I’m Derek Poe, a licensed Realtor in Oregon and Washington, and I created the Portland Metro Buyer’s Academy to help buyers better understand the home-buying process.

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s exciting—a …

Once the transaction has closed and the keys are released, the homebuying process becomes homeownership.

That first moment in your new home can feel like the finish line. In many ways, it is. You worked through the budget, financing, home search, offer, inspections, appraisal, and closing.

But owning the home …

Once the inspection period is resolved, the transaction begins moving toward the final stages: the appraisal, underwriting, title review, insurance, the final walkthrough, and closing.

This part may feel quieter, but a great deal is happening behind the scenes.

The finish line is getting closer, but the purchase is not …

Once your offer is accepted, the home inspection is one of your best opportunities to learn more about the property before moving forward.

For many buyers, this is also one of the most stressful parts of the process.

An inspector may identify a long list of items, including small maintenance …

Once you find a home that fits your needs, the next question becomes:

How do I make a strong offer without taking on more risk than I am comfortable with?

Many buyers assume the highest price always wins. Price matters, but a seller usually looks at the entire offer: the …

Once buyers understand their budget and timeline, the next question is usually:

How will I know when I have found the right home?

It sounds like a question that should have one clear answer. In reality, the right home is rarely the home that checks every box or looks perfect …

After buyers understand their budget, down payment, interest rate, and closing costs, the next question is usually:

How long does it really take to buy a house?

The short answer is that once your offer is accepted, closing often takes about 30 to 45 days. Some transactions move faster, while …

After buyers understand their down payment and how interest rates affect their monthly payment, another question usually comes next:

How much will I need for closing costs?

Closing costs can feel confusing because they are not one single charge. They are a group of expenses connected to your loan, the …

When buyers think about whether now is a good time to buy, one thought usually bothers people more than the rest:

Will mortgage interest rates go down?

It makes sense to ask. Even a small change in your interest rate can affect your monthly payment and how much home you …

One of the questions I hear most often from buyers is:

Is now a good time to buy a home?

It sounds like a simple question, but the answer is rarely a simple yes or no.

When interest rates rise, buyers wonder if they should wait. When home prices rise, …