Hi, Jyl:

You received a lot of great points here! Another thought to keep in mind is...whoever you end up deciding will best serve your needs, ask that person to sign you up so that you automatically have listing sent to you that meet your specific needs/desires. That automated list will include homes just listed, as well as any price changes taking place.

If this is a feature that you would like, I would be happy to assist you in getting it set up. If you have not already signed an agreement with an agent, feel free to contact me. The setup process doesn't take very long to do at all.

I wish you success in your search.

Ruth

Hi Jyl,

There are definitely options for you. I am currently working with two other buyers who are looking for similar properties and, depending on where you want to be, there are plenty of options to show them. However, in many of the "hot" neighborhoods closer to downtown, properties in great condition are selling very quickly. One of the first things your agent should be doing each morning is checking the new listings in the area.

It's always hard to hear when someone has a poor experience with another agent, but we are always here to help if you desire. Please visit our website to learn more about how we work: Http://www.leedavies.com. I work specifically with buyer's and do not have listings that take up a lot of time. Therefore, I can focus on serving your needs. Let me know how I can help!

Take care,
Brian

Brian Lawson, ABR
Lee Davies Real Estate
(503)292-1500

Hey Jyl,

That doesn't seem to out of reach to me. Check out http://www.PortlandHomeAuction.com ... You can probably find what your looking for or more for less than You expected. Ever considered getting a bank owned home? Usually already marked down 10-25% under market already, and you could maybe even come in lower.

Good luck!
Aaron

Jyl;

Your in good hands. Just find a good match for your agent and try again. A lot of agents are under a lot of pressure right now. Maybe the broker you had just is not able to serve your needs right now. Best of luck to -you.

Our site has a great map for your uses and here are all the homes in your price range on one map. Check it out!

http://www.theknudsens.com/mapping/portland/area/multnomah_c…

Hope your searches go smoother.

Best wishes;

Dirk Knudsen
Re/Max Hall of Fame
5097998383

Update: No, i haven't signed any contract with my agent, and will certainly consider all of those of you who took the time to answer my question. I realize i am in a competitive price zone, but it's good to hear from professionals that this search isn't impossible and I just need a more aggressive agent. Thank you all!

Jyl,
You have been given some great answers. If you signed a buyer broker service agreement, you must extricate yourself from that contract before asking another broker to help you. If your broker is not performing according to the terms of your contract, terminate the contract in writing, copy it to the principal broker of your agent's office and move on.
I recommend interviewing one or two agents and given your experience, one of your questions might be to establish how much time they have to devote to your project and how often they will schedule property viewing for you.

Good luck! If I can be of any help, please call me. I would like to work with you.

Karla Divine, Broker
Divine NW Realty
503-891-6923

Hi - I am part of a team at Keller Williams and we'd be happy to help. I list bank owned properties and have 2 that aren't on the market yet that are likely going to be in your price range (or less) and both have hardwoods...although they are both bigger that you are looking. I have one in Milwaukie that has close to 3000 square feet on 1/2 an acre that's lovely - downstairs is set up with the possibility of a 2nd living space and has a 2nd kitchen. It's got new hardwood floors on the lower level. Wonderful home! Another coming soon is in SE Portland and has about 1500+ square feet all on one level.....it's also on almost 1/2 an acre. It's had some updating but has more needed - but has hardwood floors as well. Price on that one will be well under your $225,000.

We have 9 members currently on our team - 3 are Realtors. We are very good at finding the right home for you. Just let me know how we can help and/or if you'd like more info on the 2 new REO's coming soon that I mentioned. Even if they don't work for you - we get new homes almost every week.

Kelly Gebler
Real Estate Broker & Loan Officer
Keller Williams Realty & Sunset Mortgage Co.
Email: LetUsGuideYouHome@comcast.net
Ph: 503-516-1637

Hi Jyl -
Sorry to hear you are unhapppy with your home search. This should be a very fun and exciting time. If you have a contract with your agent referred to as an exclusive buyers service agreement, then you need to sit down with the agent and the principle broker to discuss your position. If you don't have a contract, you should still discuss your concerns and if this scenario does not improve part ways.

As an accreditied buyers representative I understand the need of buyers needing the service and commitment from their agent to acheive their goal. Though you are in a very competitive price zone there are homes constantly coming on the market. I have some tools that we can use to make sure you are seeing what is available as it comes on the market. Additionally, I work closely with other agents to get the word out of what we are looking for and receive information before many homes come on the market.

If this is the kind of service you are looking for, I would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and confidence. Call me or visit my website http://www.robertanopson,com

Roberta Nopson
Accredited Buyers Representative
503-495-5231

Jyl, if you HAVE signed an exclusive agreement with your agent, you need to talk to his principal broker about your unhappiness with him. I never want my clients to be unhappy with my services - my business is based on referrals, and unhappy clients don't send others my way!

I specialize in buyers, and am in the process of getting my Buyer's Rep designation. You can sign up on my website, with no obligation, to get instant notification when listings which meet your criteria come up. Right now there are 53 single-family homes under $225k with 2 bedrooms over 900 sq ft, and another 12 condos - I didn't break down for hardwood floors or charm. :)

If you AREN'T in contract...call!

I have several suggestions for you:) We are offering an exclusive new search tool, that will enable you to get into the neighborhoods you want to be and find homes that appeal to you without getting caught in the "criteria" snare, which sometimes can be quite limiting. All you have to do is register your phone with me (I will not bother you unless you need help) and then you can call a single number to find out abut any home on the market. It is a great buyers tool. Call 503-470-HOME (2663) press 2886, which will get you started or email me directly. Referrals are another great way to find someone who you can connect with. Most of my clients come to me by way of other satisfied clients. Also, having an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) who specializes in working with buyers will help. Are you pre-approved through a lender? This will give you a leg up on the competition too. Are you willing to deal with the uncertainty of a Short Sale? In all fairness to your current Realtor you are looking for one of the most popular search criteria. I think the demand will continue to increase as more first time buyers rush to obtain a home before the December 1, 2009 deadline for the $8000 tax credit. This means you really need to be under contract by the first couple of weeks of October. There are lots of choices and I believe you will find a great home. If you want some help just let me know.

Linda Heinrichs
ABR
503-502-5227

I am a listing agent AND buyer's agent, I have over 20 houses listed and specialize in North and Northeast PDX-close in. Give me a call and I'd be happy to help you... if you are serious about buying, you should be seeing 20 houses in a month! Look at some of my listings, and I currently have 4 houses in escrow 3 of which meet your criteria. IT is a tough price range, you just have to jump on seeing a house that meets your criteria as soon as its listed.

DISCLAIMER: I am happy to help as long as you don't have an exclusive agreement with your current agent! Good luck