Portland Real Estate Podcast

If you love matching people with homes, then be our next Showing Agent. Have you ever considered a career in real estate? You might be the one we’re looking for! Today, I’m thrilled to share a great opportunity with you. The Ask Sarita Team, powered by PLACE at Keller Williams Sunset Corridor, is currently looking for a few amazing individuals to join our team as Showing Agents. Here’s what you need to know: What are we looking for? To give you an idea of the type of candidates we are looking for, or “unicorns,” as we call them, think of real estate as a giant jigsaw puzzle. You have the property and the buyer; your goal is finding those two pieces that match perfectly. We want someone who enjoys exploring houses, knowing what buyers actually want, and creating that special connection. What’s expected of you as a showing agent? Spend your mornings connecting with the amazing people in our database. While some would refer to them as leads, we prefer to think of them as individuals, each with their own unique story and real estate needs. Your responsibility would be to engage with them, build a relationship with them, learn about their goals, and determine how the entire team can best serve them. Active listening is a big part of working with buyers. It is truly important to understand their needs and find that dream property that aligns with their vision. “We have grown to the point where we need passionate people to join our team so we can continue to serve everyone who needs our guidance.” Experience is not a main concern. Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned pro, your passion for helping others is what matters most. Don’t worry, because we will train you. All you have to do is be open to learning and enjoy doing it. We have grown to the point where we need passionate people to join our team so we can continue to serve everyone who needs our guidance. So, if you are a follow-up pro, enjoy connecting with people, are up for the task of matching buyers with the perfect property for them, and are comfortable using our technology systems, you could be the missing piece that we’ve been looking for. If this sounds like something that you are interested in, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call, text, or send us an email. Rest assured that your application with us will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. If you have questions, head over to asksarita.com. We are eager to chat with you, and if you’re the one we’re looking for, we will happily welcome you aboard! For more information go to https://www.asksarita.com/careers

Aim for a successful move by planning ahead and creating a moving timeline. When moving in or out of your home, one aspect that sometimes gets overlooked is the timeline. It is easy for many sellers to underestimate the time required for a smooth transition, particularly when aiming to move before the start of the new school year in August. If you are thinking of making a move this summer, understand that timing is crucial. If you start taking action in April, you’re already behind schedule if you aim to be settled in your new home by August. Let me break it down for you. To secure a new home by August 1, you ideally need to have your offer accepted by July 1 or even late June. This means you should start looking for homes in June or May to allow enough time for the buying process. “When you list all the things that need to be done, you'll realize the importance of starting early.” On the flip side, if you plan to sell your current home before purchasing a new one, you’ll need to list it by May to attract potential buyers and close the deal by June or July. Consider the following preparations needed for sale: Cleaning, repairs, painting, and landscaping can take several weeks. Photography, listing, and selling should also be factored in When you list all the things that need to be done, you’ll realize the importance of starting early. My advice to both buyers and sellers is simple: don’t procrastinate. Give me a call, and let’s talk about your real estate needs now. By planning ahead, we can create a strategic game plan and avoid unnecessary stress down the road. Partnering with an experienced agent like myself allows us to navigate the process smoothly and ensure a successful outcome. Whether you’re selling, buying, or both, let’s work together to align your goals and timelines effectively. Call, text, or email me for all your real estate inquiries. I’m here to guide you every step of the way, and I look forward to assisting you on your real estate journey.

Explore key trends and statistics shaping the 2024 real estate market. As we navigate through March 2024, the real estate market continues to puzzle many of us. What’s truly happening in the housing landscape? Drawing from recent statistics and insights from the annual Keller Williams conference, let’s dive into the current state of the market and what it means for buyers and sellers alike. A key indicator we rely on is months of inventory, which shows how long it would take for all current listings to sell at the current sales pace if no new listings were added. January saw 3.2 months of inventory, a typical rise post-holidays, dropping slightly to 2.8 in February. Interestingly, both months recorded higher inventory levels than in previous years, indicating homes are sitting on the market for longer durations. 2023 witnessed a significant drop in home sales, reaching the lowest since 2008, with only 4.1 million nationwide. Projections for 2024 suggest a slight increase but underline a trend: people are choosing to stay put. This reluctance is largely attributed to the rate lock effect; homeowners with low interest rates see little incentive to sell, leading to fewer homes on the market. “The current market presents a nuanced landscape for both buyers and sellers.” Despite the scarcity of new listings, buyer demand persists, driven by life events such as marriages, relocations, and upsizing or downsizing needs. Interestingly, the market is still competitive for buyers, with multiple offer scenarios being common. However, this doesn’t mean opportunities are absent. The adjustment to higher rates and the anticipation of potential decreases have kept buyers active and hopeful. The current market presents a nuanced landscape for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, the possibility of finding a home without entering a bidding war exists, especially if you’re open to homes that may have been on the market for a while. Sellers, on the other hand, can leverage the low competition to position their homes advantageously, ensuring the right pricing and marketing strategy to attract serious offers. Given these dynamics, it’s crucial to devise a tailored strategy that aligns with your real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, a detailed discussion can illuminate your path forward. We’re prepping several homes for the market this April, indicating a shift in listing timelines due to seasonal adjustments and unforeseen events like January’s weather disruptions. If you’re pondering your next move in this intriguing market, let’s connect. Strategy sessions can help navigate these times effectively, whether securing a deal as a buyer or optimizing your sale as a seller. For personalized advice and answers to all your real estate queries, reach out by phone or email. Let’s make the most of this unique market together. For more insights and personalized guidance, visit asksarita.com. I’m here to help you navigate the real estate landscape, ensuring your decisions lead to successful outcomes.

Making an informed choice: The seller’s guide to pre-inspections. Selling a home is a journey filled with decisions, one of which involves inspections. Many sellers ponder whether conducting a pre-listing home inspection is beneficial. It’s a valid concern, primarily because surprises during the selling process are unwelcome. Here, we delve into the advantages and considerations of pre-listing inspections to guide you through this critical decision. Pre-inspecting your home can mentally prepare you for what lies ahead. It gives you a comprehensive understanding of your home’s condition, allowing you to address any significant issues proactively. This preparation can be crucial for sellers who prefer to have complete control and wish to eliminate any ambiguity regarding their home’s state. However, pre-listing inspections come with their own set of considerations. First, knowledge is a double-edged sword. By identifying every possible defect through a professional inspection, you’re obliged to disclose these to potential buyers, regardless of whether you choose to address them. This obligation can sometimes lead to disclosing issues that a buyer might not have discovered or considered significant. Second, the necessity of repairs can be subjective and influenced by the buyer’s perspective. What you consider essential might not align with what a potential buyer prioritizes. In scenarios where your home attracts multiple interested parties, buyers might be willing to overlook minor issues or negotiate repairs that matter most to them, potentially reducing the burden of repairs on you as the seller. “Pre-inspecting your home can mentally prepare you for what lies ahead.” Another crucial point to consider is the inherent skepticism buyers might have toward seller-provided inspection reports. Despite your best intentions and honesty, buyers may prefer to conduct their own inspections to get an unbiased assessment. This duplication can sometimes render the pre-inspection a moot point, as different inspectors may highlight varying issues. Deciding whether to conduct a pre-listing inspection ultimately hinges on personal preference and the specific circumstances surrounding your sale. If you’re someone who values transparency and wants to mitigate surprises, a pre-inspection might be the way to go. However, it’s essential to weigh the potential implications, such as the obligation to disclose all known defects and the possibility of still facing negotiations or additional repairs based on the buyer’s inspection. For sellers uncertain about the best path forward, consulting with a real estate professional can provide clarity. An experienced advisor can offer resources, connections to contractors, and strategic guidance to navigate the inspection process effectively, whether it occurs before listing or during the transaction. If you’re grappling with the decision of whether to pre-inspect your home or have other questions about the selling process, I’m here to help. Reach out via phone or email for personalized advice and support tailored to your unique selling journey.

Here’s what you need to know about home inspections as a buyer. Today, let’s dive into the home inspection process, particularly for buyers. This can be a nerve-wracking stage, especially for first-time buyers. Picture this: You’ve found your dream home, made an offer, and now it’s time for inspections. Typically, we conduct several inspections in our area, including a general home inspection, sewer inspection, radon inspection, and possibly oil tank checks. These may lead to further inspections depending on their findings. It’s common for the inspection report to overwhelm buyers, but don’t worry. Pages detailing potential issues can be unsettling. But here’s the thing: take a breath and relax. You’ve invested in these inspections to thoroughly assess the property. Consider it an insurance policy to understand your home’s condition. “Work closely with your agent during your inspection.” Inspectors not only identify problems but also educate you about your home’s systems and maintenance needs. Remember, no home is perfect. Inspectors compare it to today’s standards, so older homes may have allowances for certain features. Having a knowledgeable advisor by your side is crucial. They can help decipher what’s normal and what’s not, and if further evaluation or repairs are needed, they can connect you with trusted professionals. Ultimately, inspections empower you to make informed decisions. With the right team supporting you, these inspections need not be daunting. If you have any questions, just call or email us. We are always willing to help!

Here’s what you need to know about home inspections as a buyer. Today, let’s dive into the home inspection process, particularly for buyers. This can be a nerve-wracking stage, especially for first-time buyers. Picture this: You’ve found your dream home, made an offer, and now it’s time for inspections. Typically, we conduct several inspections in our area, including a general home inspection, sewer inspection, radon inspection, and possibly oil tank checks. These may lead to further inspections depending on their findings. It’s common for the inspection report to overwhelm buyers, but don’t worry. Pages detailing potential issues can be unsettling. But here’s the thing: take a breath and relax. You’ve invested in these inspections to thoroughly assess the property. Consider it an insurance policy to understand your home’s condition. “Work closely with your agent during your inspection.” Inspectors not only identify problems but also educate you about your home’s systems and maintenance needs. Remember, no home is perfect. Inspectors compare it to today’s standards, so older homes may have allowances for certain features. Having a knowledgeable advisor by your side is crucial. They can help decipher what’s normal and what’s not, and if further evaluation or repairs are needed, they can connect you with trusted professionals. Ultimately, inspections empower you to make informed decisions. With the right team supporting you, these inspections need not be daunting. If you have any questions, just call or email us. We are always willing to help!

Staging can increase the chances of selling your home at a higher price. One of the things that you can do to make your home look its best to prospective buyers is staging. In this article, we’ll talk about staging and how it can improve your home when a buyer visits it. When assessing a home for a showing, real estate agents, like me, consider the arrangement of the furniture in your home. There are times when we suggest bringing some furniture to your home to help it look according to what’s trendy and new at the moment. We also do this to ensure that the furniture is optimized to fit in your space. A great example of this is using smaller pieces of furniture like a loveseat instead of a sofa or a sectional to make the room look bigger. Utilize the available space with furnishings to make it look like a model home. For people who are wondering whether they should stage their homes. My fast answer to that is yes. Depending on your preference, you can choose from these three types of staging. 1. Professional. Hire a stager to bring furniture and arrange it in your home. 2. DIY. Make use of the things you currently have and arrange them in a way that maximizes the space. 3. Virtual. Use software rendering to digitally put things in the home so people can visualize what your space may look like with furniture even though the house is vacant. “Buyers often decide to see your home after looking at three to four pictures.” Why is staging important?The purpose of staging is to create a great first impression of your home. Buyers often decide to see your home in-person after looking at three to four pictures. Those pictures are critical to ensuring that your home has a fighting chance to sell. Staging your home is not long-term. It usually stays staged for about 30 days or less. It gives you the best of both worlds, where the buyer can both see the staged pictures of your home and, at the same time, imagine their own things in your space when they visit your home and see it vacant. While staging your home can be expensive, it will always make your home sell for more and faster. So, if you are selling your home, staging is definitely something that you should consider doing. This can make your home look its best. It doesn’t matter if you hire a professional stager or me as your advisor; either way, we will make it a point to keep your house appealing to prospective buyers. If you have questions about staging or if you’re thinking about your next real estate move, contact me by phone or email. Let’s have a chat. I’ll be happy to talk with you.

Staging can increase the chances of selling your home at a higher price. One of the things that you can do to make your home look its best to prospective buyers is staging. In this article, we’ll talk about staging and how it can improve your home when a buyer visits it. When assessing a home for a showing, real estate agents, like me, consider the arrangement of the furniture in your home. There are times when we suggest bringing some furniture to your home to help it look according to what’s trendy and new at the moment. We also do this to ensure that the furniture is optimized to fit in your space. A great example of this is using smaller pieces of furniture like a loveseat instead of a sofa or a sectional to make the room look bigger. Utilize the available space with furnishings to make it look like a model home. For people who are wondering whether they should stage their homes. My fast answer to that is yes. Depending on your preference, you can choose from these three types of staging. 1. Professional. Hire a stager to bring furniture and arrange it in your home. 2. DIY. Make use of the things you currently have and arrange them in a way that maximizes the space. 3. Virtual. Use software rendering to digitally put things in the home so people can visualize what your space may look like with furniture even though the house is vacant. “Buyers often decide to see your home after looking at three to four pictures.” Why is staging important?The purpose of staging is to create a great first impression of your home. Buyers often decide to see your home in-person after looking at three to four pictures. Those pictures are critical to ensuring that your home has a fighting chance to sell. Staging your home is not long-term. It usually stays staged for about 30 days or less. It gives you the best of both worlds, where the buyer can both see the staged pictures of your home and, at the same time, imagine their own things in your space when they visit your home and see it vacant. While staging your home can be expensive, it will always make your home sell for more and faster. So, if you are selling your home, staging is definitely something that you should consider doing. This can make your home look its best. It doesn’t matter if you hire a professional stager or me as your advisor; either way, we will make it a point to keep your house appealing to prospective buyers. If you have questions about staging or if you’re thinking about your next real estate move, contact me by phone or email. Let’s have a chat. I’ll be happy to talk with you.

The surprising link between the Super Bowl and real estate success. Today, let’s discuss the upcoming Super Bowl. I’m passionate about sports, I’m married to someone with a long tenure at Nike, and both my kids work in sports-related jobs. The Super Bowl, scheduled for the first Sunday in February, holds significance for NFL fans. However, as a Realtor, my “Super Bowl” starts right after the game ends. The typical notion is to wait for the spring market, often targeting March or April for house sales, coinciding with spring break in Oregon. Yet, I want to highlight the advantage of starting the process immediately after the Super Bowl in early February, marking the beginning of our early spring market in the Portland area. “As a Realtor, my "Super Bowl" starts right after the game ends.” Listing your house in February provides a strategic edge, as it precedes the influx of listings from February through Memorial Day. Seizing this early opportunity means facing less competition and avoiding potential price influences from neighboring sellers. To formulate a game plan for a February listing, it’s essential to consult with professionals like me now. Despite the common perception that February is still deep in winter, it’s an opportune time to contemplate and act on your spring plans. If you’re ready to take action, call or email me. I’m here to address all your real estate inquiries, regardless of size.

The surprising link between the Super Bowl and real estate success. Today, let’s discuss the upcoming Super Bowl. I’m passionate about sports, I’m married to someone with a long tenure at Nike, and both my kids work in sports-related jobs. The Super Bowl, scheduled for the first Sunday in February, holds significance for NFL fans. However, as a Realtor, my “Super Bowl” starts right after the game ends. The typical notion is to wait for the spring market, often targeting March or April for house sales, coinciding with spring break in Oregon. Yet, I want to highlight the advantage of starting the process immediately after the Super Bowl in early February, marking the beginning of our early spring market in the Portland area. “As a Realtor, my "Super Bowl" starts right after the game ends.” Listing your house in February provides a strategic edge, as it precedes the influx of listings from February through Memorial Day. Seizing this early opportunity means facing less competition and avoiding potential price influences from neighboring sellers. To formulate a game plan for a February listing, it’s essential to consult with professionals like me now. Despite the common perception that February is still deep in winter, it’s an opportune time to contemplate and act on your spring plans. If you’re ready to take action, call or email me. I’m here to address all your real estate inquiries, regardless of size.