Things You Have To Sign Right Away

There are two documents you have to sign at your first substantive meeting with me as your Buyer's agent. 

One is Disclosed Limited Agency; it says that I can handle both the buyer and the seller in a transaction. I could do that. BUT I DON'T. My exception to that rule is if you want to do a transaction with a friend; in that case we'll all sit down over takeout and work out a price everyone is happy with, and everything will be 110% transparent.  

The second is a Buyer Broker Agreement - where we discuss how and how much I get paid to work for you. 

 You've gotten a copy of this every time you rented an apartment. Here's another. I'll stick one in your file, too.  

Within Portland city limits, PortlandMaps.com can tell you everything from your garbage hauler to permits and projects to crime stats. 

Through 2026, Oregon buyers can take advantage of a First Time Buyer Savings Account (which you open at any bank), which allows a $5000 deduction on taxes. If you're in Washington, you can get down payment assistance through this program! 

If schools are a concern for you, you can search here to see which school your child will attend, and then look up their report card. 

Got a remodeling project planned in that new house? (Of course you do, don't be silly.) In Portland, start at the Bureau of Development Services to see if you need a permit - and of course, check the average cost of your project based on this guide updated yearly by Pillar to Post.  You can check cost vs value here. You'll also want to check with the Construction Contractor's Board to make sure your contractor is licensed and to see if they've had any complaints. 

Amanda Sprinkling-Felt at True Home Inspections put together a directory of queer-owned, BIPOC-owned, and woman-owned tradespeople, everything from cleaners to movers to plumbers. You can find it here.