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Explore My Properties

Lake Oswego, West Linn & Portland, OR

Home Buyer Guide

YOUR GUIDE TO BUYING A HOME

Finding the right place, in the perfect neighborhood and at a cost that's within your budget, is no small task. That's where I come in. My job is to help you navigate the twists and turns of the buying process, understand your options and think through the decisions along the way, so you end up with a house you're proud to call home.


You don’t need to have everything figured out before we begin. Together, we’ll look at what matters most to you, what your budget realistically buys and how the homes we consider fit both the way you live today and where you see yourself in the future.


Because where you live shapes how you live.

Let's Talk

About Your Home Search

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STEP 1: START WITH WHAT MATTERS TO YOU

Before we start looking at homes, I want to understand what you're really looking for - and why.

Of course we'll talk about bedrooms, bathrooms, price and location. But I also want to know how you live. Do you work from home? Love to entertain? Want to walk to coffee and restaurants? Need room for family to visit? Prefer a home that's ready to move into, or are you comfortable making changes over time?

Think about what you must have, what you'd love to have, and where you're willing to be flexible. Those priorities become our guide as we begin looking at homes.

And sometimes they change once we get started. That's okay too.

A SIMPLE PLACE TO START

  • Must Have - The things that genuinely affect how you live.
  • Would Love - Important, but not necessarily deal breakers.
  • Flexible - Things you could change, or live without, for the right home.

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STEP 2: DECIDE HOW MUCH HOME YOU CAN AFFORD

I know it's not exciting or sexy to start your home search with a financial review, but when all is said and done, you'll be glad you did. It's far more efficient to focus your search on the properties you can afford, and just as important to understand what you're comfortable spending.

There can be a difference between how much you qualify to borrow and how much you want to spend each month while still living the life you want to live.

If you don't already have a lender, I'll provide you with the names and contact information for a few reputable mortgage professionals who can help you understand your options. Together, we'll want to consider not only the purchase price, but your monthly payment, down payment, closing costs, property taxes, insurance and HOA fees (when applicable).

The goal is to begin your home search wtih a clear understanding of what works for you financially, so we can focus our time and attention on homes that make sense.

Want to dig a little deeper?

Financial Secrets Every Home Buyer Should Know.

There's more to buying a home than the purchase price. Understanding a few important financial considerations before you begin can give you more choices and help you avoid surprises along the way.

LEARN MORE

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STEP 3: IMAGINE YOUR FUTURE

Think about it...

  • Do you plan on having children in the next five or six years?
  • Where do you see your career heading?
  • Do you work at home?
  • Will you have guests visit regularly?
  • Are you interested in renting a portion of your home?

And then there are the everyday questions. How do you want to spend your time? Is being able to walk to coffee or restaurants important to you? Would you rather have a larger yard? Do you entertain? How much maintenance do you want to take on?

After we've discussed these details, we can look more closely at neighborhoods, work commutes, schools when relevant, accessibility, the type of home that makes sense and other factors that may affect your search.

Talking the time to think beyond what you need to day can help us find a home that continues to work for you in the years ahead.

Because almost anything about a home can be changed. Its location can't.

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STEP 4: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR IDEAL HOME

Start this step by writing down everything you'd like in your next home, from style, size and location to features and amenities.

Once you're done, go back through the list and think about what you must have, what you really want, and where you're willing to be flexible.

We'll use that information as we search for your new home.

And this is where things can get interesting. The same budget can buy something very different depending on where we look. You may find yourself choosing between more space and a location you love, an updated home and one you can make your own.

There isn't one right answer. As we look at homes together, your priorities may change, and that's perfectly okay. Seeing what's actually available often helps clarify what matters most. 

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STEP 5: FINDING THE RIGHT HOME

Think about it...

  • Do you plan on having children in the next five or six years?
  • Where do you see your career heading?
  • Do you work at home?
  • Will you have guests visit regularly?
  • Are you interested in renting a portion of your home?

And then there are the everyday questions. How do you want to spend your time? Is being able to walk to coffee or restaurants important to you? Would you rather have a larger yard? Do you entertain? How much maintenance do you want to take on?

After we've discussed these details, we can look more closely at neighborhoods, work commutes, schools when relevant, accessibility, the type of home that makes sense and other factors that may affect your search.

Talking the time to think beyond what you need to day can help us find a home that continues to work for you in the years ahead.

Because almost anything about a home can be changed. Its location can't.

My Goals

  • Communicate clearly and consistently so you can make informed decisions throughout the entire buying process
  • Help you find the home that best meets your criteria in the most efficient timeframe
  • Provide current market data to assist you in making informed decisions
  • Help you understand all the terms, processes, and documents involved in a real estate transaction
  • Represent your needs through skilled negotiations and effective communication
  • Provide you with a peace-of-mind that all details are being handled in a professional and efficient manner

You Found The Right One

Now what?

Finding a home you love is exciting. But before we write an offer, we'll take a closer look.


I'll evaluate comparable homes that have sold, what's currently competing with the home, how long it's been on the market and anything else we know that may help us determine how to approach the offer. Then we'll talk about more than price. Timing, financing, inspections, closing and other terms can all play a role. 


I'll explain the options, talk through where I see potential advantages or concerns and help you put together an offer that makes sense for the home, the market and, most importantly, you.

INSPECTIONS

No home is perfect, and an inspection isn't really about creating a list of everything that's wrong with one.


It's about information.


Once the inspections are complete, we'll look at the findings together. What is routine maintenance? What is cosmetic? What deserves more attention? And what do we need to know more about before you make a decision?


When we need additional information, we'll bring in the right professional to help us understand the issue, what may be involved in addressing it and, when possible, what it may cost. Then we'll talk through your options and decide how you want to move forward.

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FROM OFFER TO KEYS

Once your offer is accepted, there are a lot of moving pieces - and quite a few deadlines.

  • Offer Accepted
  • Inspections
  • Financing
  • Appraisal
  • Title
  • Final Walk-through
  • Closing
  • Welcome Home

I stay on top of the process, coordinate with the other professionals involved, watch the timelines, help address issues as they come up and make sure you know what's happening along the way.

You shouldn't have to become an expert in buying a home just because you're buying one.

You make the decisions. I help you understand them and manage the process around them.

Buy With Confidence

You need a partner who knows the neighborhoods, the market and the process. But more importantly, you need someone who will take the time to get to know you - your needs, your wants and what you hope your next home will bring to your life. This isn't just about buying a house. It's about finding a place you're proud to call home.

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, moving into something that better fits your life or relocating into the Portland area, I'll guide you through the process with clear information, thoughtful advice, creativity, a sense of humor and a genuine desire to help you find the home that's right for you.


My background in design can also be helpful once we find that home. I can help you look past what's there today and think about what might be possible - while helping you understand the difference between a change that's relatively simple and one that may require more thought, money or professional advice.

Let's Talk About Your Home Search

You don't have to be ready to buy tomorrow. If you're beginning to think about buying a home, let's talk about what you're looking for, what questions you have and what your next step might be. Sometimes the best place to begin is simply with a conversation.

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Contact Details

LAURIE BORNSTEIN

[email protected]
(503) 451-9626 

449 3RD STREET LAKE OSWEGO OR 97034