Need to Sell During a Pandemic? Learn How We Did it With This Home.

Many people wonder if it is a good time to sell during this pandemic. Is it safe? Are houses still selling? How does it work?

The latest statistics show that although there are fewer homes listed for sale, Portland’s real estate market is still robust. The great news is, home inventory and interest rates are still quite low, and depending on motivation, people either desire or need to change their living situations.

So how is it different now? As real estate brokers we are seeing an increased need for comprehensive marketing strategies that include agent only video tour, 3-D video, and floor plans. We are all using a no touch policy, safe practices such as wearing masks and gloves, wiping down surfaces and physical distancing.

Here is a recap of my currently pending listing:

  • When it came time for these sellers to move, I walked through the home and made notes regarding what to do to prepare for sale. This was done while the seller was working outside in his oversized yard. 
  • I reached out to my team of contractors and coordinated, interior paint throughout, carpet to be installed, power washing, gutters to be cleaned, professional yard maintenance and a deep cleaning. Everyone did their jobs on different days. Then I wiped down high touch areas after interior work was done.
  • When the home was ready, I lightly staged the home, and last but not lease my cleaning team made the home safe for potential buyers to take a look.
  • The photographer used protective gear while taking photos and video.
  • Instead of an open house, I offered 3-D walk through tour (Matterport Tour) and the home’s very own website for easy online viewing.
  • When buyers wanted to see the home in person, appointments were booked with ample time between to allow everyone space.
  • When the right offer came along, all paperwork was filed electronically. This is a service we have been using for years and are quite familiar with.

All this work has been done during the “shelter in place” order! Real estate is considered essential, and people need to sell or purchase for many different reasons during Covid-19.

Are you looking to invest in a home? Whether you are a first- time home buyer or adding to your real estate portfolio, I will provide exceptional professionalism, well-informed service and guidance through your sale or purchase. 

The Importance of Being Extraordinary

In today’s fast-paced world, we can all be looking for ways to stand out and be extraordinary for our clients no matter what field we are in. “Extraordinary” comes from the Latin Extra Ordinem, meaning “outside of the ordinary.”

These four simple words “outside of the ordinary”, turns a switch in the brain. It’s freeing, kind of like coloring outside the lines. It’s an opportunity to explore the options of what’s possible and not feel hemmed in by preconceived limits or expectations. I remember my second-grade teacher telling me to color inside the lines; she had no idea what she was saying. Having the courage to be creative and go beyond what’s expected is the goal. How am I going to be unique or extraordinary today? What can I accomplish in my life and career if I actively seek what is outside of the ordinary?

Let’s face it, in today’s technology driven world, connecting immediately with someone new is easy. But how can we stand out? How can we be markedly distinctive in our career and relationships?

In the world of real estate, brokers have the opportunity to think outside the ordinary daily. Helping people buy and sell real estate is not cut and dry by any stretch. No two deals or clients are alike so having the ability to think outside the box is paramount in providing true value. Personally, I have found the best way to do this is to have an exceptionally organized plan, be proactive, have steadfast balance in your life, an immaculate and positive attitude, the ability to look for solutions when faced with obstacles and last, but not least, a client-centered approach.

If you are looking for an extraordinary advocate to help you navigate the world of real estate, please reach out. I will take the reins and guide you to your dream home!

 

Success with Elevate!

The Elevate Real Estate Program can transform your life and bank account. With my customized platform, I’ll show you how to use real estate to make smart financial decisions that will pay off and elevate your lifestyle for years to come. My mission is to help clients achieve financial freedom from their real estate investments while providing outstanding customer service throughout the process.

If you look at economists’ charts on real estate investments you’ll find that, when considering real estate as a long term investment, you can earn investment income for yourself to help prepare for other areas of your life such as retirement.

About 10 years ago Rebecca Ostrom reached out and was interested in learning more about the Elevate Real Estate Program to earn money for retirement. When we met initially we discussed her options and what she was comfortable with. Together we came up with a game plan to purchase a property that she could use to generate revenue. As her trusted real estate adviser I was by her side every step of the way and I’m beyond pleased with her outcome.

Opportunities for growth can often be the positive outcome of unanticipated changes in life. With equity in hand from the sale of a jointly owned property I purchased a home with long term residency in mind. After a few years and as the result of a robust housing market I began to reconsider my options. I discussed with Marika if it seemed feasible to purchase a condo as my primary residence and then retain my current home as a rental property. She encouraged me to explore and suggested I discuss financial strategy with a trusted lender. I did just that and went on to purchase the condo. I began to once again seek change and hoped I might benefit from the continuing boom in the housing market. I consulted with Marika and within a five-year period was able to profit from the sale of both properties and grow my assets with limited tax implication. This investment approach boosted my retirement savings and provided another resource in order to grow my nest egg further. I look forward to the next real estate adventure with Marika and the opportunity to once again benefit from her wisdom, encouragement, and stellar work ethic.”

– Rebecca Ostrom

The Elevate Program has shown a consistent success rate with my clients and it can help you too! Rebecca’s story is just one. Helping her secure a nest egg for the future was very rewarding for me. Knowing that there’s money set aside if something should come up is comforting. If you’re interested in learning how to navigate this system please call or email me today! I would love to discuss some options with you and see how we can get the ball rolling on your financial goals.

-Marika Feibel

It’s Time to Elevate Your Life!

My name is Marika Feibel and I’m a Broker with Inhabit Real Estate. I have developed a niche in the housing market for those who want to purchase a property with the intention of investing. Whether you are a first time home buyer, purchasing an investment property, or buying a vacation home, I can help you create a real estate portfolio that will engender revenue for years to come. My mission is to help clients achieve financial freedom through real estate while providing top-notch customer service. Real Estate is a fun, exciting adventure and I want you to feel comfortable every step of the way. Let me tell you a little more about this process.

What to expect as a seller:

Selling your home is all about timing and strategy. Elevate, a comprehensive plan I’ve created, uses proven systems for selling your home and getting the right price. Timing the sale of your home is super important. From our first meeting to signing the sales contract, it is critical that everything is done on the right timeline. 

Step One: Preparing Your Home  

I’ll visit you in your home so that we can discuss what’s necessary to get your home ready for market. This list could include: new interior paint, new carpet, fixing a leaky kitchen faucet, weekly yard maintenance while your home is on the market, etc. In getting your home ready to sell, the focus is on curb appeal and tidiness inside and out. These two things will peak potential buyer interest, getting them to your front door, and will allow them to imagine their belongings and their lives in your home. 

Step Two: Marketing

We’ll discuss Elevate’s sales and marketing plan for your home, as well as all the steps that I’ll take to get the listing date. 

Another important element is flexibility for showings. We’ll discuss your schedule to come up with the best strategy, allowing agents to bring potential buyers to your home with two hours notice. 

Step Three: Pricing

Pricing your home is very important. I’ll take time to look at your neighborhood recent home sales. Also, I’ll look online and go to a few of the homes in your neighborhood that are currently on the market to scope out your competition. 

Portland and the surrounding areas currently have a low inventory of homes, which means that if your home is priced spot on, you could create an influx of buyers. There are many buyers watching and waiting for their dream home to be listed. 

Step Four: Final Details

Once in contract, I offer an exceptional ability to close the deal. My experience and tenacity will shine through, which can mean the difference between having a transaction fall out of contract and closing the deal. 

Testify!  

“I have had the pleasure to work with Marika on both the sale and purchase of a home. I fully credit her diligent marketing skills, knowledge of industry trends, and the strategy during negotiation for the successful sale of my home. Marika has wonderful intuitive skills and worked tirelessly with me to find and purchase the property I envisioned as my next home. In addition, she continues to be a great resource and eagerly responds to my requests to view potential investment properties. I enthusiastically refer her out to others, and look forward to working with her again on future real estate transactions.”

-Rebecca Ostrom, Lake Oswego

“Marika is one of the most personal and attentive real estate agents in Portland. Not only is she a lifelong Oregonian, but her knowledge of the area, her understanding of the market and its inventory and real estate values positions her as one of the best. From  day one she was always representing our interests – whether it was a little thing in a home we were interested in that we might have overlooked, to keen insights on how to position our home for sale. Her ability to read the overall market contributes to her impressive fluency as a listing or buying agent. Overall, Marika is someone who excelled at her  job as being a steward and helping people through a very important journey without compromising the necessary  logic and analytical skills necessary to craft a winning offer.”

– Ruby gates, SE, tabor area