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Being pre-qualified by a reputable lender is an essential step to be completed prior to looking for a house. Being pre-qualified (or better yet, pre-approved) is important for three reasons: first, it gives you more awareness of your buying power and detailed information on closing costs; secondly, it strengthens your credibility when making a purchase offer; and  thirdly, it gives you the advantage over the other buyers who are making offers on the same property you want to be yours.

The selection process is where the fun begins - also where the hard work starts! A few things that will make the selection process easier and more fruitful are:

A. Select the community that you like the most. If schools are your main concern, select the school before you decide which communities you would like to explore.
B. Let us know of special interests or activities that may be a factor in finding the best location for your new home.
C. Some homes deserve a second look so, take the time to consider this before you  render an ultimate decision.
D. Stopping at open houses on Sunday afternoon is a good way for you to learn about the market in various neighborhoods, just mention you have a Realtor, ("us")
E. When you see an appealing house with a real estate "For Sale" sign in the yard or advertised in Homes Illustrated, etc., give us a call. As a member of the Multiple List System (MLS), we can get information and show you homes listed by any real estate company while representing your best interest.
F. Consider a 2-3 year-old home, even if it needs a little paint or some new carpet to make it like new. Another consideration could be a completed builder spec home that the builder would like to sell.
G. Consider a corporate-owned property. When these homes remain on the market, the company begins to reduce the price below the appraised value to move the property. The result is a good value for the discerning buyer!

The first step in the negotiation process is to determine that the price is in line with the data supported by closed sales and available inventory of listed homes in the area. This will be accomplished by the following criteria:

1. Complete Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) to support values through available data of active, pending and sold listings.
2. Property History: length of time on market, list price history, number of price adjustments and any other pertinent data. 

The second step is to develop a clear and unemotional plan of negotiation. Having the above information will help to support our case. Unrealistic offers only add more counteroffers and allow emotional behavior to replace good business sense.

Structural: Many home inspection organizations have set standards to certain areas of the home that the home inspector looks at to determine the integrity of the essential internal and external structural components.  Home inspectors are not structural engineers but can identify visual defects in these areas requiring immediate repairs.

Electrical: Do the outlets all work?  Does the house use fuses or is there a breaker box?  Are there any visible signs of fraying on the wiring?

Plumbing: Are there any leaks or annoying drips?  Are all the mechanical systems and fixtures working properly?

Built-In appliances: Are they functioning properly?

Safety Hazards: Home Inspectors are not environmental specialists, but they can identify many safety hazards or dangerous conditions.

Miscellaneous: Other items may or may not be included in a standard home inspection. Some of these may be: septic systems, roofs, drainage problems, wood decks, patios or other exterior structures, underground oil tanks, and water or flood problems.  Be sure and verify which, if any, of these items are included in your home inspection.  Also, it is important that your Inspector checks the exterior siding of the building. It may be so called L-P Inner-Seal Siding, and you should be aware of the problems associated with this siding as well as the settlement which establishes a comprehensive (national) program to provide compensation for the cost of repairing damage to exterior Louisiana-Pacific Inner-Seal siding. It addresses past, current and certain future claims for Inner-Seal siding installed between the mid 1980's and January 1, 1996. You may find more information about the Louisiana-Pacific Inner-Seal Siding Litigation at http://lpsidingclaims.com/.

Normally Not Included: Termite, geological or land subsidence surveys and environmental or pollution inspections which should be completed separately for your own protection. It is highly recommended that you verify if there are any underground oil, septic, & other kinds of tanks, and in what condition they are.

Home inspectors provide a unique customer service in identifying existing problems, should there be any, and assisting in promoting and facilitating communication with the home Seller.  There are many home inspections companies to choose from. However, Be aware that home inspectors in Oregon must be licensed and certified by the State of Oregon. It is your responsibility to verify if your inspector is licensed and certified.

We have prepared this outline to educate you about buying a new home. There are many other specific issues that we will address in the selection process. If you are moving and want additional information or answers to specific questions, call us! We guarantee that we will listen to your specific needs and desires, and help you find the home or any other needed real estate property that best suites your lifestyle. We will make you aware of local real estate procedures and customs, as well as help you determine the best financing options. We will represent you as a "buyers agent," when showing properties, writing an offer to purchase, in inspection responses, and through the closing. We also will do everything we can to make your buying experience pleasant and fun! If you see a home you are interested in, please call us! We look forward to working with you!

ENETRA REAL ESTATE

12790 SE Stark St., Suite 202, Portland, OR 97233