Buying a Home in Portland, Oregon?

Finding the right home is a process that can be made easier by taking the right steps. Here are some things you can do to ease the Portland, Oregon home buying experience:

• Read my Portland, Oregon home buying real estate blog. Know what’s happening with the real estate market when you’re seeking to buy a home in Oregon. I consistently publish entries about the Portland real estate market. You will learn:

• what the market is doing,
• how fast homes sell,
• which areas are appreciating the most, and
• other tips relative to buying a home in the Portland metro area.

Ever dealt with underground oil tank issues or how to decommission them? Do you know why sewer scopes are important and who is responsible for repairing the line? These are just a couple of the issues that homebuyers should understand before buying a home in Portland, Oregon. I monitor these and other issues pertaining to the housing market to better serve you.

• View Portland neighborhoods in pictures via my PDX neighborhood blog or take a video tour of Portland neighborhoods. Portland has more than 75 unique neighborhoods. In NE Portland, you will find historic areas such as Alameda, Irvington, and Laurelhurst. In SE Portland, the Hawthorne, Sunnyside, Sellwood, and Eastmoreland neighborhoods areas remain top draws. Of course, this is only a small part of the city’s east side. On the west side of Portland, there are the SW Hills, Multnomah Village, Pearl District, and more. By visiting my neighborhood blog, you’ll get a glimpse of these neighborhoods and some of the suburbs as well. I help clients buying a home in Portland, Oregon in all areas of the city and nearby suburbs.

• Speak to a lender. Unless you’re buying a Portland, Oregon home with cash, you’ll need to find a lender with a good reputation. Knowing how much you can afford makes it easier to search for your Portland home. I cannot underscore the importance of speaking to a lender or mortgage broker at the start of your Portland house hunt. Being pre-approved from the start can not only help you know what your mortgage payments will be, but help you determine the amount of money you can afford to spend on a home; this can simplify the home buying experience and help you decide which neighborhoods to target. If you don’t already have a lender in mind, I can refer you to some with outstanding reputations. Remember, each loan should be customized to your unique situation.

• Work with a Realtor. Realtors are real estate agents that abide to a national Code of Ethics. Therefore, Realtors have your best interest in mind—not theirs. They also happen to be experts in their field.

• Consider new construction. This is a free, no-lose opportunity if you want to buy a brand new house or condo. Builders pay Realtors for bringing buyers and the cost is already built into the builder’s marketing budget. With or without a real estate agent, you will pay the same price. Just ask the builders! Besides, lowering the sales price because you’re not working with a Realtor would actually decrease the value of the subdivision or development being built. So why not work with a Realtor that will guide you through the Portland, Oregon home buying process and look out for your best interest at no extra cost? The only catch is that you have to visit the model homes WITH your Realtor on your first visit.

• Know the basics. Many of Portland’s homes were built before 1978. Federal law therefore requires that a home buyer be given a lead-based paint disclosure from the seller. Here is a lead-based paint fact sheet. And here is a lead-based paint pamphlet provided by the federal government.

Call 888-270-2902 to discuss your Portland, Oregon home buying needs with an experienced Realtor today!

Portland Year-by-Year Sales Prices

Portland Average Sales Prices – When you’re buying a Portland, Oregon home, you need to be able to make an informed decision. Learn about the average sales price and appreciation rates of all Portland areas and suburbs dating back to 1992! The real estate areas included are North Portland, Northeast Portland, Southeast Portland, Gresham & Troutdale, Milwaukie & Clackamas, Oregon City, Lake Oswego & West Linn, West Portland (SW Portland), Northwest Washington County, Beaverton & Aloha, Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, Wilsonville, Hillsboro & Forest Grove.

Portland Median Sales Prices – Know the median sales price and appreciation rates of all Portland areas and suburbs dating back to 1992! The real estate areas included are North Portland, Northeast Portland, Southeast Portland, Gresham & Troutdale, Milwaukie & Clackamas, Oregon City, Lake Oswego & West Linn, West Portland (Southwest Portland), Northwest Washington County, Beaverton & Aloha, Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, Wilsonville, Hillsboro & Forest Grove.

Moving to Portland? You may have heard that housing is less expensive just across the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington. It’s true. Vancouver, generally speaking, is a little less expensive. And there is no income tax in the state of Washington. However, you cannot avoid the income tax if you work in Oregon, yet live in Washington. You must work and live in Washington in order to avoid the Oregon income tax. That said, there’s no sales tax in Portland or Oregon for that matter. Here is tax information for relocation purposes if you’re considering moving to Vancouver. I do not practice real estate in Washington, but know some quality Realtors that do. I’d be happy to refer you to some if you’d like. By the way, there’s one other thing that is hard to avoid commuting from Portland to Vancouver and vice versa… the traffic!

How much will real estate taxes rises in a year? When you want to buy a home in Oregon, here is some information to consider about tax increases and how they work in Oregon.

How does Portland compare to your current city? Many Californians see Portland as a bargain, but I’ve heard people from other parts of the country disagree. Here is a cost of living comparison for Portland.

Lake Oswego, Oregon
Lake Oswego is the most expensive city/suburb in the Portland metro area. Home buyers are drawn to it for a variety of reasons. The Lake Oswego School District consistently ranks high and real estate in Lake Oswego tends to be in high demand. From First Addition to Mountain Park or Summitt Ridge, there are a variety of unique Lake Oswego neighborhoods to choose from. At the close of 2008, the average sales price of a home in Lake Oswego was $541,600.

Featured Properties

Mid-Century Modern Home For Sale

Mid-Century Modern Portland Home For Sale produced by Salvador Del Cid on WellcomeMat

Marvelous Mid-Century Modern will take your breath away! Owner of 22 years has lovingly cared for & updated this immaculate home. Big living spaces blended with original charm. Extensive hardwoods, two brick fireplaces, private deck, finished basement with family room. New Hi-efficiency furnace & central A/C in 2009. New tear-off roof & exterior paint in 2007. Home warranty too!

Live In Ladd's Addition

Blend old house charm with modern day living in Ladd's Addition. Jaw dropping remodel includes gourmet kitchen, updated electrical, plumbing, Energy Star appliances. Only 2 condos in development w/soundproofing between units. Private fenced backyards for quiet and peacefulness! 2 off-street parking spaces per condo. Built-ins, fireplace. Walk to Hawthorne, Division, rose gardens. 5 minutes to downtown.

Cascadian Heights Stunner!  $459,900

No contest! This Cascadian Heights jaw-dropper is beyond compare with all the upgrades & flawless care. Cook’s kitchen with coastal range view, stainless appliances, Butler’s pantry, Brazilian Cherry hardwoods, Devine-designed color palate throughout, cherry banister. Spa-like master suite with jetted tub, super-sized bonus room, upgraded carpet, office/den with French doors. Plus, a Trane whole-house air purifier. This is the rare Hampton floor plan... A must see!

http://www.cascadianheightshome.com/