How Real is HGTV?

New home tan exterior with mocha brown door and garage doors white trim.

Are you an HGTV Fan? 

How real is it???? 

I once had a beloved client say, “I know a lot about real estate because I watch a TON of HGTV.” I’m so glad I knew him well because I burst into laughter!  I replied, “That’s a lot like saying I know all about healthy relationships because I watch ‘Housewives of Beverly Hills’.”

Luckily, he also burst into laughter.

HGTV is awesome for many things such as:

-great decorating/ remodeling ideas/ landscaping ideas

-getting an idea of the kinds of things that can go wrong in remodeling and some solutions

-understanding that remodeling and purchasing real estate is a process with ups and downs

-and most of all ENTERTAINMENT

What it’s not great for:

-setting realistic expectations for timelines, frustrations, deadlines or negotiations

-budgets. You cannot redo a major bathroom for $4000 – NOT.HAPPENING.

-some of the drama is fake-ever notice into any given show something goes horribly wrong? Yeah…. that’s been scripted. I have friends who were on one of these shows and they were told when to fight and disagree.

-some of those remodels look good on camera but not in real life.

I’ve met one of the designers behind “The Property Brothers” – and I quizzed her hard.

The hosts on these shows are mostly figure heads with tons of talent behind them. They show up for the “filming” and walk away while others do all the behind scenes actual work.

Do I still watch?  Of course I do!  I have a special place in my heart for makeover shows.

Just know that if you want to sell your home, the smartest place to start is with a vetted, talented, caring agent who can walk through the home with you and help you know where you DO need to spend money to get ready for market and where you do NOT. 

Looking to Buy a home in Oregon?

white and grey kitchen with drift wood and rope light fixtures, lots of natural light and 4 open, white shelves with dish ware and food jars

Buying in the Portland area is a trick right now – rates are low, inventory is lower. Many listings are getting 20+ offers and selling within days if not hours. It takes a skilled agent to help you create the perfect strategy for getting the home of your dreams. This is where I can help. I use my unique skill set and exceptional reputation to create offers that the listing agent and sellers want to accept even if you aren’t highest offer. I have a proven track record of taking exception care of all of my Portland clients and would be honored to put my skills to work for you.

Relocating to Oregon?

Map of the state of Oregon

Whether you are looking to move to Oregon, or relocating out of state I can help. As a trusted Oregon Broker I can help you discover the perfect neighborhood based on your unique needs, and connect you to all kinds of vetted and trusted resources to make your transition as smooth as possible. If you are moving out of Oregon I can vet other Brokers for you where-ever you may be heading in the US free of charge. It’s my honor to go above and beyond the service you would normally received from a Realtor. How can I help?

Moving to Oregon?

Are you plotting your move to beautiful Oregon?

We don’t blame you at all, it’s a very special place! When moving from one state to another it’s always great to have a plan, and on-the-ground partners to smooth the way.

Moving to OregonLet’s chat about neighborhoods, schools, Oregon lenders, your dreams and put together a plan to get you here with grace and ease.

Here’s a recent recommendation from a family I helped move up from Southern California:

“We were fortunate to stumble upon Kelly when we were were looking for a second home. We instantly connected and had a great rapport, and I knew that Kelly would be a great agent for us as we continued our search. She was always very responsive, very professional , asks the right questions, keeps you informed in a timely manner and is totally on top of things during the whole process -so you don’t have to be during the emotional process of buying a home. Kelly considered that we were coming from out of state and had to be our feet on the ground during the process – and never once did I worry that our best interested weren’t being represented. She also provided lots of resources to help us get settled – and is still helping us even though the sale is complete! Highly recommend. Thank you Kelly!”

Thank YOU Lauren. My honor.

What people say…

“We recently worked with Kelly on the purchase of a new home and the sale of our prior home. Kelly exceeded our expectations every step of the way, and I can confidently say she is the best real estate agent that we have worked with. She communicates along each step, ensuring that each party is continuing to move along in the process as necessary. Kelly has excellent relationships with vendors when services are needed, and was willing to step in whenever she could be of assistance. We had a vacation (out of the country) during our process, and Kelly ensured that we didn’t miss anything while we were difficult to reach. She also does an excellent job in negotiations and helping her clients achieve the results they are hoping for. I would not hesitate to recommend Kelly to anyone looking to sell or purchase a home.” Thank you Sigi!

Thinking to Sell in 2021?

Now is the time. It’s a perfect storm in the Greater Portland Metro Area – low interest rates remain, inventory is extremely low, and with the proper marketing homes are flying from “listed” to “in escrow”. So if you are thinking to sell this would be a great time for us to chat! Together we will create a strategy to prep your home, set up your marketing to excel, create a plan for your next home and then execute it at the highest level. Be honored to be of service.

Growing

We’re growing!

We are here to help with your real estate needs.

At Suburbia we specialize in the greater Portland Metro area, wine country, and the high mountain desert areas of Bend and Redmond.

We also have a relocation expert on staff for Sun Valley, Idaho.

We will connect you to vetted agents anywhere in Oregon outside our personal range, or across the US free of charge.

We have exceptional lender partners for Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho and Arizona.

Be honored to be of service.

Service

“Kelly was an absolute dream to work with. As first-time home buyers, we needed A LOT of help and patience and Kelly happily provided both. Having someone you can trust and know has your best interest at heart is priceless when making such a large investment. Kelly was attentive, incredible in the negotiation process, and on top of every detail up until we signed. We felt guided and well informed throughout the entire process. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and will definitely be singing her praises to anyone who’s looking.”

Olivia and Eric

Thinking of selling?

Thinking about selling in the spring?

Here are a few reasons you might be better off doing it now:

1) Only serious buyers are looking in December and January. If you are willing to go house shopping in the Oregon rain – you are ready to pull the trigger.

2) Rates remain at all time lows, meaning more buyers can afford to buy your home now than later.

3) In the spring there will be more homes on the market, which means more competition to sell yours. Right now inventory is very low meaning your odds of selling quickly at top dollar are fabulous.

4) Safety protocols are in place to keep both you and your home COVID safe.

Whatever your timing if you would like to do a zoom call to discuss your selling plans, I’d be delighted to chat. Even if you are thinking to wait a year let me help you set yourself up for success.