Category: Tip of the Week

To strengthen your buyer’s offer, always include as much information as possible along with the offer instead of merely relying on the options to provide the information later. This includes such items as verification of funds for cash offers and pre-approval letters for financed offers.

When representing a buyer who is getting a VA loan and requesting the seller to pay the buyer’s non-allowable VA fees, consider providing additional information instead of just marking the “Federal VA” box in the Financed section of the Sale Agreement. If the buyer is

Counties may change the assessed value of a piece of property if a recent sale price differs from the county’s previous estimate of fair market value. It’s a good idea to recommend your buyer check with the local assessor’s office when making an offer to

When you begin working with a seller, it’s helpful to provide them with a sample copy of the Sale Agreement for the type of property they’re listing. Encourage them to read through it and highlight any sections they have questions about for you to review

During negotiations, be sure to explain to your buyer how much, if any, of the buyer’s agent’s fee the buyer will owe based on the documents currently being negotiated.  Especially in the case of a seller’s counteroffer modifying the amount of the seller’s contribution to

While permitted by Oregon statute, representing two separate buyer clients who are attempting to purchase the same property creates a significant conflict of interest.  When the same agent writes both offers it could create the perception of unprofessional behavior, lack of loyalty or favoritism toward

Remember to keep confidential all information about your client and any documents they have signed, unless the document is part of the Sale Agreement needed to facilitate the progress of a transaction, or your client gives you written permission to disclose. All comments and responses

Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement. Users can help sellers understand the questions, but must not help answer them or fill out the form. Agents expose themselves to liability for inaccurate statements when they participate in filling out the form. When representing the seller, be sure to

Well and septic system inspections have timelines different from the standard inspection period. It’s important to review the details in OREF 081—Septic/Onsite Sewage System Addendum and OREF 082—Private Well Addendum and ensure they are included in your transaction if they apply. All comments and responses

In addition to using OREF 102 – Advisory to Buyer Recording Devices May Be Present, it’s a good idea to remind your buyer regularly to hold off on any conversations while still on the property. All comments and responses from OREF or its staff, managers,