Use a Realtor
(Buyers don’t pay realtors, sellers pay realtors)

The commission structure here in Portland and surrounding areas is simple. The Portland Listing Agent pre sets the commission percentage that the Buyer Agent will receive when he or she brings a buyer tthe table. That commission is part of the Listing Agent’s commission already agreed tbetween the seller and the Listing Agent in the listing agreement and is paid by the seller out of their proceeds when the home sells

Choosing a Portland Realtor

Your agent should be available not just during regular business hours but outside of regular business hours and on the weekends

Your agent should be willing and able trespond tyour inquiries in a timely fashion

Your agent should be willing and prefer ttour homes with you in their car

Your agent should provide you with a report of homes meeting your criteria (your Realtor should be looking for homes for you rather than just you looking for homes yourself)

Your agent should be easy tcontact in whatever communication YOU prefer (email, text messaging, cell)

Choosing a Portland Lender
(Get Pre-Approved for financing before you start looking)

You should have a solid idea of what price range you are looking for and have a rough idea what the payment would be. Don’t find the perfect house only tdiscover you can’t afford it.

(Find a Lender in Portland)

A good lender should be available outside of regular business hours and on weekends

A good lender should be easy tget in touch with and respond quickly

A good lender should walk you through your gfe (Good Faith Estimate) prior tclosing on your home.

(Become familiar with your price point)

Search homes online or ask your realtor tsend you properties that meet your basic expectations in a home
If you are looking in more than one area, become familiar with the difference in prices for those areas as they can differ significantly
Get tknow the areas that you are looking in for a home, schools, local shopping, highway access etc.

When Touring Homes:
Take a digital camera with you when touring

Take notes on the ML home profile page for each home (profile page should be provided tyou by your realtor at the time of tour) write down the main pros and cons of each home you tour

Don’t try tsee everything in one day; pace yourself

Consider the neighborhood around each home you tour, cars, buildings, people, vacant land (area still being developed? What will be built? location, etc.

Speak freely about what you like and don’t like about each home syour agent can get a thorough understanding of what you are looking for

If you find a home you really like tell your agent sthey can tell the listing agent tkeep you informed of any incoming offers

Compare similar homes using price per sq. ft. (remember ttake intconsideration the lot size, neighborhood and any upgrades)

Choose and use a good Portland Home Inspector
What is their experience? How long after the inspection can you expect the report? Can they provide you with a sample report? Dthey alsda pest inspection?