Let’s play a game called how many times did I get distracted scrolling through Redfin during the writing of this post? 
Real Estate is one of my favorite topics of all time. I love everything about it. I love looking at the houses, of course! The architecture, the design, furniture layout, landscaping, pools, ADUs… I love looking at how neighborhoods are laid out, how yards come together. I love looking at walking options, surrounding commercial areas. I love looking at price history, or guessing what the spread is between asking and close price. I love reading the descriptions and thinking about the people writing these sometimes very flowery descriptions of a house. I love looking at new builds and super old houses with their sometimes intricate details. In a market like Portland, Vancouver and the surrounding areas, I also love the diversity of property types. High end lake houses in the Portland suburb of Lake Oswego, gorgeous sprawling property with space for horses down in Stafford, sleepy old suburbs with Willamette river access to drag your kayak down the hill in West Linn, urban biking, walking and community paradises in northeast and southeast Portland, hills with houses practically built on stilts in the west hills… and that’s just a small taste of the Oregon side of the river. In Washington we have big, earthy country estates up in Battleground, high end new builds all over Vancouver, quiet family neighborhoods with top schools all over Camas, more traditional suburbs in Salmon Creek, Orchards, all-American towns like Ridgefield… I could go on.
When I moved here in 2017, most Portland-based realtors weren’t licensed in Washington, they stuck to Oregon real estate. But shortly after we moved up to Washington in 2020, lots of Portland-based realtors started getting licensed in Washington as well as demand for Vancouver soared during the pandemic.
There are so many realtors in this area and even though the market isn’t as strong as it was from 2017-2022, it’s still strong and there are new homes being built at record speeds (especially in Washington).
So how do you find the right realtor for you?
Here is what we did – having worked with two different realtors (one in Oregon and one in Washington). With our first realtor, we were connected to her through a home lender. We didn’t go with that lender, but we liked the realtor they matched us with and we continued to work with her til we bought our first house. With our second realtor – we would have stayed with our first one but she was not licensed in Washington – so we ended up going with a Redfin broker to represent us. We did ask friends for recommendations, but at the time, nobody had any because this was right before everyone started moving up here! In both cases we had very positive experiences and would gladly recommend our agents to you. Here is what we learned from these experiences:
- Having an agent who is a clear, high-integrity communicator, on top of their admin and knowledgeable about how houses work (and can therefore talk to you about things like inspection and what to look out for beyond the superficial) is so important – especially if you are a first-time buyer and don’t know all the things to look out for.
- Have someone experienced in the metro area who can speak to the lifestyle and feel of places at the neighborhood level – especially if you are flexible on neighborhood and looking at houses all over, they can help steer you to neighborhoods where you’ll still be happy even once the honeymoon period with your house ends.
- You want an agent who can strategize with you on the offer you are going to put in. For both our house buying experiences, we were buying in highly competitive markets and in multiple-offer situations, in both cases we bid over asking and in both cases, our offers were accepted the first time. That’s super rare. We feel so lucky to have had our agents expertise guide the particulars of our offer. An offer is more than a number, it’s terms and conditions and some offers make it easier for a seller to say yes by reducing the likelihood of something going wrong or taking extra long to close. Not to say you should always make it easier on the seller. Of course it depends on your situation, market conditions, the condition of the house, and what your goals are. For us, we had to be competitive to have the best chance at having our offers selected given market conditions.
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Navigating the Portland, Oregon Metro Real Estate Market: The Benefits of Working with a Realtor
The Portland, Oregon metro area is known for its vibrant neighborhoods, stunning landscapes, and diverse real estate market. Whether you’re buying or selling property in this dynamic region, partnering with a knowledgeable and experienced realtor can make a world of difference. From understanding the local market trends to negotiating complex transactions, working with a realtor offers a range of benefits that can streamline your real estate journey.
- Local Expertise and Market Insights: Realtors in the Portland metro area possess intimate knowledge of the local neighborhoods, market trends, and property values. Their insights can help you make informed decisions based on factors like schools, amenities, transportation, and future developments. Whether you’re a buyer looking for the perfect neighborhood or a seller pricing your property competitively, a realtor’s expertise can guide you toward the best choices.
- Access to Exclusive Listings: Realtors often have access to a vast network of listings, including those that may not be publicly available. This can give buyers a competitive advantage in finding properties that align with their criteria. For sellers, realtors can market your property effectively, reaching a wider audience of potential buyers.
- Negotiation Skills: The art of negotiation is crucial in real estate transactions, and realtors are well-versed in this skill. Whether you’re negotiating the purchase price, inspection repairs, or closing costs, having a realtor by your side can ensure that your interests are protected and your goals are achieved.
- Navigating Legalities and Paperwork: Real estate transactions come with a significant amount of paperwork and legal intricacies. Realtors are well-versed in handling contracts, disclosures, and other documentation, ensuring that all the necessary details are addressed and that your transaction proceeds smoothly.
- Time and Stress Savings: Buying or selling a property can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process. Realtors take on many of the tasks, from conducting market research to coordinating showings and inspections. This frees up your time and reduces stress, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life.
Working with a realtor in the Portland, Oregon metro area can be an invaluable asset in your real estate endeavors. Their local expertise, market insights, access to exclusive listings, negotiation skills, and ability to navigate complex paperwork can simplify your experience and lead to successful outcomes. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, an experienced investor, or a seller looking to maximize your property’s value, a realtor’s guidance can guide you through the intricate world of Portland’s real estate market.
