M Realty LLC
About
As a native Portlander and 10-years of real estate experience, my clients would say that the number 1 thing about me is that I'm not a sales person and I agree. My job is not to sell you a house if you are a buyer or slime you into listing with me if you are a seller. I'm a direct communicator and I thrive on providing my buyers and sellers the information that they need for their process in their timing to make the right decision. I'm an advisor and always give my insight and thoughts while you make the decisions that are best for you. Typically I talk buyers out of houses and sellers out of selling if the timing or situation isn't just right. The second things my clients say about me is my communication. I provide an over-the-top amount of updates, emails and am available by phone and by text. Check out my zillow reviews to see what others have to say about working with me. I've had some clients take 5 years to find a house or 3 years to decide the time was right to sell. And I've had buyers that buy the first house they love or buyers that needed to see 45 before they fell in love with the one for them. Every home process is different. Every home selling process is different. Some people are downsizing, upsizing or right sizing. Some people are grieving the loss of a family member or a marriage and need to sell their home in the midst of a lot of pain. My job is to walk you through whatever your home-hunt/home-sell situation is. You can also find me on Facebook at Claire Widmark-Wright Realtor. cell: 971-275-3691
I absolutely love walking awesome people through one of the biggest purchases of their lives and for many the circumstances are the most stressful. I keep things calm with great communication and my committment to looking down the road to prepare for any unexpected surprises. Getting emotionally charged situations through to a wonderful conclusion and everyone happy is my ultimate goal. I want happy clients. I want them to love the process and get them where they want to go.
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We usually get together face to face and start at square 1 with lots of questions and answers. It's very helpful for me to understand where you are at in the process, concerns or worries that you might have. etc. It also helps us to be on the same page and make sure that we start out right. I'll usually walk buyers and sellers through the process and then narrow down to the next steps. Then we start the home hunt from there or in the case of sellers, walk through their home and get them ready with what needs to be done before they list. I love it!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My degree is in Speech Communications and I had almost 15 years of Human Resource & Corporate Training Management with Nordstrom and Miller Paint Company--two local Pacific NW companies. Lenders and Escrow/Title officers continually comment on my communication throughout a transaction. My level of service and attention to detail absolutely comes from years of working in the business world and has served me well.
How did you get started in this business?
I had always wanted to be a Realtor but because I'm NOT a sales person, I didn't think I would be successful. I was studying for my SPHR (Highest HR designation you can achieve and it's very difficult with a 50% fail rate on the exams) and decided that since this studying and exam process was so hard and so tough, that if I passed, I would 'let' myself study for and take the real estate exam. When I finished my test and the test administrator told me that I passed, I burst into tears. She said 'usually people cry when they don't pass'... and I replied 'you don't understand, now I get to go do what I've always wanted to do--help people sell and buyer their homes!'....I walked out that door, bawled in my car and started my exit strategy from the corporate world. I've never regretted leaving it behind and haven't looked back!
What types of customers have you worked with?
I work with anyone who is ethical with honest and integrity. I have worked with people buying their first home and scraping every cent together, I have worked with people buying their 9th and 10th home and have been through the ups and downs of the market. Couples who are getting married or just got married, or are starting their family. All ages, traditions, cultures--it's all wonderful to guide them to their next step. from condos at $150k to cash purchases worth millions. I treat everyone the same and with care and respect.
Describe a recent project you are fond of.
Oh gosh...my favorite buyers this year... M & V are an older couple who through circumstances outside their control are in their 60's and cannot buy a home of their own. Their son MJr. and his wife F wanted to buy a home for M & V so that they would have a place to put their roots down into and enjoy. We found the perfect home. Beat out 5 other offeres--2 of which were higher and 1 was cash. It appraised at value and was a super smooth transaction. Lots of tears through this one from the phone call when I got to tell them 'you go the house!!' to the handing over of the keys. I love that I get to be part of people's story like this.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Do your homework with the Reatlor that you choose to work with. Having the best representation with a Realtor who is only looking out for your best interest is critical. There are some very unfortunate circumstances that I see play out in front of me with people who chose poorly and have experience on the other side of the transaction where the buyer/seller did not know what they were getting and how poorly they were being taken care of. And #2, know your financial position and your maximum--and don't go over it. If you cannot buy in the Portland market at your max, then don't buy. You'll regret being house poor.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
1. What is my motivation? Why am I buying now? Why am I selling now?
2. Is selling my home my best option? Should I rent instead? (yes these are Q's I'll ask you--and we'll look at all the options)
3. Buyers: How much can I afford for my monthly principal, interest, taxes and insurance?
4. Sellers: Is this the right time to maximize my sales price or do I still owe too much?
There is so much to think about..meeting up face to face helps us walk through all of this and more!