How Many Homes Should I View Before Buying One? One of the most common questions buyers ask when starting their home search is, “How many homes should I see before making an offer?” The truth is, there’s no magic number. Every buyer’s journey is different, but there are a few guidelines that can he

What is Earnest Money? When buying a home in Portland, one term you’ll hear early in the process is “earnest money.” It’s an important part of nearly every real estate transaction, yet many buyers aren’t fully clear on what it means—or why it matters. The Basics Earnest money is a good faith deposi

What If My Offer Is Rejected? Making an offer on a home in Portland can be exciting—and a little nerve-wracking. You’ve found a place that feels like “the one,” submitted a competitive offer, and then… it’s rejected. Now what? First, don’t panic. Rejection is common in today’s real estate market, e

Should I Order a Home Inspection? If you’re buying a home in Portland, one of the most important questions you’ll face is: Should I order a home inspection? The short answer is yes—and here’s why. A home inspection is like a full health check-up for the property. It provides you with an unbiased, p

Do I Need to Do a Final Walk-Through Before Closing? If you’re buying a home in Portland—or anywhere in Oregon—you might be wondering: Do I really need to do a final walk-through? The short answer is yes. The final walk-through isn’t just a formality; it’s your last chance to make sure the home you

How Would You Market My House for Sale? One of the first questions sellers in Portland ask me is, “How will you market my home?” It’s a smart question—because in today’s housing market, simply putting a property on the MLS isn’t enough. A strong, strategic marketing plan ensures your home stands ou

What Are Closing Costs and Who Pays Them? When buying or selling a home in Portland, the purchase price isn’t the only financial factor to consider. Closing costs play a big role in the transaction, and understanding them upfront helps avoid surprises on closing day. What Are Closing Costs?Closing

How Do I Choose the Right Real Estate Agent? Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make—and the right Realtor can make all the difference. But with so many agents in Portland, how do you know who’s the best fit for you? Here are the key things to consider when ch

What Are the Best Upgrades to Boost Home Value? If you’re thinking about selling your Portland home, you’ve probably wondered which upgrades will give you the best return on investment. Not all renovations are created equal—some add real value, while others may just drain your budget. Kitchen Updat

How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment? One of the first questions Portland homebuyers ask is: “How much do I really need for a down payment?” The answer depends on your loan type, financial situation, and long-term goals. Traditional 20% Down PaymentFor years, buyers believed they had to put 20% do

What Is the Difference Between Pre-Approval and Pre-Qualification? When you’re starting the home buying process in Portland, you’ll often hear the terms pre-qualification and pre-approval. While they sound similar, they carry very different weight when it comes to making an offer on a home. Pre-Qua

How Frequently and by Which Methods Do You Communicate with Your Real Estate Clients? Clear, consistent communication is the backbone of a successful real estate relationship—especially in Portland’s fast-moving housing market. When working with Lisa Mehlhoff Homes, Portland Realtor, you can expect

Home Prices Are Going Down. Should I Wait to Buy? When you hear that home prices are dropping in Portland, it’s natural to wonder if you should wait to buy. After all, no one wants to purchase a home only to see its value dip shortly after. But timing the real estate market is tricky—and waiting co

What If I Sell My Home but I’m Not Able to Find a New One to Buy? Selling your Portland home can be exciting, but what happens if your property sells faster than you can find your next home? In today’s market, where desirable properties can move quickly, this is a common concern for sellers—especia

What’s the Initial Step in Purchasing a Home? The very first step in purchasing a home—especially in Portland’s competitive housing market—is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. While it might be tempting to start browsing homes online or touring open houses, knowing exactly how much you can affor

What Are My Options if My Offer Is Turned Down? Having your home offer turned down can feel disappointing, but in Portland’s competitive real estate market, it’s not uncommon—especially when multiple buyers are bidding on the same property. The good news is, you still have several options to move f

Should I Sell My Current Home Before Buying a New One in Portland? By Lisa Mehlhoff Homes, Portland Realtor In Portland’s dynamic housing market, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is:“Should I sell my current home before buying my next one?” The answer depends on your financial comfor

How Do I Improve My Credit Score for a Mortgage? If you’re thinking about buying a home in Portland, Oregon, your credit score is one of the most important factors in securing a mortgage with favorable terms. A higher credit score can open the door to lower interest rates, better loan options, and p

What Are the Closing Costs Associated With Buying a Home in Portland? If you’re buying a home in Portland, Oregon, you’ve likely already budgeted for your down payment. But there’s another key piece of the puzzle that catches many buyers off guard—closing costs. These fees can add up to thousands of

What Is a Seller’s Market vs. a Buyer’s Market in Portland, Oregon? If you’re following the Portland real estate market, you’ve likely heard the terms seller’s market and buyer’s market. They sound simple — but understanding the difference can mean thousands of dollars in your pocket whether you’re