First-time buyers are so much fun! Especially when I give them the keys to their first home - it’s very exciting! I stay informed on loan programs that are available specifically for them, so that we can determine together the best options for keeping their costs down or even obtaining cash to help with their down-payment or closing costs. They usually have lots of questions and are a bit nervous, but testimonials from my first-time buyer clients show that I keep them informed and make them feel at ease.

 

When a first-time buyer becomes a move-up buyer, selling their home for the first time, a different set of questions arise. Questions on pricing, staging, remodeling, repairs, and more. Do we make an offer on a new home before we sell the one we’re in? Should we paint the walls or put in new carpet? Will the pink bedroom be a problem? These are questions that any seller should have, and they need an agent who will give them an honest, straight-forward answer, not lip service to make them feel better. Market conditions change, and the issue of concern for last year may be totally different this year.  

 

For example, currently “short sale” and “bank-owned” properties are a huge issue. Buyers need to know whether this is a type of property they should be considering and sellers need to know what other options might be available to them, as well as the pros and cons of doing a short sale and whether they would even qualify. I help people with these questions every day.

 

And then, of course, there are the seniors. Anyone over the age of 55 has very different concerns when buying or selling a home. They may be down-sizing after the kids are gone and now have a house full of “stuff” that they don’t quite know how to minimize. They might be considering moving to a retirement community and aren’t sure how to determine the right type for them. They might be relocating to an unfamiliar area to be closer to their kids and/or grandkids. It is for all these reasons and more that I obtained an advanced accreditation known as the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). Often it’s not just the senior I work with but also their adult kids who are involved (the “baby-boomers”). Because of my large network with other professionals who specialize in the needs of seniors, I can provide them the resources and answers to their questions that the average real estate agent knows nothing about.

 

 I am a member of several Realtor organizations, such as the National Association of Realtors, Oregon Association of Realtors, Portland Metro Association of Realtors, and the Women’s Council of Realtors. In addition, I am a member of the local Million Dollar Club and the Portland Metro Association of Realtors Professional Standards Committee. I’m also on the City of Beaverton Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, and I participate frequently in senior fairs and in giving presentations to various senior communities.

 

If you are looking to buy or sell in the Portland Metro area, or just need some direction with a referral or resource options, I welcome the opportunity to talk to you! Call me anytime at 503-750-5456.