How To Buy A Home Near Portland
Here’s my proven, 10 Step Process that helps my clients buy their dream home in the Portland Metro area — even in the toughest markets!
Step 1: Get Pre-Approved
Step 2: Sign the Buyer Agreement
Do I really have to sign something just to look at houses?
Yep—as of 2025, it’s required. Buyers in Oregon now need to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement before touring homes.
But honestly? This isn’t just a legal hoop to jump through—it’s a good thing.
Here’s why it matters:
- It lays out exactly what your agent is responsible for (hint: it’s a lot)
- It guarantees someone is in your corner, looking out for you—not the seller
- And in most cases, you’re not paying anything out of pocket
Biggest myth out there?
That the listing agent will “help you out.” That’s like asking your ex’s lawyer for advice—don’t do it.
This agreement gives you a dedicated pro who’s focused on your goals, your timeline, and your best interests. It also opens the door to things like off-market listings, strategy calls, and more personalized support from day one.
✅ Choose someone local who knows the Portland metro (hi, that’s me)
✅ Review and sign your Buyer Agreement
✅ Let’s talk through your needs, budget, and timeline
Why it matters:
Having a great agent—legally on your team—makes all the difference when it comes to finding the right home andwinning it.
Step 3: Define + Find Your Dream Home
This is where we go from “just looking” to actually finding your home.
Instead of aimlessly touring every cute house that pops up, we’ll dial in on what really matters to you—and skip the rest.
Here’s how we get focused:
- Make your list of must-haves vs. nice-to-haves (think: school zones, open kitchen, home office space, big yard, walkability, etc.)
- Tour homes online and in person to narrow in on what feels right
- I’ll plug you into options you won’t find on Zillow—off-market and coming soon homes included
Why this step matters:
So many buyers waste time falling for homes that don’t actually work for their lifestyle. When you’re clear on your priorities, I can zero in on the ones that check the boxes—and even bring you options other buyers don’t know exist.
Let’s get picky. It pays off.
Step 4: Craft A Competitive (and Strategic) Offer
Think the highest offer always wins? Not here. Sellers in the Portland metro (especially in hot pockets like Wilsonville, Sherwood, and West Linn) care about more than just price. They want a buyer who’s solid, serious, and ready to close.
Here’s how we make your offer stand out—even if it’s not the biggest number on the table:
- Lean on the data: I’ll pull recent comps so your offer is competitive and smart. No overpaying.
- Protect yourself with contingencies: Financing, appraisal, inspection—we’ll include what makes sense while still keeping your offer strong.
- Earnest money that means something: 1–3% down shows you’re all in, and sellers take notice.
- Shorter timelines (when it makes sense): We’ll tighten up contingencies if we can—without adding risk.
- Don’t ask for the moon: Keeping the offer clean and low on seller requests helps it rise to the top.
- Match their closing date: If we know what timing works for them, we’ll aim for it.
- Package it like a pro: A clean, complete offer shows you’re serious and prepared—two things every seller wants.
The bottom line?
You don’t have to outbid everyone—you just have to out-strategize them. That’s where I come in.
Why it matters:
The right offer strategy makes you the obvious choice. In a competitive market, that’s how you win the house—without losing your mind (or your budget).
Step 5: Negotiate the Best Deal
Once your offer is accepted, we’re not just popping champagne yet—we’re diving into the part where smart buyers shine: the negotiation.
This is where we fine-tune the details—price, repairs, closing costs, timelines—to make sure you’re not just buying a home, you’re getting a great deal.
Worried that negotiating might blow the deal? Don’t be. Good negotiation isn’t pushy—it’s normal, strategic, and expected. And I’ve got your back the whole way.
Here’s what happens next:
- If the seller counters, we’ll go through it line by line and decide what makes sense
- After inspections, we might negotiate again—repairs, credits, or even a price change
- I’ll guide you through every option and help you decide what’s fair and what’s worth pushing for
You won’t be left wondering what to sign or what something means—I’ll make sure you understand the numbers, the forms, and your choices every step of the way.
My job? To protect your money, your time, and your sanity.
Once we’ve locked in the final terms, it’s off to escrow and inspections—and you’ll head in with clarity and confidence.
Why it matters:
A strong negotiation doesn’t just save you money—it protects your future home and your peace of mind.
Step 6: Open Escrow & Deposit Earnest Money
Once the seller says yes to your offer, we open escrow and get the ball rolling.
Your first move? Sending in your earnest money deposit. This is your way of saying, “I’m serious about this.” It’s usually 1–3% of the purchase price, and you’ll typically have three business days to wire it over.
Escrow might sound like paperwork and waiting—but it’s actually a layer of protection for everyone involved. No money changes hands and no keys are handed over until every condition we agreed to is met. Think of it as a neutral third party keeping everything fair, organized, and on track.
I’ll walk you through where to send the deposit, how to do it securely, and what to expect next—no guesswork, no stress.
Once your earnest money is safely in, we move into the inspection phase—where you’ll get an up-close, behind-the-walls look at the home.
Why it matters:
Escrow makes sure everything goes by the book so you can move forward with confidence.
Step 7: Schedule Home Inspections
Once we’re in escrow, one of the first things we’ll do is schedule your home inspections. This is where we move beyond curb appeal and really get to know the home—inside and out.
We’ll bring in a licensed home inspector to check all the big stuff:
🔧 Roof
🔧 Plumbing
🔧 Electrical
🔧 HVAC
🔧 Appliances
🔧 Foundation and structure
The goal? To uncover anything that might not have been obvious during a quick tour.
Depending on what we find, we can:
- Request repairs
- Ask for seller credits
- Or walk away if something major doesn’t sit right with you
This step is here to protect you and your investment—not to nitpick, but to make sure you’re walking into the deal with eyes wide open.
Why it matters:
Once we’ve reviewed the report and worked out any fixes or credits, you’ll be one big step closer to calling this place home.
Step 8: Home Appraisal (Lender Verifies Home Value)
Once we’re past inspections, your lender will order an appraisal. This is their way of making sure the home is worth what you’ve agreed to pay.
Here’s how it works:
🏡 If the home appraises at or above the purchase price—great news, we keep moving forward.
🏡 If it comes in below the price, we go back to the table and renegotiate with the seller.
No surprises. No paying more than the home is worth.
Why it matters:
Appraisals protect both you and your lender from overpaying. It’s a key step to keeping your investment smart and secure.
Step 9: Final Loan Approval & Closing Prep
At this stage, we’re tying up all the loose ends to make sure everything’s solid before closing day.
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:
- Contingencies are removed
- Any inspection-related repairs or credits are resolved
- Your lender finishes up underwriting and issues the official clear to close
- Title and escrow take care of recording everything legally and making sure ownership transfers smoothly
- You’ll lock in homeowners insurance and sign off on final paperwork
- And we’ll do one last walkthrough to make sure everything looks good and move-in ready
Why it matters:
This step confirms your financing is locked, your paperwork is clean, and there won’t be any surprises when you get the keys.
Step 10: Closing Day – Get Your Keys! 🎉
This is the best part. Here’s how it goes:
✍️ You’ll head to escrow to sign the final paperwork
💸 Funds are transferred and the title is recorded in your name
🔑 You get the keys—and just like that, you’re officially a homeowner!
Why it matters:
This is the day it all becomes real. You’ve made it through the process, and now you’ve got a home to call your own in the Portland metro. 🎉
Next Steps…
Whether you’re buying your first home or making a move into something new, I’m here to help you navigate it all with clarity and confidence. Ready to get started?
📲 Call/Text: 971-626-1617
📩 Email: courtney@yournorthvalley.com
🌎 Start your search: YourNorthValley.com/home-buyers
