Chris and Tori came to me as a referral from a Realtor friend in Redmond. Chris is from New Zealand and Tori, a self-professed Farm Girl grew up in Central Oregon. They had recently moved to Oregon after having lived together in New Zealand. I love the excitement of working with first time home buyers, especially newlyweds and these guys did not disappoint.
I will never forget one of the homes we looked at. I had entered the home prior to their arrival and turned on most of the lights. When Chris and Tori arrived, they began touring the home as I continued to turn on the lights. I was fully inside of the master bedroom, turning on the master bath lights and I heard what sounded like a dog’s muffled growl. I turned around and realized that the sheets on the bed were moving and there was a man staring at me bleary eyed. I’m not sure about you, but standing in a strangers bedroom, having just awakened them from a deep sleep, is not one of the most comfortable places I’ve ever been. No one was harmed but man it was awkward. Chris and Tori were very kind and understanding but gave me the signal they were ready to move on to another home. I couldn’t have agreed more.
We looked at a good many other homes in the process and there were some possibilities but no major winners until we toured the home they eventually selected in Milwaukie. It seemed to meet all of the criteria they were looking for. It was near Chris’ job, had a big yard for their dogs, was well-built and having been built-in the 80’s had some room for Tori to make it her own style.
The day we first looked at the home, Tori pointed out the sliding glass door and said, “Hey look how fat that squirrel is!” I looked and this thing was huge. It was eating from a human’s plate that was full of tortilla chips and saltine crackers. We then saw it barely climb the wooden privacy fence and take a rest at the top. Tori pointed out that it had “jelly rolls” and then we watched it make the most pathetic two foot jump to a limb you have ever seen. It nearly missed, which is not acceptable if you are a squirrel. Tori said, “from now on this will be referred to as the Fat Squirrel House.”
Its was great helping Chris and Tori find their place. I awakened a stranger and didn’t get shot, came in close contact with a really fat squirrel and learned a few new words to describe the features of a home from a New Zealander. Can you guess what the term “Bench” refers to? or “Wardrobe?”
I look forward to continuing our friendship and seeing them enjoy their new home. If you know of anyone looking to buy or sell a home in the Portland area please let me know. Helping people find their place is what we do.
Chad Draper
503.927.6321