Getting Your Ducks in a Row for a Home Purchase

March 30, 2021

If you’re ready to get serious about buying a home, there are a few things to get lined up before even browsing the listings …ok fine, you’re already doing that–but at least take these steps before you begin visiting homes and making offers!


Check Your Credit

How is your financial situation looking? Do you have any dings on your credit? Are you carrying large balances on credit cards? How is your cash flow? All of these factors affect your ability to qualify for a home loan, so take whatever steps you can to improve your financial outlook, whether it’s tightening the budget or looking for ways to make some extra money.

Note: Do not open new lines of credit while preparing to apply for a home loan.



Find a Mortgage Advisor/Lender

Your mortgage advisor will walk you through the process of submitting an application and documentation for a home loan. They’ll discuss various loan options (there are a lot out there for all types of situations!), and help you decide what you can afford. If you don’t have a mortgage advisor, contact us and we can get you connected.



Get Preapproved

Your mortgage advisor can run quick calculations to assess your situation (prequalification), but you’ll want to take it a step further and get a preapproval. When you are ready to make an offer on your dream home, you’ll want it to be accompanied by documentation of your preapproval–this shows that you are serious about the purchase, preapproval will make your offer more attractive to sellers.



Set a Budget

Your preapproval will specify a dollar amount for which you qualify, but qualifying for an amount doesn’t necessarily mean you should purchase at that price level. Your advisor will present you with options that include projected monthly payment amounts at various pricepoints–be sure you are studying those bottom-line numbers, and taking in to account other new expenses like property taxes, insurance, and increased spending on home maintenance.

As you view homes you’ll be tempted to bump up your price point–always calculate your new monthly payments to evaluate your options

Recent Instagram Posts

I’ve spent the past two weeks in Utah with my family, welcoming our sweet grandbaby, Junie B., into the world. What an entrance she made!

Now, I’m heading back to PDX for our company retreat at the beach and to see my amazing RRG team and my PDX peeps. 💚

I’m so grateful to be able to work remotely during this time and thankful for the incredible RRG team’s support, which allowed me to be with my daughter after the arrival of her second baby.
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Ever had a “where did I put that?!” moment?

-Lost your home’s title paperwork?

-Can’t find the oven manual when it suddenly stops working?

-No clue when you last serviced the HVAC?

Enter: The Home Binder. A simple system to keep everything organized so you’re not scrambling when you need important documents.

Here’s what to include:
✅ Property Info – Deed, mortgage docs, insurance
✅ Maintenance Records – Repairs, service schedules
✅ Appliance Manuals & Warranties – Because searching for model numbers is a headache
✅ Utility Contacts – Power, water, WiFi—so you’re not digging through old emails
✅ Emergency Numbers – Quick access when time matters
✅ Custom Sections – Gardening plans, renovation ideas, paint colors

How to Set It Up:

Get a sturdy binder with dividers
Use plastic sleeves for receipts and manuals
Create a digital backup just in case
Set a reminder to update it every few months
You’ll thank yourself later. Want the full step-by-step guide? Check out my latest blog post! Link in bio!

Save this post so you have it when you’re ready to set up your own home binder. Have one already? Tell me what’s in yours!

#organizedhomeorganizedlife #homeorganizationtips #decluttermylife #organizedliving #helpmeorganize #simplifyyourlife #homeorganizationideas
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Ever heard of a “buy box”? 🏡📦

Think of it like a dating app—but for real estate investors. Instead of swiping left and right on potential dates, investors use a buy box to filter out properties that don’t match their goals.

✅ Location: Is this the right neighborhood for appreciation or rental income?
✅ Property Type: A fixer-upper or turnkey rental?
✅ Price Range: Will it fit the budget?
✅ Condition: Light cosmetic updates or a full gut job?
✅ Size & Features: Enough bedrooms, bathrooms, and space to attract renters?
✅ Return on Investment: Does it hit the right numbers?
✅ Demographics: Schools, shopping, safety—what matters most?

A well-defined buy box keeps investors focused and prevents them from wasting time on the wrong properties.

If you’re thinking about investing, step one is defining your own buy box—because success starts with knowing exactly what you’re looking for. 🔑
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Stunning West Linn traditional home! ✨

Enjoy breathtaking Cascade Mountain views from the wraparound porch, and relax on the expansive deck overlooking a lush, fenced backyard with fruit trees (peach, apple, pear!). The bright walkout basement features a versatile bonus room and a spacious game room that could easily be a 5th bedroom or home office. This home offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and natural beauty. Contact me for a showing or visit us at our open house tomorrow, February 22, 2:30-4:30!
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Ready to make your home cozier, greener, and more efficient? Here are some top energy-efficient upgrades that can save you money and boost your home’s value!

🏡 Upgrade your insulation – Say goodbye to drafts and hello to lower energy bills.
🔄 Install a smart thermostat – Keep your home comfy and cut down on wasted energy.
🪟 Swap out old windows – Energy-efficient windows help keep the PNW chill outside where it belongs.
🔥 Upgrade your HVAC system – A more efficient system = a warmer winter and cooler summer for less.
💡 Switch to LED lighting – Small change, big impact! LEDs use way less energy and last longer.

These upgrades aren’t just great for your wallet—they also make your home way more marketable if you ever decide to sell. 💚♻️

Which upgrade is on your list? Drop a comment below! ⬇️

#PortlandHomes #PNWRealEstate #EnergyEfficientLiving #PortlandRealtor #RobbinsRealtyGroup
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Did you know? 🤓✨

🇺🇸 Presidents’ Day was originally just for George Washington, but now it honors all U.S. presidents!
🎩 William Henry Harrison gave the longest inauguration speech (nearly 2 hours!)—then caught pneumonia and passed away a month later.
🚀 Teddy Roosevelt was the first president to ride in a car, fly in a plane, and dive in a submarine. Talk about adventurous!
🐊 John Quincy Adams kept a pet alligator in the White House. Yes, really.

Enjoy your Presidents’ Day! 🇺🇸
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🌿✨ Escape to wine country! This beautifully updated home sits on 11+ acres with breathtaking vineyard & valley views. Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, a sunroom flooded with natural light, and a stylish kitchen with granite & stainless steel make this home a dream. Plus, there’s room for animals, hobbies, and all your country-living aspirations! 🍇🏡

📍 DM me for details!
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Selling a home isn’t just a transaction—it’s a big life moment. Whether it’s a fresh start, a tough goodbye, or something in between, I bring an empathetic heart and a solid plan to make the process as smooth as possible. With the right support and a great team behind the scenes, we’ll handle the details so you can focus on what’s next. ✅

Thinking about selling? Let’s chat about your goals and how I can make the process easier for you. Send me a message—I’m here to help! 📩🏡

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#westlinnrealtor #tualatinrealtor #wilsonvillerealtor #oregoncityrealtor #lakeoswegorealtor #portlandrealtor #pdxrealtor #portlandoregonrealtor #portlandrealestateagent #portlandrealtors
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