What makes for an ideal real estate transaction? Buying homes in Portland, Oregon, and selling homes in Lake Oswego might seem like vastly different endeavors. But the truth is your expectations should be comparable in any property deal.
Your realtor—the person you trust to guide you through the technicalities of your transaction—is decisive in your outcome and overall experience. Their qualities, knowledge, and philosophy can significantly influence whether the world of homes in Lake Oswego is your oyster or you get lost in the Portland Metro buzz.
Tammie Crane, the Principal Broker at Homes By Crane in Sherwood, Oregon, knows what makes for an effective real estate partnership. She has built her business entirely off referrals, so the ingredients of her success could reveal secrets about prospering off of property in any context.
Whether you’re thinking of upsizing for your growing family or moving to a more accessible bungalow, here are three things to prioritize while finding your perfect realtor:
1. Set strict standards
“When buying or selling a home, only trust a realtor who sells at least 15 homes per year and has over ten years of experience,” Tammie recommends.
While Tammie has spent 28 years buying and selling homes in Portland, numbers alone don’t define a real estate professional’s prowess. At Homes by Crane, the winning formula includes Mike, Tammie’s husband, who has complemented her strengths for most of the brokerage’s history. Together, the pair average over 23 transactions per year.
You also need to know your realtor is reliable on their own. As a Principal Broker, Tammie serves on the Portland Metro Association of Realtors Professional Standards Committee. Anonymous client surveys have led to her receiving the Five Star Award for 14 straight years—all signs that your chosen professional will be capable of whatever challenge you bring them.
2. Begin with a breakdown
Not that kind of breakdown. Before you can assess your realtor’s efficacy, you need to know what real estate transactions are supposed to be like. Education is fundamental to their profession, and being fully informed could transform your real estate experience.
“Always start the process of working with a realtor with an in-depth consultation of what to expect every step of the way,” Tammie advises. “I believe it’s critical to set expectations up front to facilitate the best experience possible for my clients.”
A realtor who stays within their wheelhouse may not have the in-depth insight you need. Due to her primarily referral-based model, Tammie engages with various clients, from first-time buyers to luxury homeowners. Combining her broad perspective with empathetic listening means she can cater to someone selling homes in Sherwood, Oregon, just as well as someone buying homes in Portland.
3. Survey the service offering
Now that you know how buying or selling homes in the likes of Lake Oswego and Sherwood, Oregon, is supposed to go, you need to choose the right realtor.
Their certifications, testimonials, and track record are all vital information, but their services are equally essential to ascertain: “Be sure to ask what’s included in your Realtor’s service.”
Tammie holds the Certified Negotiation Expert designation, which makes her unwaveringly firm at the closing table. She also maintains Senior Real Estate Specialist status. The latter blends with her natural patience and sensitive communication to make her a suitable guide for seasoned buyers and sellers.
If a client is further along in their journey, the chances are they aren’t meeting with Tammie for the first time. Being referral-based means many of her clients span generations.
They know what they’re getting with Tammie Crane regardless of their aims. At a recent listing in January, she secured 30 showings with six offers over the asking price. The deal closed in cash within 19 days.
That’s ultimately the trajectory you should envision from the beginning of your real estate journey. Your early choices decide whether you will turn the keys in your dream property or sell for a below-par price. By establishing your expectations from the outset and putting experience first when choosing a realtor, your long-term prosperity is all but guaranteed.
