Valentina McCuen

Realtor, GRI, ABR, CRS
Berkshire Hathaway
503-267-9378
www.tinamccuen.com

How long have you worked in Real Estate?
I am in my 19[th] year.

What is your specialty?
I specialize in happy clients, listening to them and working for them. Customer service and understanding the financial side of a real estate transactions are what I take pride in. I have an Associates of Applied Science degree in Accounting from Portland Community College. I have a certificate of Professional Development from Portland State University in Customer Centered Organizational Excellence.

What is one tip you have for someone looking to buy or sell a home?
Pick a Realtor® you like and who is experienced at working with buyers and sellers. They understand the entire process.

What is the most unique property you’ve listed or sold?
I sold a house on a golf course with a pool. It might not have been unusual, but in the NW pools are not considered normal. It was a beautiful house!

What is the most unusual thing you’ve encountered while working in real estate?
I once sold a house to a blind man. He was the most observant buyer I have ever worked with. It was a great experience for us both. He would tell me all about the house as we walked up to it. It’s amazing what you feel with your eyes closed.

What is the most challenging/gratifying aspect of what you do?
The most challenging aspect right now is closing on time. Appraisals are taking so long, that we are having to move out close dates. I actually have found a lender who can close in a reasonable number of days. The most gratifying aspect of real estate is attending the signing of the final paperwork for my buyers and sellers. I create wonderful relationships with all my clients. “Clients for the transactions, Friends for Life.”

What do you see in the future for real estate sales/prices?
With Portland prices skyrocketing, Vancouver/Camas is still the place to buy! I believe that Vancouver/Camas markets are just a step behind Portland values, which just means they are more affordable at the moment. My belief is that Vancouver/Camas prices will catch up to Portland in the next year or two. I feel as though the market in general will stabilize over the next few years. I don’t foresee a bubble burst like what happened during the recession. I believe that values will continue to increase but at a slower rate.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? Hobbies, volunteering, family, fun?
I am attending Multnomah University, studying to get a Bachelor’s degree in biblical studies. I volunteer with a nonprofit, Transitional Youth/Breaking Cycles, which feeds and houses homeless youth in Portland. I have volunteered for this great cause for over 2 years. I also am involved in their annual golf tournament fundraiser. I love to travel to sunny destinations.

What do you like about living in this area?
I have lived in Oregon for over 50 years and I am looking for a new property in the Vancouver/Camas area. I have traveled to many places, but I cannot imagine living anywhere but here in the Pacific Northwest. The green surroundings and availability of recreational activities has my roots firmly planted here. The people and their concern for their environment are also a part of who I am, and why I stay here.

Anything else you would like our readers to know about you and your company?
I have raised two wonderful children. Dalton, 23, a graduate of OSU, physics degree and Alexa, 20, studying at U of O, a music performance student. Real Estate enabled me to raise my children as a single mom and still be a part of their everyday school lives and busy schedules. I feel truly blessed to have been a part of this industry. I sell in both Washington and Oregon and have enjoyed learning the Washington side of the river. It took my real estate career for me to jump the river and see how wonderful the Vancouver/Camas area of Washington truly is. I started my career at The Sunset Group Realtors in Beaverton Oregon in 1998. I then started my own company DreamStreet Real Estate in 2002 with my partner Jolynne Ash. Our team of four has been together for more than eight years. We had our doors open until 2012 when we realized we wanted a company with a national (now, international) presence. Our move to Berkshire Hathaway NW Real Estate was the best decision we could have made. The company has great values, high integrity and a passion for always doing the right thing. I love Berkshire Hathaway and Real Estate Sales!