From Expat Renter to Expat Homeowner

My clients are close friends who, on their second year of living stateside, decided to make in semi-permanent by becoming homeowners. I was ecstatic to help guide them through this huge purchase; mostly because this meant they would be staying in America for at least the next few years.

I can only imagine how daunting it must be to move your family to a new country. They have three daughters in preschool/elementary schools who had to meet new friends, experience a new culture and learn a new language. So, when I met with Duncan to discuss real estate goals/needs, I was somewhat surprised that he was open to different locations. I assumed that they would want to stay in the same school district that they currently were renting in, so they wouldn’t have another major transition. We began looking for homes all over the west side of Portland and Beaverton. Duncan’s wife, Sune’, was in S Africa with the girls on holiday, so we were able to fit in a lot of home tours. After about two weeks of touring homes, Sune’ returned from S Africa and sent me a home located in their current neighborhood. We went for a tour and I discussed some of the other homes Duncan and I had checked out while she was abroad. She let me know that they WOULD NOT be purchasing outside of their school district. I told her my mama instinct had assumed as much, but was happy for her to confirm it. And so, after touring the west side, we ended up writing on a home one block from their current residence. And it’s perfect. Views for day, great space for entertaining (slightly self-serving) and on a cul-de-sac where the girls can safely play. It also has a secret fence door that leads them to a park down the road. I am oh so happy for my friends…congrats Duncan, Sune’ and girlies!

LAURA CAVANAUGH
503-559-4561
laura.cavanaugh@livingroomre.com

Laura Cavanaugh

Broker

Growing up in a small town in the Willamette Valley, Laura quickly learned the beauty of Oregon.  Whether snowboarding at Timberline or playing on the beach in Gearhart, she knew that the diversity and beauty of the landscape would make her a native Oregonian for life. Moving to Portland over 12 years ago, Laura has called each quadrant of Portland home and loves how each neighborhood has its own unique vibe. A love of architecture and interior design made becoming a real estate agent a no brainer. Her goal in working for Living Room is to help her client’s real estate dreams come to fruition, whether that be a first home, an investment property or selling a home full of memories. She looks forward to the opportunity to make each and every client a client for life. In her spare time, you can find Laura chasing after her two adorable kiddos, Sloane and Holden, perusing Interior Design blogs, shopping for vintage treasures or, as an avid runner, hitting one of the amazing trails this city has to offer.  

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• T: 503-559-4561
• F: 503-961-8224
• laura.cavanaugh@livingroomre.com