May 2023 Newsletter: First-Time Homebuyers

Hi ,

This month, I'm excited to bring you a wealth of information for first-time homebuyers with a feature article filled with tips and advice for navigating the often complex buying process. In addition, I have a short feature on Beaverton, Oregon, a wonderful city located just outside of Portland, and one of its hidden gems, Borikén Restaurant.

I am also pleased to announce the launch of our new Ask an Expert video series featuring PJ Smith of Clever Duck Inspections, LLC, who shares her expertise on all things related to home inspections.

Finally, Paris Group Realty, LLC is sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity Team Build on May 26th. I strongly support our community and am excited to contribute to this worthy cause.

As always, don't hesitate to reach out to me about all things real estate,

Finding Affordable Homes in Portland: A Guide for First-Time Homebuyers

In recent years, Portland, Oregon, has been a hot destination for first-time homebuyers. Known for its vibrant culture, lush greenery, and thriving job market, Portland has become a highly desirable place to live, work, and play. However, with the city's rising popularity comes the challenge of finding an affordable home in a highly competitive market.

According to the recent RMLS Market Action report for the Portland Metro area, the average home sale price increased by 3.7%, while the median sale price increased by 1% in April 2023 over March 2023. While these figures and higher interest rates may seem daunting for first-time homebuyers, there are still opportunities to find affordable homes in Portland.

One option is to explore the city's up-and-coming neighborhoods, such as St. Johns, Montavilla, and Brentwood-Darlington. These areas offer more affordable homes while still providing access to Portland's amenities and culture. Another option is to consider purchasing a fixer-upper, which can be a great investment opportunity for first-time homebuyers willing to do the work.

Portland's job market is also a significant draw for first-time homebuyers. The city is home to diverse industries, including tech, healthcare, and education, which provide ample employment opportunities. Additionally, Portland's commitment to sustainability and green energy has created a thriving renewable energy and clean technology industry.

For those ready to leap into homeownership, several resources are available in Portland to help first-time buyers navigate the process. The Portland Housing Bureau offers homebuyer education courses, down payment assistance programs, and other resources to help make homeownership more accessible for low- and moderate-income families.

One program the Portland Housing Bureau offers is the Homebuyer Opportunity Limited Tax Exemption (HOLTE), which provides a five-year property tax exemption for eligible first-time homebuyers. This program can offer significant savings to homeowners, making it easier to afford a home in Portland's competitive market.

View Our Home Buyer Guide

Beaverton, Oregon

Tucked between the dramatic West Hills and Tualatin Valley farmlands, Beaverton is a city with its own unique identity. The rapidly growing area has many single-family homes in new developments and luxury condominiums. And the outdoors are always easy to access; Beaverton has an impressive network of over 100 parks, 30 miles of hiking trails, and 25 miles of bike paths.

Beaverton is also home to companies like Nike and Columbia Sportswear, so it has plenty of job opportunities. The city has the state’s largest farmers’ market, and its dining options are numerous and multicultural. Beaverton is a prime location for exploring what Oregon offers, as the ocean and Mt. Hood are just about an hour away.

Learn more

Borikén Restaurant

Borikén Restaurant is a quaint little Puerto Rican restaurant in Beaverton. They serve traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, including arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), empanadas, and mofongo (a dish made of green plantains).

Their goal is to provide a great dining experience for all their customers, and they work hard to ensure everyone who visits leaves happy. Whether you're a local or just in town for a visit, be sure to stop by and say hello!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Service Options:  Dine-in · Curbside Pickup · No-Contact Delivery

Address: 12800 SW Canyon Rd, Beaverton, OR 97005

Website: borikenrestaurant.com/

Phone: (503) 596-3571

Exciting News! We're thrilled to announce the first episode of our new "Ask an Expert" series is live!

In this episode, Claire talks with PJ Smith from Clever Duck Inspections, LLC, to answer the question: "What is a home inspection?" Understanding what a home inspection entails is crucial whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner. Take advantage of this informative discussion and tune in each week for a new episode.

To watch more videos like this one, head over to our video page: https://www.parisgrouprealty.com/video/

Paris Group Realty, LLC to Sponsor Habitat for Humanity Team Build

As homeownership remains out of reach for many Portland, Oregon, families, we are pleased to announce we'll be sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity event on Friday, May 26th, to build homes in southeast Portland's Foster site.

The host for this event, Habitat for Humanity Portland Region, is a local non-profit organization that helps to build strength, stability, and independence by partnering with people in the community to develop or improve a place they can call home.

I'm delighted to share that out of more than 10,000 licensees in the state of Oregon, I was among the 54 selected as a Rising Star Agent for 2023 by Five Star Awards.

Five Star Professional is an organization which conducts comprehensive market research to identify and promote exceptional professional excellence in various industries.

The Five Star distinction serves as a valuable tool for consumers seeking outstanding client satisfaction and service, enabling them to choose a recommended service professional based on the feedback of other satisfied customers.

View all Paris Group Realty, LLC Honors & Awards

"My husband and I recently purchased our first house and we really enjoyed working with Nick. He had a non-pressure approach but was very knowledgeable and gave us great advice when it came to putting in an offer. He listened to all our wants and the little details about what we would like to have but wasn't a must when looking at properties. When exploring options he always had a list of the properties and knew a bit about them which made comparing them literally on paper and in person easier. Our whole process once we were ready to go took about 2 months. I think that was a lot to do with his skill and understanding of what we needed." -- ncruz503 (ZIllow Review)