Tag: Home Buying Guide

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!

When the right home comes along

Posted on by Lily Ray Wyss

Often when starting out the home buying process, especially with a first time home buyer, we give the process a lot of structure. And that is for good reason.

We ask home buyers to get as specific as possible with their home needs, how many bedrooms, bathrooms, whether the yard needs to be fenced or not. We ask them their ideal timeline and so many other important things.

This structure and clear path forward is important to having a stress free home buying experience.

BUT sometimes you have to be willing to have an open mind and be flexible.

Enter C and H’s home buying story.

When I first met with C & H we met very early on in their timeline which gave us plenty of time to start the education process and dial in what they were looking for in a home.

We discussed their ideal time to purchase a home and when we would plan to start the search more seriously. Which was a few months out.

But then… a few weeks later… we noticed the perfect home.

You know, the house that was priced well, super cute, well taken care of and in a great area. The home were you stand in it and go, why has no one else snatched this home up yet type home.

Luckily C & H had already started the home loan pre-approval process so we were able to act quickly, write an offer and secure them the property.

Everything went super smoothly and I was able to hand them over keys to their new home. We were sipping champagne in their new backyard after what felt like the most beautiful whirlwind of a home transaction.

The moral of the story is, it’s great to have a game plan for your home buying journey, but when the right home comes along, even if it feels “too soon” sometimes making the leap can be the best thing you ever did.

If you want to talk about your personalized home buying strategy and how we can work together please reach out. I would love to be sipping champagne with you in your backyard someday soon!

Septic Tanks Uncovered: Your Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Septic Systems

Posted on by Will Sing

Hey Portland home enthusiasts! I’m here to demystify the world of septic tanks for you. Let’s dive right in!

What is a Septic Tank?

A septic tank is essentially a personal waste management system, a great alternative to the public sewer. It’s a passive strategy to separate floatable matter and solids from the wastewater that exits your home. The system comprises the tank itself and a drainage field. The tanks come in various sizes, accommodating different occupancy levels based on their storage capacity.

Maintenance: The Key to Longevity

A well-maintained septic tank can last a long time, requiring cleaning every 5-7 years and annual filter maintenance. It’s not just about longevity; it’s about fostering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective waste management solution.

Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know

While septic systems are eco-friendly and generally more affordable than sewer lines, they come with responsibilities. You need to be mindful of what goes down the drain to avoid system clogs and ensure regular maintenance to prevent drainage issues.

Inspection Insights: What to Expect

During a home transaction involving a septic system, it’s vital to locate, clean, and inspect the tank. This process, which can involve various costs, ensures the system is functioning correctly and helps identify potential issues that might affect the transaction.

Facing Issues: Solutions and Costs

If issues arise, they generally involve the tank or the drainage field. Solutions might include installing a new tank or drainage field, or hydro-jetting to improve drainage. These repairs can be substantial, ranging from $10-20+k, emphasizing the importance of a thorough inspection during the home buying process.

Connecting to the Public Sewer: An Alternative

If fixing the septic system isn’t feasible, connecting to the public sewer is an alternative, albeit a potentially costly one, depending on the proximity to the public sewer line.

Conclusion

Understanding the state of a home’s septic system is crucial when buying a home. It’s a significant aspect that can affect your home buying experience, and being well-informed can aid in making the best decision for you.

Dive into the video for a deeper dive into this topic!

Got questions or need advice on septic systems in your home buying journey in Portland? Feel free to reach out at 📞 503-303-0822 or 📧 hello@agentlivinginpdx.com. Let’s ensure your new home’s septic system is not a drain on your resources!