Tag: relocating to Portland

Sometimes Everything Changes

Posted on by Shannon Dooley

My clients loved their California home for decades, they made a lifetime of memories there. They enjoyed amazing friends and neighbors, being close to the beach, and weather that many people just dream about. Their kids were grown, living in Portland, which gave them  every opportunity to visit their second favorite city often. There had been talk of a small vacation home in Portland, but they never imagined they would leave their home. Fourteen months ago everything changed. The pandemic caused a lot of people to reevaluate their priorities and for my clients the importance of being geographically close to their kids was clear.

We spent a lot of time touring homes in search of just the right place. When moving to a new city it can take some time to figure out the right neighborhoods and architectural styles to suit you – so we explored. After narrowing down their ideal neighborhoods and really solidifying what they needed in a home we started making offers. It took a couple of times in this fierce market, but when we found their new home we got competitive and it felt like the stars had aligned. Their son and daughter in-law had lived near this home when they first moved to Portland and affectionately called this “the banjo lady house,” because one of the owners was often out front playing her banjo on the porch when they would walk by.

As we moved through our transaction we learned that the sellers and my buyers had a very similar story. Both were leaving their long time homes to be closer to family. Both were artistic and musical, “old hippies,” as they described themselves. Everything about this transition felt right. Soon this home will be the, “flute guy house,” and I just can’t wait to hear the music float through the neighborhood!

 

 

 

Relocating? Rent first!

Posted on by Natalie Tracy

There are times when it makes sense to move to a new city and buy a house right away. For instance, if an employer is part of the process, or if you already know the city well. But for many folks, moving to a new state or new city is overwhelming all by itself, without throwing a house search in the mix. They don’t know the neighborhoods, the transit system, bike routes, schools, coffee shops, and so on. They aren’t yet sure where in the city the want to settle long-term.

And for folks in this category, it just makes sense to rent first! Christy, Aaron, and Maddie were in just this situation when we met. They were referred by a friend prior to their move from the east coast, and had a goal to buy a house within 1-2 months. They’d been looking online, and had some ideas. But they weren’t sure whether they wanted to buy their first home in Portland or Vancouver. After several conversations, I advised them to consider renting for at least 3-6 months after moving, so they could explore neighborhoods.

Oh, and did I mention they were moving with their then 2-month-old baby? Yeah, it just made sense to let their family settle before taking on a house search! So they found a rental with some flexibility, and went about exploring Portland and Vancouver neighborhoods.

Fast forward to May 2020. They had a handle on what would work for their family for their first home. They had tested commute times. They had a list of neighborhoods. And we were off on the search! And as so often happens, because they had focus and knew what they wanted, we found their sweet first home within a few weeks. Now they’re getting ready to enjoy their backyard, have their baby take her first steps in their first home, and just enjoy being new homeowners!

Making the move to Oregon

Posted on by Julia Robertson

There’s a lot to love about Oregon, and that is why people make the move here. There’s just something in the air, about the trees, and the overall vibe of the Pacific Northwest. I relocated to Oregon 15 years ago and since I began my career in real estate, most of the people I work with are people I’ve just met. Many of them are relocating to Oregon just like I did. It’s not often I get a call from an old friend out of state planning on making a move to the pacific northwest. I had the pleasure of helping this great family relocating from the bay area to Portland.  Some of things on their list were all the “bonuses” that I had on mine: privacy, trees, nice outdoor living space, a place for an ADU, high ceilings. Well, we found those things and I couldn’t be happier for their new adventure in the Pacific Northwest.

I think most people find their way to Oregon for a little more space, the fresh air, and our beautiful landscape. If you’re thinking about relocating to the Pacific Northwest, let’s connect! I’d love to help you make a move to Oregon or Washington.

JULIA ROBERTSON | Broker licensed in Oregon & Washington

541-505-1111 | julia@rebyjulia.com

First time home buyer in a competitive price range

Posted on by Julia Robertson

These happy campers relocated from New York less than a year ago. They just closed on the most perfect 1940’s cape cod style home in North Portland. We’ve been on a search for a home under $450k, with character, room to improve, in an up-n-coming neighborhood and close enough commute to Nike. I’d like to say it was an easy search, but this is a popular search for North Portland! We wrote multiple over asking price offers, giving desirable concessions to seller… but lucking out, as runner up or back up offer on these homes. One home in particular, they had their eye on was removed from the market for a month. Although we really wanted to write an offer on that property, the seller had to find a suitable 1031 exchange property on the east coast, while living in the Netherlands. Sound complicated? Yup! We continued to look at other homes and write a few offers in some crazy competitive situations. Sure enough this cute little cape cod came on the market and we had our opportunity again! In a split decision with multiple offers the seller chose an all cash offer, higher than ours, the seller couldn’t refuse the terms. Ugggghhh! We asked to be a back up position and seller chose not to have a back up. All the while I encouraged these two. In real estate, everything happens the way it’s supposed to. Don’t get discouraged.

Two weeks later, I received a call from the cape cod home that the buyer in first position was backing out. Before listing it back on the market, they wanted to know if this buyer was still interested… YES!!! These two were so excited to get into the home they originally wanted. May not have been the way they thought it would happen, but almost always everything happens the way it’s supposed to in real estate. Timing is everything and so is having a professional on your side.

If you’re a first time home buyer and you’re trying to navigate the home buying process- I’d love to be your guide. Call or email me anytime!

Julia Robertson | Living Room Realty

Licensed Broker in Oregon & Washington

541-505-1111 | julia@rebyjulia.com