For home sellers in OR + SW WA
Sellers Guide
“Our experience with the team was excellent. I cannot say enough about their knowledge, professionalism, and patience. I would recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell real estate.” — David
We’re glad you found us. We’re looking forward to learning more about your home-selling needs. Passion-driven, results-oriented, and always straight-shooting, we let our track record speak for itself. Our team is deeply rooted in the communities that we serve and vested in helping our clients achieve their goals.
- #4 medium team in Portland for volume
- Over 50 years of combined experience
- 70-100 homes sold per year
- 5-star Zillow brokers
Why Our Team
Experience, education, and a business-forward mindset all matter when selecting an agent or team to represent you in selling one of your largest assets.
- 50+ years of combined experience
- 90% referral or repeat client
- $90M sales volume per year
Rebecca Green — Owner + Team Lead
Broker, licensed in OR · Member of the corporate relocation team · Real estate coach + digital course creator
Licensed for 35+ years and ranked in the top 1% of brokers in the US, there is little Rebecca has yet to experience in real estate. She has coached over 300 real estate professionals in the US in the last ten years, as well as run the Marketing and Business Development Departments for two major real estate brands in Oregon + SW WA. In addition to leading our team, she spearheads our in-house staging company, is a managing partner in our marketing firm, and continues to mentor and coach agents in markets all over the U.S. She strives to provide the best possible experience for her clients and team.
Jill Dehlin — Broker, licensed in OR + WA
Jill, a former project manager turned broker, brings calm focus and sharp insight to every move. She guides clients through transitions—whether relocating, downsizing, or starting fresh—with clear communication, thoughtful planning, and steady support, making each new chapter truly feel like home.
Jessica Venable — Broker, licensed in OR
Jessica has a background in real estate and marketing dating back to 2012. In addition to being a licensed Broker in Oregon, she holds a BFA in Graphic Design. Jessica became our Director of Operations in 2017 and is also an active agent leading our team in the Central Oregon market.
Harley Yoder — Broker, OR
Harley specializes in helping first-time buyers who would love to own a home in Washington or Yamhill County but aren’t sure it’s financially possible. Her approach is simple: listen first, ask better questions and explain the process without pressure.
Our Brokerage
The company you choose to represent you is equally as important as the agent you select. We’re proud to be part of Real REMAX Group, one of the largest real estate companies in the world.
- 180,000+ agents worldwide
- 120+ countries + territories
- 100,000+ agents across the US + Canada
Everything Under One Roof
Buying or selling a home usually means juggling a separate agent, lender, and title company. Our brokerage brings all three together.
One Real Mortgage: Our in-house mortgage team helps you get pre-approved and compare loan options.
One Real Title: Our title and closing partner handles the paperwork and gets you to the closing table.
Leo, your 24/7 home search assistant: Text Leo anytime to see homes that match what you’re looking for, get open house details, or request a tour. Your agent stays in the loop on every conversation.
Because your agent, lender, and title company work on one connected system, everyone sees updates as they happen. That means fewer delays and fewer “just checking in” emails.
Setting the Stage
Speaking to the right audience is our focus. We know that regardless of price point, home buyers have certain expectations. It is our job to help our sellers meet those. We begin with a Listing Consultation where we discuss your goals and build an action-packed plan to get your home sold.
The Consultation
Step 1: Evaluating Your Goals
Our first step is to listen. To be able to guide you, we need to understand your goals. Working to sell any home is truly a partnership between our sellers and our team.
Step 2: Pre-List Repairs
Next, we work together to create a list of maintenance and repair items that are needed to get a home market-ready. Anything in the home that is in disrepair and can be easily fixed should be addressed before going on the market.
Step 3: Discuss Staging Needs
Staging lets us present homes in a way that highlights the best features, creating an ambiance that allows buyers to envision themselves living there. Some homes benefit from whole house staging and others simply need a refresh.
Step 4: Getting Market Ready
Our extended team of professionals includes painters, contractors, stagers, landscapers, etc. Once we have agreed on what work needs to be done, we’re here to assist in making it happen.
Step 5: Pricing Evaluation
We will provide an in-depth evaluation of market conditions, trends, comparable home sales, and an overview of expected closing costs.
Step 6: Marketing Expectations
Last but certainly not least is a review of how we successfully market homes and get them sold with our 17-Point Listing Launch System and 25-Point Contract-to-Close Plan.
Creating Your Pre-Market Checklist
When listing a home, there are no rules regarding potential property improvements that apply to every home and every seller. Any upgrade or change you make should only be considered if the change is likely to have an appreciable effect on the market value or marketability of your home in the eyes of most buyers.
Our guidance is to take a proactive approach to repairs. Focus on buyers’ sensitivities and spend money wisely. Below are some common suggestions on property improvements TO CONSIDER and some other MUST-DOs:
To consider
- Pre-list home inspection
- Fix anything in disrepair
- Paint rooms a neutral color
- Change dated light fixtures
- Replace old cabinet hardware
- Professionally clean carpet
- Replace carpet where needed
- Refinish hardwood floors
- Selective renovations
- Have fresh mulch spread in the yard
- Landscape refresh
- Fix any minor plumbing leaks
- Fix any non-functional outlets
Must do
- Make sure smoke and carbon detectors are less than 10 years old and installed in the correct locations
- Ensure the water heater is properly strapped
- Deep clean + deep clean again
- Declutter as much as possible
- Pack at least 1/3 of accessories
- Clean out every closet
- Change any burnt-out lightbulbs
- Change air filters
- Patch any drywall holes
- Mow the lawn + rake any leaves
- Clean out flower beds
- Clean up the garbage can area
- Clean out the garage
Benefits of Home Staging
Tidy rooms are essential, but so is presenting your home in a way where buyers can envision themselves living there. We want to appeal to their emotions. Staging does just that! It sets the stage by curating spaces that highlight the home's best features. Home staging is a solution for both occupied and vacant homes.
Does staging work? Absolutely!
- Staged homes sell for almost 20% more
- 95% of staged homes sell in just 11 days
- 93% of Buyers say that staged homes feel more appealing to them
No Upfront Repair Costs
Whether your home needs to be painted, needs a new roof, or just some landscape clean-up, we’ve got you covered! Because we are so confident in our process and WE KNOW WE WILL SELL your home, we’re willing to offer cost solutions upfront!
- Low-cost loans up to $100,000
- Maximize your home’s value
- Quick approval and funding
- No payments due before closing
Establishing the Right Price
The very best way NOT to sell your home is to overprice it.
Market time is not a friend in real estate. The longer a property sits, the less perceived value it has to potential buyers. Ultimately, the true market value of any property is what a buyer is willing to pay for it. Statistically, homes priced right sell in fewer days and for more money.
How do we establish the correct list price? We analyze the data points of other recently sold and currently pending homes. In addition, we look at the active competition to understand where best to position your listing in the current market.
Solid pricing recommendation is a bit science, a bit art, and a lot of experience!
Buyer Agent Commission
In August 2024, there was a significant transformation in how commissions are paid. These changes stem from a lengthy lawsuit involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR), various Multiple Listing Services (MLS), and real estate brokerages across the United States.
Ultimately, the settlement formalizes the decoupling of compensation, not the elimination of compensation or buyer representation. Historically commissions were negotiated by the listing agent with the seller and a portion was then shared with a buyer agent. Moving forward, both listing agents and buyers’ agents must now be under contract with their respective clients. Those contracts must include compensation agreements.
For our sellers, this means we will establish a fee for our listing services at the outset, and the buyers’ agent commission will become a negotiable aspect of each offer we receive.
As a team, we are committed to negotiating on your behalf. We fully understand the nuances of these changes and are dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible representation and service.
Commissions can now be paid in several ways
- The fee can be negotiated into the purchase and sale agreement through a seller concession.
- Buyers can pay their agent directly.
- A combination of both methods can be used.
Three key agreements will now govern real estate transactions
- Listing Agreement: Between the seller and the listing broker.
- Buyer Representation Agreement: Between the buyer and the buyer broker.
- Purchase Agreement: The offer and terms of sale agreed upon by the seller and buyer.
You Have a Goal. We Have a Plan.
Our 17-Point Listing Launch and 25-Point Contract to Close System have been doing the job for our sellers for years.
Presentation is pretty important! Recognizing that we live in a 2-second world, we know that after cleaning, decluttering, making repairs, and staging, the next most important step in marketing a home is producing high-quality print and digital materials. Buyers often decide on the desirability of a home in a matter of seconds. First impressions count!
- High resolution photography + videography
- Detailed floorplans
- Custom designed digital ads
- Custom designed property brochures
Marketing Approach
Targeted Social Media Ads
There are 4.8 BILLION social media users worldwide. Makes sense to market to this massive audience, right? How do we do this and is it effective? Targeted local ads and cross-channel promotion on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube. Our efforts result in over 40,000 social media views per month.
Email Marketing Campaigns
A large portion of our marketing involves direct marketing to other real estate agents. Why is this important? 87% of Buyers find the home they purchase through their real estate agents.
How effective are our email marketing efforts? Each year, we increase our listing exposure by 300-350%, delivering detailed property information over 300,000 times. Plus, our email marketing campaigns have an average open rate of 71% in comparison to the industry average of 14%.
Custom Website Exposure
Each of our properties is featured on our international brand website, team website, as well as a custom website with an address-specific URL dedicated to each of our listings.
- OneReal.com
- SellingPortlandRealEstate.com
- YourPropertyAddress.com
Listing Distribution
It is no secret that the internet offers the opportunity to promote properties in endless ways. We strategically distribute our listings to 500 of the most relevant media companies and real estate-focused websites worldwide.
“Wow!!! What a great job. We love the staging and the photos. You guys are an amazing team and have done such a lovely job making this house look its best. Thank you so much!” — Marci
Helpful Showing Tips
When an interested buyer is scheduled to see your property, it’s best if you and your family are not there. Buying a home is an emotional process. It’s hard for buyers to imagine living in a home when the owner watches over them during a tour.
Showings can be inconvenient. We get it! We promise to do everything possible to minimize the impact, but an aggressive showing schedule will get you your desired results quicker.
Here are a few other things to do before any showing:
- Make sure all dishes are washed, the kitchen sink is empty + dishtowels or sponges are put away, and counters are clear of clutter, appliances, etc.
- Make sure bathrooms shine; remove dirty laundry, wet towels, and all daily items from counters.
- Make all beds, pick up clothes, and make sure nightstands are clutter-free.
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum all floors.
- Leave hard-to-find light switches on.
- Empty garbage cans inside and out.
- Make sure the front door is tidy, the front porch is swept, and no coats or shoes are left out.
- Clear the yard of toys, tools, and hoses, and straighten outdoor furniture.
Marketing Activity Reports
Communication is central to our ethos. The Marketing Activity Reports that we send to our sellers during the listing period provide a detailed summary of the following:
- Online Traffic
- Property Views
- Total Number of Showings
- Agent + Buyer Feedback
- Copies of All Ads
- General Market Stats
We use this data to establish the best places for print advertising and future online targeted advertising.
Our goal is to drive traffic and generate showing activity. Monitoring, analyzing, and implementing new strategies when adjustments are needed is part of the ongoing process and conversation.
Offer to Close
Once we have received an offer, we’ll review all terms, conditions, and contingencies with you. You may decide to accept or reject the offer. You may also consider making a counteroffer.
Closing Costs, Timelines + Contingencies
The sales price is just one piece of the puzzle. There are many other considerations when reviewing an offer, such as your closing costs, the contract timeline, and contingencies.
Seller’s closing costs vary as each transaction differs, but below is a general list of costs that will be discussed when considering an offer.
Potential Seller Liabilities:
- Recording and filing fees
- Seller title insurance coverage
- Agent commissions
- Any Buyer requested concessions
- Buyer closing costs and/or loan discount points, if requested
- Remaining balance on any mortgage or any loan against the property
- Property taxes prorated to the day of closing or the day of occupancy per contract terms
- Capital gains, if applicable
- Moving expenses based on closing date
- Balance on any repairs or balance on any work done to the property that could result in a lien against the property in the future
Understanding Contingencies
The terms of each contract will vary; however, most will have contingencies that allow a buyer to withdraw at no penalty if specified conditions are not met. Some common contingencies include:
- Review of Preliminary Title Report
- Review of Seller’s Property Disclosure
- Review of HOA documents
- Home Inspection due diligence period
- Buyer's ability to obtain financing as outlined in the contract or verification of funds for a cash buyer
- Appraisal contingency (some offers may waive this or have conditions for the Buyer to cover appraisal shortage)
Importance of Disclosures
Delivery and acceptance of the Seller’s Property Disclosure is also a contract contingency. This list of “material facts” known to sellers must be completed to the best of a seller’s ability. A general rule of thumb is that a Seller must disclose anything that would lower the property's perceived value, affect the buyer’s decision to purchase, or change the price and/or terms of a sale.
We always tell our sellers that no one ever got in trouble for over-disclosing.
Example of a Transaction Timeline
So much happens from contract to close. Once an offer has been mutually accepted, there are a series of other milestones. Below is an example of the progression of events in a typical home sale.
- Buyer submits “earnest money” to the escrow agent
- Title search and policy ordered on your property
- Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement and HOA Docs (if applicable) submitted for Buyer approval
- Appraisal ordered and paid for by buyer
- All buyer ordered inspections conducted
- Buyer may ask for repairs and/or a renegotiation of price upon completion of all inspections
- Buyer receives final loan approval
- Seller completes any agreed upon repairs that were negotiated during the inspection period
- Contract contingencies removed
- Final walk-through and closing scheduled
Navigating the Home Inspection Phase
Buyers have a contractually agreed-upon period to have the home inspected by a licensed home inspector and/or licensed contractors of their choice. This is an important time for the buyer, their agent, and contractors to spend in the home. Our experience tells us that the more comfortable a buyer feels about the home's condition, the easier it is to successfully move through the inspection contingency phase.
If a transaction is going to fall apart, the home inspection phase is a likely time for that to happen, but we’ve got you covered! Here are a few things you need to know about this stage of the transaction:
- We’re certain that the preparation we suggested before going on the market will benefit you at this time. Taking a proactive rather than reactive approach can often result in getting the buyer to waive or limit any repairs.
- This is a time to let the buyers have as many inspections as the contract allows. Be patient and accommodating to the appointment requests.
- This is NOT the time to be defensive or take anything personally. No matter how well you maintain your home, knowing everything about the condition is impossible unless you have had a recent home inspection.
- Lean on our resources and experience. Some buyers make ridiculous requests. That’s OK. We’ll bring in respected contractors for a second opinion before we discuss how to respond.
- This may all result in another round of negotiations. Negotiation is what we do best, so don’t worry about this stage of it!
Lender Appraisal
Another step in the process is verifying value with an appraisal. An appraisal is an estimate of the value of a property made by a qualified professional. The appraisal of a home is as important as a Buyer’s credit history in obtaining a mortgage, as the property serves as the collateral for the loan. Although the primary goal of the appraisal is to justify the lender’s investment, it also protects the Buyer from overpaying.
The lender will generally hire the appraiser and charge the Buyer a fee for the service. If the appraisal falls short of the contract price, the Buyer may be offered a lower loan amount on the mortgage and can either choose to put more money down or terminate at that time.
Although a negotiable item, most financed purchases will be contingent on whether the appraisal comes in, at or above the mutually accepted purchase price.
Explaining Title Insurance
Title insurance is protection against title defects. There are two different types of policies, both of which are required. One policy protects against defects that may have occurred in the past, and the other protects against defects that may arise during the ownership of a property.
Before a title insurance policy is issued and prior to closing, when the actual transfer of ownership occurs, a title specialist at the escrow company will conduct a title examination. A title report will be prepared based on a search of public records. This report gives a description of the property, along with any title defects, liens, or encumbrances found in the course of the title search. The purpose of this is to discover any problems that might prevent the property from being transferred.
Generally, any unforeseen title problems can be cleared up before settlement but, in some cases, severe title problems can delay settlement or even cause a Buyer to consider terminating a contract with a Seller. We will keep you informed during the title examination process and notify you of any issues.
Preparing for Your Move
1-2 months before
- Start downsizing and donating old and unwanted items
- Research moving companies, costs, and schedule movers/trucks
- Order packing supplies (boxes, tape, labels, bubble wrap)
- Begin packing
Two weeks before
- Contact utilities
- Finalize moving arrangements
- Set up a change of address and send moving notifications to friends and family
2-3 days before
- Empty the refrigerator and defrost freezer
- Clean as you continue to pack
- Pack things you will need right away separately
- Update voter registration and DMV with new address
Closing day
- Buyers may conduct a walk-through of the property before closing to verify the condition of the home, completion of any repairs, and that all personal property meant to stay has been left
- Leave all keys and remotes at the property in a convenient location for the buyers
We’re Headed to Closing
By definition, closing is the legal transfer of ownership from seller to buyer. Your close date and possession date may differ depending on the terms of your contract. Here’s what to expect in the last phase of your transaction.
Your closing officer will coordinate the signing of documents and the collection and disbursement of funds. Signing can be done in person or in a location that you designate with a notary. Closing happens after a short sequence of events - signing, funding from the lender, recording of the deed, and then final disbursement of funds.
To ensure this all goes smoothly, a seller can assist by:
- Timely review of all documents sent by escrow/title agent.
- Bringing appropriate identification to your closing.
- Submitting all receipts for payment on work recently done to the home; be sure that escrow has any outstanding invoices for work to be paid out of your proceeds.
To ensure the house is ready for the new buyer, a seller can assist by:
- Having the home cleaned and any minor damage caused during the move repaired.
- Leaving all remote controls, keys, and garage door openers on the kitchen counter.
- Leaving behind any owners manuals for appliances or instructions on maintenance.
“One of the most knowledgeable, diligent agents. She is a super star at staging, knows the local market, and knows what will sell at what price. A true gem.” — Martha
info@sellingportlandrealestate.com | 541-728-1143
