Tag: home buying

Fasten Your Seatbelts: My Experience on Portland’s Fair Housing Bus Tour

Posted on by Jessica Ward

I recently joined the Fair Housing Bus Tour Portland, hosted by the Fair Housing Council of Oregon. This powerful tour explores Portland’s history of housing discrimination and the communities that fought for fairness and inclusion.

Portland’s hidden housing history—stories about exclusion, resilience, and progress.

It was more than an educational experience. It was emotional. I left with a deeper understanding of how Oregon’s past still shapes our neighborhoods today.

Beginning at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Statue 🏛️

Our first stop on the Fair Housing Bus Tour Portland was the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue outside the Oregon Convention Center. The monument depicts three figures: Dr. King, an immigrant worker, and a child. Together, they represent courage, unity, and the hope for equality.

Standing before the statue, I thought about the people who came to Oregon searching for opportunity. Many immigrants, workers, and families were met with laws that excluded them instead of welcoming them. Early Oregonians argued that housing was a “personal transaction” and that government shouldn’t interfere. Sadly, that belief created space for systemic housing discrimination that lasted generations.

From Albina to Montavilla: A City Divided 🏙️

Next, the Fair Housing Bus Tour Portland visited neighborhoods that were once separate towns — Albina, Montavilla, and others. Each area has a story of growth, loss, and resilience.

Albina once served as the heart of Portland’s Black community. Williams Avenue buzzed with Black-owned businesses, music venues, and cultural pride. By the 1990s, Albina’s population was about 75% Black. By 2020, it had dropped to 25%. Many families were pushed east to Gresham and East Portland, where sidewalks, grocery stores, and public services remain scarce.

Portland’s transformation tells a difficult truth. It’s now considered one of the most gentrified cities in the nation. Understanding how that happened is crucial if we want to build a more inclusive city.

The Bigger Picture: Land, Power, and Policy 🌎

The Fair Housing Bus Tour Portland also explained how government policy shaped who could own land. The Donation Land Act of 1850 gave white settlers millions of acres of Native land. Later, the Dawes Severalty Act of 1887forced Native families into individual ownership, which led to widespread land loss.

Even in the 1900s, injustice continued. Between the 1930s and 1960s, less than 2% of FHA loans went to nonwhite families. These policies prevented homeownership for thousands and deepened racial wealth gaps that still exist today.

The Golden West Hotel: A Symbol of Community and Pride 🏨

Another memorable stop on the Fair Housing Bus Tour Portland was the Golden West Hotel, once the largest Black-owned hotel on the West Coast. Located near Union Station, it gave Black travelers a safe place to stay during segregation.

The building still stands today, owned by Central City Concern, but its legacy runs deeper. Nearby stood Mount Olivet Baptist Church, which the Ku Klux Klan pushed to move out of downtown. These stories revealed how racism wasn’t only social — it was systemic and deliberate.

Hard Truths and Lessons Learned ⚖️

The tour continued to uncover painful chapters of history. At the Portland Expo Center, we learned it was once used as a Japanese American assembly center during World War II. Families, two-thirds of whom were U.S. citizens, were held there before being sent to internment camps.

We also discussed Portland’s Red Squad, a police unit that targeted activists, and the Silver Shirts, a local hate group modeled after Nazi Germany’s brownshirts. These facts were hard to hear but necessary to confront.

Hearing these stories, I was reminded of one quote from our guide:

“Every accusation is a confession.”
It spoke to the hypocrisy of discrimination — how fear often projects itself outward, targeting others to mask its own insecurity.

Connecting the Past to the Present 🌾

The Fair Housing Bus Tour Portland also highlighted how inequity reached beyond the city. During the 1970s, small family farms collapsed as big agriculture took over. Whether in rural or urban Oregon, communities with less power lost the most.

Writer William Faulkner once said, “The past isn’t even past.” After this tour, that quote felt more real than ever. Portland’s history lives in its streets, its housing, and its policies.

Why You Should Take This Tour ✊

This tour changed how I see my city. It connected history, policy, and humanity in a way that reading alone cannot. Whether you’re a local resident, a student, a business owner, or part of a community organization, this experience is worth taking.

Go as an individual or bring your company, team, or group. The conversations that follow will inspire awareness, empathy, and change.

Final Reflection

The Fair Housing Bus Tour Portland isn’t just about the past — it’s about our responsibility now. Learning these stories helps us understand why equity and fair housing matter today.

If you live in Oregon, I encourage you to take the tour. It will challenge you, inform you, and move you to think differently about what “home” truly means.

Contact me today! To read more about my expertise in East Portland check out my blog

When Can I Move In? Understanding Possession Dates in Real Estate

Posted on by Will Sing

One of the most common questions buyers ask is, “When can I move in?” The answer depends on the possession date in your real estate contract. This date determines when you officially take ownership of your new home and can start moving in. Let’s explore three main scenarios for possession dates, helping you understand what to expect and how to plan your move.

1. Possession on the Closing Date

The most straightforward scenario is when your possession date matches the closing date. On this day, you sign all necessary documents, and the property becomes yours. Once your name registers with the title, you officially own the home and can start moving in immediately. This scenario is ideal for many buyers because it allows you to move in as soon as the deal closes.

2. Possession After the Closing Date

Sometimes, sellers need extra time in the property after the sale is finalized. In these cases, the possession date will be set for a few days or weeks after the closing date. For example, if your closing date is January 15th, you might agree to give the sellers two more weeks to move out. During this period, you own the property, but the sellers remain in the home, often paying you rent until they leave. This arrangement, known as a “rent-back” agreement, is common when sellers need more time to relocate.

3. Early Occupancy Before Closing

A less common scenario involves moving into the property before the closing date. While convenient, this option comes with risks. If the transaction falls through, you may have to move out before the deal completes, causing major inconvenience. Additionally, you will likely need to pay rent to the seller for the time spent in the home before closing. Early occupancy is typically reserved for special circumstances and requires careful consideration.

Planning Your Move-In Day

If your possession date is on the closing date, planning your move carefully is essential. Typically, you can expect to receive the keys to your new home by 3 PM, but it’s safer to aim for a 5 PM move-in. The exact time depends on when the title records. I will keep in close contact with the title company and update you promptly. If there’s a chance to get in earlier, I’ll notify you as soon as possible.

Have Questions? I’m Here to Help!

Understanding possession dates is crucial for a smooth transition into your new home. If you have any questions about buying a home or need more personalized advice, feel free to reach out to me. Connect with me on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook.

For a more detailed consultation or to get started on your home buying journey, schedule a free strategy session here. You can also access my Free Buyer’s Guide to help you through every step of the process here.

5 Advantages of Buying a Home in the Winter

Posted on by Sofia Gallamore

When most people think about buying a home, spring and summer get all the attention. The flowers are blooming, the sun is out, and houses just look prettier in good weather. But here’s the thing – buying a home in the winter actually has some major perks that often get overlooked by buyers. If you’ve been thinking about making a move, don’t let the colder months scare you away. In fact, this season might give you a few advantages that you may not have considered.

1. Fewer Buyers = Less Competition

While everyone else is hibernating until spring, you’ll face fewer multiple-offer situations. Less competition means more breathing room to negotiate and potentially less pressure to make lightning-fast decisions. This means less pressure! You can take a little more time to think things through (and maybe keep a little more money in your pocket).

2. Sellers Are Often More Motivated

If a seller has their home on the market in the dead of winter, chances are they really need to sell. Maybe they’ve already moved, maybe it’s a job relocation, or, unfortunately, a death or divorce has happened. Whatever the reason, motivated sellers often mean more flexibility on terms, timing, and even price. They often do not have the luxury of time to be able to wait and list their home in the peak spring market.

3. You Get to See How the House Handles Rain

This one’s especially important here in the Pacific Northwest: winter weather is the ultimate test for a home. Rain reveals all. Is there water pooling in the yard? Does the basement stay dry, or do you see moisture sneaking in? Are the gutters doing their job? Buying in the winter lets you spot issues that might stay hidden during the drier months. Think of it as a free “stress test” for the house.

4. Vendors Have More Availability

From inspectors to movers to contractors, schedules open up in the winter. You’ll often be able to book appointments faster, and sometimes at lower rates since it’s their “off season” and they are typically looking for more work. That means fewer delays, better pricing, and a smoother process overall.

5. You See the House in Its “Real Life” Mode

Homes can look extra charming when the roses are blooming, but winter shows you how a property really lives day-to-day (and majority of the year in the PNW). Is it drafty? Do certain rooms stay chilly no matter how high the thermostat is turned up? Does the driveway get slick and dangerous after a cold snap? Winter gives you a more realistic picture of the home’s comfort, presentation, and functionality.

Final Thoughts

While buying a home in the winter may not sound glamorous, it can actually give you a real edge. Less competition, motivated sellers, a sneak peek into how the home performs in bad weather – it all works in your favor. So if you’ve been sitting on the fence about starting your home search, maybe winter is exactly the time to jump in and take advantage.

And if you’re curious about what’s out there, I’d love to help you explore the possibilities; whether it’s now, in the spring, or whenever you’re ready.

Your friend and Realtor,

Sofi

Navigating Real Estate with Tenants? Here’s Why You Need to Know About Estoppels

Posted on by Will Sing

What Is an Estoppel?

If you’re involved in real estate transactions, especially those with multi-family properties or tenants, you’ve likely heard the term “estoppel.” But what exactly is an estoppel, and why is it important in real estate?

An estoppel is a legal document provided by a tenant during a real estate transaction. It outlines key details about the lease agreements, including the tenant’s rights and responsibilities, as well as other relevant information. Think of it as a written confirmation from the tenant that details the terms of the lease, which can be crucial in preventing future disputes.

Key Details Included in an Estoppel

Some key details typically included in an estoppel are:

  • Names of all tenants and occupants in the unit
  • Lease term, including start and end dates
  • Rental payment amount and due dates
  • Security deposit details
  • Responsibility for utilities
  • Ownership of appliances
  • Information about pets
  • Any problems or repairs needed
  • Other agreements made with the landlord

Why Are Estoppels Important?

Estoppels are voluntary, meaning a tenant isn’t required to fill one out. However, they are in the tenant’s best interest because they bring any unwritten rules or expectations to light. This can be particularly important if there are verbal agreements between the tenant and the landlord that aren’t documented in the lease.

For instance, if a tenant has a verbal agreement with the landlord that the landlord will handle lawn maintenance, but the lease doesn’t reflect this, the estoppel provides an opportunity to clarify such arrangements. This helps both the buyer and tenant understand the full scope of their obligations and rights.

The Pros of Using an Estoppel

One of the biggest advantages of using an estoppel is that it helps eliminate potential disputes down the road. By having everything documented, both the buyer and tenant are protected. For the buyer, it’s an added layer of security, ensuring there are no surprises after the deal is closed. It also helps in understanding the tenant’s expectations, which is crucial for maintaining a good landlord-tenant relationship.

Additionally, an estoppel can serve as a defense if a tenant later claims that certain agreements were in place with the previous landlord. With an estoppel in hand, you have written proof of what was agreed upon at the time of purchase.

The Cons of Using an Estoppel

While estoppels offer significant benefits, there are a few potential downsides to consider. First, because they are voluntary, tenants may refuse to fill them out or may delay doing so until after the inspection period. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to finalize the details of your purchase.

Another potential downside is that an estoppel might reveal unfavorable terms or conditions that you weren’t aware of before. While this can be disheartening, it’s better to know these details upfront rather than being blindsided later.

Final Thoughts

In real estate, especially when dealing with properties that have tenants, an estoppel is a valuable tool that can help clarify lease terms and protect both buyers and tenants. While there are some limitations to what an estoppel can accomplish, its ability to document and confirm lease details makes it a crucial element in many transactions.

If you’ve encountered estoppels in your own transactions or have any tips to share, I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out the full video on my YouTube channel: Avoid These Real Estate Mistakes: The Truth About Estoppel. And, of course, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this content if you think it could help others navigate their real estate journeys!

Connect with me on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook for more insights into real estate. If you’re looking for personalized advice, feel free to schedule a free strategy session here. Don’t forget to grab your free Homebuyer’s Guide here to make your real estate journey even smoother!

Disclaimer: Please note, I am not a lawyer. The information provided in this blog post is based on my experience as a real estate professional and is intended for educational purposes only. For legal advice, please consult a qualified attorney.

How to Style Your Home

Posted on by Erica Goodfriend

I was going to make a post about how to style your home but I think it works the other way around—making your home first and then styling it around how you live.

I’ve always loved the look of a lived-in house. There’s something charming about the way there’s marks on the countertops and stuff packed everywhere. Honestly, I think I just love stuff. I love that someone feels comfortable enough to have a little part of themselves out on display in their house. I love how personal everything is and how it represents our innermost drives. Famous designers will talk about how you always want to style a house and then add one “odd” thing. Why stop at one?

I think it’s important to let our personalities shine through. But also, houses are also homes. Meaning, we LIVE in them! The houses I see that are meticulously styled often feel sterile and that’s because it is obvious no one actually lives there. Mess has a quantifiably good value. To make a well-styled home, the first big step is making your house a home. How to do that? I have three big design values that lead me and my practice.

  1. Flow

When starting to arrange your home, make sure it FLOWS for how you *actually* live! I always recommend living in a home for a few months before embarking on any major changes (even furniture). Figure out what your needs vs. wants are for the space itself. Most of the time you are working with a set layout and just configuring your furniture based on that (while it is fun to knock down walls and truly create the space of your dreams, it is very expensive and not common). Make sure furniture you get fits the space well and doesn’t feel too bulky. For example, I constantly rearrange my dining room because it is the main pass through point to the bedrooms, bathroom, and kitchen. I had a large console table against one wall that I LOVED aesthetically but it was just too big to comfortably walk around.

Take note of anytime someone bumps their hip on a corner or can’t walk in a straight line from one common space to another. Make sure it is easy to get from point A to point B because if it’s not, your brain will start to make you feel like the space is cluttered even if it’s not on first glance. Do you have to walk around a bed to get to a dresser every day? Is the kitchen island just a hassle to avoid or is it truly helpful? Sometimes you have a particular need that trumps “optimal” flow. Especially when renovating kitchens, I often see the desire for the “work triangle” aka the stove, fridge, and sink within a triangle for easy access. Sometimes the flow of the space can be disrupted for another larger benefit. Maybe in order to have your huge fridge you want so badly, we have to put the fridge in the breakfast nook or further away from the stove than ideal. Maybe you have an espresso machine that can go in your dining room instead of taking up countertop space in the kitchen. These are things only you can decide for yourself based on how you live.

  1. Light

Always take into account the lighting of a space when choosing its function and layout. If a window is south facing, be aware it is going to be super sunny and hot all day in the summer. North facing is great for a bedroom but can be dark for an office. East facing is lovely morning light for a breakfast nook but can wake you up if your bed faces it! And finally west facing windows sure do get a great sunset but can be blinding and hot if you’re trying to work nearby. Sometimes the spaces decide for themselves what it is based on layout and point #1, but we can often work around it. If you have a north facing office, make sure to put the desk against the window so you can enjoy the filtered light for zoom meetings. Place beds away from windows unless you enjoy having sun on your face (or get curtains!). My one rule is never, ever, ever block a window. I don’t care if you have a beautiful credenza, if it overlaps the window it will look cheap and ill-fitting in the room. Also, in the PNW especially we need all the light we can get!

  1. Personality

This is the most ephemeral concept that is deeply personal but also has the biggest impact. It’s also why working with a designer is really helpful! It’s my job to tease out your personality and make a room look cohesive. A lot of the time, that means collecting art, furniture, knick-knacks, and textiles to bring the room together. Paint also is a huge help here. Picking shades can be challenging but I always encourage clients to pick what colors you’re drawn to first, then decide shade based on #2 and the pieces in the room. Having a cohesive color theme may sound correct but in practice I find it’s quite boring. Walking from room to room seeing variations of a theme really makes my brain go brrrrrrr. Get a color wheel and go crazy with complimentary colors or statement colors. The book Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours and the Japanese book called A Dictionary of Color Combinations has been hugely influential in seeing different color schemes that are really lovely.

the branding for Have Your Cake is based on these two colors

Personality also encompasses all your “stuff”! I like to encourage my clients to lean into their own personal style, whether it is considered quirky or weird. I have had goth clients paint their interiors black and minimalist clients who bought houses with very few walls in the interior. The best style, in my opinion, is yours <3

Opt-out of mortgage trigger calls

Posted on by Alyssa Starelli
SEEKING LENDING? Listen Up!

After a mortgage credit inquiry, buyers receive 50-80 calls within 24 hours, with “I’ve got a better deal for you!, call me”. It’s easy to opt out, which should stop trigger leads and pre-screened offers. This process can take a few days (up to 5 business days), so if your credit report has already been pulled, this will not block offers immediately.

You can opt out of pre-screened offers for 5 years (or permanently) on the web or by phone. On the Web: https://www.optoutprescreen.com/ which is a joint venture among the three national credit bureaus to allow consumers to control pre-screened offers. Or you can do it by phone: 1-888-5-OPT-OUT. You can also add your number to the Do Not Call List, since trigger leads are supposed to be scrubbed against the National Do Not Call list. On the Web: www.donotcall.gov or by phone: 1-888-382-1222.

I want to thank my all-time favorite mortgage broker, Tristen Hunt, for writing and providing the above information. If you’re seeking a new loan in this busy market she is the one to call.  Then, call me!

Tristen Hunt NMLS # 502222

Mortgage Broker | Vantage Mortgage Brokers

Mobile: 503-515-6142

Email: tristen@vantagemortgagegroup.com

Website: www.VantageMortgageBrokers.com

Address: 17040 Pilkington Rd. Ste 300, Lake Oswego, OR 97035

 

The Importance Of Getting Pre-Approved | Did You Know?

Posted on by Karim Alaeddine

Hey there, I’m Karim Alaeddine, Principal Broker at Living Room Realty.

Today, we’re diving into an essential step in your home buying journey, something you need to do before you even begin your search, this is getting a pre-approval letter.

So, why is this step so crucial, why does this step need to happen, and how does it serve you to get your ducks in a row now?

 

Why Is It So Important?

Imagine this…. you’ve found your dream home, the amazing kitchen, the cozy fireplace, a perfect floor plan, everything you’ve been dreaming of…..

But hold on! Before you can make an offer, the seller wants to know if you’re financially capable of buying their home. This is where the pre-approval letter comes in.

A pre-approval letter is like your passport to the world of home buying. It shows sellers that you’re serious and financially prepared to make an offer. Without it, you’re essentially saying to the sellers “just trust me… i got this.” Sellers want assurances that their prospective buyer can and will follow through.

Clarity & Confidence

But it’s not just about impressing sellers. A pre-approval letter also gives you clarity and confidence in your home buying journey. It helps you understand your budget, set realistic expectations, and focus your search on homes you can actually afford.

By getting pre-approved, you’ll save yourself time and frustration by avoiding homes that are out of your price range. Plus, when you do find the perfect home, you’ll be ready to make a confident offer in a timely manner, knowing that you’re already approved for financing.

So, before you start browsing listings and scheduling showings, take the time to get pre-approved. It’s a small step that can make a huge difference in your home buying journey. You will be thanking yourself later.

 

Make A Move

Are you ready to make a move? Call your agent today. We would love to help you find your next Living Room.

 

Did You Know?

Ready to level up your home buying knowledge? Delve into our “Did You Know?” series where we unpack essentials of the real estate process. From decoding home inspections to demystifying mortgages, we’re here to make your journey seamless. Explore more insightful tips tailored for your home buying adventure. Let’s make your real estate dreams a reality!

Seller Credit vs Price Reduction – Which is right for you?

Posted on by Marissa Sainz

I get a lot of questions when a buyer or seller is negotiating a price reduction vs a credit. These two options look very similar for a seller, but can be very different for a buyer.  Let’s use the example of a $500,000 house for sale.

A price reduction is the seller lowering the price they will accept on their home for a buyer. For example they will accept $490,000 instead of $500,000.  For the seller this reduction takes away from the net proceeds they will receive at closing.

For a buyer this reduction will reduce their monthly mortgage payment.  The amount will vary depending on interest rate.  Buyers that are sensitive to their monthly mortgage payment may choose this route.

A seller credit is the seller offering to pay for a portion of a buyer’s closing costs.  For example they accept the full sale price of $500,000 and will contribute $10,000 towards the buyer’s closing costs.  For the seller this reduction takes away from the net proceeds they will receive at closing.

For a buyer this credit will reduce the amount of cash they have to bring in at closing.  If a buyer’s down payment is $50,000 and their lender/title/pre-paid closing costs are $10,000 they will only need to bring in $50,000 instead of $60,000 at closing. Buyers that would like to keep cash on hand after closing (most of the time for repairs or updates) may choose this route.

Have more questions? Reach out at marissa@livingroomre.com

Stop Wondering What Your Budget Is & Get Pre-Approved!

Posted on by Carrie Struss

I have met with three new buyers this week all just starting out on their home buying journey. They all want to know, where do we start??

In the Portland market and many markets throughout the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes outnumbers the number of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show that you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your search.

Even if you are not in an incredibly competitive market, understanding your budget will give you the confidence of knowing whether or not your dream home is within your reach.

Freddie Mac lays out the advantages of pre-approval in the ‘My Home’ section of their website:

“It’s highly recommended that you work with your lender to get pre-approved before you begin house hunting. Pre-approval will tell you how much home you can afford and can help you move faster, and with greater confidence, in competitive markets.”

One of the many advantagesof working with a local real estate professional is that many have relationships with lenders who will be able to help you through this process. Once you have selected a lender, you will need to fill out their loan application and provide them with important information regarding “your credit, debt, work history, down payment and residential history.”

Freddie Mac describes the ‘4 Cs’ that help determine the amount you will be qualified to borrow:

  1. Capacity: Your current and future ability to make your payments
  2. Capital or cash reserves: The money, savings, and investments you have that can be sold quickly for cash
  3. Collateral: The home, or type of home, that you would like to purchase
  4. Credit: Your history of paying bills and other debts on time

Getting pre-approved is one of many steps that will show home sellers that you are serious about buying, and it often helps speed up the process once your offer has been accepted.

Please reach out and contact me today to get you in touch with my preferred lender!

Bottom Line

Many potential homebuyers overestimate the down payment and credit scores necessary to qualify for a mortgage. If you are ready and willing to buy, you may be pleasantly surprised at your ability to do so today.