By Ana de la Rua, July 22, 2018
Arturo and Lindsey contacted me after a negative experience as first time home buyers. They had felt rushed into purchasing a house that had obvious flaws even to their untrained eyes. Their previous agent disregarded important flaws, like very tilted floors, and praised a flagrant sloppy remodel. Fortunately, they followed their intuition and decided to back out of the deal and the agent before it was too late.
When they came to me asking for help, they were looking for someone who would educate them, point at the strengths and weaknesses of the property under consideration, voice potential issues and be patient until they would find the right home. They realized that I had plenty to offer in those fields and, soon enough, started to visit homes in their preferred neighborhoods of SW Portland, mainly Hayhurst, Maplewood and Multnomah Village.
Our relentless 3 month search took us to many properties that were not quite right; nevertheless, we used the time productively. During our visits we would talk about the home’s internal systems, what to look for as potential issues, the importance of the condition of surrounding homes, cost of remodeling, investment value, schools, etc. It was all part of the process to learn about what kind of home they really needed.
Finally, one day Arturo and Lindsey called me to let me know that they had found the right home during an open house visit, one of the few I did not accompany them. We went to the house together the following day and, sure enough, the house was quite perfect for them. A midcentury home with open layout on a third of an acre lot with fruit trees and a lovely path to the grounds of Hayhurst Elementary School and Pendleton Park. The structure was sound and had been well taken care of. The inspections uncovered a few minor issues that were readily addressed by a very cooperative seller and listing agent.
My sweet friends have now accomplished their dream of owning their very first home, a wonderful one! It took patience and effort, but taking the time to learn about home buying paid off and helped them to make the right purchase. I am convinced that not rushing it the first time was the secret to their success.
Ana de la Rua
Broker
Growing up in Barcelona, Spain, Ana de la Rua’s first interest was in fashion.
She started her professional career as a pattern designer working for several local apparel companies. She was also deeply attracted to the distinct architecture of the city, its tumultuous history of urban development, and Barcelona’s characteristic avant-garde art.
When she moved to Portland 22 years ago, she found a friendly welcoming city immerse in rapid change. The Pearl District was starting its transition to urban living, the culinary scene was in its infancy but rapidly becoming a national phenomenon and over the years she discovered exciting neighborhoods full of charm and promise. All in all, Portland became her adoptive city and the one she and her family proudly call home.
Ana’s interest in real estate started while looking for her first home. She enjoyed the discovery process of finding a place to live but also finding herself through that process: the emotional rollercoaster, the jumping of hurdles, the financial implications, the effects in lifestyle. Since then she has moved four times, living in several neighborhoods of Portland and its suburbs, until she found her ideal home in NE Portland, where she now resides. She also co-founded a real estate investment company, implementing her vision on neglected homes, remodeling and making them energy efficient for renters in need of sound places to live.
It was while looking for investment properties on her own that she had the “epiphany” of becoming a real estate broker. It was extremely challenging to find the right property to buy as the market was becoming increasingly competitive but she was able to find her way around and land successful transactions. She also realized that she had what she appreciated in a good broker: loyalty, commitment, perseverance, patience, and a true passion for all things real estate. It is with all this in mind that Ana is hoping to team with you in your next real estate adventure!
A little more about Ana:
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- When not working she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, daughter, and Martha (the doggy), going out with her girlfriends, cooking, entertaining friends, reading, making crafts, and finding all sorts of deals.
- She has a major in Finance and a minor in International Economics from PSU as well as an Arts Degree in Industrial Pattern Making and Design from Institut de la Moda de Barcelona.
- Proficient in Spanish and Català (native languages).
- Loves walking and biking around Portland neighborhoods.
- T: 503-289-0863
- F: 503-961-8224
- ana@livingroomre.com
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503-961-8224