Jolynne Ash

Your best bet would be Irvington in NE Portland. If you are searching on-line try searching by the zip code 97212, or by the neighborhood if your interface allows it. - Thu Jul 24 2008, 20:24

That is why price per square foot is not a good measure of a homes value. Most MLS listings pull the square footage automatically from the tax assessors records (we don't add it ourselves) which do include basements and sometimes attics. The assessors number is not always accurate, especially with older multi story homes. Square footage will sometimes show up as a single total, and other times it will be broken down into square footage per level. Sites like this one use the square footage in the assessors data base and make no adjustments for unfinished vs. finished basements or attics because they have no record of whats finished and whats not (they also have no record of any remodeling which can add 10s of 1000s to the value). That is why these sites are valuable for an estimate but can often be way off the actual market value. They are far more accurate when it comes to large newer neighborhoods such as the Centex or Arbor developments. But once again, the owner may have paid for $30K in upgrades that Trulia would have no way of knowing about.

As a Buyers Agent I rarely look at price per square foot. The best valuation comes from looking at similar homes that have sold in the same area and in the last 3 months and adjusting for differences. - Wed Apr 30 2008, 15:42

Your price range will dictate how close you can get to OHSU. This is an expensive area both in terms of homes and condos. We do have a glut of condos in the South Waterfront district which is walking distance to the tram. The zip code for OHSU is 97201 and 97239, most of the search engines (including my site) will allow you to search by zip. Commute costs are starting to play a big part in the monthly budget. Gas in Portland is currently $3.35/gallon. - Wed Apr 2 2008, 07:59

I agree with most of the earlier responses. I would suggest using the net to narrow down your area now, and then look for specific condos when you have your location decided upon.

As for lenders, I would work with a local lender. Lenders in your area might not be licensed in Oregon and are not familiar with the process or local requirements. One example is that we do not use attorneys in Oregon to buy real estate like you do in Philadelphia. A lender will also need an employment letter from your new employer here in Portland. - Mon Mar 31 2008, 08:06

I agree with the other agents for location. Do check out the tax situation. Oregon income tax applies to income earned in Oregon not Washington. If you are employed in Washington, the 9% income tax doesn't apply to you. If you were living in Washington and working in Oregon, then you would be earning income in Oregon. I can't tell you how many people don't get this. - Mon Mar 31 2008, 07:57