Tax Credit Time line is ticking – Are you ready?

The internet has brought the convenience of searching for a new home into our living room. These sites permit you to see currently listed homes and there are a lot of them. When you are working with an experienced local real estate agent he/she can help move the process along and save you a lot of time.

Knowing the market is my job.  Knowing what you want and can afford is your job.  Following these 4 short steps will help position your home search and together we will find your new place to call home.

1. Get Your Financing in Line:

Knowing what you can afford is the first place to start.  Talk to a reputable lender right away and go through the pre-approval process. Let me know if you need a good referral. 

2. Narrow Your Search:

Answer the two basic questions:  Where and how much.  There is a lot of inventory to choose from.  Where you want to live and how much you can invest is a must start.  Searching for your new home in Lake Oswego; friends have told you to look at value comparisons in West Linn; love the nostalgia of the close in communities of Portland Heights or Alameda? All nice areas. Once we narrow down we can look at commute time, schools, and other factors that make the community of choice a perfect fit for you.

3. Separate Needs from Wants:

There are must haves and then there are would be nice.  Be honest and realistic about priorities.  Start with the basics.  How many bedrooms do you need; is a separate space for play or office a need or a want;  Traditional home or attached townhome;  Single story or two story; need or want a basement.

4. Consider Condition:

Today, we hear lots about deals out there.  Many of the best values are homes that are not in move in condition.  Decide up front what you are willing to tackle to polish your ‘diamond in the rough’. Dated wallpaper in that mid century modern in Lake Oswego may be easy, but can you finance that fabulous West Linn home that has no appliances and even the bathroom fixtures are gone.

There are many points to discuss when preparing to seach for your new home. If you are ready to take the next step, call or ping me,  I would welcome the opportunity to discuss your real estate goals.

Roberta 503-495-5231