? It’s got it! Maple Hardwood Floors. A/C. Newer Roof. Gas Stove. Covered Patio. Check! Come see this Move In Ready, Meticulously Cared For, One Story Home. Boosting Summers filled with Scents and Sights of Purple Lilac and Wisteria.      Garden Beds O’ Plenty. Great for First Time Home Buyers. Just 2 blocks from Woodstock Blvd and Nearby Mt. Scott Arleta Park. Come Get Cozy This Winter in this SE Stunner.

Ya’ll.

Whenever I deliver keys I put on a song in celebration.
I have a couple of go-to’s but the other day I got to thinking.
How many popular HOME songs are there?
Here’s a few of my favorites:

1. My House -Flo Rida
2. Home -Edward Sharpe & The Magnetics
3. Brick House -Commodores
4. Our House -Crosby, Stiles, Nash & Young
5. Take Me Home -Phil Collins
6. This Must Be The Place -Talking Heads
7. Take Me Home, Country Roads -Mountain Man
8. Take Me Home -Cher (I don’t even know this Song But C’Mon, it’s Cher)
9. Take The Long Way Home -Supertramp
10. Our House -Madness
11. In My House -Mary Jane Girls
12. Take Me Home Tonight -Eddie Money
13. Homeward Bound -Simon & Garfunkel
14. In My Room -The Beach Boys
15. Coming Home -Leon Bridges
16. House A Home -Parker Ainsworth & Butch Walker
17. Bedroom -Litany
18. Home -Micheal Buble’

These last two hit a little to close to HOME if you know what I mean.

19. Bored in the House -Tyga & Curtis Roach
20. Burning Down The House -Tom Jones

What songs did I miss?
Reach out and let me know!
I’m taking this list pretty seriously. Haha.

You can find this playlist here:

1. Pandemic rom-com list
2. You can’t tell a house by the doorknob
3. Why are dogs incompetent at life? Asking for a friend
4. Let me name your baby!
5. What kind of pie should you bake in your new kitchen? A culinary adventure.
6. Looking for another oil tank, please don’t be a haunted house 
7. 12 reasons an adult should watch frozen
8. I catcall houses while I drive around town, “ooh baby, new roof.” (It’s true)
9. Teacher for professor, social worker for social worker and other stories about people supporting people.

Hi! I’m an Agent Thanks!

Yes. A Real Estate Agent!

Things I’m not:
An Intruder.
Waiting for MY agent to show up.
The homeowner.
A nosey neighbor.
Lost.

I’m an agent, thanks.

I sat down and studied for it.
Passed the exam on the first try in fact.
Is there a reason you assume that I’m anything else?

It’s likely an assumption based on bias and stereotype. 

Please don’t look to my client and assume they are the Agent in charge.
Please don’t call me on your security ring and ask me if I belong there and ask where my agent is.
Please don’t engage in RMLS conversations with me and still ask me if I’m waiting on my agent right after we engage in conversation about the RMLS.
These are called a micro aggressions. It happens more often than not and really hurts my feelings.
I can only imagine BIPOC doctors walking around proudly, only to be assumed as ANYTHING LESS THAN THAT.
Perhaps you haven’t seen anyone outside of what you think an agent will present as.

Right.
No button downs here.
Dreadlocks a flowing.
Usually slacks and a beanie too.
Well, I’m here to tell you, that I too am an agent.
Please, say hello and assume as such.

This family! That baby! Does it get any cuter? I don’t think so.

Without further ado, please allow me to introduce these new homeowners! The Jenkins Family. A couple of months ago, I texted Jordyn, congratulating her on Baby Taj. We caught up briefly. I inquired about their address to send the baby a gift and Jordyn asked about homes. Two weeks later, we’re pounding the pavement, looking for the families’ dream home.

While touring the first home, Jordyn looked over at me to ask, “How many homes do people normally see before they find their home?”

I knew this look, it was the “I’m in love with this house, but how could I be so sure so soon look.” I see this look often. I imagine most agents do. It’s pretty undeniable. Nothing to take lightly.

We followed up with a few other places. But the other homes paled in comparison. We pinpointed the market and surrounding neighborhood stats. We negotiated a new cedar fence and closing costs on behalf of my clients. The Jenkins family closed with a bit of equity in the home too. Given the current Portland Housing Market. I’d say: WE ROCKED THIS TRANSACTION!

Congrats Jordyn, Xzavier, & Taj!                                                                                                                                       I can’t wait to spend summer days in your backyard!

If you know me, you’d know that I always ask my clients what their Zodiac signs are. I love it! Not because I’m super woo or anything. It’s more so a quick fun conversation. Some are really into it, others not so much. I see horoscopes all the time and thought I’d take a stab at it. So, without further ado. Here’s what shopping for a homes with each Zodiac sign might like.

Oh Hi. Hello.
Catchy Title huh?

Full transparency:
I was a community organizer before I was a real estate agent and damn if I’m not grateful for that perspective.
Community Organizer to Real Estate Agent during a Global Pandemic.
During an Uprising. What a twist.
I love to organize behind the scenes, strategy based.
Some have reached out and wondered?
What can they actually do?
I don’t know baby, but it better be something, and quick.

If you didn’t already know me, my politics are VERY BEYONCE.
To the left to the left.
But, you’re in luck.
This will not be a linguistically dense, judgey, guilt invoking, pointing of the finger kinda list.
Just some things I’m thinking about or doing.
Things you may be thinking about, doing, or want to consider doing, too.

To be fair, I’m clear that we currently all live in contradiction.
Real Estate and Capitalism will continue on for the foreseeable future.
We need a cell phone and computer to do our jobs. Clothes to leave the house, cars to take us there. And while we all have variations of what we chose to recognize that gets these resources to our homes, bodies, and bellies, deep down, even with the cognitive dissonance of a mountain, we know that in order to capitalize on most opportunities, it’s likely at the expense of someone else’s loss, low wage labor, safety, and place in society. We can choose not to talk about it, be complicit in it, and be business as usual.
Or, we can make strides to acknowledge it and work actively towards change and justice. In Real Estate we tend to be long term goal orientated. We know how equity is built. That will help you greatly.

Do be warned, Creating real change takes effort, is an inconvenience to YOU, YOUR time, money, and your energy. It’s more than a FB post. It lasts longer than a riot.
It’s going to your local mom and pop shops, finding alternatives to Amazon and waiting days to get your order delivered, demanding big businesses to pay taxes, engaging in dialogue with family members when racism comes up at the turkey day table, actually researching elected officials policies, supporting people other than what’s in your sphere of contacts. It means supporting people even if there is no return in value.

So
What have I been doing whilst the world is on fire?
Taking action, educating myself, and asking questions.
Here’s about 30 of um.

1. I’m wondering how I can bring equity to real estate.
2. I’m enjoying watching folks Leverage their Privilege & Power.
3. I’m making lists of Black, Indigenous, POC businesses, services, contractors and programs I can use/contribute to.
They don’t have a website? Use your resources to help them build one. They don’t have equipment that’s necessary to do the job? Fundraise for that equipment on their behalf.
4. I’m asking others to ask themselves if their company not only has diverse representation, but more importantly, does it also have retention of BIPOC. Are you prioritizing and supporting those people when they reach out. Let’s take it one step further, are you helping them BEFORE they need to reach out?. How are you inviting them to work with you? Providing resources? Sharing knowledge?
5. I’m voting in accordance with benefiting people vs benefiting my pockets.
6. I’m enjoying the enjoyment of enjoying whatever I can find to enjoy.
7. I’m thinking critically. How much does it take to fund the blue angels to fly over hospitals vs PPE costs for our doctors and nurses. How do police officers casually have tanks but we can’t seem to get clean water in Flint, Michigan.
8. I’m noting that the government decided to bail out businesses before bailing out its people.
9. I’m reminding myself to be MY OWN moral compass, in a world that tells you laws should be. You wouldn’t believe it, but my existence was once against the law.
10. I’m Understanding my impact as a Real Estate Agent on gentrification, how I am complicit, and how I can counter that in an effective way.
11.I’m realizing how germaphobic my partner is and still having the audacity to wear my Coachella wristband from Beyonces’ 2018 Homecoming performance (Front Row NEVER FORGET)
12. I’m Recognizing that this land originally belonged to the Multnomah tribe of Chinookan. This was not MY land to sell and thus I contribute a percentage of my sales to. https://nayapdx.org/ or another Native tribe of choice.
13. I’m being clear and impeccable with my word.
14. I’m rejoicing in seeing socialist actions in an anti-socialist country.
15. I’m reading history that says the Boston Tea Party, Stonewall, the Civil Rights riots lead to historic human rights.
Remembering that MLK was one of the MOST hated men in the America at one time.
16. I’m reminding others that PROFITS ARE NOT more important than PEOPLE. I repeat PROFITS WILL NEVER BE more important than people.
17. I’m recognizing that Target & Banks have ample insurance money to rebuild their million dollar industry.
18. I’m connecting the dots.
17. I’m recognizing that the folks who wrote the history books were also the folks in power.
18. I’m enjoying my kick ass therapist partner for “seeing” clients in need, distress, sadness, and depression.
19. I’m giving props to the often “invisible” and forgotten workers that deserve to earn a living wage : Hey Migrate Farmers and JANITORS. We see you.
20, I’m Community Organizing and Strategizing.
21. I’m wondering how some people can identify a plant and recite its scientific name, tell me who won the world series game in 1982, but still can’t understand systematic racism and this history of injustice in America.
22. I’m Focusing on creating Structural Change. Band-aids do not work.
23. I’m thinking about why someone would be more upset at looting than a life stolen.
24. I’m recognizing that Hate Speech is not the same as Freedom of Speech.
25. I’m thinking about how many white friends’ young kiddos still think I’m an actual biological relative of their parent sans questions asked.
26. I’m wondering how the Lakers qualified as a small business and got a PPP loan.
27. I’m regretting the fact that I didn’t invest in Zoom 2 year prior to Covid-19.
28. I’m recognizing that grief looks different for different people.
29. I’m actively Googling the requirements to immigrate to Cuba, Ireland, and or New Zealand.
30. I’m standing up for Black Lives, because they Matter.

There are things we can and cannot change in these times.
Can is the word that I am holding onto.
Be well my friends.
Love on each other, just from a little further away.