Where do you start when you are trying to find the right home? Definitely with the neighborhood! Whether you are new to the Portland Metro area or simply relocating within the area, it is so important to find the right community first! I actually think this applies regardless of what market you are headed to. When working with buyers, especially relocating buyers, I always focus on an overall area tour first. There are so many options in Portland and of course, some can be eliminated right away during conversations but more often than not, I find that buyers coming to this market have options when it comes to areas that will meet their criteria. It’s nice to take an overall area tour and view one or two houses in each of the neighborhoods that may be a fit. This helps to give a perspective of what type and size of a home can be bought in those areas. Please remember that almost anything about a home can be changed, except its location so spend time exploring!

What are your most desired conveniences?

• Is walkability important to you?
• Do you want to be able to bike and hike right out your front door?
• What about public transportation?
• Schools?
• Maybe you want the perfect coffee shop just around the corner.
• What about shopping?
• Maybe you are looking for a view more than anything else.
• What amenities do you and your family members want and need?
• What about commute time to work?

Once you have decided what you want out of a neighborhood, talk to your broker about the best options in your price range and then spend some time in those areas, at different times of the day. Most folks can identify with what feels like home pretty quickly but take your time with this step. It is such an important part of the process.

Honing in to find the right home.

The next part is the really fun part…..looking for the right house in the neighborhoods that you love. Communicating clearly with your real estate broker about what your needs are and what you like as well as dislike, will help them curate the best list of homes to show you. 

Important Features in a Home

Take some time to consider the following features and benefits of the home for which you are looking.

• Price
• Property type- condo, townhome, single-family
• Lot size or yard size
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Are there other rooms needed such as an office or a gym
• Garage size
• Storage needs

Ready to begin your search, click here. As a recap as well as some other great tips to keep in mind when we’re looking at neighborhoods and homes:

• Elimination is as important as selection—the neighborhood should really resonate with you. It is always a good idea to visit it multiple times, including different times of the day and week. If it doesn’t feel right, you should eliminate it. There are many options in our market. 
• Mapping commute times to work, school, etc. is advisable. 
• Don’t be put off by interior decorations—they can easily be changed. 
• No home is perfect. Your broker needs to know what you like and do not like about the houses you are viewing, in order to help find you the best fit. 
• Ask as many questions as you need in order to feel confident about your decision.

Have fun! Buying a new home is a milestone at any stage in life.