Thinking of Buyer a Fixer-Upper Home?

I have clients who ask me frequently about fixer-uppers. They can be a great fit if you are realistic about what it might take to make the house shine.

When considering buying a fixer-upper home, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Cost: Determine the cost of the home and the cost of the repairs. Make sure the total cost is within your budget.
2. Time: Understand that fixing up a home can be time-consuming, especially if you plan to do the work yourself. Be sure to factor in the time needed to complete the repairs.
3. Scope of work: Evaluate the amount of work needed to get the home into the condition you desire. Consider whether it is a simple cosmetic fix or if major renovations are necessary.
4. Expertise: Assess your skills and experience in home renovations. Be honest with yourself about what you can do and what you will need to hire a professional to do.
5. Resale value: Consider the potential resale value of the home after renovations are complete. Will the cost of repairs be worth the increase in value?
6. Location: Location is a crucial factor in the value of a home. Make sure the home is located in a desirable area to ensure a good resale value.
7. Financing: It can be difficult to secure financing for a fixer-upper home. Consider your options for financing and the interest rates associated with those options.
8. Permits: Be aware of any permits that may be needed for renovations. Obtaining permits can be a time-consuming process, but it is necessary to ensure the work is up to code.
9. Inspection: Have the home inspected by a professional to identify any hidden issues that may not be immediately visible.
10. Patience: Renovating a fixer-upper home can be a long and sometimes frustrating process. Be patient and remember that the end result will be worth the effort.

Portland Springtime Fun Ideas

I absolutely love spring here in Portland. As I walk the pups around the neighborhood I can see pink trees and tulips emerging. In a few weeks, the air will smell sweet and FINALLY, the weather will warm up a little bit. Here are a few things you might enjoy around town this spring.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Oregon during the springtime. Here are some ideas:

1. Visit the Portland Japanese Garden: Spring is a great time to visit the Portland Japanese Garden, which features beautiful cherry blossoms and other blooming trees and plants.
2. Hike in the Columbia River Gorge: The Columbia River Gorge is home to many beautiful hiking trails that offer stunning views of waterfalls and wildflowers in the spring.
3. Attend the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival: This festival takes place in Woodburn, Oregon, and features over 40 acres of colorful tulip fields. Visitors can take photos, go on hayrides, and enjoy food and music.
4. Explore the Oregon Coast: The Oregon Coast is beautiful any time of year, but spring is a great time to visit and avoid the summer crowds. Go beachcombing, tidepooling, or whale watching.
5. Take a Wine Tour: Oregon’s wine country is famous for its Pinot Noir, and many wineries offer tours and tastings. Spring is a great time to visit before the summer crowds arrive.
6. Visit the Portland Saturday Market: This outdoor market takes place every Saturday from March to December and features local artisans, food vendors, and live music.
7. Go on a Bike Ride: Oregon has many scenic bike trails, including the Banks-Vernonia State Trail and the Springwater Corridor Trail.
8. Attend the Portland Rose Festival: This annual festival takes place in May and features parades, fireworks, and a carnival.
9. Visit the Oregon Garden: This botanical garden in Silverton, Oregon, features over 80 acres of beautiful flowers and plants, including a tulip display in the spring.
10. Go on a Waterfall Tour: Oregon is home to many beautiful waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Silver Falls State Park. Spring is a great time to see these falls at their fullest.

Pros and Cons of Condo Ownership in Portland

This week, I have a new listing at 1751 NE Clackamas St in Portland. It got me thinking about condos. Specifically, it got me thinking about condo ownership’s positive and negative aspects. Enjoy!

Pros:

1. Affordability: Condos are generally more affordable than single-family homes, making them an attractive option for first-time homebuyers or those looking to downsize.
2. Low Maintenance: Condo living typically involves less maintenance than owning a single-family home. Most condo associations handle exterior maintenance, landscaping, and other common areas.
3. Amenities: Many condos offer amenities like fitness centers, swimming pools, and community rooms that are often not available to single-family homeowners.
4. Location: Condos are often located in urban or highly desirable areas, making them a great option for those who want to be close to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
5. Security: Condo buildings often have security features like gated entrances or 24-hour surveillance, making them a more secure option than single-family homes.

Cons of Owning a Condo in Portland:

1. Homeowner Association Fees: Condo owners are required to pay monthly homeowner association (HOA) fees, which can be a significant expense on top of the mortgage payment.
2. Limited Control: Condo owners typically have less control over the property than single-family homeowners. For example, the HOA may have strict rules about pets, renovations, or even renting out your unit.
3. Shared Walls: Condos often share walls with neighboring units, which can lead to noise disturbances and lack of privacy.
4. Resale Value: Condos may have lower resale value compared to single-family homes, especially if the HOA fees are high or the association is poorly managed.
5. Assessments: Condo associations may require additional assessments to cover unexpected expenses, such as major repairs or improvements, which can be a financial burden for individual condo owners.

Photo by Immanuel Abednego on Pexels.com