Shopping for a Home

For most people, home ownership makes good sense. Home ownership offers protection from rent inflation, and the equity you build becomes an important part of your net worth. But buying a home is more than just a financial decision. It’s about, well, home. It’s about finding the right house in the right neighborhood—at the right price. It’s about finding the perfect fit for you and your family.

The helpful staff at Greenman Properties want to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Our site gives you access to all active listings throughout Oregon and the Willamette Valley. And, because buying a home is such a personal decision, you can count on exceptional personal service from experienced, knowledgeable sales associates who are passionate about what they do.

Q : What about new versus previously owned?

Although new homes typically have a higher sales price than comparable existing homes, buyers are willing to spend more upfront with an understanding that part of what they are paying for is assured low maintenance costs. A builder's warranty, along with brand-new roof, appliances, furnace and other operating systems that make major repairs unnecessary, work together to counteract possible slower appreciation initially. Operating costs are generally lowest for brand-new homes, slightly higher for relatively new existing homes but lower on average for older existing homes. Measured per square foot of living space, however, operating costs are consistently higher for progressively older existing homes. Utility costs are the largest component of operating costs. Energy consumption per square foot depends on size of the home, insulation, window quality, air leakage and efficiency of the furnace. Operating costs also include expenditures for both routine maintenance and major repairs. We recommend having every potential home purchase inspected, new or old. For new home, ask the builder to provide copies of any inspection reports on the property, architectural plans, surveys and pertinent construction documents for your inspector to review. Remember, we are here to help you. It is what we do. ~ Barbara Greenman