RELOCATION
Relocating
Moving to Portland for a new job looks different than a typical home search. The timeline is compressed. You may have never set foot in the neighborhood you’re about to live in. And there are financial mechanics — relocation packages, lender credits, third-party management companies — that most agents never deal with.
If You Have a Relocation Package
Many corporate relocation packages include real estate benefits: closing cost credits, rate buydowns, or access to preferred lenders with better-than-market terms. Read the details before assuming what’s included — and before assuming who you have to use to get it.
Some employers contract with third-party relocation companies (Cartus, SIRVA, and Graebel are common) who maintain their own preferred agent networks. If that’s your situation, you can often request a one-time exception to use the agent of your choice. We’ve been approved this way before. It’s worth asking.
Buying Before You Arrive
We’ve helped buyers purchase in Portland without walking through the front door before closing. Virtual tours, video walkthroughs, and the Lovejoy app — available on iPhone and Android — give you full RMLS and WVMLS access from wherever you are. When you’re ready to narrow it down, we can tour on your behalf and tell you what the photos don’t show.
The harder question usually isn’t the technology. It’s neighborhood fit. Pearl District and Lake Oswego are both excellent. They are not the same. Figuring out which one matches how you actually live takes a conversation, not a search filter. That’s where we start. Browse Portland’s neighborhoods →
Most people don’t have to rely on technology and are able to make at least one visit during the process. We often suggest focusing on neighborhoods first, seeing representative homes each area on day one and then zeroing in on an area and seeing everything that matches your criteria at purchase time. That’s the framework we like to use, adjusted to your schedule and needs.
If You Are Leaving the Area
We work with agents across the country. If you’re selling here and buying somewhere else, we can connect you with someone we trust in your destination — not a directory referral, someone we know. We’ll help take the stress of selling your home away from you with our suite of seller services, including our Market Ready program to make sure your home shines the day it goes on the market..
Relocation FAQs
Can I use my own Realtor if my employer has a relocation package?
Often yes. Many corporate relocation packages allow you to request a one-time agent exception. We’ve been approved through Cartus, SIRVA, and similar programs before. Ask your HR or relocation coordinator before assuming you’re locked in.
What does a corporate relocation package typically cover for real estate?
It varies by employer, but common benefits include closing cost credits, temporary housing allowances, rate buydowns through preferred lenders, and reimbursement for moving expenses. Review your package details carefully — the real estate benefits are often underused because employees don’t know they exist.
How do I buy a home when I've never been there?
We’ve done it many times. The Lovejoy app gives you full RMLS search from anywhere. We can tour homes on your behalf, walk you through video walkthroughs, and give you an honest read on neighborhoods, condition, and value — not just what the listing says.
Which Portland neighborhood is right for me when relocating?
That depends on how you actually live — commute priorities, school preferences, housing type, budget, and lifestyle. Pearl District, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, and Sellwood are all popular with relo families for very different reasons. We start with a conversation, not a search filter.
Does Lovejoy work with out-of-state agents on incoming referrals?
Yes. If your clients are moving to the Portland metro, Mid-Willamette Valley, or SW Washington, we’re happy to work with you on a referral basis. Reach out directly.
I'm selling my Portland home and moving out of state. Can you help with both?
We’ll manage your Portland metro or sale and connect you with a vetted agent in your destination city. We work with agents across the country — not a referral directory, people we actually know. In the event we don’t have a direct connection, we’ll help you ask the right questions.
We’ve done it many times. The Lovejoy app gives you full RMLS search from anywhere. We can tour homes on your behalf, walk you through video walkthroughs, and give you an honest read on neighborhoods, condition, and value — not just what the listing says.