The Buyer's Advantage
The stress-free way to get a loan, find, and purchase your perfect home in Central Oregon.
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Thanks for requesting The Buyer's Advantage. Below is a preview of what's inside, plus a link to download the full book. It walks through choosing a Realtor® who works for you, the pre-approval process, mapping out the 12-step journey from search to keys, and what to actually expect once you're under contract in Oregon.
Get ready before you start looking
In Oregon, you'll sign a buyer agency agreement before an agent starts showing you homes, which makes them legally responsible to you in the negotiation, not just someone opening doors. Before you tour anything, it's worth knowing where you stand with a lender, so you can actually act when the right home shows up instead of scrambling while someone else writes the offer.
Know the difference between what you qualify for and what you're comfortable spending
A lender can tell you the maximum you qualify for. That number and the payment you're actually comfortable with every month are usually two different things. Get honest with yourself about the second number before you fall in love with a house that stretches past it.
What the process actually looks like in Oregon
Once you're under contract, Oregon's standard inspection period is typically 10 business days, your window to have the home inspected and negotiate repairs, a credit, or walk away if something significant turns up. Earnest money typically runs around 1% of the purchase price and is held by a title or escrow company, not by the buyer, seller, or either agent. Closing goes through that same title and escrow company; Oregon doesn't require an attorney at the table.
Don't let the search wear you down
Most buyers start with a wishlist, three bedrooms, some land, privacy, a shop, and then reality narrows it down one piece at a time. That's normal. A good agent helps you sort what you actually need from what you'd simply like, rather than letting you tour twenty homes that were never going to work. If something about a home concerns you, wells, septic, an older roof, ask for a straight answer about what it means and what it would cost to fix, not just reassurance.
You don't have to do this alone
A good buyer's agent explains each step before it happens, not while it's happening, and gives you an honest verdict on every home you tour, including the ones worth walking away from. If an explanation doesn't land, it's fair to ask for it a different way. Buying your first home shouldn't require you to already know the vocabulary.
More free resources for buyers
- The Complete Guide to Buying a Home, a shorter companion to the book above.
- The Care-Free Move Checklist, everything to line up before and after closing.
What buyers say after working with me
Holli has been amazing to work with! We were looking for a very particular house in a very specific area and she guided us for over a year through to success. She is available at all times of the day and puts her clients first in an amazing way that makes you feel like she is only working with you. She also navigates the offer in a way to maximize what is most important for her client. I can't say enough great things about her, I highly recommend!!
— Jordan M., Redmond
When we first went over to meet Holli and see the house we were nervous due to prior experiences and let downs. But, we were quickly surprised at how comfortable and warm Holli made us feel with her and the home. She demonstrated paramount professionalism, responsiveness, kindness, and patience. She is a problem solver and a go getter!!
— Tiffany K., Redmond
Holli is always ready, day or night, to help find me the best deals while looking for a Portland condo. Her ethics and integrity make her a shining star in a sea of bad actors. With a purchase as important as a home, I give her 5 stars!
— Eric L., Portland
Holli was able to put together a transaction for my first time homebuyers where they acquire great equity. Her communication along with her professionalism was off the charts.
— Sean W., loan officer, Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be pre-approved before I start looking at homes?
Not for a first conversation, but you'll want to know where you stand with a lender before touring, so you can act when the right home shows up.
How much is earnest money in Oregon?
Typically around 1% of the purchase price, held by a title or escrow company.
How long do I have to inspect the home?
Oregon's standard inspection period is typically 10 business days from acceptance.
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Ready to make your move with Holli Sells Homes?